Chapter 20
“With all due respect,” I began, carefully choosing my words, “I believe Gamma’s plan has the potential to backfire
catastrophically.” Oliver’s face furrowed, hinting at his brewing frustration, but he managed to restrain himself for the moment.
“If we impose the alliance tax without considering the consequence, we risk pushing some territories into the arms of the Bane pack. While they may currently be small and insignificant, underestimating their ability to form alliances would be a grave mistake. The attack on an unranked girl was a deliberate provocation, aiming to elicit a vengeful response from us.”
Oliver scoffed, trying to dismiss my words, and the room turned their attention towards him, waiting to see his reaction.
“No, no, don’t give me that look,” he jested, attempting to deflect the attention away from him.
“Don’t forget that you all are listening to a fourteen year old right now.”
“Gamma, show some respect and listen attentively,” Leo intervened, his voice carrying the authority of an Alpha. I suppressed a smirk at Oliver’s humbled expression.
“Please continue, Winona,” Leo urged, signaling for me to proceed.
I nodded respectfully at the Alpha before continuing, “In my opinion, the best course of action is to strive for peace and maintain a level–headed approach. Launching a merciless assault would endanger innocent lives and result in unnecessary losses
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within our own pack. Such ruthless tactics would only elevate the Bane pack as martyrs, inspiring others to follow suit. We must approach this situation with utmost calm and diplomacy.”
Leo arched an eyebrow, intrigued by my proposal. “What do you suggest, then?” he inquired, clearly interested in hearing my perspective.
“To start, we should disrupt their supply routes and enclose them within the confines of the surrounding mountains. Engaging them directly in combat, given their familiarity with the terrain, would pose challenges. However, cutting off their escape routes would be a more feasible approach.”
Leo raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification. “Wouldn’t this strategy still have negative implications for our reputation just like engaging them in direct battle?” he questioned.
“No, Alpha,” I responded confidently. “We will provide them an opportunity to make amends. By temporarily severing their supplies until they hand over the responsible individuals behind the attack, we demonstrate that our intentions are rooted in justice. We will extend an offer of mercy.”
Leo chuckled, amused by my proposition. “Do you truly believe their Alpha will willingly surrender?”
“Of course not,” I replied with a smile, anticipating his skepticism.
“However, if he wishes to avoid an outright conflict with one of the largest packs in the country, he will be compelled to offer someone of significance as a scapegoat. I suspect the enormous brown wolf we currently have in detention holds a high rank within their pack, possibly the Gamma or Beta. The young Alpha will likely claim that the attackers acted independently, committing treason. By presenting him with a solution that upholds his honor, he would
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have no choice but to accept the arrangement or risk tarnishing his own image.”
“Mmm… your plan is interesting,” Leo mused, lost in one’s own thought.
“But what prevents them from launching another attack in the future?” he pondered.
“Within their territory, we can establish a post from our pack to oversee their future activities. Additionally, it’s worth exploring the proximity between their Alpha and the captured ranking member. We might discover a potential leverage point through a hostage situation, whether the Alpha intends to use them as a scapegoat or not.”
I shrugged slightly, acknowledging the uncertainties. “Regardless, we have provided them with an alternative to avoid a senseless war. The other territories would not rally behind a leader willing to sacrifice their own pack members when we extended our generosity. If they were to attempt another assault, we have an emissary within their midst who will promptly inform us.”
“Your intelligence is remarkable, young Winona,” Leo commended, visibly pleased with my responses.
“In this case, I cannot contest your suggestion. Your father must be exceedingly proud,” he added, directing his remark to my father.
“Indeed, Alpha,” my father chimed in, beaming with pride. I respectfully smiled and bowed my head once again in gratitude towards Leo.
“Thank you.”
“Well, then,” he added, his tone turning more serious,
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“I must admit, considering your current circumstances, I find it somewhat surprising that you have provided such a detailed and well–considered strategy. I believe you understand what I’m referring to.”
I was completely aware. I had hoped to avoid discussing it today, but it seemed impossible to ignore the obvious.
“I prioritized the safety of our pack over my own,” I clarified.
“That appears to be the case… Such an ideal act for a… future Luna,” he remarked, emphasizing the notion of placing me in the role of Luna to exert control.
“We all witnessed today how wise you are as a young woman. Do you understand the significance of a Goddess mark, Winona?” he asked.
His gaze regained its penetrating intensity. ‘Ally or adversary?‘ I sensed that was what he was contemplating.
I wanted to shy away from his stare, but I resisted the urge. I realized that what he truly sought to know was the meaning of the Goddess mark to me and my intentions regarding it. The mark was not just a symbol of favor; it also signified elevated power.
Now, I held the potential to wield as much influence over the pack as the Alpha himself. Unless I submitted to Benjamin’s authority, I posed a real threat to his future position. This was why Leo desired me to become his son’s Luna, even if we were not supposed to be mates. He sought assurance that I would not exploit my newfound status to undermine his lineage in the future.
To say the least, it was a double–edged sword. On one hand, it meant that Benjamin could no longer publicly humiliate me to the extent he had done before. As a “Saint” or “Saintess” blessed by
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the Goddess herself, my mark had been acknowledged by the Elders, rendering me immune to any accusations or charges.
Consequently, it was highly unlikely that I would face trial for Bash’s mark in the future. Those marked were believed to carry a fragment of the Moon Goddess herself, which would serve as a shield against him. That was reassuring, though it did not
guarantee my absolute safety. On the other hand, it exposed me to greater risks.
If the Alpha perceived me as a threat, I suddenly became a prime target for assassination. I could easily end up dead from unexplained causes, and the case would simply go unresolved. As the sole individual desired by any living Alpha werewolf to be their Luna, I would be a target wherever I went, no matter the distance.
“For now, let us set this matter aside. Alpha! She is destined to be our Luna!” an Elder proclaimed.
“That will be all!” Leo declared, raising his hand. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a blessed and intelligent young wolf among us. It would be foolish not to heed her choices. There is no need to fret at this moment; we have ample time until her coming of age to make final decisions. Bash, our pack is now your pack. I extend our heartfelt gratitude to your father, and I shall ensure that you are duly compensated.’
“Thank you, Alpha,” we both expressed in unison. “This meeting is put off.”
The room quickly emptied as everyone made their way through the rear exit, leading to a smaller meeting area where they likely intended to discuss confidential matters. My father cast one more concerned look in my direction before joining the other men in their departure.
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Soon, only Bash and I remained in the meeting hall. “Bash, thanks for saving my life,” I expressed my gratitude, but he brushed it off.
“It’s fine. I heard what you said during the meeting, and I understood your perspective. Both of us were focused on what would be best for our respective packs. I believe it’s best if we leave it at that and go our separate ways now.”
Go our separate ways? My cheeks reddened, realizing the implications.
He was respectfully indicating that he did not want anything to do with me. Given the pain and suffering I had caused him, it wasn’t surprising. I had hoped to make amends somehow, but it seemed that the best thing I could do for him now was to leave him alone.
“Oh… of course,” I replied, my voice tinged with hesitation.
We approached the door, and I reached for the doorknob, intending to say a final word to Bash. However, before I could utter a single syllable, the door swung open abruptly from the other side.
I stumbled forward and fell after being pulled along.
Then, I got myself into a face–to–face position with…Benjamin.
