The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 54 – The Vote
(Willa)
“This-” She shook the paper, her eyes widened, “That day,”
Nolan’s lips were in a hard line, and he couldn’t face his mother.
“Do you want to take a moment alone?” Caspien suggested.
“We’re done here,” Nolan said, looking at his mom; she shook her head tears filled her eyes as she turned from the room, clutching the paper against her.
A small, very small part of me felt bad for Nolan’s parents. I wondered what would have been different if he had told them I was pregnant. I don’t think they would have ever f*orc*ed Nolan to stay with me, and I didn’t want that anyway. Even back then I wanted him to choose me. But I still wondered if they would have wanted to be in Emmett’s life.
I wouldn’t lie to Emmett; he had another set of grandparents and a half-brother. I wondered where they hid the kid this weekend. There was no sign of him now that I thought about it.
I would let Emmet decide on his own if he wanted to have a relationship with them and what that looked like. He could reach out to them and let them have a connection if he saw fit. That is if Nolan’s parents and their kid even wanted that. I shrugged that off. That was a conversation for another time.
“Let’s get this over with,” Caspien sounded annoyed.
“Let’s start with last year’s summary-” Nolan started.
“No,” Caspien cut him off, “I have something that needs to be discussed. It’s time-sensitive.” Nolan looked like he was about to protest, “I’ll make my case, you think it over, and then we can vote later.” He went on.
I held my breath. I hoped we weren’t doing this too soon, but waiting until the end would also have its downfalls. I chewed my lip and then stopped myself, trying steady my features.
“There is a threat against my heir,” Caspien paused, “My son,” Caspien stood up, and the room silenced again. I wasn’t sure if it was Caspien or the shock of what he said, but I didn’t care.
The room stayed quiet as Caspien explained what happened and what we found out. He didn’t drag the story out, but I could tell everyone was on the edge of their seats by the end of it.
D.amn he was good.
Nolan scoffed, crossing his arms.
My jaw clenched, I didn’t know why he was being such a d*ic*k, but this wasn’t the time to take out whatever lingering misplaced hatred he had for me.
He humiliated me publicly, and now he had the nerve to try to get in the way of protecting my son?
I set my cold gaze on him. I hoped that my fierce protectiveness and unrelenting anger were evident. He glanced my way briefly before looking down.
Good.
“An a*s*sa*s*sin came after a child?” Nolan asked, sounding incredulous.
“Yes,” Caspien said, “That is what I said.”
“Do you have proof?” Nolan pressed on.
“Yes,” Caspien turned his gaze to him.
The other Alphas nodded; Caspien’s word seemed good enough for them.
“Well, where are these men? The ones who allegedly came after him?” Nolan folded his hands behind him, leaning back in his chair, “ I would like to speak to them.”
“Unfortunately for them, they won’t be able to attend.” Caspien’s voice was stern, but I could hear a slightly playful undertone.
“Well, why not bring them? I have time.” Nolan tried a smile.
“I don’t.” Caspien shot back, I could feel his anger pulsating, “And unless you want me to send you to the afterlife to meet them, I’m afraid they will be unavailable.”
Nolan paused for a moment. The other Alpha’s shifted uncomfortably.
“This is the original contract,” He slid it into the middle of the table, but no one dared reach for it, “An a*s*sa*s*sin came after my son,” He repeated, “Nothing else matters.”
“Why?” Nolan cut in. He just wouldn’t drop it, “That makes no sense. There has to be other ways to get to you.”
“Maybe,” Caspien agreed, “But we don’t know if he was trying to get to me. He might have wanted my son for,” He paused, “Other reasons.”
Caspien took a deep breath, and I grabbed his hand, rea*s*suring him it was okay.
“What reason would an Alpha want with a child?” Nolan asked.
“He’s a blessed wolf,” The room went silent, “Sorry, that’s not what I meant. He is the wolf chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.”
I didn’t know if that was common knowledge between other packs, we didn’t know what Emmett was when we found out, but no one said anything.
I wondered how this was for the other ranked members attending. I wished I could have been in their shoes and enjoyed this chaotic weekend from an outsider’s perspective instead of being the one at the center of the drama.
“That’s a myth,” Nolan said after a too-long moment.
“It’s not,” Another Alpha cut in, “My grandfather met the last one. If what they’re saying is true, the timing does add up. No two chosen wolfs are alive at the same time.
“Well, that’s on h*ell of a coincidence,” Nolan muttered, trying to regain the room.
“I don’t believe in coincidences,” Caspien shot him a look.
I spoke up, “It might be. Say that it is a coincidence; say he isn’t a blessed wolf, it doesn’t matter, ” I waved a hand, “I have no way to prove it right now, so believe what you will. Regardless of the reason, an Alpha came after a child.” I crossed my arms leaning forward, and met the eyes of the Alphas and Lunas in the room.
Caspien retook his seat next to me.
“I’m not here to convince you of the reasons why Alpha Jasper took the hit out. You can see the contract if you’d like,” I motioned to the table where Caspien set it, “You can see the footage of the hired a*s*sa*s*sin admitting to it,” I shrugged, “But nothing that I show you or try to convince you of will make you believe something that you don’t want to.”
I took a studying breath, locking eyes with my mate to give me a surge of confidence, “I’m asking you to look past the small details and see that an Alpha on our borders willing to work with The Silent a*s*sa*s*sin isn’t someone that should be leading a pack. We understand that his problems are with us personally, for now,” I added, pausing.
“But we aren’t ignorant enough to believe that he would stop with us. People like him don’t believe in right and wrong. I know that is subjective, but I hope everyone in this room follows some similar moral code. Those that don’t, people like Alpha Jasper, are unpredictable at best and dangerous at worst.”
I held my head, and thankfully, my voice was steady throughout that speech. Caspien squeezed my hand, it was grounding and warm, and I felt his love through the bond.
Well said – He linked me
“We are here to get the approval of other leaders in this territory.” Caspien explained, “Since Alpha Jasper borders us but is out of our territory, I need your help.” His voice was more humane now, “We spoke to The Elders, and they suggested that we get your approval before moving ahead. We don’t want to do anything that could have negative repercussions.”
“And you think this won’t?” Nolan snorted. He seemed so childish. I was almost embarra*s*sed that I was ever attracted to him.
“I’m not going to guarantee any outcomes as I do not control that.” Caspien said, barely looking at Nolan, “I want this dealt with swiftly before anything else can come from it. Alpha Jasper took over and basically ran his pack into the ground. I’m usually a live and let live guy, but when you cross me, or my family,” His voice turned hard, and his eyes bore into Nolan, “That is something that I will not let go unpunished.”
I stroked the back of his hand, willing him to calm down a bit. We had to play this right. He turned to me and gave me a whisper of a smile before turning back to the others.
“I will not have my pack or this territory look weak.” Caspien’s voice was hard, his aura slipped through the cracks, “I will not have a threat go undealt with. This territory is strong and has a reputation for that. I intend on keeping it that way.”
I saw some of the other Alphas nod.
“Do you have any questions?” I added, trying to sound polite, but this was all too real; it was hard to keep my voice from catching. A few of the Luna’s looked at me with pity or something like that. Maybe that would work in our favor.
“What will happen to the pack after?” An Alpha asked me, and I let Caspien lead, explaining the backstory with Alpha Jaspers’s grudge against his father.
“Depending on how many want to stay, I’m okay with appointing a new Alpha. If they want to disband, I will welcome any members to Crescent Moon. If that is the case, I want to divide the lands, give them to surrounding packs as a gesture of goodwill, and show them that we do not intend to take any more land. Maybe keep a small piece adjacent to my borders to help strengthen patrols and deal with recent rogue sightings.” Caspien ran his hand through his beard; it was such an ordinary motion, he wasn’t acting anymore.
He went into a short description of what was happening with the borders and the contract with Alpha Jasper that he wasn’t even upholding.
“He’s not fit to lead anyways,” I closed my eyes and shook my head.
“That sounds good, though. Not the rogue problem of course, but offering most of the land back to other packs,” The Alpha that asked nodded once to Caspien, “A peace offering would be needed.”
“And if you lose?” Another Alpha asked; I tensed slightly; I hadn’t thought about that, not yet, at least.
Caspien gave them a cool smile, “I won’t.” That shut them up.
“You’re coming from a place of paranoia,” Nolan spoke up. He was clutching at straws now.
“And you’re coming from a place of ignorant complacency.” I cut in, holding his stare.
He seemed confused by my display. I had almost forgotten who I was with him, the timid complacent person who would take anything because of my desire for him.
But that wasn’t me anymore, and I don’t think it ever was truly me.
He looked away first, and I fought a satisfied smirk.
“Are there any questions? Would you like me to walk through anything else?” Caspien said, his voice calmer than I had heard it in these public settings.
The other Alphas and Lunas looked at each other, but no one spoke up. I didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing. I wanted them to ask more questions, but then again, maybe I didn’t.
“Alpha Nolan, do you want us to wait until the end of the conference to call a vote?” Caspien asked, almost sounding polite.
My stomach dropped. It was too soon; what if they said no?
“Get it over with so we can focus on real problems,” Nolan said, and my blood curdled.
This was my child’s safety.
I stood up, placing my hand on the table, taking a deep breath, but it did little to calm my anger, “I don’t care why you vote in our favor.” I looked at them all, making them meet my eyes, even Nolan, before I went on.
“Do it because you want to show anyone what happens when they f*uc*k with our territory; do it because you feel pity because you too have children; do it to take down an unfit leader; do it because you’re bored and want to witness a challenge. I don’t care what reason you have. I just ask that you find a reason to vote in our favor.” I almost pleaded.
I took a deep breath.
“He is our son,” My voice cracked, “And everyone deserves to feel safe in the pack they call home.”
I sat down, and Caspien placed a hand on my lower back, slipping it under my jacket and rubbing circles. I felt like I wanted to cry. We were in a business meeting discussing my son’s safety. It felt so incredibly wrong. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough.
I finally met Caspien’s stare after I don’t know how long. His eyes held promise and hope, or maybe it was what I felt through the bond.
I didn’t care about the act anymore. I succumbed to my emotions.
I leaned forward and put my head on his chest. His hand intertwined in my hair and rested at the base of my neck as I let out a long shuddering breath. His lips came to my head, and he placed a kiss on my hair.
“It will be okay, baby. Nothing is going to happen to him. I promise,” He whispered, and I wanted to believe him.
I did believe him.
I leaned back, and Caspien gave me a partial smile, kissing the back of my hand. He nodded once at me, and I tried to smile. I don’t know what I would have done without him by my side.
“If you’re ready, I would like to get this past us,” Caspien said, his voice soft, tearing his gaze away from mine, “If we are in agreeance, those of you that are, I need you to sign something showing your support. I’ll handle it from there.”
My throat constricted, and I clutched onto Caspien’s hand for dear life. It was my only anchor to this world. I knew Caspien would end him anyways, but I needed this. I needed the first thing I did as his public mate to be legitimate. I needed these votes.
We had to do this right to ensure no one would come after Emmett or Caspien. Even he wasn’t immune to The Elders, and I didn’t know what it would mean if he publicly went against them.
“I vote no,” Nolan said.
It was expected, but it still dug at me.
“I’ll call out the names of the Alphas to vote,” Nolane went on.
“No,” Caspien said, and I looked at him confused, “Caall out the packs’ names. We didn’t come here just to get the Alpha’s opinions. I want it to be a mutual decision from the pack leaders, that includes the Lunas.”
“Do you want Camilla to come back in?” I asked Nolan sweetly. I plastered an innocent look on my face.
“I speak for her and this pack. Our answer is a no.” He said. I could tell I got to him, anger contorted his features, and his lip twitched.
“Shadow Pack?” Caspien asked.
“We vote in favor.” I gave them a slight nod of gratitude.
“Red River?”
“No, we, uh, can’t risk it,” The Alpha looked down. I made note of his face.
“Silver Forest?”
“Yes, in favor.”
In the end, there were three against it and six for it. We didn’t get a vote on this because it was our problem be brought forward.
This last vote would decide our fate.
We needed seven yesses.
I tried to eye the last Alpha and Luna. I briefly remembered speaking to them last night. She was one of the Lunas that seemed moved by Caspien’s anger after Nolan commented on my outfit.
I felt close to passing out from not breathing.
“We vote in favor,” Luna said, and I met her eyes silently, thanking her. She nodded deeply to me, and my eyes filled with tears I tried to wipe away.
I could feel Caspien’s relief.
We both looked at each other, exchanging smiles and clasping hands.
“Thank you,” I breathed to everyone and no one.
“This won’t be forgotten,” Caspien added. There was a double meaning to that. Those that voted against us wouldn’t be forgotten either.
I had to explain to him later that it might not have been out of malice but out of self-preservation. But I knew how he held grudges, so I wasn’t expecting him to let this go.
The conference dragged on after that. I tried to participate, but I was so relieved it was hard to focus on anything but my happiness. I wouldn’t think about what that meant, not yet. But I didn’t think Caspien would lose. I just wanted to get this all behind us and have a slight sense of normalcy going forward.
With an Alpha Prince in his penthouse, I almost laughed.
Well, a varied version of normalcy, but I didn’t care where I ended up with Emmett and Caspien. I just wanted them near me and safe.
The conference finally ended, and we thanked everyone. Caspien took the document and sent photos to The Elders before sending it back to Cresent City with a warrior. That was a bit excessive, but I didn’t mention it to him.
“Let’s go tell our parents the good news,” I suggested.
(Nolan)
I could barely focus on anything during that conference after Willa and her mate pulled that horrendous display.
How did everything go so wrong? How did it get to this point?
Willa embarra*s*sed me, she wanted her revenge, and she got it. I hated to admit that. I thought she would have just left it alone, I knew that I must have broken her, and a part of me felt for her because of that. But I didn’t think she was this crazy to come back and put on a public show.
Coming back in that dress on the arm of a prince. Demanded she sit in on the conference and had the nerve to stand up to me, challenge me in front of other Alphas?
Willa changed. She was a raging b*itc*h now. The Prince turned her from something innocent and submissive and shaped her into something new.
If she was mine, Goddess, if she was mine, I could change her.
She was ours – Toby growled.
Despite my anger at her display, I wanted her.
She was stunning, and her confidence actually made her more attractive.
Goddess, how I wanted to tear her down a peg or two in bed. Shut her smart mouth up with my c*oc*k.
My d*ic*k twinged thinking about it.
I thought she was faking it with him, but it seemed real. How could it be real? Second-chance mates were rare. I wanted him to suffer, but he was untouchable. How dare he take her?
My parents burst into my office.
“I didn’t invite you,” I said, ignoring them.
“You rejected her after finding out she was pregnant,” My dad was livid, “You made your mom bear witness to something she knew nothing about.” He went on.
“Get out,” I said, standing to pour myself a drink.
“No,” My dad seethed, his cool anger radiating out of him, stifling the air in here, “You lied to us. Why? For Camilla?”
I shrugged.
“Did you know Camilla was pregnant before or after Willa told you she was?” He pressed on.
“Before,” I said, “Camilla told me first. I couldn’t have two pregnant women at once.”
“So you chose the one who wasn’t your fated mate?” My dad said, shock evident in his voice.
My mom was silent next to him, something she rarely, if ever, was.
“You commended me for it before.” I took a long drink.
“Hardly.” My dad said, “You chose to stand by a pregnant woman you cheated on your fated mate with. Not my proudest moment, son.” He spat, “I was proud of you for owning up to your responsibilities. I am not, and never was proud of your actions that caused those responsibilities.”
“It was my choice, my decision to make,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
“We know, that’s why we let you make it, but choices have consequences, and you f*uc*ked up. Real bad.” I downed my drink, ignoring him, “You made your mother embarra*s*s herself today, she was trying to stand up for you in the conference, but she didn’t know all the facts.”
“She embarra*s*sed herself on her own,” I met his angry stare.
“Why?” My mom asked.
“Why what?” I sighed.
“Why did you choose Camilla?” That was rich coming from her.
She was ecstatic when I told her at first. They used to get along so well, and finding out she was pregnant sent my mom over the moon. Willa pushed back on things that Camilla never did. Willa never got the hang of party planning; even if she tried, something about her seemed restless, as if she was never fully settled in her role here. I never asked why that was.
She got what she wanted now – Toby growled at me
“Camilla understood me more than Willa did. Willa was fun, but,” I shrugged, I didn’t think I needed to justify my actions of the past to my parents. “Camilla was Luna material. Even you said that, Mom.” I glared at her.
“I thought she was,” My mom whispered, looking away.
“Well, it seems that Willa is doing pretty f*uc*king well as a Luna,” My dad was angry.
“I can’t take it back now,” I glared at him.
Even though every part of me wished I could. I wanted to have Willa here, waiting for me. Willa to take care of our children. I wouldn’t ever admit that, but I wanted her back, and seeing her this weekend solidified that. She was everything I wanted and needed, and I could have had her forever.
Toby was growling at me, making it hard to concentrate.
Did he come here just to lecture me? I wasn’t a child. I was the Alpha, his Alpha.
“I’m your Alpha,” I told them cooly, “Remember that.”
“Then act like it,” My dad snapped.
My mom finally met my stare, she wasn’t angry but she seemed to turn inward, fighting back tears. It annoyed me, she was happy with my choice, these were her consequences too.
My dad shook his head, “You cost us a grandchild, and this pack a strong perfect Luna. Next time think with your head, not your d*ic*k.” He stormed out, and my mom followed him.
This weekend was getting out of hand.
I wished I didn’t sign my rights away. Then I would have had some hold over her. She could have come around again. She used to be so obsessed with me that it was almost annoying.
But now, I would give anything to have that look of pure adoration cross her face when she saw me. Now I was only met with anger and coldness from her.
She looked at Prince Caspien in a way that she never looked at me. It was something past simple l*us*t, it felt raw and deeper and I wanted to wipe that look off of her face when she looked at him like that.
She’s happier without you
I locked Toby away
My son was a blessed wolf, and some other man claimed him as his own.
I shook with rage and let out a loud growl that almost shook the office. It did nothing to quell the rage.
This is all your fault – Toby pushed back.
I didn’t want to admit what I realized.
This was all my own doing.