43. Noel Tell the Pack to Back Off

Eric

I called a meeting again. I was getting tired of this. It was like the pack could not just get over it. I knew Lilith was different from them, but we needed someone like her to bring this pack into a modern era, as well as make them stronger. I hated that I needed to explain her actions. I got it, you don’t like her but get over yourselves. Noel agreed with me on this. He hated how it seemed that the older members were influencing the younger ones.

I addressed those gathered. “I know you guys want answers, so I am here to give them to you, your Luna she killed a human, but she had good reason. This man had injured me. He was an illegal poacher, your Luna kept me alive and brought me back despite that it was a long way from where we were. Not only did she get me back home where I could receive medical attention, she hunted down the one responsible and made sure that I, nor any of you would be harmed in the future. If you have a problem with your Luna defending those in this pack something is wrong with you.”

I was glad I didn’t disclose the fact she had killed the other poachers, that would have just raised people's concerns. There was no need to be frightened of Lilith or Kali, neither of them had done anything bad here at the pack, other than when they were provoked. Lilith was strong and Kali was downright murderous. The two of them were formidable and that was invaluable to our pack.

I continued. “I would like to think all of you would eliminate the threat to our pack, she did her job. There is nothing more to say on the matter.” I said and stared them down. Of course, one of the elders spoke up. “Kali, the Luna’s wolf, dragged the body back here like some prize, she didn’t just kill him, her wolf shredded him. Many of us saw the body. It was grotesque.” I stared him down. “She is my mate, it was her right to get revenge, I want you all, whom have mates, to think about what you would do if your mate was hurt. I know you would get revenge.” I explained, I knew that would make sense to them.

“Anyways Beta Noel he has an announcement.” I spoke. Noel stepped up in front of me while I stepped back. “As you know Alpha Eric sent out a message to all of you telling you Sunday we are having a pack BBQ. I have invited three male shifters to come. They do not have a pack, currently, but they are not rogues. I want them to see what life in a pack is like. I am hoping that they like it and maybe we let them join the pack if they want.” A lot of people began to talk, but Noel quieted them down.

“Beta, are they like the Luna?” Noel answered. “If you are referring to their wolves being Draco's no. But they are from the city.” More talking broke out and someone asked. “Are they unmated.” Noel said “Yes, all of them are unmated.” I could see some of the female wolves looking excited. Maybe this was just what Grey Crest Pack needed, new blood. One of the older members asked, “Are they also as crass as the Luna?” I snarled behind my brother. I wanted to fight this shifter, referring to my mate like that, but I heard a over mind link.

It was Noel. “Don’t engage Eric, he is just old and stuck in his ways.” I tried to reel myself in, but it was challenging. “I do not think that the Luna of this pack is crass, and I do not appreciate you talking about her in that way. If you have not noticed she is stronger than any of you, I know my brother has told you, you are all allowed to challenge the Luna if you so wish. But I am going to suggest against it. The way she is trained, and her strength probably could only be matched with the alpha. Even I don’t know if I would be able to win in a fight with her.”

I was surprised Noel had said that. I didn’t know if that was true or not. Noel like me had alpha blood, but I had to admit, I wouldn’t put it pass Kali, or Lilith to be able to take Noel on. “Beta you didn’t answer my question, are these male shifters going to be a bad influence on the younger members of Grey Crest Pack.” Noel was, I could tell, getting agitated. He liked that Lilith was not full of bullshit. The more time he spent with her, the more I think he came to like her. So much so I believed he thought his friendship with his Luna was one of the most important relationships he had in his life.

He liked how she acted, maybe he found it amusing or something, but he liked it and I knew it. I couldn’t disagree with that. I thought it was refreshing that she never did the whole bullshit thing. “I do not think that the influence you push on the younger members of this pack is right. I feel this pack is full of people who are snobby and tend to have their heads in the sand when it comes to the real world. So maybe they will be an influence in this pack, should they choose to join.”

I was trying not to smirk as my brother spoke. He continued. “Now these three shifters have also been trained well, they are not as strong as our Luna is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they could run laps around all of us. We need to add more members to this pack that are strong. Because I can tell you right now, if we were attacked like we were a few years ago I don’t think we could handle it. Many more would die, and you know we lost a lot of shifters that day. It is this packs lack of pushing themselves that makes us weak. You should be excited to possibly have stronger shifters join our pack, not worrying about the way they choose to speak or dress.”

He continued “I also want to say something, Eric, your alpha, has been considerate of your feelings. He has made his mate wait to join this pack so you all would be comfortable with her, and her wolf. Eric has not wanted to put you under the stress of hearing the Luna’s wolf, Kail, in your heads, but that is fucking ridiculous.” I hear some gasps from the crowd as he cussed. “Maybe you need to hear some of those things so you can pull your heads out of your asses. Lilith and her wolf are stronger and will lead this pack back into its former glory and if you can’t see that, you are fucking idiots.”

I now was grinning. My brother, the Grey Crest Beta, was right about everything. I was glad he said it. He wasn’t done. “And you know what, I as beta am making a request to Alpha Eric, I want your mate, Lilith to join the Grey Crest Pack, and as your Beta I advise you to accept this formal proposal. Do you accept my wishes?” Noel then turned to me. I smiled at him. I loved my brother. “Yes, Beta Noel, I do accept your request.” I heard some grumbles.

It was from some of the elders, and some of the elderly in the pack. It also did not go unnoticed by me that Mia and her friends where scowling. Noel smiled and winked at me. Had he been planning this all along? He knew if he made a formal request, I would not deny him. He had side stepped my consideration for members in the pack. It would be disrespectful for me to reject a Beta’s request and the pack knew that. Noel turned from me to look at those listening to him.

“There you have it, either today or tomorrow Lilith will be in this pack, and her role as Luna will be solidified. You all better get used to the changes she will make, because if you disrespect her or do not listen, you know what the punishment will be. And I have a feeling her wolf, Kali, is not the forgiving type, so I suggest you stop being stuck up bitches or I honestly don’t think things are going to be going well for you in the future. Now all of you fuck off. The Alpha and I have important things to do.”

Both of us left side by side, leaving the pack to disperse. Once we were out of range for others to hear us, I said. “You are the freaking best Noel.” He shrugged and said, “I have been telling you that since I was a kid, about time you realized it.” I snorted. He had just made his thoughts known and took on all the blame from the pack about this decision, making me look better for not forcing things, he was now the one who forced it. I was beyond thankful.

I knew being a leader was about being just to others, and considerate of others feelings. But Noel knew what I wanted and pointed out the fact I had been kind to them, and they were not being respectful and stuck in the past. He had made sure no one could do anything now to stop what would progress. “You are one hell of a Beta.” I compliment him again. “I mean seriously Eric, I knew you couldn’t treat the pack like that, but I sure as hell can. Besides Lilith will lead us into the future and I really believe that. And isn’t this my job as Beta to make your wants become reality?” I nodded and the two of us headed back to the packhouse.