Chapter 142- Successfully Standing

Lexy

As I was getting ready for the conference dad stopped by and handed me a package. “Open it” he said with a smile. I opened the package and was left speechless. “It was my great grandmother, and she would want you to wear today” he said nostalgic.

As I pulled it out I could see the details. It was a Greek warrior’s outfit, but it had been altered to fit this era. It was a black and white cloth dress that draped to my knees. With some gold details on what should be the armor along with gold bracelets and my warrior boots.

“It's beautiful dad” I responded with a big smile and placed a kiss on his cheek. I got myself ready and felt ready for what was to come today.

I had the maids make sure everyone in the conference was taken care of. I chose to make a late entry and walked in with my head held high. I looked at the whole room to make and all eyes were on me and that included Adrian.

Today I will outsmart Adrian, and he won’t even know was coming to him. I chose to change the plan and not reveal that Tarria is back. That is our biggest upper hand now.

The air in the room was electric, anticipation swirling like an unseen current. I made my way to my seat, deliberately taking the long route around the table, letting the rustle of my dress and the golden gleam of my bracelets catch the light. Whispers followed in my wake, but I kept my focus sharp, my expression composed.

Adrian’s gaze burned into me, a calculated intensity that spoke of suspicion masked as curiosity. Good. I wanted him guessing. Taking my seat, I leaned back slightly, exuding an air of ease I didn’t entirely feel. The game had begun, and every move I made now had to be precise.

One of the advisors began speaking, his voice a dull hum as I let my eyes scan the table’s occupants. Allies, rivals, and uncertain neutrals—each one had a role to play in my unfolding strategy. Adrian leaned forward, folding his hands on the table, his posture deceptively casual. But I knew him too well to be fooled. Behind that measured exterior, his mind was undoubtedly racing, trying to decipher my next step.

“Lexy,” he finally said, breaking the thread of conversation like a blade slicing through silk. “Your entrance was… memorable. I trust you have something equally compelling to contribute to today’s discussion?”

I met his gaze, a slow smile curling my lips. “Thank you, Adrian,” I said with a faint laugh, “I would like to address the room and discuss the decisions made here and a surprise I have for everyone.”

The room shifted, eyes flickering between us like spectators at a duel. Let him puzzle over my confidence, I thought. Let him think he’s still in control. All the while, the real plan was already underway, unfolding in shadows he couldn’t hope to see.

Tarria's secret would hold—for now. And when the time came to reveal it, the shockwave would be felt by everyone in this room. But until then, I had a role to play, a delicate balance to maintain. And as I held Adrian’s gaze, unflinching and unyielding, I knew one thing with absolute certainty: the crown I’d taken wasn’t just mine—it was here to stay.

“Since we have all come to an agreement, I will be holding a celebration at the end of the week to celebrate the alliances formed today and the new exchange program” I said proudly.

“Moreover, at the celebration we will introduce everyone’s volunteers for the exchange program. You are all welcome to stay until the celebrations at our tribe and get to know more about each other”.

I took my seat, and CJ held my hand as a confirmation that I did good. I kept my face straight as everyone clapped in the room after my announcement. Everyone continued the conversations around the room discussing other matters.
CJ

From the moment Lexy stepped into the conference hall, I knew she had already won.

She carried herself like the true Queen she was—shoulders back, chin held high, and eyes that dared anyone to challenge her authority. The hall, lined with representatives from every allied and neutral pack, buzzed with quiet murmurs as she walked in. Some admired her. Others were waiting for her to stumble. But Lexy didn’t come to entertain their doubts; she came to lead. And damn it, she did.

I kept my position slightly behind and to the side, watching everything with a warrior’s eye, but today wasn’t about me. It was about her. And as her mate, her King, I couldn’t have been prouder.

Every issue on the table—from border security to the sudden increase in rogue activity, to the hushed rumors of prophecy manipulation—Lexy addressed it all with a clarity and poise that silenced even the most persistent elders. She had a rare ability to command without aggression, to calm tension without compromising strength. I saw the way the elders leaned in when she spoke, how warriors from other tribes exchanged looks of respect when she laid out her points.

But what impressed me most wasn’t the respect she demanded. It was the composure she maintained despite everything we’d been through.

Tarria was still fresh in both our minds—her kidnapping, the pain of not knowing, the urgency to act without proof. Lexy hadn’t slept well in weeks, carrying the weight of the tribe on one shoulder and the mystery of one of her most trusted warriors on the other. Yet, here she was, standing at the head of a room full of people who held the fate of the region in their hands, and she didn’t flinch once.

When Adrian stood to speak, I caught the subtle tension that moved through her spine. She masked it well, but I saw it. I know her body language like I know my own heartbeat. He tried to bait her with half-truths and polished lies, hinting at things he thought would shake her. But Lexy didn’t give him the satisfaction. Her response was measured, sharp, and diplomatic.

She didn’t accuse him directly—yet. Instead, she let him talk just enough to tighten the noose he was unknowingly crafting around his own neck. That’s Lexy. She doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Her strength is in her strategy. And watching her control the room while still planting seeds of doubt in everyone’s minds about Adrian’s intentions was nothing short of masterful.

By the end of the conference, I noticed something unexpected: several of the more skeptical pack leaders sought her out personally. They asked questions, offered extra alliances, and requested to speak in private about joint plans. She’d won them over—not with fear, not with dominance—but with reason, vision, and conviction.

As we left the conference room, hand in hand, she finally allowed a breath to escape. Just one. She hadn’t let them see it, but I had. And in that moment, as I looked down at the woman who carried so much and still stood tall, I realized that no matter what storm was coming, we’d weather it—because Lexy wasn’t just a queen by title.

She was born for this.

And I’d follow her into battle, into fire, or into peace—wherever she led, I’d be there.

Because today proved what I’ve always known: Lexy doesn’t just survive under pressure.

She thrives.