Chapter 21 The Clan of Wolves

(Hope POV)

We arrived at the mansion suprised to see Howard waiting for us. Alexander parked the car, got out and went to his father who whispered in his ear. He took out his phone and started scrolling through his messages. Alexander said something to his father who nodded his head and went back inside the mansion. Alexander hurriedly walked to my side of the car and gestured to me to roll down my window.

"Damn, the Council of Elders called a meeting. Sorry, Hope. I need to go." He then turned to address Oliver and David who were waiting near the car for his orders. "Oliver, David, make sure you guys help Hope with her things." He gives Oliver a telling look then gives me a quick kiss and runs towards the back.

"I thought the meeting's in there." I got out of the car and pointed at the mansion.

"No, Luna. There's a secret chamber. You can only see the entrance if you're an Alpha or a Clan Elder. It's somewhere within the grounds."

"Neat. So we wouldn't see the entrance even if we followed Alexander?" I asked while I took my bags from the back of the car.

"Yes, Luna. We tried following him all the way to where we last saw him standing. We found ourselves in the middle of the forest about 5 klicks from here," Oliver said.

I put down my things at the steps of the mansion and went to investigate. Oliver and David looked at each other and decided to follow me. I guess, if I were to vanish somewhere, it would be better if they were with me than here at the mansion without me.

I follow the path that Alexander took to the back of the mansion. I look around the grounds. Then I see it. A small doorway near the pool.

"I see it. It's near the pool," I tell Oliver and David.

"You see what, Luna?" Oliver asked.

"A small doorway. Does that mean I'm allowed inside?" I asked them, hoping I'd get a concrete answer.

"Technically, if you can see it then you are allowed. I suppose you can go inside, Luna," Oliver said, unsure. Well, only way to find out. I was going to go through that portal.

"Okay. Don't move any further. I don't want you two to land on Mt. Everest." I walk towards the door which automatically opens for me. I hear a voice call out, "Stella Coeli Brandt-Ulrich, Alpha Crescent Moon Pack." I panicked and turned to walk away, but magically found myself seated at a round table with all the other Alphas and Elders staring at me. I tried to hide my head underneath the table in embarrassment. The High Elder coughed and said, " Welcome Alpha Stella Coeli Brandt-Ulrich or would you prefer Alpha Hope Alarie-Ulrich instead?"

"Hope is fine, Sir. I am so sorry. I know I shouldn't be here. If you are so kind as to show me the exit, I'll just leave. Thank you."

"Alpha Alarie-Ulrich, we were waiting for you. I was about to send Alpha Ulrich to go fetch you. Now, since we are complete, let us begin." The High Elder smiled at me reassuringly. All eyes were on me. I felt rather small as the others stared right through me.

"Alpha Alarie-Ulrich, you are a newcomer, as such, I would like you to get to know the people who are in attendance. Their names and positions are in front. Usually an Alpha is a position usually passed on when the eldest pup reaches 21. Given the unfortunate circumstances your pack has befallen through the hands of The Rogue Lord, the Council Elders have granted you the status of Alpha even if you have not reached 21. With you here, the Clan of Wolves is complete. You, Alpha Hope Alarie-Ulrich, sit where your father, Alpha Davis Brandt, sat when he was alive and was a member of this clan." The High Elder nodded his head at me.

I bow my head to the High Elder and smile weakly. Oh boy, I have only been a wolf for two days. Two days! And now I'm an Alpha! "You just had to stick your nose in other people's business, Hope," I thought to myself. "You are the only heir of your pack, Hope. It is your birthright," Opal explained, giving me some confidence.

I see if I could mind link with Oliver to tell him I'm okay. I didn't get a response. It means I'm either no way near the mansion or this chamber blocks incoming and outgoing messages.

The High Elder was instructing everyone to increase training and the number of warriors per pack. As for me, I had to start unlocking my potential. I am, after all, the daughter of famed Priestess Adella. After witnessing my healing abilities last night, there is no doubt that I can become as great as my mother he said. "A war is brewing and we need to be prepared. The Rogue Lord will have his revenge."

"Alpha Hope Alarie-Ulrich, what did you do to the Rogue Lord that made him retreat?" The High Elder asked.

"I bit him, Sir," I answered which caused the others to laugh. The High Elder raised his hand, silencing them.

"That's all? Nothing else?" He probed.

"Yes sir. Sorry, I was aiming for his head and unfortunately miscalculated how high I was supposed to jump. I have only shifted twice and I'm not used to running or jumping on all fours. Last night was only my second time to shift."

"Well then, I will require you to shift more often and train in wolf form," he said.

"So be it, Sir."

"As for your territory, it has been restored to once it was," his eyes twinkled with a smile. "You may now do as you see fit with your territory. If you would like to rebuild your pack, you may do so."

"I was hoping to merge my territory with that of Dark Moon Pack," I replied. I actually didn't know what to do. To merge with Alexander's territory was the most logical thing to do.

"Very well. You and Alpha Alexander Ulrich can settle that then," the High Elder said with finality.

Speaking of which, where is Alexander? I scan the table and see him at the other end flanked by a female Alpha on one side and another male Alpha on the other. I smile at him, but he doesn't return my smile. Is he mad at me for being so nosy? Great. I should've known better.

After instructing all of us, the High Elder blesses us and tells we will convene next week with a progress report. Ah, class dismiss.

The small door reappears and one by one the others exit. Alexander makes a beeline for me. Someone suddenly blocks my view and I look up to see a tall man, about the age of Alexander, in front of me.

"Greetings Alpha Hope. I am Alpha Derrick Lancaster of the Blue Moon Pack. I am so honored to make your acquaintance." He takes my hand and kisses it without taking his eyes off me. He had an English accent. Obviously, all Alphas were sent off to get a good education somewhere around the globe.

I blush with embarrassment and hastily take my hand out of his grip. "Hello, Alpha Derrick. It's such a pleasure to meet you. How can I help you?"

"I was hoping we can do business. My pack's territory is located at the border of Oregon and Washington State. I heard your father grows the best apples in the state. I was hoping to make a purchase. A regular and hopefully, permanent purchase from him." His eyes glinted mischievously.

"Sure. I will tell my father about your business proposal. He's currently in the hospital, but will be out tomorrow. I can give you his number so you can call him.

"I am actually here on business and can see him after he is discharged from the hospital before I return to my territory. I would prefer though you would be present when I make my dealings with your father. Yes?"

"Uhm, I'll have to ask my husband first. Mate rather." I smile at him sweetly.

"Of course. If you rather, he can be present as well. Here's my card. I am staying at the local inn at the village. You can message me anytime YOU want." Derrick winked at me.

"LANCASTER!" I heard a familiar growl from behind him.

Alpha Derrick turns around and feigns ignorance knowing Alexander was here. "Alpha Alexander Ulrich, such a pleasure to see you once again."

"Can't say the same for you." Alexander stands straight and stands his ground. Derrick was only about an inch shorter than him. Both Alphas looked at each other with dislike in their eyes.

"I was just introducing myself to your lovely mate. I am quite hurt I wasn't invited to your mating ceremony last night. It would have been like old times. Eh, Ulrich?"

"Not this time, Lancaster. Hope is mine," Alexander growled at him.

"Friendly competition never hurt anyone. Are you afraid your beautiful mate will regret ever mating with you?" Derrick laughs at his own words.

I watched them both slug it out with each other. I needed to get this under control. "Touch both of their arms at the same time to ease the tension. Then, hold your mate's hand to show you are truly mated," Opal instructed.

I reached up with both of my hands, touched their arms and looked up at both of them. I saw the tension leave their bodies like someone was giving them a neck rub. Both of them turned to look at me. Derrick's eyes filled with surprise while Alexander's with laughter. Then, I moved over to hold Alexander's hand. He kissed it then put a possessive arm around me.

"Lancaster, you could never understand why women preferred me over you. You still don't get it. Sorry mate. This one is off limits." Alexander started howling with laughter. "Come on, Hope, say goodbye to little itty bitty Lancaster!" He guides me to the door.

"Alpha Hope, don't forget my business with your father," Derrick yelled, reminding me.

"Oh she will!" Alexander starts laughing again. We enter the mansion and walk towards our room. "There's dinner set up at the balcony, my love. Lancaster, that oily manipulative sonofagun. I knew he wouldn't resist the urge," he said, shaking his head.

"Seems like you're old friends."

"More like frenemies actually," Alexander said. I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Rivals huh?"

"Yeah. With everything. Especially women. Remember I said there was this she-wolf who I thought was my fated mate? She went for Lancaster. He dumped her like a dirty rag though after he saw the next pretty little thing." Alexander put his thumb on my chin and raised my head to gaze into my eyes.

"Never trust Lancaster. He may be a good Alpha to his pack, but when it comes to she-wolves like you, I don't think he respects the lot of you. Although he IS impressed you are the youngest Alpha in the Clan. I saw the respect in his eyes. Still don't trust Lancaster. Now, eat. I know you're hungry. Later we shift and run under the stars."

Opal wagged her tail in excitement. "Eat, Hope! We need to have our strength!"

I sat down at the table started eating my pasta with gusto.