Chapter 18 - Whether they accept it or not

Alpha Shane returned to his mansion at Silver Stone Moon Pack, the weight of the day's events heavy on his shoulders. As he stepped through the imposing entrance, his loyal assistant Leo greeted him with a respectful nod.
"Alpha, Delta Marlon is waiting for you in the meeting room and requests to have a talk," Leo informed him.
Shane's brow furrowed in curiosity. Delta Marlon's unexpected presence piqued his interest. "Thank you, Leo," he replied, before following his assistant to the designated meeting room.
Inside, Delta Marlon sat patiently, his expression grave with concern. Shane's sharp gaze immediately sought answers as he took a seat opposite the Delta.
"Why the late hour, Delta? What brings you here?" Shane inquired, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency.
Delta Marlon let out a heavy sigh before speaking, his words laden with sorrow. "It's about my daughter, Trixie."
Shane's interest was piqued. Trixie, Delta Marlon's daughter, had always been a formidable presence within the pack. "What about her?" Shane asked, his voice edged with concern.
Delta Marlon's gaze met Shane's, filled with a mixture of sadness and apprehension. "Are you truly certain about your decision to choose a human as your mate?" he queried, his tone laced with uncertainty.
Shane's brow furrowed in confusion. Delta Marlon's question caught him off guard. He had anticipated challenges and objections, but the Delta's apprehension struck a chord within him. "Why do you ask?" Shane responded, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
Delta Marlon hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Trixie... she's struggling to come to terms with your decision," he explained, his voice heavy with emotion. "She's worried about what it means for the pack, for our traditions."
Shane's expression softened with understanding. Trixie's concerns were valid, he realized. His decision to take a human mate undoubtedly challenged the pack's traditions and beliefs. "I understand Trixie's apprehension," Shane admitted, his tone empathetic. "But my choice is final. Giselle is my mate, and I stand by that decision."
Delta Marlon nodded, his expression reflecting a mixture of resignation and acceptance. "I will relay your message to Trixie," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "But know that her concerns are shared by many within the pack."
Shane nodded in acknowledgment, a sense of determination flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Delta," he said sincerely. "I appreciate your honesty.”
Delta Marlon shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze fixed on the polished surface of the table as he struggled to articulate his concerns. Alpha Shane's presence loomed large in the room, his keen eyes observing the Delta's every move.
"Alpha Shane," Delta Marlon began, his voice betraying a hint of anxiety, "Trixie... she has feelings for you, Alpha Shane," he admitted, his words cautious and measured.
Shane's expression softened with understanding. The complexities of pack dynamics were not lost on him, and he knew all too well the weight of expectation that came with his position as Alpha. "I see," he murmured, his mind already racing with the implications of Delta Marlon's revelation.
"But that's not all, Alpha," Delta Marlon continued, his voice tinged with urgency. "Trixie is a werewolf, like us. She believes that she would make a worthy Luna, a partner who shares your heritage and understands the challenges we face."
Shane listened attentively, his features betraying little emotion as he processed the Delta's words. Trixie's proposition was unexpected, to say the least, and it posed a dilemma that Shane had not anticipated.
"I understand, Delta," Shane replied evenly, his gaze steady as he met the Delta's troubled eyes. "Trixie's feelings are valid, and her dedication to our pack is undeniable."
Delta Marlon exhaled a sigh of relief, grateful for Shane's understanding. "Thank you, Alpha Shane," he said earnestly. "I only wish to ensure the prosperity and unity of our pack."
Shane nodded in agreement, his thoughts turning inward as he contemplated the weight of Delta Marlon's revelation. Trixie's offer was not one to be taken lightly, and Shane knew that his decision would have far-reaching consequences for the pack.
"Alpha Shane," Delta Marlon spoke up once more, his tone hesitant yet determined. "I must ask... have you ever considered Trixie as a potential mate and future Luna?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implication, as Shane deliberated his response. He understood the significance of the Delta's inquiry and the gravity of the decision that lay before him.
"Trixie is a valued member of our pack, and her dedication to our cause is commendable," Shane began carefully, his words measured yet sincere. "But my heart belongs to another. Giselle is my chosen mate, and I stand by that decision."
Delta Marlon nodded in understanding, though a flicker of disappointment crossed his features. "I see," he murmured, his gaze drifting to the floor once more.
"I understand your concerns, Delta," Shane continued, his voice tinged with empathy. "But my decision is final. Giselle is my mate, and together, we will lead our pack into a new era of prosperity and unity."
Delta Marlon nodded once more, though the weight of Shane's decision hung heavily in the air between them. "I will relay your message to Trixie," he said quietly, resignation lacing his words. "But I fear she will not take it well."
Alpha Shane's voice carried an authoritative edge as he addressed Delta Marlon, his tone unwavering in its resolve. "Regardless of Trixie's acceptance, my decision stands," he declared, his words echoing with finality. "I will marry Giselle and she will become the Luna of this pack. No one has the authority to oppose me."
Delta Marlon nodded solemnly, acknowledging the Alpha's steadfast determination. The weight of Shane's proclamation settled heavily upon him, a tangible reminder of the challenges that lay ahead. "I understand, Alpha Shane," he replied, his voice tinged with resignation. "But you must be prepared. Not everyone in the pack will agree with your decision."
Alpha Shane's expression hardened, his jaw set in a firm line as he contemplated Delta Marlon's warning. "I am aware of that," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "But I will not be swayed by dissenting voices. Giselle is my chosen mate, and together, we will lead this pack with strength and unity."
Delta Marlon's brows furrowed in concern as he regarded the Alpha, his gaze filled with apprehension. "You must tread carefully, Alpha Shane," he cautioned. "There are those among the pack who wield considerable influence, and they may seek to undermine your authority."
Alpha Shane's gaze narrowed, his resolve unwavering in the face of opposition. "I will not allow dissent to destabilize our pack," he declared, his voice resolute. "Tomorrow, I will convene a meeting with all pack members. Those who cannot accept Giselle as their Luna are free to leave. I will not force anyone to abide by my decision."
Delta Marlon's eyes widened in surprise at the Alpha's bold declaration, a mixture of admiration and concern flickering across his features. "Very well, Alpha Shane," he acquiesced, his voice tinged with apprehension. "I will inform the pack of the meeting tomorrow."
With a final nod of agreement, Delta Marlon took his leave, leaving Alpha Shane alone with his thoughts. As the weight of his responsibilities settled upon him, Shane steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. Tomorrow's meeting would be a pivotal moment for the pack, and he was determined to lead with strength and conviction, no matter the cost.
Alpha Shane's tone was firm as he issued his command to Leo, his eyes flashing with determination. "Inform all pack members, especially the high-ranking officials and elders, that there will be a grand meeting tomorrow morning," he instructed, his voice carrying the weight of his authority.
Leo nodded respectfully, his expression grave as he processed the Alpha's directive. "Yes, Alpha Shane," he replied, his tone deferential. "I will ensure that everyone is notified promptly."
A flicker of frustration crossed Alpha Shane's features as he contemplated the inevitable dissent that awaited him. "Prepare yourself," he warned Leo, his voice tinged with anger. "There will be voices of opposition, but they will not sway my decision. Those who cannot accept Giselle as their Luna will have no place in this pack."
Leo's gaze met the Alpha's unwaveringly, a silent acknowledgment of his understanding. "Understood, Alpha Shane," he affirmed, his tone steady. "I will relay your message to the pack."
With a final nod, Alpha Shane watched as Leo departed to carry out his orders. As he stood alone in the quiet of his office, a sense of determination settled over him. Tomorrow's meeting would be a test of his leadership, but he was resolved to protect Giselle and her family at all costs, even if it meant facing opposition from within his own pack.