Chapter 24 - You are enough

Alpha Shane stood outside Giselle's room, his heart heavy with the burden of the day's confrontations. He took a deep breath, knocked softly, and entered. Giselle was sitting by the window, looking out at the moonlit gardens. She turned to him, her face lighting up with a gentle smile.
"Shane," she greeted him softly. "What brings you here?"
Shane walked over to her, his expression earnest. "Giselle, I wanted to apologize. I know some of the pack members, like Elder Ian and Elder Lyndon, don't agree with my decision to marry you. They can be stubborn and... harsh."
Giselle's smile turned weak, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I understand, Shane. Not everyone will agree. And they’re right, in a way. I am just a normal human. I can’t fight or protect the pack like they can. I don’t have their strength. I am worthless…"
Shane reached out, taking her hand in his. His grip was firm yet comforting. "No Giselle, it doesn’t matter to me if you’re a normal human. Your worth isn't measured by your ability to fight. What matters is your heart, your love, your presence. Just love me, stay with me, and give me children. That is enough."
Giselle’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, moved by his words. She nodded, her smile returning, more genuine this time. "I love you, Shane. I’ll always stay by your side, no matter what."
Shane pulled her into a warm embrace, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I don’t know if you feel it, but as a werewolf, I can sense it deeply. Giselle, you are my fated mate. My heart chose you long before I even realized it."
Giselle rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I feel it too, Shane. Maybe not in the same way you do, but I know in my heart that we belong together."
Shane held her tighter, a sense of peace washing over him. "Thank you, Giselle. For accepting me, despite everything."
They stood there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in their connection amidst the chaos surrounding them.
As they pulled away, Shane looked into Giselle’s eyes, determination etched on his face. "I promise to protect you and your family. No matter what. We’ll get through this together."
Giselle nodded, her confidence bolstered by his words. "We will, Shane. Together."
Shane kissed her forehead gently, then stepped back. "Get some rest, Giselle.”
She nodded, watching as he left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Giselle sighed and returned to her spot by the window, gazing out at the serene night. Despite the uncertainties and threats looming over them, she felt a renewed sense of hope and strength. She knew that as long as she had Shane by her side, they could face any challenge that came their way.
Meanwhile, Shane walked back to his quarters, his mind still troubled by the resistance within the pack. He knew that Elder Ian and Elder Lyndon’s opposition was just the beginning. There would be more challenges ahead, more dissent to quell. But he was resolute. His love for Giselle was unwavering, and he would fight to protect their bond.
In his room, Shane sat at his desk, staring at the papers and plans spread out before him. He had to ensure that the pack remained united, despite the internal strife. The safety of Giselle and her family was paramount. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.
Alpha Shane sat behind his large oak desk, his mind racing with the challenges ahead. He needed to ensure the safety of Giselle and her family, especially with the undercurrent of dissent within the pack. He reached for the phone and called his trusted assistant, Leo. Within moments, Leo appeared at the door, his expression respectful yet alert.
"You called for me, Alpha?" Leo asked, stepping inside the office and closing the door behind him.
Alpha Shane leaned forward, his eyes serious. "Yes, Leo. I need to discuss something important with you."
Leo nodded, waiting attentively.
Shane's voice was low and grave as he spoke. "I’m sure someone will try to stop the wedding. There are too many who oppose my decision to marry Giselle. For now, your primary focus needs to be on her and her family. You must never leave them unguarded. They must be protected at all costs."
Leo's eyes widened slightly at the gravity of the task, but he nodded firmly. "Understood, Alpha. I’ll make sure they’re safe. I’ll keep a constant watch over them."
Shane’s gaze hardened. "I don’t trust anyone else to do this, Leo. There are too many variables, too many people who might try something. I can’t afford to take any chances."
Leo placed his hand over his heart, a gesture of loyalty. "I won’t let you down, Alpha. I’ll make sure no harm comes to them."
Shane exhaled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Thank you, Leo. I knew I could count on you. Keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously. If you notice anything, report to me immediately."
Leo nodded again, his determination clear. "I’ll be vigilant. No one will get close to Giselle or her family without my knowing."
Shane gave a brief nod of satisfaction. "Good. Also, keep an eye on Elder Ian and Elder Lyndon. They were particularly vocal in their opposition, and I wouldn't put it past them to try something underhanded."
Leo's jaw tightened. "I'll make sure they're watched closely."
"Thank you, Leo. That will be all for now. Remember, the safety of Giselle and her family is paramount. We can’t afford any mistakes."
With a final nod, Leo turned and left the office, his mind already racing with plans to ensure the security of Giselle and her family.
Shane leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He knew that even with Leo's vigilance, the threat was far from over. The pack was a complex web of loyalties and ambitions, and not everyone was pleased with his choice of mate. But he was determined to marry Giselle, no matter the cost.
He stood up and walked to the window, looking out over the sprawling estate. The morning sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Shane knew that today would be another test of his leadership, but he was ready. He had to be.