Chapter 30 - Disrespected

Elder Lyndon's heart pounded in his chest as he stood before Alpha Shane, his hands trembling with fear. Despite his years of experience and status within the pack, he couldn't shake the overwhelming sense of dread that washed over him in Alpha Shane's presence. The Alpha's formidable strength and power loomed over him like an insurmountable force, leaving Elder Lyndon feeling small and vulnerable.
At Alpha Shane's side, Leo stood stoically, his presence only serving to heighten Elder Lyndon's apprehension. The assistant's unwavering loyalty to the Alpha was evident, and Elder Lyndon couldn't help but feel a surge of panic at the thought of facing their combined wrath.
Leo's voice cut through the tense silence, his words carrying a chilling weight. "We could punish you, Elder Lyndon," he stated matter-of-factly, his tone sending a shiver down Elder Lyndon's spine. "Your entire family could be banished from the Silver Stone Moon Pack. We could strip you of your wealth, your power—everything. Even you lie to us, we could know the truth."
The threat hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over Elder Lyndon as he struggled to find the words to defend himself. Panic clawed at his throat, threatening to choke off any semblance of coherent thought.
Alpha Shane's eyes bore into Elder Lyndon, his expression unreadable as he waited for a response. The weight of the Alpha's gaze was suffocating, leaving Elder Lyndon feeling as though he were drowning in his own fear.
Summoning every ounce of courage he could muster, Elder Lyndon spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "It was Elder Ian," he lied, his words faltering slightly as he fought to maintain his composure. "He ordered me to start the campaign against Giselle."
Alpha Shane's brow furrowed in anger at the mention of Elder Ian's name, his lips curling into a snarl. "Who is Elder Ian to command you?" he demanded, his voice a low growl that reverberated through the room.
Elder Lyndon flinched under Alpha Shane's gaze, his resolve faltering in the face of the Alpha's fury. "I-I thought I was following orders," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "I didn't know..."
Alpha Shane's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening as he regarded Elder Lyndon with disdain. "Ignorance is no excuse for betrayal," he declared, his voice cold and unforgiving. "You will face the consequences of your actions."
Elder Lyndon's heart sank as he realized the gravity of his situation. He had underestimated Alpha Shane's power, and now he would pay the price for his folly.
Leo stepped forward, his gaze cold and calculating as he regarded Elder Lyndon. "You will be dealt with accordingly," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
With a heavy heart, Elder Lyndon bowed his head in resignation, knowing that he had sealed his own fate. He could only hope that Alpha Shane's punishment would be swift and merciful, sparing his family from the same fate that awaited him.
The tension in the room thickened as Elder Ian entered, bowing respectfully before Alpha Shane. The Alpha's anger simmered just beneath the surface, his eyes flashing with fury as he glared at Elder Ian.
"Why the hell did you order Elder Lyndon to start a sign campaign against my future wife and Luna, Giselle?" Alpha Shane's voice boomed, echoing off the walls of the room.
Elder Ian remained composed, his expression grave as he replied, "Please, Alpha Shane, allow me to explain before passing judgment."
Alpha Shane's jaw clenched, but he begrudgingly nodded, allowing Elder Ian to speak his piece.
Elder Ian took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead. "We received news that Giselle does not know who the Moon Goddess is," he began, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "She openly mocked the beliefs of our pack and showed a blatant disrespect for our traditions. We cannot condone such behavior in a future Luna."
Alpha Shane's nostrils flared in anger at the accusation, his fists clenching at his sides. "That's a lie," he seethed, his voice a low growl. "Giselle would never disrespect our pack or its beliefs."
Elder Ian held up a hand, urging Alpha Shane to listen. "I understand your loyalty to Giselle, Alpha Shane, but this is a matter of principle," he continued. "A Luna should embody the values of our pack, and if Giselle cannot respect our traditions, then perhaps she is not fit to be our Luna."
Alpha Shane's gaze hardened, his resolve unyielding as he faced off against Elder Ian. "I will not tolerate baseless accusations against Giselle," he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "She is my fated mate, and I stand by her without question."
Elder Ian's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of doubt crossed his features. "Alpha Shane, I only seek to protect the integrity of our pack," he insisted, his tone pleading. "Surely you understand the importance of maintaining our traditions."
Alpha Shane's fists unclenched slightly as he considered Elder Ian's words. While he understood the significance of tradition, he refused to believe that Giselle would disrespect their pack in such a manner.
"I will speak to Giselle about this matter," Alpha Shane declared, his voice firm but measured. "But until then, I will not entertain any further accusations against her."
Elder Ian nodded, his expression grim. "As you wish, Alpha Shane," he conceded, bowing respectfully before taking his leave.
Once Elder Ian had departed, Alpha Shane turned to Leo, his brow furrowed in concern. "Keep an eye on Giselle," he instructed, his voice tinged with worry. "I need to know the truth of this matter."
Leo nodded in understanding, his expression mirroring Alpha Shane's concern. "I will ensure that she is safe and well-protected," he assured the Alpha.
With a heavy heart, Alpha Shane returned his focus to the task at hand, knowing that the truth behind the accusations against Giselle would soon come to light. Until then, he would remain steadfast in his defense of his beloved and their future together.