Chapter 381
Hannah took a deep breath as she approached the imposing gates of the Darkmoon Pack council building. The utilitarian iron fence, stretching across the entire border between the packs, seemed to loom, casting a shadow despite the sunny day. She frowned. Ridiculous, she thought. As if Darkmoon needed a fence spanning the entire border. This wasn't the Dark Ages; they weren't about to invade.
Melody cooed softly in her arms, tiny fingers grasping her blouse.
"Are you sure about this, Han?" Viona whispered, eyes darting nervously.
Hannah nodded, squaring her shoulders as her head of security buzzed for entry. "We have to go. Alpha David requested this meeting, and we can't afford to strain our relationship with Darkmoon any further."
The gates creaked open, revealing a stern-faced, gray-haired Beta who led them through the Darkmoon compound. Tension hung heavy in the air; Hannah felt countless eyes upon them.
The relationship between Silvermoon and Darkmoon, the pack bordering their southern territory, had always been tenuous. She remembered her father's frequent arguments with Alpha Mikhail, mostly about land disputes—which she assumed was why the new Alpha, David (Mikhail's son), had summoned them. They likely wanted more land, something too valuable to relinquish.
The meeting hall doors swung open, revealing a long table surrounded by men—not a single woman. Alpha David sat at the head, his square jaw set hard beneath a jet-black beard, piercing blue eyes fixed on Hannah with unnerving intensity.
As Hannah entered, Melody in her arms, flanked by her all-female security team and Viona, she saw David's lip curl in barely concealed disdain. The room fell silent, punctuated only by Melody's coos.
"Alpha Hannah," David said, his voice dripping with forced politeness, "how...kind of you to join us. And with your...entourage."
"Alpha David. Thank you for the invitation. I hope we can address your concerns promptly and efficiently."
David's eyes flicked to Melody, then back to Hannah. "Indeed. Though I'm surprised you brought an infant to such an important meeting."
A flare of irritation ignited, but Hannah kept her voice level. "My daughter goes where I go, Alpha David."
He grunted noncommittally, gesturing for them to be seated. As they settled, Hannah felt the disapproving glares of the other pack members. She was used to it; many still looked down on her for being a female Alpha, especially one who kept her child close.
"Now," Hannah said, adjusting Melody, "what was so urgent? I hope it's not another border dispute."
David's eyes narrowed. "No, though that's a matter we'll need to revisit soon. This is about something...or rather, someone else."
Hannah raised an eyebrow. He nodded to his Beta, who placed a folder on the table and slid it toward her. Supporting Melody with one hand, she opened it, affecting an air of boredom.