Olivia’s POV
With my appetite gone, I rose from the table silently and headed toward the pack hall. A she-wolf meeting was scheduled for today, and despite my reluctance, I had to attend. It was expected of me, as the supposed Luna.
Outside the dining room, I found Nora and Lolita waiting. “The women are already gathered in the hall,” Nora said softly. “They’re waiting for you.”
I nodded and began walking, followed closely by Nora and Lolita. As we passed the sitting area, workers were busily decorating for Alpha Damien’s birthday celebration. Ribbons, flowers, silver and navy drapes—they were working quickly to create a perfect ambiance. But my mind was elsewhere.
The triplets’ words at the table replayed incessantly: “Because marking Anita… means losing Olivia.” “We won’t let that happen.” “You’ll have your grandchildren, but only with the woman we love.” Their words struck a deep chord within me, a feeling I desperately tried to ignore. I didn’t want to care, but I did.
“Don’t let their words get to you, Olivia… remember what they did to you,” I whispered, forcing painful memories to the forefront—just enough to quell the burgeoning soft feelings. It was the only way to maintain my emotional defenses.
We reached the pack hall. The moment I entered, the low hum of conversation ceased. Dozens of she-wolves rose in quiet respect, their eyes fixed on me. I gave a small nod and walked to the throne-like seat at the front of the room, the Luna’s designated place. I sat slowly, maintaining a composed posture and expression, though inwardly I felt anything but calm.
Then I saw her. Seated in the front row, beside the Beta’s wife, was Lady Fiona. My eyes lingered on her a moment longer than necessary; something about her presence felt unsettling. Her presence here was clearly about more than just the meeting. Something else entirely, something I wasn't prepared for.
Moving my gaze away, I turned to the registrar. “Please read out the agenda for today,” I said. But before the registrar could speak, Lady Fiona stood. “I have something to say,” she announced loudly, without seeking my permission or even looking my way. “I believe all the women here should hear it.”
The room tensed. I remained quiet, initially curious, then cautious. Lady Fiona folded her hands and declared, “Anita is pregnant… with the Alpha triplets’ children.”
A wave of murmurs swept through the room. Dozens of eyes darted toward me, their judging looks conveying unspoken questions: So the Luna hasn’t been able to conceive yet? She let a concubine get pregnant first?
I maintained my composure, but a heavy weight twisted in my chest. Lady Fiona continued, “There is a complication. The pups are not doing well. The healers say the only way to save them… is for the fathers to mark Anita as their mate.” She paused, letting her words sink in. “But they’ve refused.”
Confusion and whispers followed, punctuated by more stares. I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. “And why,” I asked calmly, “are you bringing this to a women’s meeting?”
Lady Fiona turned, her frown deepening. “Because of two things, Olivia.” She raised her chin, her voice firm and clear enough for all to hear. “First, because these women are not just she-wolves. They are mothers. They understand what it means to carry life. They understand the fear of losing a child.” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall. “And second,” she continued, “because everything is in your hands.”
My fingers curled on the armrest, but I remained still and silent, allowing her to continue. “I brought this here,” she said, “so the women could ask—beg—you to talk to the Alphas. To convince them to mark Anita. To save those babies.” Her eyes locked with mine. “I know Anita hurt you. I know it’s hard. But try to think about those innocent lives.”
The room fell silent. Every woman stared at me—some with sympathy, others with expectation, a few with doubt in their eyes. Then, a voice rose from the back.
“With due respect, Lady Fiona,” an elder she-wolf said, standing, “what you’re saying is… rubbish.”
The room stilled again. I blinked, surprised. The she-wolf stepped forward, her eyes sharp, her voice filled with anger. “You’re asking the Luna to convince her mates to mark another woman? A woman who caused her pain? A woman who slept with her mates?” She shook her head. “How would you feel if the roles were reversed, Lady Fiona? If you stood where Olivia stands now, and your mate was the one being asked to mark someone else?”
The murmurs resumed, louder this time. Then another she-wolf, younger, her face etched with concern, stood. “I understand how Luna Olivia feels,” she said carefully. “Truly, I do. But those babies are innocent. They didn’t ask for this. If the Luna can stop something terrible from happening, shouldn’t she try? Just this once?”
Another voice joined, then another. Soon, the room was a cacophony of rising voices, some defending me, others supporting Lady Fiona. It was chaos.
“She’s not responsible for Anita’s pups!” a voice shouted. “But the Alphas won’t listen to anyone but her!” “If the Alphas mark Anita, the mate bond with her will be broken!” a young warrior yelled. “What if the pups die because of this?” another countered.
I clenched the throne arms, trying to shut out the storm. The noise intensified, she-wolves standing, pointing, shouting, some on the verge of fighting. It was utter chaos.
“Enough!”
My voice, sharp and loud, echoed through the hall. Silence fell instantly.