Tamed By The Lycan Prince

THE MEETING

CHAPTER TWO - 4

-WILHELMINA-

The next morning marked the start of my duties as the freshly appointed Delta. Despite the unsettling encounter with Boris, I was ecstatic to finally be fulfilling my lifelong dream. Before the sun even peeked over the horizon, Weldon and I departed from the house and headed towards the pack mansion.

The mansion was a sprawling edifice that had stood strong for centuries, the stoic backbone of our pack's heritage. It gleamed in the first light of morning, encased in dew-kissed ivy and nestled amidst lush greenery. The sight of it always filled me with a mixture of awe and reverence; a castle made of stone and timber, standing tall against the backdrop of dense woodland.

It felt surreal to walk down those long halls as an authority figure rather than a subordinate. Weldon by my side, I reveled in this new reality, drinking in every pristine corner of this age-old mansion.

Our first task of the day was to meet with the pack's elders and the previous leadership. As we entered the grand meeting room, four pairs of eyes lifted onto us. Across the room stood Boris, the current Alpha, with his father and predecessor, Leon Gravemaw. Beside them were Matus Greymane, the former Delta, and our own father, who had held the position of Beta.

The room was large and imposing, with a high arched ceiling that held chandeliers of wrought iron and crystal. A long rectangular table spread across the middle, made of dark walnut and filled with scrolls, quills, papers, and other essentials for a meeting. The walls were covered with tapestries showing the history of our pack while majestic windows were cloaked in heavy drapes of rich velvet.

Boris and I made eye contact for only a moment before I turned my attention away. His gaze was as icy and menacing as it had been the night before, sparking a sense of unease that momentarily made me lose my focus.

"Wilhelmina," Leon called, his baritone voice reverberating throughout the room. His stare was intense, but not unkind like his son's. As I walked over to him, he extended a hand out to me. "Congratulations on becoming the new Delta. You will do an amazing job during your term."

"Thank you, Mr. Leon," I replied, shaking his hand firmly. His grip was strong and commanding, yet there was a sense of warmth in his touch that eased some of my anxiety.

"I believe in your abilities, Wilhelmina," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "I've watched you grow into the strong, intelligent, and capable woman you are today. I've seen your dedication to the pack, your tireless efforts in serving our kind. I know you'll uphold our values and set a great example for the rest."

His words filled me with courage and determination. I was grateful for his support, especially amidst the eerie hostility that came from Boris.

"Thank you for your faith in me," I told Leon, feeling a rush of gratitude welling up in my chest.

"Please," he said, releasing my hand and gesturing towards the grand seating arrangement at the end of the table. "Take your place at the table, Wilhelmina."

I nodded, took a deep breath, and then proceeded to one of the ornately carved chairs at the end of the table. A trio of chairs sat at the head of the table, with the one in the middle standing out for its size and intricate design. That chair belonged to the Alpha.

To the left was the chair designed for the Beta, slightly smaller though still grand, bathed in the soft glow of the crystal chandelier overhead. To the right was the seat I was to occupy. The Delta's chair was not as elaborate as the other two, but it carried its own dignity and importance.

With the gravity of my new role sinking in, I glanced back at Weldon and gave him an encouraging smile. He returned it with a nod of approval and assurance.

As I settled into my chair, the smooth, polished wood cool beneath my palms, I couldn't help but feel an odd sensation. It was as if the ancient seat itself held memories of those who had sat here before me, whispering tales of their courage and resilience. The weight of their legacy was far from light, yet it bolstered my resolve.

In the Alpha's chair, Boris watched me, his eyes sharp like a predator eyeing its prey. I forced myself to meet his gaze unflinchingly, refusing to let him see any semblance of fear. He would undermine me on my first day.

Beside him, Weldon sat in the Beta's chair. He wore an expression of earnest stoicism which belied a faint hint of pride in his gaze. His eyes slid over to me, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in an encouraging smile.

The meeting room door swung open, and the Elders made their entrance. Elder Greymane's expression brightened when he saw Boris sitting on the Alpha's throne, but it quickly shifted to a frown when his gaze landed on me in the Delta's seat. His sagged brows furrowed tight as he frowned at me.

Elder Greymane was a man of great stature and an intimidating presence. His eyes held years of wisdom and experience, but also a stubborn expectation of tradition.

"Elder Greymane," I greeted him, acknowledging his presence and attempting to deflect any potential negativity with a respectful nod. His frown morphed into a thin line, a clear indication of his disapproval but not outright hostility.

"Wilhelmina," he responded, his voice gruff as he took his seat.

"Delta Wilhelmina," Weldon corrected him sternly, his gaze meeting the elder’s. Though the atmosphere had started to thicken with tension, Weldon's unwavering support brought me comfort.

"Delta Wilhelmina," Weldon corrected him sternly, his gaze meeting the elder’s. Though the atmosphere had started to thicken with tension, Weldon's unwavering support brought me comfort.

Greymane huffed in response but did not offer further argument. Instead, he turned his attention to Leon, Matus, and my father.

"Congratulations are in order, I believe," he said, his voice filling the room. It was a deep, guttural sound that echoed off the stone walls and high arched ceiling of the grand hall. The fire in the massive hearth crackled and danced, casting flickering shadows across his weathered face.

"To you, Boris," Greymane began, inclining his head towards the Alpha's chair. "You've grown from a fledgling pup into a strong Alpha, one ready to guide our pack with wisdom and courage. May your reign be long and prosperous."

The room echoed with approving murmurs as Boris straightened in his seat and offered a nod of gratitude. His stern features softened, if only for an instant, beneath the weight of Elder Greymane's words.

Then, Greymane turned to Weldon, the Beta, who sat rigidly in his chair, awaiting recognition. "Weldon," he declared, nodding towards him. "A Beta is not just a second in command, but a pillar supporting the Alpha and the entire pack. Your loyalty and strength are acknowledged."

The elder's voice rang true in the silent room as faces around the table nodded and murmurs of agreement followed. Weldon's stern expression morphed into a small smile and he nodded back, acknowledging the respect given.

"And lastly," Greymane continued, swiveling his gaze towards me. I inhaled deeply, readying myself for whatever words he had for me. The room fell silent as everyone's attention turned to me.

"Wilhelmina," he began, his voice heavy with years of authority that commanded respect. "You have been chosen as our Delta, a role equally as important as the Alpha and Beta in maintaining order and balance. It is undoubtedly a position fraught with challenges."

His words did not instill fear within me, but rather sparked an ember of determination. But then his gaze hardened, becoming more like flint than weathered stone. "However," he paused, as if weighing his words, "I have reservations about your capacity to fulfill this role."

Greymane's voice echoed through the grand hall and my heart clenched. I thought I had prepared myself for his disapproval, it was known that he held a traditional view of the pack hierarchy after all, but his outright denouncement startled me.

"Serving as Delta requires a unique mix of strength, wisdom, keen judgement...traits I'm not convinced you possess as a woman," he said, his voice ricocheting off the stone walls.

The room fell into a silence so thick, one could have sliced it with the sharpest blade. I stared at Greymane, my heart pounding in my chest as his words settled in. My cheeks burned under the scrutiny of the gaze he held me under. It was all I could do to not respond immediately, to not let my anger fuel my voice.

Instead, I forced myself to breathe, slow and steady. My father always said that a calm mind can weather any storm. Now was the time to employ such wisdom.

"Thank you, Elder Greymane," I began, my voice steady despite the thundering of my heart. "For your congratulations and for your concern as well."

I paused, looking around the room before allowing my gaze to come back to him. The fire in the hearth flickered in his eyes, its orange light reflecting off his grizzly beard.

Boris arose from his seat, his towering figure silhouetted by the roaring fire in the enormous hearth behind him. All eyes turned to him, his authority filling the room like an imminent thunderstorm.

"Wilhelmina," he began, directing his gaze onto me. His eyes were hard, yet there was a flicker of something else in them that I couldn't quite place. "Your appointment as Delta has not been made lightly. Every member of this pack has their role to play, and yours is no exception."

His words rang out across the room, echoing off the stone with a finality that seemed to settle any lingering doubts within the crowd. That is until he paused, his thick eyebrows furrowing as he seemed to ponder over his next words.

"However," he continued after a moment, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "I must echo Elder Greymane's sentiments. I, too, have reservations about your capacity to fulfill this role. The position of Delta is not simply a title, it's a responsibility. A duty. And one that requires a level of leadership, strength, and wisdom that I am yet to witness in you."

His words fell like stones, each one heavier than the last, and I felt as if I were being buried beneath their weight.

I was at the precipice, on the edge of an abyss where the whispers of failure echoed from below. Would I let these words tip me over? Would such doubts seal my fate?

"As Delta," Boris continued, his gaze never wavering from mine, "it is your duty to balance power within the pack. You are supposed to mediate disputes, offer counsel and support the Alpha and Beta in ensuring order. Do you believe you can shoulder such responsibilities, Wilhelmina?"

I met his gaze, "Of course I can."

Boris nodded slowly, his gaze still fixed onto mine. "Wilhelmina, you are impressively strong and intelligent. Your placement as Delta doesn't do justice to your abilities and potential. Your skills and abilities are far more suited for a position of greater authority and responsibility."

His words hung in the air, as if they had a physical form that permeated the room. A murmur ran through the crowd, eyes darted between Boris, Greymane, and myself.

"If you accept," Boris continued, his gaze never leaving mine, "I am giving you a position that only someone with your skills and qualifications can perform flawlessly."

"I am demoting you from Delta, Wilhelmina," Boris declared, his voice echoing through the vast hall. The room fell into a gasp-induced silence. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Was Boris demoting me purely based on gender stereotypes? Or was this what he had meant yesterday?

"Before you react, I want to clarify," he continued, his tone steady and composed. "I am not demoting you because I believe you are incapable or because I uphold Elder Greymane's outdated beliefs."

He paused, letting his words sink in before proceeding.

"I am doing this because I believe in your potential. Your strength and wisdom surpass those of a Delta. You are meant to be at the helm, leading us into the future. For this reason," Boris kneeled in front of me, and gently grasped my hand. "I want you to be my Luna."