A Mate For Christmas

Chapter 10

Raphael's pack stirred uneasily. Even some of his own wolves looked nervous. But Raphael just smiled wider.

"There is the fire I remember," he said. "But you have always been too emotional, Gideon. It makes you predictable. Weak."

"Then challenge me," Gideon said. "Right here, right now. Let us settle this once and for all."

"Tempting," Raphael said. "But no. I did not come here to fight. I came to meet your mate and deliver a message."

"What message?"

Raphael's expression turned serious. "The council is concerned. A human Luna has not been confirmed in over a century. Many believe the old ways are best, that human mates endanger the entire werewolf community. There will be a hearing in one month. You and your mate will be summoned to defend your bond before the Ancient Council."

Maxwell stepped forward. "The council has already ruled on this matter. They granted permission for the mate bond to proceed."

"They granted temporary permission," Raphael corrected. "Subject to review. And I have called for that review. Many council members agree with me that this bond threatens the stability of our kind."

"You have no right," Victoria said coldly.

"I have every right as an Alpha and council member," Raphael replied. "Unless, of course, Gideon wishes to reject the bond and choose a proper mate. That would end all concerns immediately."

"Never," Gideon said.

"Then you will attend the hearing," Raphael said. "And pray that your little human can convince the council she is worthy. Because if she fails, the council will force you to reject her. And we all know what happens to rejected mates." His eyes went to Evie, cruel and cold. "They rarely survive the heartbreak."

Evie felt ice run through her veins. The way Raphael said it, like he was already imagining her death.

"We will be at the hearing," Gideon said. "And Evie will prove herself to everyone. Including you."

"I do hope so," Raphael said. "For both your sakes." He gestured to his pack. "Shall we go inside? It is cold out here, and I am sure we all have much to discuss."

He walked toward the cathedral entrance without waiting for an answer. His pack followed him like a well trained army.

"This is a trap," Jayden muttered. "We should not go in there."

"We have no choice," Maxwell said quietly. "Refusing would be seen as cowardice. It would give Raphael exactly what he wants."

Gideon looked at Evie. "Are you alright?"

Evie realized she was shaking, but not from cold. From rage. "I hate him."

A ghost of a smile crossed Gideon's face. "Good. Hold onto that anger. It will keep you strong."

They followed Raphael inside. The cathedral was even more beautiful inside than outside. Tall stone columns reached up to a vaulted ceiling painted with faded frescoes. Candles burned everywhere, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Rows of wooden pews faced an altar at the front.

But what caught Evie's attention were the other wolves already inside. At least a hundred of them, maybe more. They stood in groups, watching as Gideon and Raphael's packs entered.

"Who are they?" Evie whispered.

"Other packs," Victoria whispered back. "Neutral parties here to witness this meeting. Raphael made sure word spread. He wants everyone to see Gideon's human mate."

They walked down the center aisle. Evie felt every eye on her, judging her, weighing her. She kept her head high and her hand steady on Gideon's arm, even though inside she wanted to run.

At the front of the cathedral, someone had set up chairs in a semicircle. Raphael took one of the center seats. Gideon led Evie to the seat directly across from him. The packs arranged themselves behind their Alphas.

An old man stepped forward. He had white hair and a long beard, and he wore robes that looked ancient. His eyes were milky white, but somehow Evie felt like he could see everything.

"I am Father Benedict," the old man said. His voice echoed through the cathedral. "I serve as mediator for pack disputes. Tonight, we gather to discuss the matter of Alpha Gideon's human mate and the concerns raised by Alpha Raphael."

"This is not a trial," Gideon said firmly.

"No," Father Benedict agreed. "But it is an inquiry. One that must be addressed before the formal council hearing." He turned to Evie. "Child, step forward."

Evie glanced at Gideon. He nodded once, though his jaw was tight.

She stood and walked to the center of the semicircle. Alone. Surrounded by werewolves on all sides.

"State your name," Father Benedict said.

"Evie Price."

"And you claim to be the fated mate of Alpha Gideon?"

"I do not claim it," Evie said. "Gideon says it is true. I am still learning what that means."

Murmurs ran through the crowd. Father Benedict tilted his head. "You doubt the bond?"

"I do not doubt what I feel," Evie said carefully. "But I have only known about werewolves for one day. I am still trying to understand everything."

"Honest," Father Benedict said. "That is good. Tell me, child, why should the council allow this bond? What can you offer the werewolf community?"

Evie opened her mouth, then closed it. What could she offer? She was not strong or fast. She could not shift or heal. She did not have centuries of knowledge or powerful connections.

"I do not know," she admitted quietly.

More murmurs. Raphael smiled.

"You do not know," Father Benedict repeated. "Then why are you here?"

Evie looked at Gideon. He was watching her with those golden eyes, and through the bond, she felt his emotions. His fear for her. His pride in her. His absolute certainty that she was meant to be his.

She turned back to Father Benedict. "I am here because I am tired of running away from things that scare me. I am here because Gideon believes in me, even when I do not believe in myself. And I am here because maybe, just maybe, I am stronger than everyone thinks I am."

"Pretty words," Raphael said. "But words mean nothing. Actions matter. And what actions have you taken, human? What have you done to prove you are worthy of standing beside an Alpha?"

Evie met his cold eyes. "I confronted the man who cheated on me instead of running away. I watched Gideon kill rogues and did not run away. I learned about werewolves and did not run away. I agreed to come here tonight, knowing I would be judged and insulted, and I did not run away. So maybe I am not a warrior or a Luna yet, but I am still here. Still standing. Still fighting."

Silence fell over the cathedral. Then, from somewhere in the crowd, someone started clapping. Slowly, others joined in. Not everyone, but enough that Evie's heart lifted.

Raphael was not clapping. His expression had gone cold and dangerous.

"Brave words from someone who has no idea what real danger looks like," he said. He stood and walked toward Evie. "Let me show you what you have gotten yourself into, little human."

"Raphael," Father Benedict warned. "This is neutral ground."

"I am not going to hurt her," Raphael said. "I am simply going to demonstrate reality."

He stopped in front of Evie, so close she could smell his cologne. Expensive and cloying.

"Look around you," Raphael said quietly. "Every wolf in this cathedral could kill you in seconds. Tear you apart before Gideon could even reach you. And that is just here, tonight, in a place of peace. Imagine what my pack could do if we truly wanted you dead."

Evie's hands were shaking, but she forced herself to meet his eyes. "Is that another threat?"

"It is a promise," Raphael said. "Unless Gideon rejects you, unless you leave this world and never come back, you will die. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But soon. Because you are a liability, and liabilities always get eliminated."

"Enough," Gideon roared. He was suddenly there, pulling Evie behind him. His eyes were fully gold now, glowing in the candlelight. "You have said your piece. Now leave before I forget we are on neutral ground."

Raphael smiled. "Touchy. Just like your brother was about his human. We all remember how that ended."

Gideon lunged. He moved so fast Evie barely saw it. One second he was standing beside her. The next he had Raphael by the throat, slamming him against a stone pillar.

"Say her name," Gideon snarled, his voice barely human. "Say my brother's name or his mate's name one more time. I dare you."

Raphael could not speak with Gideon's hand around his throat, but he was smiling. Like this was exactly what he wanted.

"Alpha Gideon," Father Benedict said sharply. "Release him. You violate the sanctity of neutral ground."

For a long moment, Gideon did not move. Evie could see the struggle in his body, the wolf fighting for control.

Then Victoria was there, her hand on Gideon's shoulder. "Son. Let him go. He is not worth it."

Slowly, Gideon released Raphael. The silver haired Alpha coughed and rubbed his throat, but he was still smiling.

"See?" Raphael said to the crowd. "He is already losing control because of the human. Imagine what will happen when real threats emerge. When enemies use her against him. He will become unstable, dangerous. Is that the kind of Alpha we want leading one of our most powerful packs?"

Some wolves nodded. Others looked uncertain.

Father Benedict raised his hands. "Enough. Both of you have made your positions clear. The council will make the final decision at the formal hearing in one month. Until then, both packs will refrain from violence against each other. Is that understood?"

"Understood," Gideon said through clenched teeth.

"Of course," Raphael said smoothly. He looked at Evie. "One month, little human. I suggest you use that time to learn how to survive. You will need it."

He walked away, his pack following. Other wolves began to leave as well, murmuring to each other.

Evie stood frozen, her heart pounding. She had just been threatened by one of the most powerful Alphas in Europe, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Gideon pulled her into his arms. "I am sorry. I should have protected you better."

"You did protect me," Evie said. "You always protect me."

"Not enough," Gideon said. His voice was rough with emotion. "Never enough."

"We should leave," Maxwell said quietly. "Before something else happens."

They walked out of the cathedral together. The snow had started falling again, thick and heavy. As they reached the cars, Evie looked back at the old building.

In one of the high windows, she saw a figure watching them. Even from this distance, she recognized those cold pale eyes.

Raphael raised his hand in a mocking wave.

Evie turned away and got into the car. As they drove away, she realized something.

Tonight had changed everything. Before, she had been scared and confused but safe. Now she had an enemy. A powerful, dangerous enemy who wanted her dead.

And she had one month to prove she was strong enough to survive.

"What are you thinking?" Gideon asked softly.

Evie looked at him. "I am thinking I need to train harder. Learn faster. Become stronger."

"You are already strong," Gideon said.

"Not strong enough," Evie said. "Not yet. But I will be."

Because she had to be. Her life, and maybe Gideon's life too, depended on it.