Braided Fate - A Werewolf Romance

Olive Branch

(Jaxon POV)

Marigold was breath-taking. I hated that I still wanted her. She was an Alpha. She had made her decision. She would never be mine. She was so smart though. Even at the beginning of the meeting, I had seen her quietly taking notes, listening to all the information we had to give her. Her insights, of course, were dead on. I remembered all of the things her mother had told me about her when we were to be married.

      Marigold was wicked smart. She was young but had graduated college in the human world, was a trained medic, learned in history, smart in business, and the late Luna had always bragged at how strategic her daughter was. She was sure Marigold would make a brilliant leader one day. She wasn’t wrong, we just had all assumed that Marigold would be a Luna: my Luna.

 Miranda and Carson were talking quietly behind me. I tried to ignore them and focus on what Marigold was saying. As time passed,  it became hard to hear what Marigold was saying over Miranda arguing with Carson that none of her packmates would be stupid enough to stay. They were arguing as quietly as they could, but it was extremely hard to focus. I muted my mic and let out a low growl. Miranda and Carson froze. I could finally focus on the alpha that was currently speaking 

       “Not only do we need to prepare to take them as a hostile entity, but we need to be prepared that Alpha Simon has set up a plan to explain where Miranda and her brothers have disappeared to. The remaining pack might not trust them.” Alpha Zed continued. I saw some of the others agree. This was quickly becoming an even bigger task than we had originally determined. Before this could go too crazy, I decided I would assign jobs to keep everyone from fighting. I unmuted my mic.

      “Alpha Marigold will lead the strike team. I would recommend that you have two other Alphas back you up, Alpha; but you are one of the strongest strategists in Shifter Country. You are more than capable of making that team on your own. I will leave the decisions up to you. Alpha Richard, I’d like you to be responsible for coordinating prisoners. Please make sure that the four packs that had volunteered to take in people  before are made aware that we regarding this entire Pack as hostile and that they are prepared to hold that many prisoners.  As of right now, everyone on those lands, until proven differently, will be considered an enemy. Is that clear?” I ordered calmly. I waited for Marigold to nod her agreement. I knew she would know the significance of what I had offered her. Alpha Richard also nodded his agreement.

      Alpha, is that wise? We aren’t in any alliance proceedings with Lunar Pack. Our other allies- Carson tried to interrupt.

     They will be grateful that I brought on such a powerful and talented Alpha, Carson. I know what I’m doing. Marigold isn’t an i***t either. She knows what I’m offering. Besides, Lunar Pack is a good pack. My only issue was our lapsed marriage pact. This has nothing to do with that. I cut Carson off. Carson pressed his lips together, but didn’t protest. I hid my grin as I saw her firm nod, agreeing to my statement.

      “Good, let’s get down to the nitty gritty then.”