CHAPTER THREE
1113 Words
WILLOW'S POV
The sound of footsteps behind me made me tense, thinking he had followed me. I relaxed slightly when I saw Lyra, my second-in-command, approaching. “Willow, I was looking for you.”
“Lyra,” I greeted, keeping my voice even. “What’s the matter?”
“You’re needed,” she said. “Alpha Tyler wants you in the meeting hall.”
I frowned. “Me? Why? What for?"
I'm not even supposed to be part of this meeting.
Lyra shrugged. “I’m not sure. He just said something about security issues and that he wanted you there as Delta. That’s all I know.”
I exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Alpha Tyler.....”
We walked in silence the rest of the way. When we arrived, Lyra excused herself and walked away. The meeting hall was already partially filled when I entered. Alpha Tyler sat at the head of the table, beta Chad beside him, and several elders were present, their expressions unreadable.
“Willow,” Alpha Tyler called. “Have a seat, the meeting is about to begin.”
My eyes caught my father's briefly before settling back on alpha Tyler.
“Alpha Tyler,” I said as I approached the table. “Why was I summoned?”
He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gestured toward an empty chair near the center of the table. “Just sit, Willow, the chair doesn't bite. You’ll have your answers as soon as the meeting starts.”
I had every intention of pushing for answers, but the door creaked and drew everyone’s attention.
Atlas entered, moving with that same calm confidence I remembered. His storm-gray eyes scanned the room briefly before locking on a the chair. He walked straight to it and took his seat as if he belonged, oblivious to the tension he caused just by being here.
I let out a quiet sigh, pushing my thoughts aside for now. Sliding into the seat assigned for me, I tried to focus. Delta of Shadow Moon first, emotions second.
The tension between them was like a live wire stretched across the table. Two Alphas, two powerful presences, discussing matters I knew would shape the nights to come. I kept quiet, observing, waiting.
Tyler spoke first. “Alpha Atlas, tell us
what brings you to Shadow Moon tonight.”
Atlas leaned back slightly, hands resting on the table. “Like I mentioned earlier upon my arrival, there’s a threat along our borders—a rogue faction has been getting too close to our territory for comfort, something I only heard about after my return. They strike fast, without warning. As part of reawakening the old alliance between our packs, I need trained, reliable Shadow Moon warriors to monitor the region, report back, and respond if necessary.”
I remained silent. My instinct wanted to retreat, but I stayed still, listening.
Atlas continued in his calm voice. “This isn’t just about scouts, Alpha Tyler. It’s about trust. For this alliance to work, we need to know we can rely on each other. Neither of our packs can face threats alone.”
Tyler nodded, keeping his gaze on Atlas. “Understood. I completely agree with you, alpha Atlas. How many warriors are you asking for?”
Atlas’s eyes flicked toward me. “I’ll need the best you can spare. Warriors capable of holding their own… thinking and acting independently if needed. I’ve heard of one in particular who doesn’t back down from anything.”
Recognition and irritation flared inside me. My hands clenched in my lap, but I kept my face neutral.
Whatever he's up to, I'm not in for it.
Elder Philip cleared his throat. “Delta Willow should lead them. She’s the pack’s finest warrior.”
All eyes turned toward me. Tyler’s gaze settled on me like weight pressing down. “You heard him, Delta. Your pack relies on you. I expect you to follow through.”
My jaw clenched. Is he serious?
“I can assign my best, but I will not go myself. Lyra can lead them,” I said, keeping my voice steady, hiding the rush of emotions that threatened to betray me just from their suggestion.
Tyler’s expression didn’t change. “You fear the pack won't be able to function properly without you? That’s why you have a second-in-command, Willow. Lyra will take over here while you’re gone. It's only for a period of time. Shadow Moon will survive.”
I leaned back, frustration rising. Alpha Tyler shouldn't be pushing things he knows nothing about.
“This isn’t about survival, alpha Tyler. The pack can’t be left without its Delta for too long—not with the borders as tense as they are. Have you even considered how many full moons will come before I can return?”
Tyler leaned forward, gaze sharp. “It will be fine. You’re not abandoning your duty, Delta Willow. You’re sending it in capable hands. That’s leadership—you lead, even when you’re not present. You should go.”
Atlas added, calmly. “Unless there are other issues beyond the obvious, I don’t see any reason why not.”
The words hit harder than I expected. I didn't respond.
Tyler’s gaze fixed on me again. “You heard him, Delta. I don’t see any reason why you should decline, not unless you're suddenly afraid to carry out your duty to this pack.”
I closed my eyes for a moment, weighing duty against every instinct screaming at me. He was wrong. It wasn't my duty that I feared, but something else entirely.
I could not refuse outright. It would undermine my position in ways that I didn’t need.
The meeting finally ended. Papers shuffled, chairs scraped, and low murmurs filled the room as elders began to file out. I stood slowly, keeping my expression neutral, and walked toward the door, eager to leave the intensity of the room behind.
Just as I stepped into the corridor, a familiar voice reached my ears.
“Willow.”
I stopped. My head turned and found Alpha Tyler walking toward me.
“I have a headache, alpha Tyler. I'm not up for anymore talk tonight,” I said honestly, starting to step past him.
“I think you are,” Tyler replied smoothly, falling into pace beside me. “We need to talk about this mission, Willow. About you going.”
I let out a frustrated breath. “We already talked. I’ve made it clear I can’t go, and yet you keep insisting. You've already given the order, and I'll carry it out. End of discussion.”
What else is there to talk about?
- Writer
