Chained Wings

It Has Been Decided

---POV Faron---

I’m pleasantly surprised. It seems like she has fought with these beings her whole life, but in reality, this is her first time meeting the Elder’s council. “Even I didn’t know about this rule, because I’m an Alpha by blood, not by my pedigree. I don’t want this to just be the way things are. There are many children who are not the eldest that should most definitely be in power and vice versa. If she grows up and she doesn’t want or deserve this power, we will deal with that when it comes, but that should be our decision. She might even be mated to an alpha and decide to stay in their pack, but I want there to at least be a choice. A choice that is not provided at this point.” She glared around the room like a momma wolf protecting her pup. She has made Lily one of her own.

“Power must be earned.” She growled as her eyes flashed icy blue and back to their chocolate state.

One of the council members stood to their feet and slammed their desk. It was a member of the Pixies. Interesting. “How dare you! Ayden, get your wife.” He hissed menacingly.

Ayden stood slowly and before the pixie could finish his satisfied grin, Ayden’s growl rumbled through the room. The pixie immediately cowered in fear. Those two are a force to be reckoned with. I wonder if Res and I can make it this far. I thought about it for a moment and grinned like a schoolboy. I’m sure we could.

“Be aware…all of you. This is the White Wolf of werewolf lore. This young woman is my wife. The Rogue Family has been elected officials of this assembly for over eight hundred years because we fought and earned our spot here. And now…you decide to disrespect my wife and my entire pack because you think she is ignorant and she is pushing on your ego?!” Ayden shouted.

Pissed off Alphas are not a good situation.

Terra turned and smiled warmly at her husband, rightfully defending her in this situation. I can’t wait to do the same with Res. Thankfully, no matter who or what you are, respect is gained by these chairs and the vampires’ backward way of thinking just ‘supposedly’ ended ourselves. Why can’t theirs? They wouldn’t even be talking about it unless they had already discussed its validity with their sister territory, the Eastern Territory.

There was a moment that they continued to stare at each other and I realized they were using their mind link. Ayden looked like he was ready to start a war. I was about to try and…minimize the casualties when Terra’s voice rang through the room. I glanced over to her, then back at Ayden, who was grinning with his arms folded over his chest. His demeanor now completely calm. “Honey…I can do this.” She said confidently.

“Alright, if no one objects.” He said, turning back to the wolves behind him. They nodded. “Please continue.” She took a deep breath and shifted her weight to one side. It took a while before I could hear the others breathe again. There are two families on this board that you do not want to disrespect. Mine…and theirs.

The Rogue Empire is not only strong in its own right, but they have also succeeded in the human world. They are the embodiment of the future supernatural beings strive for, whether the other elders want to admit it or not. “Now that we have gotten that debacle over with. I would like to promote my eldest daughter to be able to fight for her spot. Yes, it is her birthright to be the head of the Rogue Empire, but it should be earned, and it should not be taken away from her because of her genetic rank. As the White Wolf, I know what it is like for others to tell me what I am and how I can be an asset to others. I will not let my daughter serve the same fate because of our previous elders’ customs.” She said.

My father scoffed and shifted in his seat. “So…you are telling me a beta werewolf can beat someone of your stature or your husband’s? Being, of course, your children will be of your rank.” He asked.

She laughed and walked back to her seat. Then, she placed her long curls to one side and leaned back in her chair. “That is up to the child. The wolf spirit given to the child is still a rather large challenge to wrap one’s head around, especially if you are not a wolf yourself. I have fought alongside my betas, who can put up a great fight, even against an alpha. Training is important, as well as discipline, maturity and respect. All of which, do not include one’s wolf genetics. One cannot assume what the outcome is within a battle that hasn’t even been sought out yet.”

My father opened his mouth, but in truth, what was he going to say to that? I sighed heavily, wanting to get back to my girlfriend patiently waiting for me. This conversation is useless. “The wolves are allowed to do as they please as long as it doesn’t affect the larger supernatural population. The purpose of this council is to identify threats and challenges that affect two or more being types. If they are fine with having their beta child represent the Rogue Empire, then fine, but I, for one, will not be the judge and jury of that decision. I feel as though the rest of the council agrees.” I said.

“Here, here!” The larger group unanimously agreed with my statement and Terra was smiling brightly. I knew this made her and Ayden happy to make their own decisions. I hope when the ancients, like my father, are removed from the council, these matters will no longer be such a touchy subject.

“Alright then, I say meeting adjourned.” I said.

“Is that for you to decide, brother?” Alric said, plopping his a*s in the chair behind me. “You are not head of the council yet.” I cut daggers in that boy’s direction and smirked. I’m confused about how he got back over here. He is definitely not supposed to be here.

“We could also say my brother and I are a great example of exactly what earning your place really looks like.” I called out. Laughter ensued and he stood abruptly bolting for the corner I put him in earlier. My father shook his head with disapproval and the old Oakwood mallet made contact with the table in front of him.

“Congratulations Mr. and Ms.Rogue. I cannot help but to agree with your rather compelling argument. The meeting is adjourned, and the verdict has been made. The wolves are now allowed to earn their leadership.” My father sent a knowing grin their way and I realized he was doing this on purpose?! Seriously? I hate it when he does that.

I rose in my seat, blurred past my father’s nonsense, and right up to Ayden and Terra. They both were smiling and hugging each other. I don’t know what came over him, but it looks good. I leaned on their desk and cleared my throat. “With that kind of debate skills, you might end up taking the head chair from my father someday.” I said.

They both turned to me and Ayden walked over and reached out his hand. I clasped it in mine and we both leaned in, patting each other shoulders. “I don’t know if I can handle that level of responsibility at the moment. RI and a kindergartener is a lot of work at the moment.”

“Pish posh, you could easily juggle it all, especially with this beautiful young lady in toe.” Momma Rogue said happily.

“I don’t know about that mom. I just want to make sure I actually make a difference with what I was given, you know?” Terra answered.

The seamlessness of their relationship. Will I be allowed that type of serenity? I took a breath and grinned. “Well, it would be a nice change. Since my father took over from his, it has not been an easy sight to see. Stubborn is the half of it.” I said.

“Out of your family, I agree to that. Your aunt should have been elected instead. Again, that whole power being earned thing shouldn’t just be used for…desperate measures.” Ayden said, while nodding to my brother’s pouting attitude.

He smirked and tucked my hands into my pockets. “I know, I voted for her.” They were twins so they had to put it up to a vote. I’m surprised she lost, to be honest.

We laughed and talked shop for just a bit before the Fae councilwoman walked up…annoyingly. I can understand why Res doesn’t speak well of her. “Hello Faron and Ayden. Pleasure to see you both, and Ms.Terra…. Just amazing. I do applaud a woman who owns her power.” Adeline said in her nasally tone. Ugh, just like her mother.

Terra looked over at her confused and I’m sure she hasn’t met anyone outside the small group invited to their wedding. Personally, I’m glad they kept it quaint. It was, what I thought, refreshing. “Terra, this is Adeline, the Queen in Waiting of the Fae. The First Princess.” Ayden said cordially.

Terra slowly nodded her head, now aware of the woman speaking to her, and reached out a hand. For a White Wolf, she really was very relaxed. Maybe all beings of power should know what struggle looks like. Maybe that would make us more genuine. Genuine and humble. “Nice to meet you as well. Sorry I wasn’t aware of who you were at first.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I thought it was amazing how you held your own though. Complete props! I thought everyone was going to think you were a trophy wife. Ayden never brought his last wife here.” Silence. I think that would be the word for it. His previous wife passed away from a terminal illness and he and his current wife had just got married a week ago. Sometimes…she is just…wow.

I cannot believe this is why she came over here. You could tell with the smirk on her face that she was out to be disrespectful. The Fae chooses their life partners, but Vampires and Wolves do not. I know they struggled with their pasts and for her to just throw that in their faces…I’m surprised they didn’t jump her. “And on that note.” I said, bringing the shocked faces towards me and the pouting face of a princess. I could see the gratitude in Ayden’s eyes. “I do have to rush off to a previous engagement. I appreciate the chat and catching up. I hope you both are going back to your honeymoon?”

Terra glanced back, dumbfounded, at Adeline’s remark. That fairy came in with professionalism and left with nothing but a foot in her mouth. “Right.” Terra said and immediately put on her poker face. “I think it’s time for us to head back to the beach. Nice…nice to meet you though.” She didn’t give her much time to respond. We all left Adeline where she stood, confused and taken aback that she couldn’t get under Terra’s skin.

To be honest, I was expecting her to retaliate like any other high-ranking female I’ve been around. Even the males for that matter, but both of them were calm and neither of them flinched at her actions. “Sorry my dear, I know this is – ” Momma Rogue started.

“No, it’s fine. I know what I signed up for.” Terra cut in.

She held herself tall and Ayden rested his hand on the small of her back. There was no mistaking it, he will be there for her. No matter what.

Once we made it to the main entrance of the school, I waved goodbye to the three of them and headed back to my room finally, for some time with my girl. Maybe moving a bit too swiftly, I made it to my Elder wood-designed door before I could blink. “Well, I’m glad to see you haven’t ran off since you had to wait so long.” I said, walking into my suite and closing the door.

Another perk of being president. My own three-bedroom suite. My main bedroom, the office, and my guest room for family. I grinned at the sight of my little girlfriend on the living room couch, nestled into the cushions with a book in her hands.