Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 16

Cara POV

“Welcome Alpha Cara,” Elder Brett acknowledged my presence as I stepped in.

The council room was spacious. My pack elders were stationed on my right while Draven’s pack were on my left. The lights were dimmed as the night began to come up on us.

It gave the room an orange glow, highlighting every face, expression and movement.

The low hum of murmured agreements and quiet footsteps echoed around the chamber.

“Alpha Cara” Draven spoke, glancing at me.

“Alpha Draven” I responded, my voice tight. My blood boiled harder at the sight of him but I maintained a calm expression.

“We will assume Henry has updated you on the matter of importance.” Elder Pasha spoke next and I responded with a curt nod. None of the Blood Veil pack Elders had spoken yet.

“Alpha Draven and Alpha Cara are already married. That has been established. But..” Elder Pasha paused. I turned to my side and glanced at Henry. He met my gaze with a small smile. I was grateful he was here.

“The marriage done was based on human laws. We are not humans. We don't practice their law or follow their doctrines.”

“Some of their practices are being followed, wearing clothing, establishing companies and corporate offices but marriage will not be one of them. I speak for all the elders here, human marriage is unrecognizable.” He sat back after speaking.

“Elder Pasha, may I remind you and everyone here that the marriage between I and Alpha Draven is purely business. Don't you think it would be disrespectful to our tradition if we marry for our selfish gains? We disrespect the symbol of marriage to us.” My voice was loud and sharp as I addressed the council. They wouldn't force this on me.

“Henry, you are one of the Elders and you have guided Cara since she stepped into the role of an Alpha. Did you miss this detail too?” One of the Elders from Draven's pack spoke up. Apart from staring at me, he hadn't said a word.

I turned to Henry but he only blinked his eyes softly, that calmed my raging nerves a little bit. I wondered if he would be swayed by their reasoning.

“Cara knows everything an Alpha should know. Her duties, our laws and what is expected of her. I take my stance by her side, it will be disrespectful to our traditions if the wedding is done. It's mostly done between two mates and this…is not the case.” I smiled inwardly hearing his answer. For a moment, I thought he would be against me. Why did I think like this?

“And what do you have to say, Alpha Draven?” Elder Brett passed the question. All eyes and ears were focused on him, he always carried such aura around him.

“I accept the marriage.” My eyes widened. He couldn't betray me like that. Why would he accept it after I had said no to him and this council.

“Ever since Cara signed those papers, she became Mrs Wilson. She is my wife and if I have to marry her again, I will.” Several heads nodded to his answer, some smiled but I couldn't help but glare at him, my fists digging into my palm.

He gave me a smirk and mouthed mine before averting his eyes.

Only the Moon goddess knew how badly I wanted to slap that smirk off his face.

I looked at Henry and I could see a smile on his face too. As if he could feel my eyes on him, he looked at me, and nodded his head in a slow unnoticeable motion which suggested I should remain calm.

I gave a small smile and looked at his lips but the smile was gone. Like it never existed.

“We want progress. The Scarlett Moon pack has resources and strategies and the Blood Veil pack is no less with connections in the human world and various wolf packs, stability will be achieved with ease and power in our hands.” Draven continued.

“Threats from neighboring packs and rogues will cease to exist. Together, we become a force to not be reckoned with.” I closed my eyes as he finished talking.

He had a valid point but I hated where this was going. My fists tightened at my sides, trying to keep up my calm expression and demeanor.

“That can be achieved without this marriage you propose.” My voice, sharp and cold. But he only smirked.

“You’re correct, Alpha Cara. But this isn’t about us. Our packs need to see a united front. Two Alphas as one. This marriage is… necessary.” My throat tightened, words failed me.

Words left my mouth as I gaped at him. I hated to admit it but his reasons were so valid.

I was so blinded by my own reasons, I couldn't see how beneficial it would be for my pack. I don't want any real ties with Draven but now it's not a matter of what I want.

My people need this. Thankfully, I would get time to prepare myself for this wedding. I need all the mental preparation I could get.

“I believe we have come to a conclusion. Both sides have been heard and it's time for votes.” Henry did the speaking as an Omega sets a curved small silver urn in the center of all present with a glass bowl of pebbles beside it.

“This is how we cast out votes. Eleven council members on Blood Veil packs including the Alpha and Eleven on Scarlett Moon pack, Including the Alpha should cast their votes.

“All in favor of marriage should place the stone in the urn…” His voice vibrated through the walls.

“Those not in favor, the stone remains untouched.”

I watched as each member cast their votes. All the Elders of the blood Veil pack put their stone into the urn.

Nine of my pack Elders left their balls untouched, including Elder Brett. My eyes widened. My chest warmed by their stand for me.

There was just one vote left to decide. I turned to Henry and I saw him pick up a pebble.

“It's the right thing, Cara” he said with a straight face as I watched him put the pebble in the urn. My body became stiff, I couldn't speak.

“It's decided.” Several nods and murmurs resounded in the council. My eyes remained glued on the urn.

“The marriage will hold. And it's happening in two hours.” Henry declared.

“What” I turned towards Henry, my face pale but he only gave me that small smile of his that never reached his eyes.