Hybrid Warrior Luna

The First Meeting

Alina checked her face and hair in the mirror, psyching herself up for the big meeting. She was taking over for her parents and not everyone in the Kingdom, or out of it, was happy about it. She had so much to live up to, so many people, groups, and leaders to manage and coordinate, and her anxiety was attempting to choke her in spite of the literal lifetime she'd spent in preparation for this moment.

Her father, Liam, was the Lycan King. Her mother, Katerina, was born a powerful witch. When Katerina was young, an angry vampire tried to get revenge on her mother by turning her. They had feared her death; certainly such a young child couldn't survive the transition, or control the blood lust if she did, but Kat amazed them all and not only survived but thrived and grew stronger. When they got married, there was concern they'd never have an heir. Who had ever heard of a vampire having a Lycan baby?! They shocked everyone with their pregnancy announcement and Alina's existence has fascinated their world ever since.

There was speculation, fear, and admiration about who Alina would be. Certainly she couldn't be a Lycan, a witch, AND a vampire! Everyone wanted to know which powers she would end up with. However, the more Alina grew into her own person, with her own views and voice, with control of her strength and power, the more people expressed concern that she was dangerous - too much power in one being, how would there ever be balance? Alina tried to assuage their fears for years, and for the most part it was only small fringe groups who held these beliefs, but she wished she could settle the matter fully.

Checking her long crimson hair and her makeup once more, she sighed and decided she had procrastinated long enough. She picked up her purse and headed to the car. Everyone was busy preparing for the festivities later, so she made it through the house without encountering anyone. She put her purse on the front seat as she slid in and closed the door.

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A large domed building in the center of the kingdom serves as the meeting hall. It is neutral ground to all. Packs, clans, covens, all use it for a variety of meetings rather than meeting on one another's land. Sometimes for neutrality and sometimes it was simply a shorter distance. Alina had been coming here her entire life, but today it seemed foreign, intimidating, and enormous. She sat in the car staring at it for what felt like an eternity.

"Okay Alina, deep breaths, you've got this. You know these people, and you're ready." With a deep sigh she turned off the car and got out, tucking her key fob into her bra, as this outfit had no pockets. Phone in hand, she walked into the building and began setting up. She went to the front of the largest hall, and scanned the room to ensure everything was in place before the others arrived. Ryan, her Beta, walked in with coffee and chocolate.

"I thought you could use some edible happy before the meeting," he laughed, handing her the chocolate and drinking his coffee.

"Oh you're the best!" Alina sighed, putting a piece of chocolate in her mouth with a smile.

"You know you've got this, right? This is going to be great. They all know you and most of them love you. Your parents having you involved for so long was a smart move."

"I know but some of the biggest packs are led by Alpha's who doubt my abilities because I have t*ts," Alina rolled her eyes, taking another piece of chocolate.

"Yeah, well, some people are a bit behind on the evolutionary scale. That can't stop you though. You've got a great plan for the kingdom, and you are uniquely built to bring all the supers together. Hell, you even went to human school so you'd have an in with them as well!"

Alina sighed and listened to Ryan, knowing he was correct, and fixing her face and mind set for the meeting. This was important, and she could do this. Brynlee arrived right on que and her warmth eased Alina's anxieties immensely.

"Thank Goddess you're here!" Alina sighed and hugged the petite witch. Bryn was her favorite cousin, and a perfect Priestess to their Coven.

"Of course I'm here! Can't feed my favorite cousin to the wolves after all," Bryn smirks and sips her coffee, then smiles at Ryan, who returns the grin half heartedly.

Twenty minutes later, Ryan and Alina had the room prepared for the meeting. The snacks were spread around the room for minimal disruption, along with drinks, paper, notebooks, and they even made sure each seat had chargers. Alina connected her laptop to the board at the front, ensured the display was clear and that everything functioned, then went to the bathroom to do a final check that she was presentable and ready.

As everyone arrived, Alina stood at the front of the room with Ryan by her side, and Bryn seated next to Liam and Katerina, who had entered and sat in the front row off to the side, smiling supportively. The room filled quickly and Alina calmed as she saw that every group had shown up. She gave them a few moments to settle in, then cleared her throat and got everyone's attention.

"As you all know, my name is Alina Odinson, and I will be taking over the Kingdom as my parents retire. Most of you have met me, and worked with me before, but as we have some current tensions, I believe this meeting would help alleviate some issues, as well as serve as my formal introduction. We will focus on the planned agenda first, and then, if time permits, I will happily address any new topics," she smiled around the room, took a deep breath, and began her presentation.

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Ryan whistled loudly as Alina roared "ENOUGH" and shot a bang of sparks into the air to get everyone's attention. "Sit down and breathe. Not another word." Alina paced for a moment, calming her own thoughts before addressing the room. "I know we need more space. Our kingdom has grown exponentially, as have those around us. We have taken in packs begun by Rogues, new covens, and several have split as differences couldn't be lived with. I will be working on this, and we will meet to figure out a restructuring of the lands at a later date - I'm still speaking, which means you are not, thank you - now, in this meeting I am going to give you some things to think about before the next one. For example, if there are multiple packs or covens that share the same goals and values and could reach an agreement to merge, that would be wonderful. STILL SPEAKING" she raised her voice slightly over the mild uproar her words sparked and continued on, "However, I understand the current leaders may be against that. Many of you, though, have new leaders learning, or near ready to take over. Most of whom, it is my understanding, do not yet have mates. So, in 3 weeks we will be having a ball. All groups are expected to attend, with all leadership, and all heirs. Let's see if we can bridge connections through the next generation, shall we?" Alina paused to listen to the thoughtful murmur and watch the faces looking back at her. Some smiled, some were neutral, and others seemed annoyed that they liked the idea, but none seemed against it. "Wonderful! I will ensure you all receive the information by the end of the day tomorrow, and I look forward to seeing everyone again! If you have individual needs to address, please contact Ryan, who will help you set that up. Until then, let's dismiss for the day so everyone can calm down and regroup in two weeks with cooperation in mind! Thank you everyone!"

Alina stood at the front of the room so she'd be accessible to all as they gathered their things to leave. A few milled about, conversing about one thing or another, but many left immediately, having spent hours together this morning and wanting to get out of the room. A few people came to speak to Alina or Ryan, mostly greetings, congratulations, or pleasantries as they already knew her. However, Alina could feel the anger emanating off of Alpha Stone as he approached her.

"Hello Alpha Stone, so glad you could make it!" Alina smiled, nodded in respect, and offered her hand, which he ignored.

"So, Alina, you think you're going to take over and change everything? I suppose you expect lands from my pack to suit your new ideas?" The Alpha practically spat the words.

Alina continued to smile as she stepped closer and lowered her voice, her tone calm and serious, "First of all, disrespect will not be tolerated. You will address me correctly, Marcus, and there will be no further leniency for your tone. Secondly, as I stated in the meeting, the lands will be discussed further in a few weeks, however, yes, it is likely your lands will change, seeing as you have one of the smallest packs currently and far more land than you need."

"I do not take orders from children," Marcus spat back and then looked pained as his knees bent.

"I said, disrespect will NOT be tolerated Marcus." Alina looked down at him as her voice reverberated with power. "You will give the respect due. Now, have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, your Highness," he responded through gritted teeth.

"Wonderful!" Alina cheerily replied, allowing him to stand. "We will see you at the ball in a few weeks then!"

Marcus left immediately while grumbling under his breath. Alina noticed others watching her. Many had the same looks they gave when her father needed to do such things, a look that says "he deserved that", or "good for her". Others looked enraged. Alina smiled at them all, wished everyone a good day, and summoned the Omegas to clean up.

"Ryan, Bryn, are you ready to go?"