Veronica's eyes widened as she saw how massive the big dome was. She was a city girl, born and raised in Valle Verde with her family, but she had never been to this big dome. Not only was it a bit far from their house, but she never had any reason to go there.
It was her first time seeing it in person, and she was almost left gaping at its size. She felt like it could hold five thousand people inside. “Don’t tell me you rented that big dome just for your announcement?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as Nick searched for a parking spot.
“I didn’t rent the big dome. One of my business partners owns it, and he willingly offered it to me for free. I didn’t pay anything, besides, we won’t even stay there for twenty-four hours. Don’t worry, I’ll return the favor to him,” Javier said with a wink.
Once Nick found a spot, Javier assisted her out of the car again. The parking space was hot, but she still felt cold with nervousness. This wasn’t just a plan anymore—it was the actual day she would meet the entire Black Moon Pack. She felt like a celebrity because an extravagant meeting was about to happen.
They entered through the backstage, where everything was already prepared, and they were the only ones left to arrive. She heard a loud drumbeat, signaling the arrival of the Alpha King. The crowd erupted into cheers, as if they were at a concert for a famous band.
“My God, I can’t believe it. It seems like you have a lot of members in your pack. It feels like a concert! Do you even know each other with so many of you? And I’m really surprised that everyone actually came to this meeting. What if they were busy or had something important to do today?” she asked, amazed.
Jordan answered her. “Most packs are like this—united. The Alpha King’s and Luna’s words are law, so no matter how important something may be, they will follow. But not all packs are this united. Besides, Alpha Javier informed everyone in advance. This gave them enough time to plan and prepare for this meeting. Plus, Alpha Javier rarely calls for meetings, so everyone knows that if he does, it’s extremely important, and no one would dare miss it.”
She was impressed. Humans were always late to meetings, and not everyone even showed up. There were always excuses and alibis. She admired the authority of an Alpha King and how much trust his members had in him.
Javier looked at her. “Are you ready? Once we step through that curtain, we’ll be facing the Black Moon Pack.”
This was probably the most nerve-wracking moment of her entire life. Nothing could top this. But she had confidence in herself now, and she knew Javier would be with her every step of the way.
She nodded bravely. “I’m ready. Completely ready.”
He seemed pleased with her response, smiling sweetly at her and giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll go out on stage first. Wait for my cue.”
She nodded without thinking. Javier signaled Jordan to follow him. Nick stayed by her side.
He was saying something to her, but she could barely hear it over the pounding of her heart. Her nerves made everything else feel muffled.
She stood at the edge of the stage, out of sight from the audience, but she could see the entire stage clearly. Javier walked confidently to the center of the stage, showing no signs of nervousness. Jordan was right behind him.
Everyone cheered wildly upon seeing their Alpha. If she didn't know him, Veronica might have thought Javier was a famous celebrity or performer, given how enthusiastically the crowd cheered for him.
"Alpha Javier!"
"We're so happy to see you again, Alpha!"
"What do you think Alpha Javier is going to say?"
These were just some of the things she overheard from the audience. Javier remained poised as every eye was fixed on him.
"Good day, Black Moon Pack. First of all, I want to thank all of you for attending this meeting. I know each of us is busy with our personal lives. However, you still found a way to be here today. I am sincerely grateful," Javier began as he spoke into the mic.
The pack members cheered, as if to say they would do anything for their Alpha King. "I feel so lucky to have a pack like you. I know I haven't been the perfect Alpha. I left you for a few years and went to a foreign land. I turned my back on my responsibilities to you and to our community. I ask for your forgiveness because I was weak and vulnerable. I went through a great challenge. But now I'm back, and I won't let that happen again. Thank you for your understanding," he continued.
The elders of the pack, seated in the front row of the dome, were all smiling and emotional at their Alpha's words. Veronica was amazed. She never expected werewolves to be this united. In fact, from any angle, they seemed just like humans. No one would ever guess they weren’t.
"We understand, Alpha Javier!"
"The important thing is you're back, Alpha!"
"Way to go, our Alpha King!"
Javier's heart was filled with joy. He felt ready for Veronica and his pack to receive the big revelation. He glanced at Jordan, then toward Veronica’s position at the side of the stage. It was a look that signaled the impending announcement.
"I know many of you are wondering why I called for this meeting. I have something important to share. Now, in front of everyone, alongside your Beta Jordan, I want to tell you all..." He paused, and Veronica could barely breathe in her corner.
The pack members seemed eager to hear what their Alpha would say. "Her return," he declared, looking directly at Veronica.
She swallowed hard several times. This is it! This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life. She took a deep breath and composed herself. She needed to be confident.
Slowly, she began to walk onto the stage. It felt as though everything had shifted into slow motion, the noise and background music fading away. The spotlight hit her and followed her every move. She knew she had nailed the training Lucy had given her.
She could hear the audience's sharp gasps as she stepped out. There was no noise, no one was speaking. It was as if everyone had frozen in their seats.
She walked elegantly toward Javier, every movement deliberate, ensuring she could imitate Luna Beatrice. And it seemed like she hadn’t failed, as the shock on everyone’s faces was undeniable.
Some even dropped their jaws, unable to believe what they were seeing. "My beloved Black Moon Pack, I want you to warmly welcome your Luna Beatrice," Javier's voice boomed authoritatively through the mic.
It felt like she was Miss Universe, as she slowly lifted her chin to take in the crowd. Amazing… there were so many members of the Black Moon Pack. And all of them were looking at her as if she were a goddess.
She smiled. Javier handed her the mic. There was nothing to fear. “Good day, my beloved people. I know many questions are running through your minds… but worry no more, I’m back. It feels good… to be back home.” She wasn’t even sure how those words left her mouth.
For a few minutes, the audience didn’t react. Her nerves began to creep in. But just as quickly, the crowd seemed to break out of their trance and stood up in unison, astonished to see their Luna in the flesh.
They cheered and shouted. “It’s really her! Our Luna!”
“We’re so happy you’re back, Luna!”
“Welcome back, Luna Beatrice!” the members cried out in unison, bowing to her.
Veronica saw stars. She smiled. She knew that victory was within her grasp. Because today, she was Luna Beatrice Romanov, and everyone who wronged her would pay!
It’s payback time now!