Vanya's POV
I already figured it out. The worst that could happen is Cliff spilling that I went to Wolfe.
I don't care. If that's what it takes, I'll just cut ties with him early.
"I just don't get it. What's so great about a college girl? Vanya's prettier and better than her. Are you blind? How could you turn out like this?"
"Grandma, it's my fault. It's not Melinda's. Don't take it out on her."
"You!" Veronica shot up from the couch, her presence swelling like a storm.
The pressure she exuded was like a tidal wave, freezing the air around her.
As the former Luna of the Silver Moon Pack, even regular werewolves would tremble in her fury.
"I didn't want to meddle, but with your attitude... don't blame me for being ruthless!" She turned to Elliot and barked, her voice dripping with authority.
"Get on the phone with Wolfe right now and get that girl, Melinda, kicked out. If Cliff keeps seeing her, I'll use every connection I have, every ounce of the pack's power, to make sure she can't stay in L.A. She'll be an outcast in the entire werewolf world—no pack will take her in!"
I watched it all coldly, feeling nothing.
Veronica used to be able to swing things her way. She was the former Luna of the Silver Moon Pack.
But time moves on. She was not young anymore, and now, it was Cliff who calls the shots.
And Cliff was not the obedient kid he once was.
He was a strong Alpha now, with his own power and decisions to make.
Sure enough, Cliff slowly stood up. He was tall and imposing, his presence radiating the strength of an Alpha. His aura clashed with Veronica's, filling the air with tension.
Seeing Cliff stand up, Veronica's face was full of disbelief.
She couldn't believe her once-obedient grandson was defying her.
Cliff spoke coldly, his voice deep and firm, like a force that could pierce through anyone's heart. "Grandma, I've listened to you enough over the years. Melinda is someone I've nurtured and protected. She's like family to me. If you go after her, don't blame me for standing against you, even if it means putting our family bond aside. As an Alpha, I have my own people to protect, and I won't let anyone hurt her—not even you."
His eyes were resolute, a mix of conviction and protection for Melinda.
"You!" Veronica was trembling with rage, clutching her chest and gasping for breath. She was clearly shaken by Cliff's defiance.
In her world, her word was law, but now she was facing open rebellion.
"Elliot, take Veronica back to rest. She's not well. Maybe she shouldn't leave the house for a while," Cliff said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"...Yes, Alpha Cliff," Elliot replied quickly, knowing how tense things were.
Jenny jumped and hurried to support Veronica, afraid she might pass out from anger.
Veronica was escorted out of the Silver Moon Pack's Packhouse. I watched it all, surprised at how things had escalated.
Cliff had actually stood up to Veronica. She was furious now.
In the werewolf world, family and power often collide in messy ways. This time, Cliff had clearly chosen Melinda's side.
"Guess I'm done here. I'm outta here," I muttered, not wanting to stick around.
I was in a foul mood after what had just happened.
Just as I turned to leave and head back to deal with the mess at the Dalton family, Cliff spoke up. "Did the Dalton family call you?"
His voice echoed in the empty hall, tinged with curiosity.
"Your little college girl scandal is all over the place. It spreads faster than wildfire. Of course the Dalton family heard about it," I shot back, my tone dripping with sarcasm.
Cliff frowned, a flash of irritation in his eyes. "Vanya, do you have to be so mean?"
"So it bothers you that I'm being mean?" I gave a bitter laugh. "Did you ever think about how much worse it feels when people say things a hundred times worse than that? Where were you when I was getting pointed fingers and hurt by rumors at school?"
I was getting emotional. All the old hurts and pain flooded back in an instant.