"She has already been claimed, Christopher Reynolds," Alex hissed. "SHE IS MINE! It looks like the Silver Moon Alpha is eager to have a mistress despite being a newly mated wolf," Alex snarled.
"It is well within my power to decide if I want a mistress, Alex; I can keep her as long as I please," Chris retorted.
Rosalie stared at them in disbelief.
The two alphas were on the verge of launching an attack on one another. It was only through the concerted efforts of their betas that the two alphas were stopped from ripping the heads off each other. Rosalie did not want a fight between the packs. One war was enough.
Grace Anderson Reynolds frowned, annoyed at having to share anything. She figured out why her mate had been so aloof from her at first. Why did he oppose Rosalie and Alex mating? He was in love with that lousy beta ! She gave Rosalie a nasty gaze. Rosalie's chest clenched as she understood that if Chris had his way, Grace would ruin her life.
"Indeed, she has already been claimed," councilman Ruben agreed.
Ruben addressed the crowd, oblivious to the squabbling between the Alphas. "Even though I despise people who break the rules, this circumstance is different, and it would be silly to drag this trial about this unsanctioned mating."
"True," Marcus nodded. "Now that we know the Silver Moon Alpha wants Rosalie Murdoch as his mistress, even though he is already mated with Grace Anderson, It would make the Anderson pack angry."
"Indeed, and they may strike back. We can all count ourselves fortunate that they have already returned to their land." Ruben jested.
"I do not agree with Marcus, Ruben," councilman Harrison interjected. "They broke the law. They should be punished."
Joseph snorted, "And how do we punish them? Is it another war that you wish upon, Harrison?"
Harrison exclaimed, "No," and continued, "I just dislike people who break the rules."
"So do I, dear brother, but look at the situation. Certain circumstances sometimes require special exceptions. We can't separate a mated pair. Unsanctioned mating is not a crime. This mating prevented war between the silver moon and the Anderson pack." Marcus pointed at the two glaring alphas. Alex smiled.
"Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to unexpected positive outcomes. In this case, it may have prevented a potentially disastrous war."
"It is decided then," Rueben boomed. "We acknowledge the mating between Alex Greyson and Rosalie Murdoch."
"This is an outrage!" Chris hissed, anger glinting in his eyes as he stood up, his body shaking with fury.
"You cannot be serious about this!"
The five ancient-looking and yet intimidating council members sat quietly in their places, high on a raised platform. The vast room looked like a justice court, except that there were several howling wolves growling at the back, protesting the council's decisions.
"SILENCE!" Marcus bellowed as he spoke from his perch atop the top table that housed the four councils. "You dare to question the decision of the council, child?" He had a menacing appearance, and the golden gleam in his eyes made everyone uneasy. It was said that the members of the council were extremely powerful wolves that had lived for a long time. It was sacrilegious to disagree with their decision.
Harrison addressed his audience with the words "Peace, my dear ones," adding, "War doesn't bring much good to us. Listen to your hearts."
Chris could do nothing about it. He growled as he turned. He stomped out of the council chamber in sheer anger. Grace looked at him, perplexed, then followed him.
The others nodded in acknowledgement. The wolves, who were protesting earlier, finally howled in willing acceptance. Once the Council decided upon a matter, they just followed it meekly, like good wolves.
"Scott Murdoch," Ruben smiled, "would you like to give your blessing to your daughter?"
Rosalie looked at her father grimly. Knowing how strict he was regarding decorum, he would say no. That brought tears into her eyes.
To her surprise, her father approached her. She was still sitting on her knees, too scared to look at his face.
"You could do worse than Alex," he started. "Thank heavens that you have enough sense to pick an eligible wolf."
"Dad?" She looked shocked.
He touched her head with his left hand and murmured, "I, Scott Murdoch, give my blessings to you, my dear daughter." He then looked at Alex, took his hand, and put it in her hand. "Will you, Alexander Greyson, cherish, love, and take diligent care of my dear daughter, Rosalie? Do you promise to love and protect her till eternity?"
"I do, father," Alex said sincerely.
"Then I give you my blessings," Scott said with a smile.
That was it. Their mating was finally acknowledged. Rosalie wouldn't have an elegant mating ceremony like Grace and Chris did since she was already mated and the idea of having sex in front of hundreds of watching eyes didn't appeal to her. It was a long tradition, and it wasn't a big deal among wolves. It might be a turn-on for many, but she was a weird little wolf to begin with.
Amelia hugged her daughter while she cried happy tears. "You've outdone yourself, honey," she murmured. "I couldn't have asked for a better mate for you."
'Great, she approves of Alex.' Rosalie thought lamely.
"I believe we are already behind schedule." Marcus boomed. "We should leave now." With that, the others piled out and continued with their preparations.
Melissa ran towards her friend and said, "You nearly gave me a heart attack, Rosalie!" She embraced her lovingly. "I'm going to be all alone now," she whimpered. "But I'm happy for you. You are a little sneaky, horny wolf," she snickered.
When Alex gently tugged at Rosalie's hand and sweetly said, "We should leave now, love,"
It took her an entire minute to understand what he had just said.
"Leave for where?" She blinked at him.
"Home," he answered, "to the Greyson Estate."
"My home is here," she blurted out, shaking her head in disbelief. She hadn't realised that mating with Alex meant she would leave behind her family, her friends, her home, everything.
He chuckled as her mum smoothed her hair. "Don't worry, honey, I'll help you pack your things."
"There's no need for that, mother," Alex whispered. "I'll have one of my pack members do it. She is their Luna now."
Amelia smiled broadly, while Rosalie sighed in disbelief.