Silas’s P.O.V
“Yes?” I raised my eyebrows as I took off my filthy shirt, full of dust strains and sweat. The notion didn’t go unnoticed by her and I appreciated the way she admired me…but one night was enough for us. Since the consummation was out of the way, I no longer needed to grace her bed.
“I need to talk to you about my men.” She held her ground, folding her arms across her chest.
She had locked the door on her way in and I appreciated that too. No matter how we clashed against each other, the pack didn’t need to be made aware of our disagreements. The rooms were soundproof, so they wouldn’t know what we talked about in private.
“Our men, Anika.” I reminded her once again, which I seemed to be doing a lot these days. “What do you want to say?”
As Anika had been the pack's leader before I arrived, she was used to having full control over the pack's decisions and operations. It was challenging for her to step back and let me take the lead. She had built the pack from the ground up and poured her heart and soul into its growth. Now, she struggled with the idea of relinquishing control.
I understood all of that. However, her approach was confusing our people, as they too sometimes struggled with who to support due to conflicting loyalties.
In pack meetings, Anika would often voice her opinions and offer alternative suggestions to my plans. Her fierce demeanor and passionate arguments showcased her devotion to the pack's well-being.
At times, I felt challenged and conflicted by her resistance. She didn't have the right to question me. She was the Luna in the pack and therefore, we must be on the same side. But somehow, that idea eluded her.
“Our men, cannot handle the inhuman way you’ve been treating them in the name of training, Silas!” She snapped at me, her voice filled with authority. “They aren’t used to such rigorous training! Why must you push them to the point where they pass out during training?”
“Anika, I suggest you leave matters regarding the training of our wolves in my hands.” I told her strictly. “If you have nothing important to say, I would like to take a shower now.”
"Important? You don’t think this is important? I had been managing this pack for years, Silas. Years,"Anika spat out with venom. "I was here before you fucking showed up. I built this pack from the ground up, and not once had I ever mistreated any of my pack members!"
She was seething, and I honestly couldn't care less. But for the sake of keeping the peace, I had to listen to her.
"But you… You treat them like machines and bend them to your will without mercy!" she bellowed. "You don't treat them as fellow pack members; you see them as slaves!"
"I am the Alpha, Anika," I reminded her. "What I say goes. Of course I don't see them as my fellowpack members; they're below me in rank and they must be taught who’s in command."
This tipped Anika over the edge. "You're a fucking monster!"
Anika's words hung in the air, charged with defiance and unwavering determination. Her eyes, filled with a fiery resolve, pierced through my own as she stood her ground, refusing to be reduced to a traditional submissive role.
The strength that emanated from her, her unwavering spirit, both intrigues and challenges me. In other circumstances, I would have found her will to be admirable, but now it was just a nuisance to me.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts, considering her side carefully. While part of me resented her audacity, another part recognizes the immense potential she possesses as a warrior.
However, a pack isn’t a real pack if the Alpha pair is at each other’s throat, trying to establish dominance between themselves.
The clash of our wills fueled the air between us, crackling with unspoken tension and unyielding pride.
Very well. I guess it was time to bend my approach…even if it was just a little bit.
"Anika," I began, my voice low but firm, "I never questioned your capabilities or your dedication to this pack. I merely wish to assert my rightful place as Alpha. I understand the strength within you, and I respect it."
Her eyes flashed with frustration and defiance, her stance unwavering. "I am not seeking your respect, Silas," she retorted, her voice laced with an edge. "I am not here to fulfill traditional roles or to be confined to the kitchen."
She continued, "If you think you can have me as an easy housewife or a lapdog to obey your every beck and call, or be a birthing machine to give you a hundred heirs to choose from, then you are sorely mistaken. I am a warrior. I have the strength of a Beta, and I demand to be treated as such. If you go out to fight, I will not remain here with my tail between my legs. I will go out and fight as well. That's the kind of Luna I am. Now, if you have a problem with that, you have a problem with me."
Drawing in a steadying breath, I met her gaze head-on. "Very well, Anika," I said, my voice filled with a begrudging respect. "I will train the soldiers steadily and humanely, without forcing them to do my bidding. As you wish. You will have your place beside me, not as a submissive mate but as a formidable warrior."
I walked towards her, getting as close as I could so I could whisper right into her ear, "But make no mistake. You are only my Luna in name; I will never accept you as my true mate. So never even dream that I will let you have my pups."
With that said, I walked out of the room, leaving her dumbfounded.