Chapter 11: Meeting with the Pack (1)

Crassus sat at the long dining table, absently cutting into his steak. The silence in the room was familiar, comforting even, as he ate alone.

He had already braced himself for the possibility—no, the likelihood—of rejection. Then, soft footsteps from the staircase caught his attention. He looked up just as Estella descended, her movements as graceful as ever. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, something unspoken passed between them.

"Good evening," she greeted, her voice even, betraying nothing.

"Evening," he replied, nodding once before returning to his meal. She took her seat across from him, and they ate in silence, the only sounds coming from the soft clinking of silverware against plates.

Crassus kept his gaze lowered, focusing on his food, though his senses were hyper-aware of her presence. He didn't push for conversation; he wouldn't dare. He had promised her time—three days to make her decision. He would not rush her.

But then, just as he was setting down his fork, Estella spoke.

"I've decided."

Crassus looked up sharply, meeting her steady gaze. His heart thudded against his ribs, though outwardly, he remained composed.

"I'll be your Luna." For a second, he simply stared at her, his mind working to catch up with what he had just heard.

He had spent the entire day convincing himself that he would be rejected and had prepared himself for the inevitable ache that would follow. And now—this?

"You're sure?" His voice was quieter than he intended, almost cautious. Estella nodded. "I thought about it, and I realized there was no reason to wait."

A pleasant warmth spread through him, unexpected but welcome. He had been ready to let her go, knowing he could not force this decision upon her. But she had chosen him—chosen this.

Crassus exhaled, a slow, measured breath. Then, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Alright." He leaned back slightly in his chair, studying her. "Then we have a lot to prepare for."

"Tomorrow," he began, his voice calm but firm, "I'll be introducing you to the pack."

Estella's fingers tensed. She had expected this, but hearing it spoken aloud made it real.

"I want you to prepare yourself," he continued. "Not because you have anything to prove, but because I know how wolves can be. Some will be curious, some will be wary, and some will be outright difficult. But none of that matters."

She swallowed, searching his expression. "And why is that?"

His lips curved slightly, though his eyes remained serious. "Because I am the highest authority in the pack. What I say is law. If anyone dares to look down on you, they will be answering to me."

Estella exhaled slowly, but he wasn't finished.

"The only person whose opinion you should take notice of is my mother," he added. "And she won't make things difficult for you. She's a sensible woman. So, whatever anyone else says, don't listen. Their words hold no weight."

"You don't have to be nervous," he told her. "Just stand beside me, and they'll understand exactly where you belong." She took a breath and nodded. "Alright."

Estella Pov

The cool breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the faint scent of pine from the distant forest bordering Crassus' villa. She stood by the railing, arms crossed, gazing into the darkness as Crassus' voice replayed in her mind.

"Don't take notice of anyone. Don't waste your mind on their words."

Crassus tone had been firm, almost dismissive of the doubt she carried. He didn't care what the pack thought of her. To him, she was his mate, and that alone was enough. But for her—it wasn't enough.

She wasn't doing this because she wanted their approval. She wasn't going to bow to anyone, nor would she soften herself to fit their expectations. But if the pack didn't accept her, if they didn't at least respect her as their Luna, she wouldn't have their cooperation. And she needed them.

Crassus had vowed to stand by her, but she knew the weight of her revenge was too great to bear alone. Without the pack's support, her path would be riddled with obstacles, and she refused to let anything hinder her.

Her fingers tightened against the railing as she exhaled.

Fine. She would make sure they received her as their Luna. Not by begging for their approval, but by proving her worth.

....................

The morning light filtered through the windows as Estella descended the stairs, her steps careful yet steady. Dressed in a simple but elegant outfit Crassus had provided, she found him waiting for her at the dining table. Breakfast was a quiet affair, but the weight of the day ahead hung between them. She had no idea what to expect from this meeting, but she knew it would be important.

Once they finished, Crassus gestured for her to follow him.

"The pack hall is where we hold meetings, banquets, and other gatherings," he reminded her as they stepped outside. The walk was short, but with every step closer to the hall, a tension began to build in her chest.

As they entered, Estella immediately felt the weight of countless eyes on her. The grand hall was filled with pack members, some standing, others seated, all turning their attention toward her and Crassus. The murmurs began almost instantly.

"Who is she?" someone whispered.

"The woman Alpha Crassus brought back?" another questioned.

Some already knew her identity, but their curiosity remained.

"Why is she here for a pack meeting?"

Estella kept her gaze forward, determined not to let the attention unnerve her. She followed Crassus toward the front of the hall, her every step shadowed by a mix of scrutiny and intrigue.