29 - Council of Wolves, Part 02

I gnawed at the corner of my fingernails as I paced back and forth, feeling my heart beating hard against my chest.

Of course, Jaden is still inside, which makes me even more apprehensive now.

As he's part of the council, I understand that he can stay, but I'm distressed over the fact that I have to stand outside with Joshua and his family, who stare at me with eyes full of rage as if they could devour me. I really was a problem for them and now, they weren't even trying to hide it. 

I mean, as well as being alive, I had discovered that I could be more trouble than expected.

When the door opens, the old men are the first to come to me. 

“Well,” the older-looking one says, clearing his throat. “Talking to Alpha King Jaden, we found out some... important information about you, Malia.” I stop, just to look at him. My eyes fall on Jaden and his upright kingly posture. He was so handsome and strong. 

I knew he'd make a fine father looking at him now. 

“W-what?” I stutter a little. 

“Can we go outside?” He asks, giving a calm smile. “I'd love to talk to your she-wolf.” 

“Right!” I sigh, clearing my throat. “We can!” 

They pass in front of me and Jaden walks up to me, holding my waist possessively. 

He ignores his family, taking me outside with all the care in the world. 

“Baby, what's up?” He asks, staring at me. “You're so quiet!” 

“Jaden, can't this... transformation... hurt the baby?” I whisper, shrugging my shoulders. He sighs heavily, taking hold of my face and lifting it so that I can look at him.

"This can't, love!"

“But it hurt so much and it's only the second transformation,” I stare at the floor. 

“Everything will get better, why don't you ask Fawn's opinion?” 

I nod, staying silent and close my eyes, as I feel Jaden's arms wrap around me. 

'Come on, Malia,' Fawn says. 'I really need to talk to all these guys.'

'What are we, Fawn?' I ask now, letting out a long sigh. 

'Special, darling,' she smiles. 'Your family didn't recognize that. Nobody recognized it, but the goddess is working to show that you're much better than them and everything they said.' She sits down opposite me  

I nod and open my eyes, only to find Jaden. 

“Before all that... can you tell me why you want to see my transformation?” 

“Not just yours, but your mate's,” the elder said.  “Not everything is known to your wolves.  Well,” he sits down on the grass. “Sit down, I have some things to tell you.”  

I do, just staring at him.  

“Well, there are... couples, people who are destined for eternity together.  As you or Jaden may already know, you were created by the goddess's own hands, as favorites.  She meticulously placed every quality and flaw in you, as well as your abilities and powers.  We just don't know what motivated Malia to be so much younger than you, Jaden,” he sighs.  “The whole point is that we've never come face to face with your wolves and that,” he opens the book on the grass, showing two wolves that look extremely similar to Mark and Fawn.  The drawing was well done and very beautiful.  “If this is real, if your wolves are these, you are more than special, you are rare... you are chosen by the goddess!”  

“What do you mean, chosen by the goddess?”  I frowned, dumbfounded.  

However, we are interrupted by the presence of Joshua and his angry red face. 

He approaches us at a trot.  “Is this how we treat criminals now?”  He jeers.  “Don't forget that she tried to kill me and you're flattering her and forgetting the essentials,” he snorts, stomping his feet. “My son could have been orphaned, and my pack without a decent alpha.”  I laugh humorlessly. 

Joshua would never be the best for this pack, even if he tried.  

“I think we'd better continue this... later,” I sigh, getting up. 

“Yes, you will be welcome on our lands,” Jaden says, smiling.  

“Alpha Joshua, your stance is quite irrational,” the elder says, rolling his eyes.  “How do you expect me to receive respect when you say horrible things about the bond of others?  You're very lucky that the King and Queen don't want to open a formal complaint against you or the former alphas,” he grunts, stopping in front of Joshua.  “Attempted murder, where we come from, is still a crime!”  The man holds the book even tighter against his chest and walks past him.  

Joshua glares at me with hatred and I feel a shiver run down my spine before he turns and walks away, stomping his feet.  

“King Alpha Jaden,” the king says with a huge scowl.  “Whether it's your position or not, know that I don't agree with anything that has happened in these lands and that I will do my utmost to make things right and retaliate against this pack for what has happened.”  

“I understand,” Jaden nods. “It's really hard to take care of everything.

This is a very strong and reliable pack. But it holds dark secrets that you'll discover over time.” 

The man nods at Joshua and me, turning to leave.

“Our marriage can't be this troubled,” I say, pulling Jaden towards me.

“Do you still intend to find your mother?” he asks, smoothing my back. 

“No, I just want to be with you,” I say. “I don't want to see anyone today, okay?” 

“All right,” he kisses my forehead. “But know that I'll support you if you decide to forgive them.”

“Thank you, Jaden, you're everything I've ever asked the goddess for.”

“I know!” He laughs softly, giving me a kiss on the neck. “Now come on!”