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CHAPTER NINETY–FOUR
LIANA’S POV
The council building wasn’t anything out of the ordinary or supernatural like I’d always imagined. It looked like a regular courthouse, the same kind you’d find in any human city, tall, wide, glass doors, security at the entrance, even a metal detector we had to walk through. But Killian’s hand never left mine, his grip was firm and possessive as we walked in together.
He held me like I was something priceless, like he’d fight anyone who even thought of coming too close.
But as soon as we stepped inside and entered the council room, which looked more like a high–end boardroom than any kind of ancient werewolf lair, I realized just how deeply the werewolf world had embedded itself into the human world. The room was wide, sleek, and modern, with long mahogany tables and high–backed chairs.
The people sitting inside didn’t look mythical either. Three individuals, one woman and two men. All of them dressed in formal suits, all looking like they were in their sixties or early seventies. The woman’s hair was neatly pulled back, the men were clean–shaven, and they carried the weight of power in their calm stares.
Killian led me forward. We didn’t even need to introduce ourselves. The moment they saw us, they all rose up from their seats in sync, their eyes widening when they looked at me. One of the men gasped softly, then exchanged a glance with the woman beside him. She nodded slowly, almost in awe.
“It’s truly her,” the woman whispered, smiling warmly. “Alpha Emilia’s daughter. The aura… it’s identical.”
“Welcome,” the first man said. “Welcome to the werewolf council, Miss Rivers. Or should we say… Luna Queen–to -be?”
I gave a soft, nervous smile. “Thank you for having me.”
They motioned for us to sit, and as soon as we did, their eyes were locked on me. Their tone was nothing but respectful.
“We’ve waited a long time for someone like you to return to the ranks. Alpha Emilia was a legend, and from what we’ve seen, you are every bit her daughter,” one of them said.
“And you will make a perfect Luna Queen,” the woman added. “To rule beside Killian. There’s no doubt in our minds.”
I blinked, surprised. “You… already see Killian as the Alpha King?”
The man across from me chuckled. “We questioned him when he divorced Cynthia, we truly did. None of us understood what was so important that he’d throw away such a clean social and political match. But now? Now we see. You are the reason. And it makes perfect sense.”
Killian reached under the table and squeezed my hand. I could tell he was proud. Quietly proud.
“Killian has done more than enough to earn his place,” the woman said. “Having a mate like you, and an heir already, it shows strength, legacy, stability. Unlike the other candidates who are still fumbling around, unsure. He’s top in the ranks, and it’s not even close.”
“Still,” one of the older men warned, “you both must be careful. The closer we get to the election, the more dangerous it becomes. Enemies are everywhere. And not all of them will fight fairly.”
Killian gave a single nod. “I know. I’ve prepared for that.”
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“Good,” the man said. “So tell us, what’s your plan for the election? How do you intend to make your final speech?”
Killian leaned forward, calm and confident. “I’ll speak the truth. I’ll show them what I’ve built, what I’ve done, and what I plan to do. I won’t beg for the crown. If they want a real leader, they’ll know it when they see it.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then all three of them smiled.
“We’re rooting for you, Killian. Both of you,” the woman said. “The final vote is four days from now. That’s when the real game begins.”
We stood. The woman shook my hand first, followed by the men. It was formal, but warm. Genuine. We left the room hand in hand.
But as we reached the steps outside the courthouse, just when I was thinking how perfectly everything had gone, two unfamiliar men stepped out from the shadows of a black car parked a few feet away.
They smiled.
But it wasn’t the kind of smile that made you feel safe.
“Well, well, well,” the taller one said. “Is this the legendary daughter of Alpha Emilia we’ve been hearing about?”
Killian’s grip on my hand tightened immediately.
The man extended his hand. “Alpha Dorian of the Blackmoon pack. North territory.”
“And I’m Alpha Cassian of the Silvermoon pack,” the other said, taking his sunglasses off. “East territory. Pleasure to meet you, Luna.”
I didn’t take his hand. I stared at them both. “Pleasure’s all yours.”
Alpha Dorian let out a laugh. “Fiery. No wonder Killian tossed his socialite wife for you.”
Alpha Cassian raised an eyebrow. “Though just because you’re Alpha Emilia’s daughter doesn’t mean it’s not incest, now does it? Step–siblings still count.”
I didn’t flinch. “Is that jealousy I hear? Or just a weak attempt at intimidation? Maybe if your own Lunas could actually birth a worthy heir, you’d be topping the ranks too.”
Cassian’s jaw ticked. “Careful, little girl.”
“Or what?” I shot back. “You’ll whine louder?”
Their expressions darkened.
“Careful, little girl,” Cassian said with narrowed eyes. “Being Alpha Emilia’s daughter won’t always protect you.”
A cold shiver ran down my spine, but I didn’t show it.
Killian chuckled, stepping closer to them.
“Still holding a grudge, Cassian?” Killian said with a cold smile. “Still upset over what happened with Alpha Darion from your side?”
Cassian’s jaw clenched. “You beat the hell out of an alpha from my territory like he was trash because of her, huh?”
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“And I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if he ever steps out of line.”
Dorian took a step forward, his voice low but sharp. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Killian. Just because you lead the Darkmoon Pack in the West Territory doesn’t mean you’ve already won. No alpha from the West has ever been crowned Alpha King.” He paused, his glare steady. “Ever.”
“And it’s not going to start with you,” Cassian added darkly. “Even if the vote swings your way… there are other ways to stop a king before the crown ever touches his head.”
They exchanged smirks and turned, walking off slowly, the last rays of sunlight glinting off their tailored suits.
Killian and I said nothing.
We just stood there, watching them disappear.
But we both knew one thing.
This wasn’t over.
The real war was only just beginning.
