Chapter 16
and today marks the beginning of an era where packs all over the werewolf lands will be united against our one common enemy, the Vampires”
Gosps and murmurs erupted around the field as Declan continued his speech and announcement.
Lauren just stood there, unmoving like the group of trainers besides her that already knew of the things that Jasper and Declan were announcing to everyone. They talked about all the stuff that these vile creatures had done in their lands and what Declan has been trying to do all these year.
Not 10 oppress, but to help and teach everyone how to defend themselves against the Vampires.
At one point, she was mentioned as a victim of such creatures. Lauren just stood still on her spot as a part of her, that she kept hidden all these years, was shared amongst the crowd. She couldn’t help but think about the worst night of her life. The tragedy that started it all. When her pack and her parents died,
“We have troops that will help you defeat them whenever they attack. And we all have supplies that could defend us from their unholy power. May everyone stay cautious and cooperative of this collaboration. Good night everyone.” Declan finished, and a small applause echoed around the pack as they now understood what this was all about.
But not everyone applauded, nor everyone chose to believe Declan’s reasons,
Jasper who was just beside him on the large rock went on to the middle and addressed his people,
“Please, if you have any questions, you can raise your hands and we will do our best to answer them—yes!”
A hand quickly shot up before Jasper could finish.
“How long is this collaboration going to happen!” A large tattooed man asked. He was one of their guards that already had a mate and two daughters. Lauren taught his eldest
“For as long as we need to. Until you learn how to defend yourselves, or the enemies are gone.” Declan answered.
Murmurs stirred amongst the crowd, which Lauren already anticipated.
Having another Alpha in one territory has always been an unbalance for werewolves. They are naturally possessive and territorial. So to have another authority figure in the same area where an Alpha already existed, could stir a territorial feeling for each wolf. It challenges them.
“Enemies will always be present in whichever form they take. You’re just planning to stay here.” The man countered.
But Decan, unfazed, just answered cooly. “No. But I will make sure everyone is equipped once Vampires attack. Then you will be on your WIL”
That seemed to have settled the man as he just kept his mouth shut. But Lauren could clearly see the distaste he still had on his face.
She really couldn’t blame him, or the others who had the same feeling. Declan had gotten a fairly infamous reputation that everyone seemed to have heard about. Except hers a couple of days ago.
“Are you not taking some of us to your pack as an exchange!” Another one suddenly asked, making everyone turn to him. He was a normal villager.
“I have heard that’s the bargain you always asked for in all the lands you’ve conquered,” he continued.
People from the Black Ridges reacted, offended by the choice of words the man used to their Alpha.
As usual, Lauren knew they had been loyal to Declan, to the entire Ivanovs even before Harry led them.
Jasper decided to speak up. “As Alpha Declan said, all he wanted is to protect everyone. He has the capacity to do so, so he has been reaching out”
Jasper glanced slightly at Declan, and Lauren could see reluctance in his eyes, before they shifted back to the crowd.
“It has been their bargain from before. But not to conquer, but to exchange troops and train the others while in their pack. But our case is different The Black Ridges soldiers came all the way from the North to help us.”
“Why Why treat us differently?
–
The queuton caused Lauren’s heart to quicken and freeze all at the same time. People manured in agreement, realizing they indeed were a
Lauren’s tensed body went even mu nervous when Declan’s i just in front of her, gazing proudly and in awe at ilirir father.
icy cold eyes lately went to her. Lauren’s attention went in her children, who were
She knew that their past would soon be revealed. It was another inevitability. But she just wasn’t sure she was ready for it.
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Chapter 16
knew about her relation to the man.
Lauren looked down and avoided Declan’s eyes, preparing herself to get all the reactions once they kne
Thave enough troops in my pack, and only the South are the only parks needed to be trained at this point”
Laten’s eyes went to Declan upon his unexpected words. He didn’t reveal his true intention.
His voter was commanding when he continued. “Like I said, Lam not here to conquer of fu get anything from you. My pack, the Black Ridges, and
ced the devastation that these Vampires could give to us. As an Alpha concerned about the extinction of our kind. I want
to raise awareness and help as much as I can to my community. These Vampines target Alphas and people of stronger wolves. As the leading forces of the South Tam here to help you both lead the bushaned protect yourselves as you become the next target. If you do not want to recieve this help.
is of yon choner. That for those anyone who is willing to trud m,
Declan paused, and it was then that Lauren realized how the entire pack had gone quiet, listening intently to his compelling voice.
“You are wise to get as much help as you can, humble enough to learn and know that we are almost defenseless against these creatures with our outdated knowledge. Your chaser will be rewarded with the safety you will be getting. Unlike the proud who is willing to risk his pack and his family’s safety and protection. It is in your handsTM
No one dared to speak after Declan finished. Lauren knew his words cut through some of their packmates, but they couldn’t deny his words. And they couldný), because everyone could feel how strong he was as he stood like a king in front of them all.
Just as she suspected, Declan has just been suppressing his entire presence as he travelled all around the lands. She couldn’t even imagine how fast le munt luve been, travelling Irum Nartly to South in a day’s journey. She wondered if the man ever slept or had a rest.
Declan took a step back from the large rock they used as a podium. Jasper looked at him while the latter nodded, signalling that he was done.
1 -Training will begin tomorrow. If you have more questions or concerns, our troop leaders will accommodate them. Good night”
Jasper dismissed everyone.
Sighs and murmurs were all around the place as the crowd started to scatter. Lauren could hear mixed reactions and opinions about the amuancement. But doubt and fear was generally what’s among those conversations.
“I just wish Lady Vivienne would be more present.”
“I know. I’ve heard she’s the only
ly one who could pacify Alpha Declan.”
Lauren looked at the two girls who were passing by her. Her co–trainers had started walking away, also talking amongst themselves.
“Yeah, maybe her presence here was making all these differencesTM
raget attention from other people again.
She followed where the two girls were looking at and saw Vivienne’s charming aura
Vivienne has always been popular. Unlike her and Declan, her father was not an Alpha, but her family has always been affiliated with powerful people.
She comes from a wealthy and respected clan. Her parents, specifically her father, was sort of an ambassador to different Alphas when he was still capable. With their influence, his father can become a bridge to different packs. What’s making them more powerful and influential is their Camction to the luumun world.
So Lauren could definitely see the appeal she had on people, even from before.
But she just couldn’t appreciate that appeal for herself.
Their interaction carlier was awkward and brief, She wasn’t even able to greet her back when Declan called all of them to start the announcement.
Their eyes met for a brief while, and she saw how Vivienne watched Declan as he held Dahlia and Damon in both of his hands possessively
Lauren didn’t know what’s happening between the two of them, but she saw a slight change in Vivienne’s daunting eyes. As if pissed and possessive over what she’s seeing.
When those green eyes went back to her, she was all smiles.
*Illǝre you around, Lauren Then the followed Declan
Lauren was relieved it went that way, Slar didn’t even know what to say or react.
She didn’t even know whether she had the right to be angry at the woman. Declan didn’t even treat her as a wife,
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