Chapter 7

• TRISTAN’S POV:
• As I stepped into the room, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. I could sense the covert conversations and plotting, but I chose to keep it to myself. I returned to my seat, my hands clasped, offering an apology for the interruption. Judgemental glares met my words, their grievances unsaid but palpable. In any case, I wasn't in the mood to get angry today.
• Out of nowhere, Lucas, seated across from me, grunted disapproval. "Leaving a meeting without a proper reason isn't fitting, Alpha King," he admonished. I met his challenging gaze, but I had no intention of engaging in a power struggle. Instead, I apologized, maintaining eye contact. It was clear he was disgruntled, not expecting me to yield, yet he chose silence.
• "Shall we continue?" I inquired, directing my attention to Alpha Odette, the acting female alpha of the Peak Ocean Pack. "Alpha Odette, please proceed with your pack's report."
• "Yes, Alpha King," she responded swiftly, opening her file, and the meeting resumed. My thoughts, however, kept drifting to her, knowing she would try to avoid me.
• NADIA’S POV:
• Restless, I paced my room, seething over the events in the meeting room. How had that conniving woman managed to capture the Alpha King's attention? Their prior acquaintance was evident, and it was suspicious that he would leave the meeting for her. What had she done to draw his focus?
• My anger grew with each thought. I'd always despised her, and now I understood why. Why had the moon goddess played such trick by making Lucas's fated mate someone like her? Fortunately, I'd convinced him to dismiss that absurd notion. I was and always would be Luna; how dare she entertain thoughts about the alpha.
• And now, she had the audacity to reach out to the Alpha King. I loathed that he couldn't see through her facade, so I resolved to open his eyes.
• As I reached this decision, the door swung open, revealing Camille, one of the pack elder's daughters and a friendly acquaintance of sorts. She saw herself as my friend, and I didn't bother correcting her, as she proved useful in handling pack members like Raven.
• As a beta and the Grand Elder's daughter, I couldn't involve myself in unsuitable pack activities. Yet, there were times when I had to assert my authority over omegas to ensure they respected the future Luna. Someone like Camille was ideal to take the fall for me.
• "Why all the pacing?" Camille inquired as she settled on a sofa, gazing at me. "I heard the Alpha King was at the pack meeting today."
• "Hmm," I replied, my mind preoccupied with how to deal with Raven.
• Camille's excitement bubbled over, and she drew closer, grabbing my arm. "I heard he's incredibly handsome. Did you see him? What's he like?"
• I looked at her, slightly mocking the dreamy expression on her face. "Yes, he's handsome. But why are you so excited?"
• "Why do you think?" She exclaimed, clapping her hands excitedly. "I heard all the alphas are staying overnight. Is that true?"
• "Yes, and?" Irritation crept into my voice.
• "Only a few people can interact with him, but maybe you can help me, Nadia?" She pleaded. "You could take me along when you attend to the guests."
• I raised an eyebrow. "Why do you need to see him? Don't tell me you're interested in him. Do you want to be Luna?"
• She laughed, "Of course, I do. Why else would I be interested in him? His handsomeness is a bonus."
• I couldn't help but scoff inwardly. Would someone please inform her that she's not that alluring?
• But on second thought, this could work in my favor. I could use this opportunity to make her assist me with Raven in return.
• "It's not that I can't help you," I said, taking a seat. "But it seems he's already interested in someone else."
• Her eyes widened in surprise, and she gave a disdainful look. "Who is it? Is it Bianca? I knew she'd try to seduce him."
• "It's not her," I corrected. "It's Raven."
• "Who?"
• "Raven, the omega slave."
• "What?" She exclaimed. "You must be joking. Why would he be interested in someone like her?"
• "I don't know, but he seems to like her a lot."
• Her demeanor turned hostile at my words, and her eyes chilled. "Someone like her should be easy to deal with. I'm sure he wouldn't have such poor taste." She glanced at me. "Anyway, just help me meet him, and I'll handle the rest."
• Seeing that she had taken the bait, I sighed and shrugged. "If that's what you want, I'll help."
• She left, seemingly pleased that I was willing to assist. Afterward, she'd confront Raven. It worked well for me, and my plan was falling into place.
• I'd handle Raven, deter Alpha Tristan's interest, and stay uninvolved. It was a win-win situation.