Forest and I prepared cue cards last night, so we wouldn’t miss anything. We decided that he would tell the story as the alpha of his pack, especially since the most important parts did concern his family, with me chiming in whenever I had to add something.
He tells them everything: what he overheard months ago concerning his fated mate, how we met, how we joined forces, every step we took with Griffin, Martin, and the elders to take on Jordan, Harry and Donna.
I don’t know what I expected, but for my part, the whole event seems to be almost anticlimactic. I thought they would be shocked that I am not Forest’s fated mate, but it seems like that part of the story bothers them the least.
Jordan’s shenanigans earn shocked reactions, especially once they know the depths of his cruelty. The real storm breaksout when Forest tells everyone in detail what his parents did. Hannah’s dad is in the crowd, as well, whispering to some of his friends and nodding alongside Forest’s words.
“Please, everyone, listen for a little longer,” Forest says. “I know this is upsetting news and shocking to everyone, but let me finish the whole story.”
The whispers die down, and the pack turns quiet again until Forest finally finishes his speech. Ended it by explaining his mother’s confession and how his parents are imprisoned for good now.
“That’s it for my part,” Forest says. “Now, it’s your turn. Feel free to say what you need to say, and ask whatever questions you have.”
It’s silent for a moment, until—
“Fucking unbelievable,” one of the elite warriors blurts out. “That’s insane!
“I… I don’t even know what to say,” Ben, the brave omega who helped to out Lissa, proclaims. “Something always felt off… but… still…”
“How did we not notice?” another one exclaims.
That raises more voices, with everyone talking over each other.
“Everyone, I know that your trust in my family’s leadership is more than a little shaken now,” Forest says. “But I want to promise you now, with the elders present, that I will do everything I can to make this right to you.”
Martin and Griffin have stayed silent until now, but now exchange a look. “You have proven that already, Alpha,” Griffin says.
“You literally tossed your parents into jail,” Martin agrees.
It’s obvious they were prepared to say something, to back him up, when he needs it the most. My chest warms at the realization, and through my newly-formed bond to Forest, I can feel his joy, too. He has found true friends.
“I can provide you with an outsider’s perspective,” I offer. “I’m new to this pack, but I grew up in a relatively big, prestigious one, and I have seen a fair share of other packs.”
That was until Jordan took over and locked me in, but I don’t say that part out loud.
“Please, Luna,” Betty says, nodding at me.
“Donna and Harry aside,” I say. “This is a very good pack with good people. I have looked through the reports from Alpha Leonard, and not one single person here was entangled in Jordan’s business.”
“Is that true, Luna?” one of the elites asks me.
“Yes,” I say. “I have a very good memory, especially concerning names. We are one of the few packs with nootherpack members being caught in Jordan’s web.” I pause, a smirk curling my lips. “Aside from Beta Martin, of course, the honorary VIP member of the club.”
At that, Griffin bursts into laughter. His lighthearted nature is contagious, and more of the others suddenly laugh also.
“My ranked members truly did an outstanding job,” Forest says, taking my hand. “And obviously you.”
“Yeah, without your brains we might not have got far,” Griffin admits.
“I don’t think that’s true,” I say. “You might have found a different way.”
“I’m not sure,” Martin muses. “With the amount of insider knowledge you had, plus what you knew about other packs and their ranked members… it would have taken us much longer and might have cost a lot more victims.”
My chest warms at his praise. My first instinct is to deflect it once more, but I decide to accept it now and stand next to Forest confidently.
“Luna,” Nina says. “Does that mean the alpha’s parents always knew you weren’t the alpha’s fated mate, but couldn’t do anything against it?” When I nod, she giggles.
I smile as well. “Yes, that was kinda funny. Harry’s rage in particular.”
