Evelyn POV
I tried to keep my voice steady as I spoke but I was anxious, I was talking big and not sure if I could actually do it.
Fji scoffed, "And just how will you ensure the pack's stability and safety?"
Crap, I was hoping my speech was enough to move them but this advisor has seen through me. I don't actually know how.
"I don't know how yet but with careful observation of the pack's needs and…" I began to explain but again Fji cut me off.
"An idealist." He chuckled and a few others joined him as well. I was being mocked again, the spacious room kept shrinking.
"Idealists have no place in power seats, they can share their dreams but the position of a Luna needs to be someone with power, who can make things happen whenever they want and is quick to find solutions for her subjects."
Fji shook his head disapprovingly and continued, "If the pack falls on your hands and something…"
"Enough!" Damien's voice suddenly echoed in the room, his tone was cold and absolute. It held a bit of irritation and annoyance, I've never seen him this way before and I wondered if it was because of me? Because I didn't properly stand up for myself as Luna contrary to what he believes?
"This meeting is over, I want everyone out now!" The finality in his voice leaves no room for anyone to protest and everyone got up to leave one by one until it was just me and Damien.
My head was low again and I wasn't sure if I should leave too.
"Umm…"
"You should go have some rest." Damien interrupted me and I just nodded in agreement before leaving.
I went back to my room, Lucy tailing not far behind me. She could tell I wasn't okay but didn't ask me about it, she kept her distance and I honestly appreciated it.
Once in my room, I felt my exhaustion wash all over me and I crash on the bed. The meeting was tense and fierce, the advisors were very intimidating and unwavering, especially Fji. If I become Luna, will every meeting be as exhausting as today's?
I kept thinking over and over about the meeting until I fell asleep.
*****
Usually when I wake up, a familiar chandelier comes to view but instead my eyes meet with a pair of deep blue eyes staring right at me.
I wasn't scared, on the contrary, it was a very captivating pair of eyes and I couldn't help but stare back before coming back to my senses.
"Alpha Damien!" I exclaimed I hurriedly got up but my head bumped into Damien's and I winced back in pain.
"Tsk, tsk tsk. Call me Damien! Leave the formalities." Damien said as he lifted my chin up and blew on my forehead. "Better now?" He smiled at me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked instead.
"Oh right," he scratched the back of his head as he spoke, "I actually want to invite you on a walk with me. Get dressed, I'll be waiting for you in the garden."
"Alright."
I got up and took a quick shower and put on some on something else before going to meet Damien.
We walked about for 30 minutes, taking in the scenery as we walked around the pack house with no destination in mind.
I was the first to break the silence, "About today's meeting…" I thrilled off before suddenly halting my steps. "Why did you tell me about the meeting beforehand?"
Damien let out a sigh and stopped beside me, "I also didn't know about it, I was a sudden gathering but still I should have removed. I put you on the spot and for that I apologize."
"No, you shouldn't apologize." I rubbed my arms, trying to calm myself as I spoke, "A proper Luna should be able to have handled that situation. You should be able to count on me to take charge and I just stood there pathetically."
"Are we talking about the same meeting because in that meeting I didn't see you standing pathetically, no, you stood up for yourself and showed your determination to the best of your abilities."
Again, he's trying to console me, trying to make what I did better than it actually is.
Why does he have this much faith in me?
"Damien, aren't you worried? Your advisors and betas don't accept me, they blatantly showed it at the meeting this morning! Aren't you going to listen to them? They might be right and I could ruin your pack!"
He was about to speak but I raised my hand to stop him, "Please let me finish, let me finally say everything that is on my chest."
"Of course. I'll listen!" he furrowed his brows and leaned slightly towards me, his eyes were focused on my face.
Seeing his unwavering support towards me, made me waver a little, "um… aren't you scared that an uprising could break out? Nobody other than you supports me, nobody else has faith in me. Nobody else."
"If anyone dares to plot treason against us will be executed immediately, it's a grave offense, one where I'll never be merciful."
I let out a deep sigh.
He seems dead serious about it and I know he's trying to console me but it doesn't reassure me.
His demeanor suddenly changed and he placed a smile on lips, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him, "What's with the sigh? You're acting like I'm leaving the entire pack for you to manage. I'm here, right here to help you every step of the way and help you become the great Luna I know you will be."
He leaned closer and placed a soft kiss on my lips then rested his forehead on mind, "My faith in yourself and you'll see everyone will start to come around."
His breath was fanning me, my lips tingling because I knew what was his next move, I closed my eyes ready for what's to come.
"Excuse me," Lucy's voice suddenly jolted me back to reality and I stepped back to put some distance between us "Alpha Damien and my lady. I would like to inform you that dinner is ready."