Chapter 0482
Chapter 0482
Hannah
The Alpha Council’s expressions were as inscrutable as ever as they moved through the crowd. Drake was among them, although he kept his face impassive other than the barest wink in my direction. But it did little to ease my worries.
The eldest among them, Alpha George, moved at the forefront of the group. He tilted his chin toward the house as he approached.
“If we could speak privately?” It was framed as a question, but it was really a command.
Noah’s hand found the small of my back, giving me a silent nod. With our spines straight, we led the way through the sea of people, guiding the Council toward the house.
The walk to the study felt endless, and it was all I could do to keep my knees from giving out. This meeting was everything. If we failed to convince the Council, then all of our effort–the plans, the sacrifices, the months of work–would have been for nothing.
Once inside, I asked one of the housekeepers to bring some tea. The Council settled in the study as the housekeeper quickly returned with a kettle and several cups, pouring fragrant chamomile and handing them out.
Alpha George refused a cup, but waited until everyone had taken their tea before speaking.
“Before we give our final decision,” he began, “there are a few matters that still need addressing. A few of our Council have expressed that they have questions for you.”
“Ask away,” Noah said calmly.
One of the younger members of the Council, a middle–aged man with a receding hairline, asked his question first. “First and foremost, what of your pack members? Will they be forced into this merger? Expected to leave their homes and lives behind?”
“No one will be forced to do anything,” Noah replied. “This merger is about unity, not control. Our members have their own lives and choices, and those choices will be respected.”
I nodded in agreement. “With the Council’s permission, we would like both territories to remain intact as they are–just combined. No one is being uprooted. And if any pack member wishes to leave and join another pack, they are free to do so.”
The Council members exchanged glances, and Alpha George made a small note in his leather–bound notebook. Drake, sitting at a chair by the window, silently sipped his tea and watched over the rim of his
-cup.
A few moments later, the next Alpha began to ask his question. “And as for the business side of things? Surely your two packs have current trade agreements that may conflict during the merger.”
I glanced at Noah, who answered for both of us. “We have already begun scheduling meetings with each pack we currently trade with. We intend to address any concerns personally, ensuring that all existing agreements are honored and adjusted fairly where needed.”
“We understand that this merger Impacts more than just our two packs,” I added. “We’re committed to
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Chapter 0482
maintaining positive relationships with all our allies, and that includes ensuring that everyone feels secure with the changes that are to come.”
If our answers pleased the Council, they didn’t even show it. Not even Drake showed any emotion on his face, but it was unsurprising–he was expected to remain impartial. We were his friends, but he was also a member of this Council, and so we couldn’t blame him for treating us as he would anyone else in this situation.
The sound of more notes being scribbled filled the room. Finally, Alpha George glanced up from his notes, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “And if your pack members don’t consent to the merger? What then?”
I didn’t hesitate. “We’re planning to hold a vote,” I said. “There will be a town hall meeting where every pack member can voice their concerns. After that, if the majority votes against the merger, then it won’t happen. Simple as that.”
Noah leaned forward, setting aside his cup. “It’s worth noting that we intend to be there at the town hall ourselves to ensure that every concern is addressed directly.”
“And not just once,” I added quickly. “We plan to hold these meetings monthly for the next year, so everyone has ample opportunity to speak their mind and feel heard. At the end of the year, we intend to hold another vote to ensure that our pack members are still on board with the merger.”
