I turned around and saw Adrian; Lynda stood beside him, her hand encircling his arm. I quickly averted my gaze.

Turning back to Alpha Lucas, I said, "Since your son has already committed, he must be very happy."

I overheard Adrian whisper, "No." His response confused me. Shrugging, I asked Alpha Lucas, "How is Luna?"

"She is no longer Luna. Someone else will soon seize the position." Alpha Lucas glanced at Lynda sidelong, his dislike for her evident. This was none of my concern.

"Grace had a fever and couldn't attend," Alpha Lucas said of Adrian's mother.

"I hope she's better soon."

"She misses you a lot. Why don't you come to the Crystal Blood Pack to meet her?" Alpha Lucas suggested.

I shook my head. "Accept my apology. I must return to the Blue Blood Pack after this event."

Adrian started to speak, but Eric interrupted, approaching me. "Don't tell me you're lost again."

His amused expression made me laugh. Knowing I was trapped, he'd come to my rescue.

"No, I was talking to Alpha Lucas," I told Eric. I introduced them: "He is Eric Hart, the beta of the Blue Blood Pack."

Both Eric and I completely ignored Adrian and Lynda.

"Of course. Who doesn't know him? Beta Eric, Alpha Martin Hansley's left hand, and Alpha Jason Hansley's closest friend. His assistance ensured Alpha Martin's pack ran efficiently."

I slowly turned to Eric, who nodded without speaking.

"Not bad," I murmured.

"I appreciate your assessment. I need to speak with this lovely lady," Eric said, glancing at me. Alpha Lucas looked surprised.

A voice boomed from the speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?" A council member was about to make an announcement.

Eric took my hand and led me toward the gathering audience. As we stood there, I thanked him. "You saved me today."

"Did he say something?" he asked, eyes fixed on the stage.

"No." I wanted to avoid drama, especially since my brother had given Eric permission to fight if anyone provoked us. Therefore, I remained silent.

He was a close friend, four years my senior, always supportive and caring.

Then, a council member announced, "There's a reason for this event. First, to strengthen bonds between the large werewolf packs; second, we've recently received reports of"

We were all shocked.

"a couple of attacks. We know it's bad news, but cooperation will help us identify those responsible," another member continued. "It's time to stand together. We anticipate attacks on your pack members soon."

An Alpha called from behind, "We don't know anything about them. What rank are they?"

The council replied, "They could be Alphas, any rank. We believe they're a group of evildoers." They scanned the hall, their eyes lingering on us and others. "All the large packs' Alphas or officials are here. We expect your participation in any conflict."

I knew about the injuries from Pack Hospital; the senseless loss of life was upsetting.

"It looks like we're facing a war with these wolves," Eric said. I nodded. The announcement silenced everyone.

After the council's discussion, everyone moved to the next hall for dinner. The event's three-day duration was my only concern; being away from Noah and Aria saddened me, but the pack members' injuries angered me more.

The council invited us to the grand table, a feast for twenty. Eric and I sat down.

"Alpha Adrian, please have a seat," a council member respectfully invited him. He accepted, Lynda following close behind. Alpha Lucas was absent.

Adrian and Lynda sat near the council on the right; Eric and I were on the left. Adrian chose the chair opposite me. I avoided his gaze, not wanting him to think I was still pursuing him.

Council members discussed the packs' growth, notably the Crystal Blood Pack and the Blue Blood Pack. I ate, my thoughts elsewhere.

I felt a gaze. Looking up, I met Adrian's dark eyes.

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