Page 40 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"As many of you know, Lila was recently kidnapped and held captive by the rogues. When I found her, she was trapped in a burning barn, and the only way to save her life was to turn her."

Shock and concern ripple across the faces of my pack members. Ethan, my beta, nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the decision. "Axel, we know you did what you had to do. Saving an innocent life is always the right choice."

Marcus jumps to his feet, his face contorted with anger. "This is madness, Axel! Bringing a human into the pack, risking our secrets, our safety... What were you thinking?"

I meet Marcus' gaze, my voice firm but understanding. "I was thinking about saving a life, Marcus. Lila didn't ask for this, but now she's one of us. It's our duty to protect and guide her."

"But she's an outsider!" Marcus argues, his hands clenched into fists. "She doesn't know our ways, our laws. She could expose us all!"

Lila shifts uncomfortably beside me, and I can sense her growing unease. I stand, drawing the attention of the pack.

"Lila is not an outsider. The moment I turned her, she became a part of this family. We will teach her our ways, and she will learn to control her wolf. I have faith in her, and I ask that you all give her a chance."

Lila flinches at my words, but I feel a surge of pride as she holds her ground, her chin lifted defiantly.

The room erupts into heated debate, voices rising and falling like crashing waves. I'm about to intervene when the door opens, and a hush falls over the room.

Mabel, my grandmother, steps inside, her presence commanding immediate attention. She surveys the room, her wise eyes taking in the scene.

"My children," she begins, her voice soft but firm. "There is much you need to understand about fated mates."

She speaks of destiny, of the Fates who weave the threads of our lives together. "The bond between fated mates is not achoice, but a sacred connection ordained by powers greater than ourselves."

Mabel shares stories of ancient werewolf-human matings, her words painting a rich tapestry of our history. "The Fates do not discriminate between species when choosing mates. They see only the strength of the bond, the depth of the love."

I watch as the pack listens in stunned silence, many hearing these truths for the first time. Beside me, Lila absorbs the information, awe and uncertainty mingling on her face.

As Mabel's words sink in, I squeeze Lila's hand, drawing strength from her presence. I know there are more challenges ahead, but for now, I'm grateful for my grandmother's wisdom and the support of my mate.

I love you, Lila, my vanilla bean, always have.

Wait, what did you call me? Vanilla Bean!I like that.

Yes, that is what you smell like to me, vanilla and cinnamon. I guess that you didn't hear me say that I Love you.

I did, but I don't want to say it just because you did.

We both mentally laugh.

I take another deep breath, steeling myself for the next topic of discussion.

"We need to discuss Lila's human connections, especially her friend Sophie."

The room tenses again, but the atmosphere is less hostile than before. I can see the wheels turning in their minds, considering the implications.

Lila speaks up for the first time, her voice trembling slightly but growing stronger with each word. "Sophie is more than just a friend to me. She's like a sister. We've been through so much together, and I trust her with my life."

I nod, understanding the depth of their bond.

"I propose the idea of eventually bringing Sophie into our confidence. She could be a valuable ally."

Some pack members exchange uncertain glances, and I can sense their apprehension.

Finn's voice rises, his brow furrowed.

"Fated mates or not, this is still dangerous. We can't risk exposure."

Lila counters Finn's argument, her eyes flashing with alpha strength and determination.

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