Page 40 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

“Convenient,” Donovan sneered. “Orchestrated.”

Ian’s fingers twitched in Haley’s grasp. “She saw a shadow in the woods. Nothing more.”

“And your shifting,” Alpha Lena said, her gaze shifting to Ian. “It was your transformation that triggered this?”

Ian’s lips pressed together. “Yes.”

Haley’s heart squeezed. Ian had shifted for the first time that night. He hadn’t even known he was a shifter, let alone that something like this could really happen.

“It was an accident,” Haley said, forcing herself to speak. “Ian is the seventh son of a seventh son, and his family, the Johnsons, just happen to carry the shifting curse from centuries ago. He wasn’t born a shifter and wasn’t trying to show off or break pack law. It was instinctual and something he couldn’t have controlled.”

“And yet,” Alpha Donovan said smoothly, “here we are.”

Bastard. Haley wanted to punch his smug face.

The tribunal conferred in low tones. The seconds dragged like molasses. Ian’s grip on her hand never wavered.

Finally, Alpha Lena spoke. “We have reached a decision.”

Haley’s breath caught.

“You are released from direct culpability for the exposure. Verity Jones acted independently, driven by her aunt’s gossip.”

The relief was dizzying. Haley sagged against Ian, exhaling shakily.

“However,” Lena added, raising her voice over the murmurs, “this could have been catastrophic. As your family does carry the shifting curse and it’s been activated through you, Ian, there is a chance that your brothers may also fall prey to the curse. Do you have any documentation as to who placed this curse upon your line?”

“I don’t know of any,” Ian answered honestly. “But I can ask my dad.”

Lena nodded. “That would be acceptable. You are to bring that information to your Alpha so that we can determine the best way to keep your brothers safe during their transitions should that occasion arise. Also, my judgement is as follows: You will be given a choice.”

Ian’s shoulders went rigid. “What choice?”

Alpha Lena stood, the others following suit. “You may return to the city and resume your former lives, under pack surveillance for the next decade to ensure there are no further incidents.”

Haley’s chest constricted. Back to the city? Back to pretending she didn’t know about the pack, and about Ian’s world? Back to sterile pharmacy aisles and empty nights?

“Or,” Lena said, “you may choose to live within the pack and adopt its responsibilities.” Her gaze softened slightly. “Neela has requested that Ms. Wheat begin training as her successor in the role of pack healer.”

Haley’s mouth fell open. “Neela… wants me?”

“She believes you have a natural aptitude for the work,” Garrick said, his voice softer than usual. “It’s a true honor, Haley.”

The weight of that offer settled heavily on her shoulders. The pack healer was more than a job—it was a lifeline for every wolf in Iron Claw territory.

“And Ian?” Haley asked.

Alpha Riker answered this time. “Ian Johnson is being offered the position of sentinel, working directly under Beta Brayden Moore.”

Ian stiffened. “Sentinel?”

Garrick inclined his head. “Sentinels work with the Beta and enforcers, patrolling borders, liaising with neighboring packs, and assisting the Alpha with security.” He met Ian’s gaze. “It’s a trusted position.”

It was also a clear indication of how deeply the pack hierarchy had changed. Offering Ian a sentinel role was the pack's way of saying:We trust you to protect us—even after what happened.

The tribunal resumed their seats. Alpha Lena’s eyes flicked between them. “You have until the next full moon to decide.”

The room erupted into chatter as the tribunal left the dais. Haley turned to Ian. His face was unreadable, but his hand squeezed hers.

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