Page 186 of His Sunshine Baby

“Dad, please, answer Elena’s questions. You can’t risk all of the Opal Moon clan because of your selfishness! What did Taaron King say to you?”

Xavier hesitates for a while, looking at me and his children. He avoids our eyes, looking down.

“He only wanted to discuss things! I never agreed to a… to a real alliance. I was… just intrigued. He said he could put more money into Iris’ clinic, and make sure this would stay within the Opal Moon clan. He was saying the White Moon is underestimating me, but if I joined him, he could–”

“If you joined him! Father, how dare you even think of allying yourself with those sharks!” yells Iris, furious. “I can’t believe you even thought of taking any actions for my clinic without even telling me!”

She’s the one most disappointed in her father, and for good reason. I can’t believe Xavier would be so greedy as to do such a thing or even consider it.

“Xavier, I want you to step down from your position as Alpha.”

Everyone suddenly turns to me, shocked.

I’m using all of my Alpha Aura, and I’ve had enough.

“Elena, what are you…?” mutters Iris, shocked.

“I said, step down. You are not worthy to be anyone’s Alpha. The Opal Moon deserves better, and you know it.”

“You can’t force me!” says Xavier, growling.

“I can.”

I take deep breaths like Nora did, and use my inner strength to oppose him. We are a few steps away from each other, but he’s already struggling to face my aura.

He always knew I was stronger. He only pretended not to. I guess now is the time, probably the last time, I use my Alpha Aura to do the right thing for this pack. Chris looks at me with uncertainty.

“Elena, you mean to–”

“I’m not competing to be the Opal Moon Alpha. I am only doing what’s right for this pack. If no one can lead it properly, maybe the Opal Moon has lost its reason for existing. I am not worthy to be an Alpha for this pack, my priorities are elsewhere now. But I would rather give the ownership back to Clark than see my uncle put anyone in danger because of his greed.”

Both siblings exchange glances at that moment, but I can tell they are mind-linking as well, thinking deeply about this situation.

“Chris, Iris! You can’t allow her to do that!”

“Actually, Father, we can,” says Chris, “and Elena is right. You’ve put us in danger one too many times. The Gold Moon clan? Really?”

“I…” says Iris, still unsure.

“How dare you! Both of you!”

“Enough, Xavier,” I say, stepping forward. “Give up. Now.”

“You can’t!”

“STEP. DOWN.”

I used my Alpha voice, at its strongest, for the first and last time. I am tired of this arguing. Xavier tries to think of something to say, but the words are stuck in his throat.

“Xavier, you know you were wrong. This is all wrong, for the Opal Moon clan to suffer because of you. If you step down properly, Chris can take over and make things right. Don’t let things go overboard because of your greed.”

“You have no right to–”

“I have every fucking right when it comes to protecting this pack!” I yell back. “I am a fighter of this pack, a guarantor of its safety!”

A long silence follows my words. Iris and Xavier are staring at me, and Chris and I are staring at his father. I don’t even hold it personally against my uncle, I only want him to dowhat’s right. After a long staring contest, I use my wolf again, making my eyes glow a little and growl again. Xavier looks down, helpless.

“Fine. I’m officially stepping down as the Opal Moon clan’s Alpha from today onwards.”

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