Page 58 of Howl For A Kiss
Elena accepted the mug gratefully, breathing in the rich aroma. "What kind of questions?"
"The kind that keep pack elders awake at night." His green eyes held that familiar spark of amusement. "Apparently, word of a Beta choosing his mate over duty has reached even the most isolated mountain settlements."
Pride swelled in Elena's chest as she studied her mate's profile. Damon had walked away from fifteen years of service, from the only identity he'd ever known. For her. For them. For the future they could build together.
He's magnificent,she thought, her wolf preening with satisfaction.A true warrior mate.
"Kieran's intelligence network reports that the Council elders called an emergency session yesterday," Damon continued, his deep voice taking on that serious tone that always made her pay attention. "They're scrambling to contain what they're calling 'my betrayal to tradition.'"
Elena's laugh was sharp and fierce. "Let them scramble. They've had three centuries to prove their system works. All they've managed is oppression and fear."
Damon's arm came around her shoulders, pulling her against his solid warmth. "Maya sent word that younger shifters in Silvercrest territory are openly discussing reform. And not just whispered conversations—actual organized meetings."
The reports spread across Elena's lap painted a picture of a world in flux. Messages from rebel cells across all four territories, intelligence gathered by their growing network of sympathizers, and most remarkably, communications from pack members who'd never before questioned their leadership.
"It's working," Elena breathed, the magnitude of it hitting her fully. "Change is actually happening."
Damon's finger traced lazy patterns on her shoulder, sending delicious shivers through her. "Logan's formal appointment asthe new Beta of Silvercrest and the official announcement to the Silvercrest pack was received with an interesting response."
"Interesting how?" Elena twisted to face him, noting the way his eyes darkened when she moved closer.
"Some pack members are calling it the return of the Cross legacy. Others are terrified that Logan will bring rebellion ideology directly into pack leadership." Damon's mouth curved with satisfaction. "Both reactions are exactly what we need."
Elena studied the intelligence reports with fresh eyes, seeing patterns she'd missed before. The rebellion had always operated from the shadows, striking at the edges of pack territory, and fighting for scraps of progress. But now?—
"We have official pack leadership on our side now," she said. "Kieran, Maya, and Logan. That's the Alpha, Luna, and Beta of the most powerful pack in our territory."
"Plus one very skilled former Beta and his equally skilled mate." Damon's voice carried that possessive edge that made her wolf purr with contentment.
"The Lunar prophecy is coming together as it should," Elena murmured, thinking of Maya's words during their meeting. "Three hybrid women, three warrior mates, all positioned to bridge the divide between tradition and change."
But even as excitement built in her, Elena's tactical mind remained focused on the challenges ahead. "The Tidewater Alpha won't forgive what we did at his stronghold. And Granite Ridge leadership has always been the most isolationist."
"Then we convince them," Damon said simply, his confidence absolute. "One pack territory at a time if necessary."
Elena's pulse quickened at the determination in his voice. This was the warrior she'd fallen in love with—not the conflicted Beta bound by duty, but the man who chose justice over tradition and love over obligation.
"The High Council is split," she said, reviewing the latest intelligence. "Three elders supporting traditional enforcement, three pushing for negotiation, and one?—"
"One pulling the strings behind all the corruption." Damon's expression darkened. "Elder Thorne or Elder Isolde. Once we determine which, we can expose them."
The weight of destiny settled on Elena's shoulders. She was no longer just a rebellion leader fighting for her sister's freedom. She was part of something larger—a cosmic correction three centuries in the making.
"I can feel it," she whispered, leaning into Damon's warmth. "The shift coming. It's like electricity in the air before a storm."
Damon's hand cupped her face, his thumb tracing her cheek with reverent care. "Then we'd better make sure we're ready for the lightning to strike."
The promise in his voice sent heat flooding through her, reminding Elena that their personal connection was just as revolutionary as their political alliances. A hybrid woman and a reformed Beta, choosing love over law and passion over propriety.
Let the Council try to stop us,Elena thought fiercely.They have no idea what's coming.
Damon's green eyes sharpened with sudden intensity. "I have an idea," he said with barely contained excitement. "Why are we still operating like scattered cells when we have the momentum of a full movement now?"
Elena's breath caught as she watched his tactical mind engage, the same brilliant intellect that had once served as Silvercrest's youngest Beta now focused entirely on revolution.God, he's magnificent when he's strategizing.
"What are you proposing?" she asked, leaning into his warmth as he spread fresh maps across their floor.
"A unified strategy session. Rebellion leaders from all four pack territories." Damon's fingers traced territorial boundaries with practiced precision. "We bring together every cell leader, every tactical mind, and every resource we have."
