Page 61 of Howl For A Kiss
Elena's hand found his as they approached the main hall, and through their mate bond he felt her excitement crackling like electricity beneath her tactical composure. She wore fitted black tactical pants, a thermal white shirt that hugged her curves, and combat boots—dressed for war but radiating feminine power that made his wolf stir with possessive pride.
She's beyond magnificent,Damon thought, his eyes drinking in the sight of her prepared for negotiations.My revolutionary queen.
The moment they stepped inside the hall, Damon's heightened senses registered the tension immediately. One hundred rebellion leaders filled the left side of the massive space, their weathered faces reflecting decades of resistance. Thirty moderate pack leaders occupied the right side, theirexpensive clothing and formal posture a stark contrast to the rebels' practical gear.
Like two armies sizing each other up across a battlefield,Damon observed, his tactical instincts assessing potential conflict points.
Kieran stood at the center podium, his commanding presence cutting through the hostile atmosphere. Maya flanked him, her copper-red hair catching the morning sunlight shining in through the tall windows.
"For three centuries," Kieran began, his voice rising above the packed seats, "our kinds have viewed each other as enemies. Today, we attempt something unprecedented—dialogue instead of bloodshed."
Murmurs rippled through both sides, suspicious and uncertain.
Damon positioned himself beside Elena at the front of the rebellion section, acutely aware of how their presence commanded attention. Every gaze in the room tracked their movement—former Beta turned rebel warrior, mated to the hybrid who represented everything the old ways feared.
We're living symbols,Damon realized with fierce satisfaction.Proof that evolution is possible.
Elena stepped forward, her treaty document in hand, and Damon felt his chest swell with pride as she commanded the room's attention with natural authority.
"This treaty proposes fundamental change," Elena announced, her voice filled with that revolutionary fire that made Damon's heart race. "Ceasefire between rebellion and pack leadership. New inter-pack representation. Freedom of mating choices. Hybrid protection. Human integration protocols."
The hall erupted.
"Impossible!" shouted a Granite Ridge pack leader.
"We've died for less!" countered a rebel from Tidewater territory.
Damon watched Elena weather the storm of voices, her blue eyes blazing with determination that made his wolf howl with admiration. Through their mate connection, he felt her unwavering resolve beneath the chaos.
Now,Damon thought, his instincts recognizing the perfect moment.Bold action when tensions peak.
"Elena and I will be having our official mating ceremony at the end of this summit," Damon announced, his deep voice cutting through the noise.
Stunned silence gripped the hall.
Elena's eyes went wide, but through their mate bond he felt her excitement and joy surge like wildfire. Her radiant smile told him everything he needed to know.
She loves the grand gesture,Damon thought with masculine satisfaction.My brave, rebellious, and beautiful mate.
"You see?" Kieran seized the moment masterfully. "Former pack leadership and rebellion leader now united. Tradition and change, finding harmony."
The silence stretched, electric with possibility.
"All in favor of ratifying this treaty," Kieran called.
Hands rose slowly across both sides—rebels and pack leaders voting together for the first time in three centuries.
"Motion carries," Kieran declared.
Elena and Kieran approached the signing table, representing rebellion and pack leadership, respectively. As they signed the historic document, Damon felt the weight of his fifteen years as Beta finally lift from his shoulders.
When Elena and Kieran raised their joined hands in unity, the hall erupted in cheers that shook the reinforced walls.
As Damon sat and watched Elena bask in her revolutionary triumph, he knew their future would be written in moments like this—bold, beautiful, and completely perfect.
TWENTY-SEVEN
ELENA
