Page 49 of Once You Go Pack
“Indeed they are,” Zarik’s voice cut through the chamber like a blade, smooth and deceptively pleasant. “Tell me,future queen,” he emphasized the title with subtle mockery, “what experience do you have leading a pack? Managing territorial disputes? Understanding the ancient laws that govern our kind?”
The questions hit like calculated jabs, each one designed to highlight her inexperience and outsider status. Mila felt her throat tighten as dozens of powerful gazes bore into her, waiting for her inevitable failure.
He’s doing this on purpose,she realized, seeing the calculating gleam in Zarik’s icy eyes.He wants me to crumble in front of everyone.
“I may be new to your world,” she began, proud that her voice remained steady despite the tremor of nerves in her body, “but I am not unprepared. I’ve spent my career in law, understanding complex negotiations and finding solutions that benefit all parties. I will rule with both strength and compassion alongside Cade.”
Elder Grimm, whose scarred face spoke of countless battles, leaned forward with obvious skepticism. “Pretty words, human. But can you protect the pack when rivals threaten our borders? Can you command respect from Alphas who’ve led for decades?”
The doubt in the room was suffocating. Mila felt small and ordinary compared to these magnificent beings who could shift into massive wolves and command supernatural power with a thought.
I don’t belong here,the familiar voice of self-doubt whispered in her mind.I’m just a paralegal from Massachusetts. What am I doing pretending to be a queen?
But then memory stirred—her mother’s voice on those long-ago nights when they’d sat together watching the moon.“You carry something special in your blood, sweetheart. Something ancient and strong.”
Mila lifted her chin, feeling warmth surge through the mate bond as Cade’s pride and support flowed into her. “There’s something you should know about my heritage,” she announced, her voice growing stronger with each word. “My maternal bloodline traces back to the original wolf guardians—humans who lived alongside and protected shifter packs before the worlds separated. We were companions, allies, and protectors of the ancient ways.”
The whispers stopped instantly. Even Zarik’s calculated composure flickered for a moment as he processed this revelation.
“The Lunar Veil line,” Elder Grimm breathed, his scarred features transforming with something approaching awe. “We thought that bloodline was lost forever.”
“My ancestors walked these mountains,” Mila continued, feeling ancient strength flowing through her veins like molten silver. “They formed bonds with wolves that transcended species, creating partnerships that protected both our kinds. That same blood flows in me—it’s why I can sense the mate bond so strongly, and why I feel such a deep connection to this land and its people.”
The chamber erupted in urgent murmurs as council members exchanged glances of recognition and respect. Even some of the younger pack members who’d been openly dismissive now looked at her with newfound interest.
Martin stepped forward from his position near the wall, his eyes warm with approval. “The ancient texts speak of the wolf guardians with great reverence. If Miss Eldridge truly carries that bloodline...”
“It explains everything,” King Thornberry said thoughtfully. “Why the mate bond formed so completely, and why she adapted so quickly to our world.”
Zarik’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but his voice remained smooth as silk. “Fascinating ancestry, to be sure. But bloodline alone doesn’t guarantee capability. The challenges facing our packs require more than noble heritage.”
Before anyone could respond, Cade’s alpha energy flooded the chamber with unmistakable authority. “The council meeting is concluded,” he announced with finality that brooked no argument. “I have a duel to prepare for.”
As they walked back through the corridors toward the exit, Mila felt her heart racing. The revelation about her ancestry had shifted something fundamental here—she wasn’t just an outsider anymore, and everyone knew it.
I’m not ordinary.I never was. This is my birthright, my destiny—to bridge the gap between humans and wolves, and to show that love transcends species.
“You were magnificent in there,” Cade murmured as they stepped into the crystalline sunlight outside the council building. “I’ve never seen Zarik thrown off balance like that.”
Pride warmed her chest, but worry quickly followed. The duel loomed like a storm cloud, and despite Cade’s confidence, the thought of him facing Zarik in combat made her stomach churn.
“Promise me you’ll be careful,” she whispered, turning to face him fully. “I can’t lose you now that I’ve finally found you.”
His green eyes blazed with alpha intensity. “You’re not going to lose me, beautiful. I have too much to fight for now.”
EIGHTEEN
CADE
As they headed toward the royal car, Cade noticed the tension radiating from Mila—her shoulders held too rigidly, and her breathing was too controlled. The way she kept glancing at him when she thought he wasn’t looking spoke volumes about the worry churning beneath her composed exterior.
She’s still doubting herself,he realized, his protective instincts spiking as he sensed her lingering uncertainty from the council meeting. Despite her magnificent revelation about her wolf guardian ancestry, she was still processing the implications of what lay ahead.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Cade said as Martin held the car door open for them. “I can feel it through our bond, you know.”
Mila slipped into the leather seat beside him, her blue eyes reflecting the sunlight streaming through the windows. “I can’t help it. What if I said the wrong thing in there? What if?—“
“You were perfect,” Cade interrupted. “Zarik’s been planning that psychological attack for days, and you dismantled it completely. The way Elder Grimm’s entire demeanor shifted when you mentioned the Lunar Veil bloodline...” He shook his head in admiration. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
