I stare in disbelieve as one black SUV after another pulls up in front of the Pack's house. How many people is Grandpa Quentin bringing with him? The whole army???

I think the whole pack members are here, staring in disbelieve like I am right now. Big strong men come out of the vehicles.

Alpha Carrington and Logan are standing at the front with the pack's Beta and Gamma and Delta, along with the elders and some head warriors.

I can see Luna Catherine with the other women there. I recognize some kids from school as well. I spot Mia and her minions in the crowd. She has a scarf around her neck. So I left a mark on her. I feel Ezra's gleeful satisfaction. My wolf somehow worries me a bit these days. I can feel how she's changing.

We just arrived, and I'm standing in the crowd with my parents and Autumn. Penny, Reese, and River are right behind me. Penny said she wants to be around me so that she can be "close to the action". I should've supplied her with popcorn before we came. "Ooohh...so many hot men in suits," I hear her giggles behind me. She sounds like a kid in a candy store.

This seems to be a formal occasion. Grandpa's men are in their suits and ties. Alpha Carrington and his top men are also dressed formally. No wonder mom made me and Autumn put our dresses on. I'm wearing a simple dark blue sheath dress with black pumps. Other pack members and my friends are in their casual clothing, though.

My dad ushers us to the front of the crowd as soon as Grandpa Quentin steps out of his black Bentley SUV. He's looking strong and sharp as usual. Werewolves age much slower than human. My grandpa is way over a hundred years old, but he looks like someone in his late 40s. Still handsome and distinguished looking. His dark hair has streaks of white at the temples. His light hazel eyes that look so much like mine and Autumn's are sharp with intelligence.

Grandpa Quentin might be in the elder council now, but he's still acting like an Alpha of the pack sometimes. I don't think he can help it. I don't think he will stop anytime soon either.

There's another man I've never seen before standing beside him. He's tall, tough and very good looking. Intense black eyes and jet black hair, probably in mid-20s. I'm guessing he's Alpha Vyacheslav of the Red Convel Pack. Red Convel Pack is known to be very strong and full of the best warriors in the world. I heard that the pack values strength. It's not uncommon for them to mate with the strongest she-wolves if they can't find mates after a certain age, just to breed strong off-springs.

The thought gives me the shudders. I can't be mated to him! I don't want to be a breeding machine. Besides, I can't even pronounce his name properly!

Grandpa Quentin shakes dad's hand and gives my mom a brief stiff hug. When he reaches me, his eyes soften. I told you he's tough, but he loves me and Autumn.

"My sweet girl Genesis," he murmurs as he strokes my cheek briefly. There's regret and something else in his eyes.

The Alpha beside him stares at me the whole time. I raise my eyes to look at him. I can feel his power. He might be tough, but I feel powerful . My caveman Constantine is more intimidating than any other cavemen out there.

Somehow the Alpha seems satisfied with the way I refuse to cower in his strong Alpha presence. There's approval in his eyes now and my grandpa Quentin smiles with pride.

Huh? What was that about? I feel like I'm missing something.

So far the meeting hasn't been going very well. Both sides aren't backing down.

"Your son planned to replace my granddaughter, a pure alpha blood with a Gamma," states my grandfather arrogantly. I notice Gamma Brown winces, then his face turns red.

"I had no knowledge of this until recently. For that I am deeply sorry," apologizes Alpha Carrington. "But that has been rectify, they will me mated and announce Alpha and Luna soon. I don't see anymore issues."

"Oh there are still issues. The damage has been done. You have deeply insulted us and hurt my granddaughter, then you're forcing them to stay when they wish to move back to our pack. Besides, I have Alpha Vyacheslav of the Red Convel Pack who's willing to accept her as his mate."

"But she's my son's true mate!You have no right to interfere!" yells Alpha Carrington. "This is an internal issue! It should only concern members of my pack!"

"This concerns my granddaughter. Your son has rejected her and disrespected her in the worse way possible and now you won't let her leave. Your pack has not only seriously insulted my family, but you're holding them prisoners!" states my grandfather heatedly. "I'm here just to take my family back."

"You're here to take our future Luna away!" interrupts an elder from Shadow Geirolf Pack council. Then the others from both sides start to join in and yell at the same time.

I think I'm going to have a headache soon.

Penny squeezes my shoulder from behind. River, Reese and Penny somehow managed to sneak in and grab seats behind us. The huge Pack assembly room is jam packed full. Many pack members are standing and squeezing in at the back.

"Only you can create such drama, Genesis," Penny whispers in my ear gleefully. "If they have a war over this, you'll be like Helen of Troy or something," she sighs.

What???? Who the heck wants to be Helen of Troy? They're not going to have a war over something stupid like this are they?

"They're not going to have a war over something stupid like this are they?" I ask my mom worriedly.

"Of course not dear," says mom, patting my arm. She looks oddly calm. She even has a little smile on her lips. My father is looking very relaxed too.

I turn to look at Reese and River. Reese has her head resting on River's shoulder. Both of them give me thumbs up.

Seriously??? What's wrong with my family and friends? Why am I the only one who's freaking out about all this?

I lean forward and hide my face in my arms on my lap. If I was a snake, I would slither away and hide under a rock somewhere. Too bad I'm a werewolf. If I was a bird, I'd be a tiny hummingbird and fly quickly away and disappear. Too bad I'm a werewolf. If I was a chameleon....

A sudden silence makes me lift my head up. All attention falls to the back of the room. I turn around to see five figures walking down the isle between the seats. Lycans! Five of them. Their formidable power and compelling presence dominates the room.

My eyes quickly seek Constantine. I've never seen him in a suit before, but he's looking imposing and stunning in his dark blue suit. The tailored cut fit him perfectly. The fabric clings to his well muscled, broad shoulders. You could tell how beautifully build he is underneath the formal suit. I can't take my eyes off of him. His expression solemn and his silver grey eyes cold. As soon as his eyes fall on me, I can sense other emotion in them, and my lips involuntarily form a smile. I find answering smile in his eyes even though his lips don't move. His eyes are telling me so many things that words can't say right now. His eyes makes me feel safe.

Lazarus and Caspian are looking impressive and as striking in their suits as well. Serena looks breathtakingly gorgeous in a simple black dress. Her shiny blond hair is in a perfect elegant chignon.

The lycan next to Constantine, I recognize as Lord Archer. He's a well known and well respected Ambassador of the Palace. He's an important liaison between the palace and the packs around the world. I've never seen him in real life before.

All five of them are looking forbidding but perfect and beautiful. Almost out of this world. Untouchable.

Logan bristles, while Alpha Carrington, grandpa Quentin, and the rest of the men look shocked at the appearance of the lycans.

"Your Excellency Lord Archer, it's an honor to have you here, but I don't understand to what do we owe this honor of your presence?" asks Alpha Carrington with awe and respect.

"We are here because you are laying claim to one of us." answers Lord Archer.

"No, she's my mate. She rightfully belongs to me," Logan suddenly protests.

Constantine growls. Lord Archer places a gentle hand on his arm.

"It's funny how you're fighting over a living, intelligent being, yet you never asked her, not even once what she really wants," continues Lord Archer.

"But she's rightfully mine," argues Logan.

"Young Mr. Carrington, you rejected her. Which is of no consequence. Genesis Fairchild is now one of us," he replies with a touch of arrogance and annoyance.

"Genesis is my granddaughter. She's a werewolf. How is she one of you?" inquires my grandfather, looking puzzled.

Constantine holds his hand out for me. His eyes expectant like that day in the woods near our school. He's standing there waiting for me, looking strong and beautiful, yet only I can see the emotions in his eyes as he stares at me and suddenly he's all I can see. I get up from my seat, walk over to him and place my hand in his. His hand is warm and strong. There's a look in his eyes now that I can't look away from. His eyes are always mesmerizing me. He pulls me to his side.

"She is claimed and bonded to Prince Constantine Dimitri Romanov, nephew of King Alexandros Romanov, Lord of the Lycans and Werewolves."

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I did mention that they were rumored to be closely related to the ruling king at the beginning of the story. I hope you like this chapter. Please do vote and comment :)

It's crazy here now. I'm glad to be able to update today :) I hope everybody's having a wonderful holiday.

XOXOXO

Nicole