Food was prepared and now they all were just chit chatting while waiting for the elders to arrive. Vivaan was actually thankful that elders were taking time as he noticed that while talking about random topics, Rehyaa had finally managed to let her guard down and was enjoying to her heart's content.

"So you two never fought? It's quite unusual. Looking at your situation, anyone would imagine the gruesome fights," Rehyaa queried, looking at the half brothers.

"Of course not. Even if I hated him, I am way too nice to harm a human," Vivaan answered, trying to look nonchalant.

Nihal coughed at the same moment by hearing his blatant lies. The truth was a far cry from what Vivaan was sprouting out. Hritika and Yara too tried to stifle their laughs. Yes, Vivaan never harmed Nihal but that wasn't because he didn't want to, rather he couldn't because of others stopping him or Nihal himself using an Alpha command. And not to forget about Yara's well being, which was the main reason behind not attacking Nihal.

"Wow!!" Rehyaa was mesmerized, falling for Vivaan's trick.

"It seems unreal that you two get along so well," Rehyaa commented in a good spirit.

"That has happened recently. Even if they didn't harm each other physically, there was an obvious cold war going on between them," Yara informed, then added with a self praise, "It was mostly because of me that they started to get along."

Nihal and Vivaan snorted but didn't deny her claims. One thing led to another and from talking; Vivaan, Nihal and Yara started the mini fight. From pulling each others hair to kicking them on the legs.

Rehyaa smiled looking at them as they pushed and teased each other lightly. Her eyes locked with Hritika who was also smiling silently at their antics. Rehyaa weakly smiled at Hritika who had lost her smile as soon as their gaze locked. Rehyaa knew that she had a lot of making up to do. She prayed that Hritika would be kind enough to give her a second chance.

Soon the bell rang and they all stood up to welcome the elders, although Yara was the one who went to open the door.

After ushering everyone in, Yara noticed that her father was missing.
"Where's Dad?" She asked her mom.

"The warriors brought the rogues that were lurking near Midnight pack. Beta has gone to interrogate them," Luna answered instead.

"Oh, okay." Yara nodded.

"Umm...about Midnight pack, we both need to discuss something. Let's talk after breakfast," Vivaan said, while holding Rehyaa's hand.

"Midnight pack? Wasn't that the same pack whose Alpha died? Why would Vivaan and Rehyaa need to talk about it?" Nihal whispered to Hritika in confusion.

"You do realize that we can hear your whispers, right?" Juhi asked, making Nihal groan at his forgetfulness.

"Oops," he muttered making a sheepish face.

Alpha Aarjav shook his head with a smile told him about the truth behind the girls that came to their pack.

"Sorry, I wasn't aware," Nihal apologized to Rehyaa as he had unknowingly caused her pain with his question.

"It's not your fault." She waved off his apology with a smile.

Nihal pulled back the limping Hritika from her elbow, letting everyone move ahead towards the dining table.

"You didn't seem surprised," he stated, looking at her with question.

"I was with Vivaan when Luna informed him about the news. He didn't want me to tell anyone, specifically you. I knew hiding from you wasn't necessary but as this news  wasn't something that could harm you, I accepted his request," Hritika explained.

Thinking it over, Nihal nodded with a smile. He actually didn't really care about it unless his closed ones were affected. Nihal and Hritika had taken this situation lightly but it had made Vivaan's decision concrete. Now only if Hritika agreed, he had made up his mind to make her the Gamma of his pack.

"The food is delicious," Juhi complimented Hritika, knowing that her daughter had no skills in cooking.

"I didn—"

Before Hritika could blurt out the truth, Rehyaa spoke in between, "She is a great cook," hiding the truth.

Yara sighed in relief. It would have looked really bad on her part if everyone came to know that she made a guest cook after inviting everyone. She texted Hritika and Nihal to continue the lie for her sake, not before giving Rehyaa a grateful smile.

"What did you want to discuss?" Luna questioned once they all finished breakfast.

Vivaan was nervous but he didn't let it show. He knew that he had to be confident for others to comply.

"Midnight pack needs to be claimed before the rouges turn it into their hideout."

"Claim...That can be only done by either Rehyaa or you," Luna drawled out thoughtfully.

"Either way, that would make both of them leaders of that pack. How does it make sense for Vivaan to rule over what-just seven girls while leaving behind a whole fully working pack?" Gamma bellowed, not caring if he hurt the sentiments of the future Luna.

"That's the reason, we are having this discussion. I understand that leaving this pack doesn't make sense but I can't just ignore Midnight pack." Vivaan banged his hands on the table, irritated by Gamma's insensitiveness.

"Why can't the council look after the Midnight pack? Isn't it their duty if the Alpha isn't available?" Nihal questioned.

"They would have if there was no heir but Rehyaa is alive and so is her mate," Alpha answered calmly, unfazed by the growing tension in the room.

"Rehyaa, let Vivaan know about the rituals of your pack. Rogues have already started their work, we need to do the coronation soon." Alpha spoke.

Luna's head snapped towards him in fury. "You must be glad for this opportunity. Now your favourite or should I say- your wanted son, can take over this pack."

This was the first time, Nihal encountered Luna's hatred directly. And he was glad for that. It was really uncomfortable for him when she acted so politely when they both knew the truth.

Alpha Aarjav held her gaze with confidence, unwavering from her blazing form and questioned with a smile, "If you are done assuming, can I explain?"

Receiving a skeptical nod from her, he continued, "Vivaan will take over the Midnight pack now and we will start making the plans for expansion and would merge the packs when the correct time comes. Vivaan would be leading the combined pack and that's my promise to you, Mahira."

"That's...that's an awesome plan. As our packs aren't far away from each other, it won't be impossible." Vivaan spoke happily.

"Thank you," Vivaan said sincerely.

"It wasn't that awesome idea. With the experience he has, anybody could have come up with it," Luna grumbled.

"Yet you couldn't." Alpha taunted happily, finally having a last word in an argument.

He thought too soon as his mate shut him down once again. "You were already an Alpha before we met. There's exactly a ten year difference between our leadership "

Alpha Aarjav rolled his eyes while Luna Mahira smirked at her win. He then turned towards Nihal with hopeful eyes. "I would require your help."

"My help?" Nihal asked doubtfully.

"Yes, your help. We all will be juggling between taking care of the pack and also working on expansion. So, I need you to take over my business for the time being. Most of the work is done by managers but you will need to look over everything and be in touch with all of them," Alpha Aarjav explained, hoping for an positive answer.

"Sure," Nihal shrugged, not finding the request out of his reach.

Everyone sighed in relief as the problem was sorted out while Hritika muled over the Alpha's words, getting an idea for their own business. It was getting harder to work and guide from all the way here while their employees were there. It was time to give their employees promotions that came with added responsibilities on their shoulders.