Page 85 of Dragon's Revenge

Zack met Sivney’s gaze directly. “I want to serve this pack and clan to the best of my abilities. I believe in the vision Rhene and Erwan have for a united future between wolves and dragons. And while I’m aware I’m young, I have the skills to help make that vision a reality.”

Rhene nodded approvingly. “You don’t have experience in leading, correct?” he asked.

“No, alpha. That was impossible in a clan where omegas were considered third-class citizens. But I think I’ve shown since we left the Dragon Council that I’m a natural leader.”

That was one word for it. Zack was bossy as fuck in the same way Sivney was, and he’d earned respect from people. Oliver admired the hell out of the fellow dragon omega. It took serious balls to stand up in a pack meeting and speak your mind. Even more so as an omega. But to do so as a newcomer, knowing Duff Bás was in the audience? Yeah, that was badass.

A few other pack members asked Zack about his background, his strengths, and how he would handle certain leadership situations. Zack answered each inquiry thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Finally, Rhene addressed the group. “Are there any objections to Zack becoming our official third-in-command?”

Oliver held his breath, but the barn remained silent. No one spoke against Zack.

“All in favor?” Rhene asked.

A chorus of ayes echoed through the space, Oliver’s own voice among them. The pack had resoundingly supported their new third.

“It’s decided then,” Rhene said with a smile, extending his hand to Zack. “Congratulations, Zack, and thank you for your willingness to serve.”

A thunderous applause rolled through the barn, especially from all the dragons, Oliver included. It meant so much to see an omega dragon be elevated to this important position. It made him proud and so, so grateful he’d found this pack.

“I’m honored,” Zack replied, standing tall. “I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” With a last slap on his shoulder, Rhene turned back to face the crowd. His face grew serious. “Now that’s out of the way, it’s time to talk about the challenges we’re facing right now.”

Sivney nodded. “As you all know, our pack and clan have experienced rapid growth in recent months. This is wonderful in many ways. It means more hands to help with the work, more minds to contribute ideas and solutions. But it also presents logistic challenges.”

Rhene took over again. “Our lands can only sustain so many before resources become strained. And there are social considerations as well, in terms of cohesion and hierarchy. Packs function best with a certain range of members. That’s why the Hightower pack split from the Hayes pack a few years ago.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as the implications sank in. Oliver’s stomach tightened. Were they suggesting…?

“What are you saying exactly?” Wilmer called out, echoing Oliver’s thoughts. “That we need to split the pack?”

Rhene held up a hand. “We’re not there yet. But it’s something we need to start thinking about and prepare for as a possibility. The question is complicated by the fact that we’re a mixed pack of wolves and dragons now. The clan can’t be divided.”

“There’s also the issue of our clan identity and structure,” Sivney said. “Most of our growth has come from dragons seeking refuge, not wolves. That’s throwing off the balance between wolves and dragons, and we’re not sure how that will work out in the long term. Plus, we’re super imbalanced on the omega ratio versus alphas and betas.”

“You can’t separate the pack and the clan,” Jermon said. “We have multiple triads with both wolves and dragons.”

Yeah, no shit. Oliver was in one himself.

“That’s something we’re well aware of,” Rhene said. “And don’t forget that as the pack alpha, I’m also mated to a dragon.”

Somehow, it felt wrong to label Erwan as “a dragon.” He was their king, the White Dragon, not merely a dragon. And not just the pack alpha’s mate, though he was that too.

Oliver’s thoughts churned as he listened to Rhene and Sivney discuss the challenges facing the pack and clan. The idea of splitting them apart seemed unthinkable, yet the leaders were right—they couldn’t ignore the realities of their rapid growth forever. The pack couldn’t split without fracturing the clan. But the clan couldn’t grow indefinitely without straining pack resources and dynamics. It was a catch-22 that made his head spin.

“Does that mean you’ll refuse any new dragons who want to join?” Fallon asked, his voice small.

“No, absolutely not.” Rhene’s tone left no room for misunderstanding. “Our doors are and will remain wide open to any dragons wanting to join. And we will consider any new wolves who want to join the same way we always have.”

Well, that was a relief, at least. Oliver wasn’t sure how many more dragons were out there, searching for a safe haven, but there had to be at least a handful more dragon omegas trying to escape their situations.

“I think,” Zack said, his voice carrying a note of determination, “that we need to focus on what unites us, not divides us. We’re all here because we believe in a shared future, in the power of collaboration and understanding between wolves and dragons. We believe in the original pact between the dragons and the wolves, and we want to honor the blood vow our ancestors made. Standing in that tradition will make us stronger.”

Nods and murmurs of agreement met his words. Oliver felt a swell of pride. Zack was already proving his worthiness as a leader.

“Well said,” Rhene affirmed. “I couldn’t agree more.”

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