Page 43 of Pack to the Wall

"It's special," he said, drawing her closer. "It's proof that we're true mates, a perfect match. You should embrace it as evidence of our connection."

Her lips parted as if to ask another question, but instead, she rose up and pressed her mouth to his. The kiss tasted of salt and promise, and Zev had to restrain himself from deepening it into something more primal. There would be time for that after he'd dealt with his pack.

Breaking away reluctantly, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, quickly finding Ewan's contact. His second-in-command answered on the first ring.

"Send word to all one hundred pack members," Zev commanded without preamble. "Emergency meeting outside the main lodge in twenty minutes. Attendance is mandatory."

"Already on it," Ewan replied, his voice calm despite the tension in Zev's tone. "Olivia's helping spread the word. Anything else?"

Zev looked down at Chrissy, her bright eyes locked on his face with a mix of trust and trepidation that made him want to conquer worlds for her.

"Have security stationed at all access points," he added. "No one leaves or comes onto the island until after the meeting. And Ewan—" he paused, making sure his message was clear, "—tell them their Luna will be at my side. It's time they understood exactly who she is."

Zev walked with Chrissy toward the main lodge, hyperaware of her presence beside him. She had changed into a white sundress that flowed around her curves like water, making her look both innocent and utterly desirable at the same time. The golden late afternoon light caught in her dark hair, highlighting the subtle undertones of mahogany that he'd only noticed whenthey were tangled together in his bed last night. His wolf prowled under his skin, restless and eager to publicly claim what was his.

"You look beautiful," he said softly. "Like you belong here."

Chrissy's fingers tightened around his. "I'm nervous."

"Don't be." He stopped, turning to face her fully. "They'll accept you or deal with me."

His tone brooked no argument. The Alpha in him couldn't conceive of any other outcome. His pack might have concerns, might have reservations about a human mate—especially one with Chrissy's high profile—but they would fall in line. The alternative wasn't an option.

As they approached the gathering place outside the main lodge, Zev felt his posture shift automatically. His shoulders squared, his stride lengthened, and his chin lifted. The Alpha wasn't just a title; it was woven into every fiber of his being.

One hundred pack members stood waiting, arranged in a loose semicircle with the oldest and most respected families toward the center. Ewan stood slightly apart, his position as second-in-command clear in his stance. When Zev and Chrissy stepped into view, a ripple of whispers moved through the crowd.

Zev met the eyes of those who had gathered outside Chrissy's villa earlier. Several had the grace to look ashamed. Good. They should feel ashamed. His mate had been reduced to tears by their actions, and the memory of her pain still burned in his chest.

"Thank you all for coming." His voice carried across the crowd without effort. "I've called this meeting to address recent events and to make an announcement long overdue."

He placed his hand on Chrissy's lower back, feeling the subtle tremble that ran through her body. His wolf wanted to nuzzleand comfort her, but the Alpha knew that strength was required here.

"Chrissy Rivera is my fated mate." The declaration rang out, clear and undeniable. "Though I have not yet marked her, and she has not yet committed to becoming one of the pack, she is your Luna. This is not up for debate or discussion."

The crowd's reaction was mixed—some nodded in understanding, others exchanged surprised glances, and a few of the elders frowned. Zev's eyes narrowed at their hesitation, his deep voice dropping to a dangerous rumble.

"Those of you who surrounded her villa and made her feel unwelcome will step forward now and apologize directly to your Luna."

For a moment, no one moved. Then, slowly, dozens of pack members stepped forward. One by one, they approached Chrissy and offered sincere apologies. The last, a gray-haired woman named Eliza who had been particularly vocal, bowed her head low.

"Forgive us, Luna. We feared for our safety, but that's no excuse for how we treated you."

Chrissy, to Zev's immense pride, accepted each apology with grace. His chest swelled with possessive approval—she was already acting like the Luna she was born to be.

"Now, let me be absolutely clear," Zev continued after the apologies were complete. "Anyone who treats our Luna with anything less than complete respect will answer directly to me."

The threat hung in the air, and Zev allowed it to settle before moving on.

"As for Marty Shriner's threats—we will not be intimidated. This island has been run by my family for centuries. We've faced threats before and survived."

He outlined their action plan, his voice steady and commanding. The resort would be temporarily closed to outsideguests. Security would be doubled at all access points. The pack would run patrol shifts around the clock.

"But what about drones or helicopters?" someone called out. "They could breach our airspace."

Zev's lips curved into a confident smile. "The jungle canopy is our shield. It's how we've remained hidden for generations. Any aerial surveillance would only see trees and more trees—our buildings are designed to blend with the natural landscape."

As he spoke, watching understanding dawn on his pack's faces, Zev felt the tide turning. Their initial fear was transforming into something else—resolve, protectiveness, and pride. They were beginning to see what he saw in Chrissy: not a liability, but their Luna. Someone worth protecting.

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