Page 63 of Rebel for Claws
Applause echoed through the sacred space, and Vivian felt tears prick her eyes. The contrast between this moment and the chaos of their first meeting here struck her with overwhelming emotion.
"The reforms we've enacted have transformed our territory completely," continued Elder Callum. "Freedom of mating choice has resulted in a twenty percent increase in inter-pack unions. Our hybrid integration program has welcomed over three hundred new residents. And our human ambassador program has established positive diplomatic relations with surrounding human communities."
Three hundred hybrids no longer hiding in fear. Hundreds of matings based on love rather than political arrangements. Diplomatic relations instead of secret extermination programs.
Alaric leaned closer to her, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Remember when you thought I was a cruel traditionalist who would never accept change?"
She turned to meet his gaze, seeing the teasing glint that had become one of her favorite expressions on his handsome face. "Remember when you thought I was a dangerous magical rebel who would destroy our shifter society?"
"I was half right," he murmured, his voice dropping to that intimate rumble that made her want to forget they were in public. "You did destroy our shifter society—the corrupt, oppressive version. What you built in its place is infinitely better."
"Councilor Alaric Silvercrest," Elder Callum's voice cut through their private moment, "would you care to present your report on territorial security status?"
Alaric straightened immediately, his Alpha presence filling the space as he addressed the assembly. "Security threats remain at an all-time low. The elimination of human operative networks and the integration of former rebellion fighters intoour territorial guard has created the most stable environment our region has seen in centuries."
Watch him command the room. Even in this egalitarian setting, he's still every inch the powerful Alpha I fell in love with.
"And Councilor Vivian Silvercrest," Elder Callum continued, "your update on magical bloodline research?"
Vivian rose gracefully, feeling the ancient magic in her blood respond to the formal setting where her great-great-great-great grandmother's legacy was finally being honored rather than persecuted.
"The awakening of dormant magical abilities continues to spread throughout our territory," she reported, her voice carrying clearly across the pavilion. "We've documented enhanced healing, increased shapeshifting capabilities, and even partial multi-form shifting in seventeen percent of our population. The ancient bloodlines are returning exactly as the prophecy foretold."
Seventeen percent and growing. Queen Isadora's magical legacy spreading through every pack, every family, and every generation.
"These developments represent the future our ancestors envisioned," Vivian continued, passion heating her words. "A unified society where humans and shifters don't just coexist—they thrive together, each making our world stronger."
As she resumed her seat, Alaric's hand found hers beneath the meeting table, his thumb tracing possessive patterns across her palm that made concentration on council business increasingly difficult.
One year of being his mate, and he still affects me like this.
"The Lunar Council has achieved remarkable progress," Maya observed, shuffling through her research notes. "Butperhaps our greatest success is proving that change doesn't require the destruction of valuable traditions."
"Agreed," Damon spoke up from across the circle, his usually stoic expression showing rare satisfaction. "We've preserved the pack bonds and loyalty systems that give our society strength while eliminating the oppressive laws that caused suffering."
Balance. Finally, the balance we fought so hard to achieve.
The meeting continued with reports on economic development, inter-territorial cooperation, and plans for expanded human-shifter collaboration projects. But Vivian found herself stealing glances at Alaric, remembering their journey from enemies to allies to lovers to partners in reshaping their world.
From the hybrid who thought he was a cruel tyrant to the mate who helped him become the leader he was always meant to be.
Two hours later, as they drove back from Moon Hollow with the sun beginning its descent in the sky, Vivian couldn't shake the profound satisfaction coursing through her. The quarterly meeting had represented everything they'd fought to achieve.
Peace. Actual, sustainable peace built on unity rather than oppression.
"We're home," Alaric murmured as they turned into the circular drive of their estate. "Ready to celebrate our children officially becoming part of this new world?"
The sight of multiple vehicles already parked outside their mansion made Vivian's heart soar. Through the tall windows, she could see warm light spilling from their grand living room where their chosen family had gathered for the twins' naming ceremony.
One month old today. One month of watching Alaric discover the tender, protective side of himself he'd buried for so long.
"They're all here," she observed, spotting Kieran's distinctive black SUV beside Logan's Jeep. "Maya probably brought her research notes on hybrid development patterns."
Alaric's hand found hers as they walked toward the front entrance. "She's determined to document every milestone for the Lunar Council's historical records."
The front door opened before they reached it, revealing Malcolm's grinning face. "About time you two got back. Lena's been pacing the living room, muttering about astrological alignments and naming ceremonies."
"And Logan's been glaring at anyone who gets too close to the twins," Kieran added, appearing behind his younger brother with Maya at his side. "Apparently his protective instincts extend to all prophecy children now."
