Thirty Days: A Werewolf Romance

I Am Living In A Patriarchal World...

Ellie Richards

I felt like I had a microphone drop moment when I was ordered back to my seat. I couldn't help but internally laugh my wolf scoffing at the imbecile who was Chancellor of the council. My wolf was nothing but irritated at the man who dared to blame this incident on us. We never choose to reject our mate, he started the process. I'm sure like every other man who rejects a woman expects them to crawl to them crying. Well, we were the opposite. 

My wolf was strong and sassy. Yes she was broken when the human counterpart rejected us and it took her some time to come to terms with being separated from her wolf mate, but she bounced back. She was stronger than ever. She determined as long as we were together, everything would be fine. I couldn't help but feel pity and shame for not being seen as worthy by Alpha Samuels, but she shut those emotions down quickly, reassuring me that I did nothing wrong. 

"We would like to call Alpha Thomas Samuels to give his account." The Chancellor announced to the pack. 

It was then that my mate stood up, it was the first time I would lay eyes on him after two years. My emotions were all over the place. The physical distance that my Uncle helped me put between had allowed the bond to simmer and dimmer. I hardly felt his emotions, I never saw his faults, the connection we had was completely fragmented. After a few months, I was slowly able to ignore the pain in my chest as it started to dissipate. As each day passed, it became easier to forget the man who had broken my hearts wolf. 

Now that we were in close in proximity, I could smell the sweet smell of strawberries with the hint of mint that lingered in my nostrils. I could only close my eyes and try to hold my breath to stop the smell from reaching my mind. It was confusing because I hated that scent but that was going against my nature as a wolf. The closer we got, the more I could feel the threads of fate trying to repair itself as it twined between us. 

Thomas' emotions were well hidden, his poker face was strong. I didn't know whether he was happy about my presence or whether he detested that the council had found out he rejected his mate. I watched on as Chancellor Thorn started his questioning and all I could do was clench my fist. His approach to the Alpha was completely the opposite to mine. He started off his intro gait on with a soft smile and warm eyes as he looked at Thomas with a welcoming look. 

I gave my uncle a look as if I was saying "Is this shit real?" I looked around the room and saw many people look on in disbelief as the Chancellor's approach was the opposite of mine. James was gritting his teeth back and forward, I could see he too was irritated. I couldn't help but fold my arms into my chest as I watched Thomas give his feeble and lame excuses. 

"... yes she was my mate. I had been in a relationship with Rachel for nearly five years. Everyone thought that she was going to be mine as we were besotted with each other. She game from a line of Gamma's who were close to the family. The whole pack thought she would be a great Luna, when I turned of age. I truly thought she was my mate." Thomas began to weave his tale of deceit, while the Chancellor continued to look on, sucking it up like a toddler begging for milk. 

It was then that there was an assortment of scoffs that echoed through the hall. I could see there was a small group at the back that were shaking their heads. At what, it was still unclear. The Chancellor's gaze followed the direction of the loud snort, his eyes were sharp and his lips were pursed. "May the person who felt the need to interrupt my interrogation please stand up." His eyes darkened, his voice was oozing with power that no one could ignore the command that dripped from his lips. 

Suddenly, the small bubbly lady that I knew my uncle harboured deep feelings for stood. My eyes widened. Even if she was deemed an Omega, there was no way you could tell. Her back was straight, her eyes didn't waver from the Chancellor. The slight tilt of her chin that rose upwards omitted nothing but confidence. I quickly glanced at Uncle James who looked like he was about to pounce to defend the woman who had arose from the sea of people. 

"What is your name?" The Chancellor questioned. 

"Clara, Chancellor Thorn." She responded. 

"May I ask what you find so amusing that you so rudely interrupted your Alpha?" The anger simmering in his voice. 

"Of course. I found his statement to be untrue." She spoke with confidence. 

The Chancellor let out a sinister chuckle. "The audacity you have to make such a statement. How do you know your Alpha is lying?" He darkly asked. 

"Well he said that the pack were happy with her being the Luna. I can speak from the bottom of my heart and know that my words are true when I say that no one in this pack was happy with Rachel being their Luna." She accused. 

The Chancellor's eyes widened at her response, while Thomas' mouth hung open like he couldn't believe what one of his pack member's said. I couldn't believe that this woman had the balls to say what she did, but my heart fluttered at her words. I was nothing but thankful that someone else was challenging the Alpha's statement. 

"That is a big accusation to make. I hope you have the evidence to support your claim." He said with a menacing tone. 

"I am sure that if you commanded the room to answer my question, you would have your evidence Chancellor. Rachel abused her position, she displayed anything but traits of being a Luna. She would harm Omega's physically and verbally. There were many whispers of her abusing pack funds. Again, I am sure if you investigate fully and go through the accounting books you will see that there were many discrepancies in finances." Clare responded. 

The Chancellor looked at Clare, who was challenging his position, who was challenging his ability to provide an bias free trial. The veil that was poking at the front of his head, did nothing but throb. You could see the pulse pounded from the front row. I had to cover my mouth to stop the smirk that tilted in the corners of my mouth. 

"Maybe you should do this to see whether their is any credit to the she-wolf's statement." Elder Barren interrupted. I couldn't help but remember the other two elders were present. Both had seemingly disappeared into the background. The Chancellor gave her a cold look in response but let out a sigh of displeasure. 

"Very well." He exasperates. "Members of the Lotus pack, could you please confirm whether you found there to be faults in your Alpha's chosen Luna." His voice dripped with power as he commanded the room. Again no one could ignore his order. 

With that, slowly people began to raise their hands in the air. I could see that they were both struggling internally. They didn't want to share the truth that Clare spoke, but I couldn't understand why? Were they scared of their Alpha? Did they believe that he would hurt them for speaking out against the woman he determined was the right choice for the pack? Even through their reluctance, one by one each pack member's hand went up; including my uncle's hand. 

The pack's view was unanimous, Thomas' chosen mate was viewed by many as inappropriate. I couldn't tell what he was thinking but I could see that the Chancellor had grown more frustrated. For he had been challenged twice in a day, both by woman. I didn't know whether it was because we were woman he had the problem or whether his old Victorian views were challenged. Either way, I knew what Uncle James said was right. He was someone to be weary of. 

James' eyes were dark and I could tell that he was worried and on edge, for his wolf only crept to the surface while he was in human form when he sensed danger. I didn't have to be a genius to tell that both me and Clare had painted a target on our back. I could tell that the Chancellor wouldn't let us get away with challenging his authority.