"Luna, I think you are too young to understand the problem here." The man spoke, scoffing at me as if he was surprised I would even speak up.
I clenched my jaws tight at the blatant disrespect thrown my way.
There it is. The usual tactic of using my age to shut me up and push me aside.
I resisted my urge to scoff and looked away 'cause if I dared say something, these "mature" people wouldn't be able to take that criticism.
"She's old enough to know what the problem is, Mr. Lark. Don't forget she's the one who saved our pups so I think you should be careful underestimating her intelligence." Cassian spoke with obvious disdain in his voice, causing the council to fall silent while I sat there in surprise, trying my best not to show it on my face. "We let alphas of our pack go and learn outside our pack and to the omega members of our pack, that seems unfair and they've strongly voiced their disappointment towards the double standards. As the Alpha of this pack, it's my duty to address it."
"They're kids. They do not know the dangers of the outside world, Alpha. What if they meet some alphas when they're out and are taken advantage of? This world is cruel. We cannot just let them go and hope for the best." Another one of the councilmen spoke.
"I understand that your worry is coming from a good place but a pack that won't let their members out for whatever reason it might be is no better than a prison."
"How dare you—"
"Mind your tone, Mr. Harper." Cassian's alpha voice boomed in the room with a force similar to thunder rattling the walls. It made me and everyone in the room freeze. He glared at the man who raised his voice at me, a growl threatening to tumble out of his lips. It made my chest feel tight as I felt the familiar warmth and stir of my omega coming to life. "I know she's too young in your eyes but Ivy is my Luna no matter what and I expect every one of you to give her the same respect you give me. Nothing less will be tolerated." He warned with a dangerous finality in his voice. Thick tension flooded the room and I squirmed in my seat, feeling the uncomfortable air of the situation wrap around me as the people in the room looked between me and Cassian back to back.
Stella cleared her throat. "Mr. Harper, that wasn't a nice way to talk to someone. Especially your Luna. And you know well how snappy and extra protective newly mated alphas are… Let's discuss this issue without raising our voices and snapping at each other." She smiled, trying to ease the atmosphere but it didn't make any change at all.
"So then what do you all recommend?" One of the councilmen asked, looking around at everyone. "We let our pups go out into the human world with no protection whatsoever?"
I cleared my throat. "If we're worried about their protection, then shouldn't we teach them how to protect themselves rather than telling them to depend on someone else? I grew up in the woods and encountered many knotheaded alphas but they couldn't even touch a strand of my hair, all thanks to my father teaching me how to fight. That's why I think self-defense can make a lot of difference."
"That's a good point." Alpha Jax nodded. "But we already offer training and defense lessons to omegas but not many omegas enroll in that."
"And we cannot force them to do that. Our pack does not force people. Besides, learning how to fight is not going to help them chase off alphas. What would they do if an alpha uses their alpha voice? Their instincts are going to make them want to submit." Mr. Lark turned towards me, hands crossed and eyebrows raised.
"That's not true. If you have enough willpower, you can withstand the alpha voice. And there are many scent blockers and suppressants available now for omegas to hide their scent and block out the influence alphas have over them." I countered before turning towards Cassian's father. "Alpha Jax, I think omega's are not willing to enroll in defense classes because they don't feel safe and comfortable. Alpha-dominated spaces are always uncomfortable for omegas. Only a few can manage it. I think we can make a large difference by having separate classes for omegas and having our already well-trained omega warriors teach them. This could make them feel safe and comfortable." I suggested and looked around to see everyone's reaction. The room was quiet for a moment before Cassian's voice broke the silence.
"I agree with my mate." He said, his words sending a shiver down my spine. Goosebumps raised on my skin as I felt my omega's presence again. The way Cassian's head whipped towards me was a clear sign that whatever I felt, he felt it too. "If we make it more accessible and comfortable for the omegas to train and learn self-defense, it could make a huge change. We as a pack should encourage the growth and development of our members instead of restricting them. Every member contributes to the pack and as long as they are loyal to the pack, the pack should support them. Is there anyone who doesn't feel that way?"
Cassian looked around the room, waiting for anyone to speak up. The silence continued for a few moments before one of the councilmen spoke up. "A pack is formed to support and protect each other and not restrict and limit us. Every member is equal in the eyes of the pack so their dreams and wishes should be equally supported too. I agree with our Alpha and Luna." He said, giving me a soft smile. "I think you are a very brave omega, Luna. I hope that one day every omega in our pack becomes like you."
I smiled, cheeks warming up at the compliment. "Thank you, Mr…"
"Lamont. My name's James Lamont." The man smiled wide, making the wrinkles and smile lines on his face prominent. He had such a cheerful face.
"Thank you, Mr. Lamont. I appreciate the support." I smiled back equally cheerful.
When I looked back, Cassian was already looking at me with a small smile on his lips. He quickly averted his gaze when my eyes fell on him. "As there's no opposition, we will proceed with the decision to arrange for the training of our omega members. Since the issue is resolved, today's council meeting is dismissed. Thank you for joining and giving your thoughtful opinions, gentlemen." The alpha announced before standing up from his seat.
The people in the council meeting started to move towards the door as soon as he stood up. Low murmurs and whispers filled the air as they talked to each other. I could hear that some of them weren't really happy about the decision but didn't speak up to oppose it since they couldn't come up with a reason.
"Ivy, that was amazing! You should come to more of these meetings!" Stella pulled me into a hug as soon as she was close to me.
"It was nothing. I think the council needs more omega members. Since we're making decisions for the whole pack, shouldn't we include people to represent everyone in the pack?"
"You're right, Ivy. I think we should invite more omega and beta members to be part of the council. It is necessary to have an equal balance." Alpha Jax added. "What do you think, Cassian?"
I felt the alpha's presence behind me as he stepped closer, the heat of his skin making me squirm in my spot from the close proximity.
"I'll talk with Ryder and make a list of people we should invite to join the council soon."
"Great, I'll leave it to you guys then," He wrapped a hand around his mate and pulled her close. "We'll take our leave. We need to visit the orphanage in the afternoon. See you two at dinner tonight," He smiled.
"Bye guys, take care." Stella waved as they both walked towards the door, leaving me alone with Cassian in the room.
Silence filled the room as soon as they were out.
"Umm…thank you for joining the meeting…" Cassian spoke, his hand going to scratch the back of his neck as he stepped away from me. "Your suggestions helped a lot. Can you…um…will you join the meetings from now on? It'll help a—"
"Yes,"
"What?"
"Yes, I will."
"Really?" He asked, eyes wide.
I narrowed my eyes at his question. "Why are you so surprised?"
"No…it's just that the council was…they were a little hostile towards you so I thought…"
I scoffed. "I'm not new to hostility and it can't make me run away from where I need to be. If that was the case, then I wouldn't be here with you today, Cassian."
I knew my words stung from the way I saw him lower his head. An apology was at the tip of his tongue but I wasn't gonna linger around to hear it. He can shove it up his ass for all I care.
Cassian didn't try to stop me when I walked out, leaving him there alone in the room. Being in a meeting with a room full of alphas who harbored evident dislike towards me had already spoiled my mood. I needed a break to clear my mind.
Maybe my books could help.