"Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery." - J.K. Rowling

((i listened to the song attached on loop while writing this chapter, give it a try while reading this, you won't regret it))

“That means we have reached an unanimous decision, yes?”

All the attendees of the meeting nodded in response to Alpha Lennon’s question.

“Great, then it is final; we will be attending the ball to avoid risking the future of our packs."

“But who is going?” Tyler questioned, resting his arms on the table and leaning forward.

"I think it is best if we attend as per the invitation to avoid any sort of suspicion from their part, which means the Alpha and a few of their family members.”

“Sweet!" A cheery voice, which very much sounded like Josh, interuppted, "My very first official field trip; I need to start packing."

Alpha Carlos, his father, immediately jumped in, “Josh, this is not a field trip. We all need to be prepared and ready for any sort of possible outcome. We have to be alert and on guard at all times, especially when it comes to protecting Alpha Vivian.”

Alpha Lennon nodded in agreement, “I think it is best if we also take guards under the disguise of family members to make sure we are prepared for any tricks they might have hidden up their sleeves.”

“Hmm, I agree. Also, you three,” Alpha Carlos pointed his index finger at Ethan, then moved it towards Josh and then at Tyler, “have to stay as far away from Vivian as possible. You cannot continue with this jovial attitude and friendship. It is crucial that you three keep your communication with Alpha Vivian at minimum and professional at best.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Aw man!”

Tyler and Josh spoke at the same time while Ethan gave a firm nod.

Josh turned towards me and pouted, “The trip hasn’t even started and you know what, I am already over it.”

“What part of,” I cleared my throat and lowered my voice to mimic Alpha Carlos, “‘this is not a field trip’ did you not understand, Josh?”

A grin broke out on Josh’s face, “’l'll miss you at the party; with whom else am I going to share my critique on Lycan fashion? Not those two for sure," he gestured towards Ethan and Tyler, "I wouldn't be caught dead in any of the outfits they wear."

I took this opportunity to observe and compare the differences in their style. Ethan and Tyler dressed in a more casual and laid-back manner, opting for normal solid colours like black and grey, whereas Josh was a whole other story.

He always dressed to impress and easily stood out in a crowd of people. For instance, right now he was wearing a funky, striped, button down shirt which looked as if it came right out from the 80s, there were two dainty necklaces which peeked out from the undone top buttons of his shirt and there were several rings on his fingers. If one needed fashion advice, he would definitely be the guy to seek.

Josh slowly stroked his chin in a thoughtful manner, “But don't you worry; I am sure I'll come up with an effective way to communicate with you.”

“Oh I know you will, I am counting on it.”

The meeting proceeded as everyone selected pack members they were going to take with them to the ball. There was a brief hesitation when it came to deciding if the Betas should accompany the Alphas or take care of the pack in their absence.

However, upon much consideration it was decided that the Chief Warriors' will be left in charge of the pack to tackle the looming possibility of a surprise attack from the Lycan's end. Rogue leader Jeremy also promised that his defense army will keep an effective eye out for all the packs since there community fell right in the middle.

When it was my turn to select the pack members, I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole. Everyone instantly shortlisted which family member they wanted to take with them but for me, there was no one that I could nominate; my brother was dead, my father was in a coma and my mother wasn't in a state of mind which would allow her to leave Dad's side.

I had no one.

I was alone in this.

As much as I tried to avoid the blackhole of tormenting thoughts, I found myself falling in it once more. However, Jonathan's squeezed my hand in a reassuring manner which was enough to bring me back to reality. Turning around to face him, I found him giving me an encouraging nod, "You're okay, Vivian."

You're okay, Vivian.

After a few breaths, I finally mustered the courage and strength to nominate my pack members; Beta Jonathan, Female Beta Ella, Ron, Ashlee and Hera. It was cruical for me to take less than six members to make sure that my pack had a better chance at protection and security back here.

Their safety always came first.

When all the names were recorded on a paper, Alpha Lennon assigned his Beta to make the correct travel arrangements for the trip tomorrow.

“Who is in the Lycan Committee?” This was a question that was bothering me for days. It kept me up at night because I had no knowledge about who our enemies were. I made a valiant attempt by first searching in the stack of books that father had in the office and then our pack’s library but to no avail; all Lycan history was efficiently altered or removed.

Alpha Lennon’s dark eyes connected with mine, “There were two brothers who were in control of The Lycan Committee; Mark and Randy Black. Mark was the elder brother and by default, the one who ruled and had more power. However, during the war in which Alpha Eira was murdered, he was fatally injured. After his death, Randy forcefully took over the title when Mark’s daughter, Leia, was the rightful heir.”

Hearing this, Tyler's interest peaked, “Why so?”

“He is someone who you'd call narrow-minded. In his opinion, men are better capable at ruling and leading a pack."

"In his shitty opinion, you mean." Josh corrected.

Alpha Lennon acknowledged his response and continued, "Yes, Josh... and we already know how strongly opposed and threatened he felt in the past when a female Alpha was concerned.”

“Oh, so in brief, he is a fucking misogynistic bastard.” Josh rolled his eyes.

“Language, son.” Alpha Carlos reprimanded.

“My apologies, Dad – he is a fucking misogynistic bastard, Alpha.”

A bubble of laughter escaped Beta Aiden’s lip who quickly suppressed it when Ethan glared at him. From the very beginning, I noticed that he was brimming with excitement to be included in an official meeting.

“How long are we going to stay there for?”

This was the first time Ethan asked a question. His voice sounded hesitant, as if he was afraid of something.

“We will leave tomorrow morning, attend the ball at the evening and leave the very next morning. We cannot risk extending our stay. The quicker we leave, the better.”

“Fair enough.”

“If that’s all, can we leave? As I said, I have to start packing and that is no easy job,” Josh questioned, who now feeling bored, was playing with a fidget spinner.

Where did he get that from?

“That is not important; the feeling of boredom is quite mutual. The real question is; when are you going to get us one?” My wolf made a frustrated noise, enviously eyeing the toy in his hands.

How in the world are you going to use it with your hulk paws?

"That's for me to know and for you to find out."

Before I could answer her, Alpha Lennon cleared his throat, “No, there is still one problem that needs to be addressed.”

“Which is…?”

Alpha Lennon looked at Ethan than at me and then back at Ethan which made me look at Ethan who also turned to look at me. We both shared confused glances.

Alpha Lennon took a big gulp of water from his glass and then opened his mouth to speak.

“It concerns Ethan's silver.”

A heavy and deadly silence descended in the hall. No one had ever publicly acknowledged the cuffs and anklets that Ethan wore out of sheer respect of his rank, and maybe because a tiny part of them was afraid of what Ethan might do if they did.

“What about it?” Ethan immediately closed his eyes when he realized that his response came out a little more curt than he had intended.

“It will be difficult for us to hide your relationship with Vivian if you wear silver on your wrists and ankles. The Lycans will also get suspicious of it… we can’t risk having you wear them.”

“So you’re telling me that I have to take them off?” Nobody missed the way Ethan clenched his fists tightly.

“There are only two options; either you’ll have to take them off or you cannot go to the ball. However, since the latter isn’t possible, we are only left with the former option.”

He raised his eyebrows and then laughed in a sarcastic manner, “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

“Dad is right,” Josh spoke up, “those are a dead giveaway that you are Vivian’s mate.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes at Josh, “I am not talking to you, pup.”

“Well, I am so you better listen,” Josh put the fidget spinner back in his pocket and straightened himself up, the amusement from his face disappearing instantaneously. His wolf clearly didn't enjoy the way Ethan undermined his rank.

“But he cannot take them off unless you’re all suggesting that he lets his wolf mark Alpha Vivian without her consent,” Aiden came to his Alpha's aid.

“We will have to come up with a plan to hide them then; there is no other option.” Alpha Carlos added his perspective.

“I’ll figure something out,” Ethan spoke in a firm tone, leaving no room for argument.

“But we don’t have time-"

"Tyler, he said he will figure it out." I finally broke out. "No matter what happens, Alpha Ethan will be acompanying us, even if he wishes to keep his silver on. It doesn't matter if the Lycans find out about our relationship or not, they are bound to find it out one day or another. Perhaps," I nonchalantly shrugged, "they already know and all of this is a big, fat trap. All of this isn't clear but what is clear is that Alpha Ethan will be attending the ball and that it will be his choice, and his alone, to decide about the silver."

"Damn straight. About time we let people make their own choices." My wolf chipped in.

Tyler seemed a bit taken aback when he saw that I had defended Ethan. On the other hand, Ethan was now fully supporting a smile, his eyes glimmering with pride and triumph.

When no one said anything for a solid three minutes, Josh decided to take advantage of the situation, “Well, if that is all... I’ll be taking my leave,” His eyes traversed the attendees to see if they all agreed with the fact the meeting had concluded. When nobody made an effort to speak up, he took it as an answer and got up from his chair.

“I guess I’ll be seeing you all at the airport tomorrow morning.”

----

I was absolutely famished upon returning back to the pack. To my great surprise, I found out that everyone had a pizza night at the packhouse which had come to an end by the time I came back from the meeting.

However, being the sweet angel that Levi was, he saved me a few slices. After practically inhaling them and feeding the beast in my stomach, I headed towards my parents' room to pay them a visit.

When I entered the room, the familiar beeping noise of the ventilator welcomed me. My eyes travelled across the room and found Dad still lying peacefully on the bed and Mom sitting on... the sofa?

"Mom, you're awake?"

Her eyes lit up when she saw me at the door, "Vivian, my darling you're back!"

She stood up as I rushed towards her side and wrapped my arms tightly around her petitie frame.

"When... when did you wake up?"

Mom looked different than before... she felt more alive and there.

"When you were at the meeting," she gently pushed my hair away from my face.

I hugged her tighter in response, the sweet smell of jasmine filling my soul with much-needed motherly comfort.

"Vivian, I don't know what to say. I am sorry for leaving you that night... I just couldn't sleep without him next to me," she wistfully looked at Dad. "I just want to tell you how sorry I feel for leaving you in this mess, I have been a terrible mother..."

"Mom, you don't have to apologise. I understand...," I interjected.

"No Vivian, I do. For me, my world ended when you went away, then my son and then the love of my life. I didn't know what to do anymore... I was helpless, alone. How could I live when the reasons for my living were no longer there?

"But this morning, I heard my wolf call out to me for the first time in what feels like years," a small laugh escaped her lips and her eyes gleamed with excitement, "We talked... after so long! And do you know what she did? She reminded me of you, of our daughter. Of our daughter who was a mini-Alejandro; a little stubborn, extremely passionate, and had a heart of gold... exactly like her father."

She cupped my face, "You were still out there... we couldn't leave you alone... not with all the responsibility that had been thrusted upon your tiny shoulders. I know how it felt to be alone, and I couldn't let you feel the same. If I couldn't live for my own self, then I had to live for you.

"Alejandro and I never prepared you for this role, it had always been your brother but there is not a single shred of doubt in my mind that undermines your strength. Vivian, you can and you will do this.

"We will get through this... together; as mother and daughter, as a family."

"Mom..." I was at a loss for words.

"Vivian, I promise you that I won't ever leave you again."

Her words moved me to tears, "Mom, it is alright. All that matters is that you're here with me..."

"...And that we're not alone." My wolf completed.

We're not.

----

For the second time in the day, I found msyelf standing near the pack border. However, the only difference was that this time, it was my border and Ethan was on the other side awaiting my arrival.

"I hope everything is alright, your late night call gave me quite the scare," I greeted him.

"Uh... sorry about that," he scratched the back of his neck, "I had to talk to you about something important; it couldn't wait till the morning."

"Sure, step on in."

He crossed the border and we begin to walk in a random direction.

I decided it was better to walk outside and converse instead of being confined inside my boring office. The weather was terrific. There was a gentle, cool breeze which tousled my hair. The wind carried with it the fragrance of earth, soft and sweet, which filled me with satisfaction. Thankfully, he agreed.

We walked silently for a while. He didn't initiate the conversation so I decided to break the silence, "So... did you find any solution to the silver situation?"

He came to an abrupt stop and faced me, "That is the reason for my visit."

I turned towards him, feeling a tad bit worried now, "Oh okay, what's wrong?"

"Johnny, our pack doctor, believes there is no solution to this problem. There isn't any possible scenario in which I can take off the silver and behave like everything will be fine and dandy. As soon as the silver is off and my wolf is given control, he will mark you which is why I've given it a lot of thought and have come to the conclusion that there is more at stake than us."

"You don't say..."

"I cannot possibly fathom being the reason behind putting your life in danger, which in turn will also put countless other lives at risk. It will destroy me completely."

I stopped him with a gesture of my hand, "Where are you going with this, Ethan?"

His face fell, "I've decided that I'm not going to the ball."

"You what?!"

"I'd rather kill my own self then bring danger to your life... and also the other countless innocent lives." He added as an afterthought.

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at him, "Oh, what a good Samaritan you are, just the hero this world needed."

He rolled his eyes, "Ha-ha. Very funny, Vivian."

"I know," I tried to suppress my grin but failed.

For a brief second, his face lit up upon seeing me smile.

"You do know that your not going to the ball will make the Lycans even more suspicious."

"We can make an excuse, how about... I am sick or out for business or something?"

"You think they'll be naive enough to believe it?"

He tilted his head like an adorable puppy, "Si?"

"Well, you're wrong."

That was definitely not the answer he was looking for because he stepped closer to me and gently tucked away a loose strand of my hair, "Vivian, you need to understand.... I cannot risk losing you once again."

My heart beat quickened. It felt as if the entire world around us disappeared upon hearing his confession. There was no one but us, enchanted by a magical spell, a spell which made it impossible for us tear our gazes from each other. My entire body was humming with heat and a newfound energy.

And just like that, a light bulb went off in my head.

"I have an idea; there is an eighty percent chance that it will work but the other twenty percent could prove to be possibly dangerous," I eagerly explained.

"Vivian, I have gone through all possible solutions and ideas, there is nothing that you or I can do that can -"

"Do you trust me?"

"With my life."

He didn't even hesitate.

My heart fluttered.

"Great, then give me your hand."

"My hand?" This time, he hesitated but then managed to extend his right hand towards me.

On contact, tiny sparks erupted and sent goosebumps all over my body.

Unable to stop myself, I lightly traced the red mark on his wrist. My heart clenched as I imagined the silver bracelet which was once there, trying to gauge the pain he must've gone through.

Once realising my wolf was on board with my idea, I let her take over. My left hand extended into a claw which I used to cut a slit on the red mark on Ethan's wrist.

He flinched, "Ouch, Vivian... what are you doing?"

I gave him a stern look which shut him up.

He probably saw my mismatching eyes, one black and one brown, which signalled the presence of my wolf.

My gaze then moved up towards the sky. The full moon hung proudly on the celestial sky, gracing the star-filled sky with its grace and beauty - as if she silently approved of our idea and was protectively watching over us, witnessing the moment.

I took a deep, controlled breath and made a similar cut on my right wrist.

My eyes connected with his once again and I understood it right then... he knew exactly what I was about to do.

I hovered my hand over his, and then immediately connected our wrists.