Elder Samson and Elder Charlie arrived together at the party.
The duo of Elders moved toward the bar in the event hall while greeting people present. Everyone was familiar.
Just like the majority of guests present, Elder Samson and Elder Charlie had a feeling that this was about Damon announcing his Luna, but they were not sure if that will be Marcy or Talia.
Of course, they were hoping it was Marcy, but they also remembered that Damon told them how Talia was his fated mate. Talia was fierce, but considering that many confirmed Marcy was in their pack… which one will it be?
"Isn't that James?", Elder Charlie asked while eyeing a group of four teens sitting at a table.
Elder Samson looked in that direction to see James sitting with Petra, Erik, and Zack. The four of them were focused on their phones and chatting in a hushed but lively manner. They were playing an online game together.
"It is.", Elder Samson responded without trying to conceal his displeasure. "It seems that the future Alpha is behaving differently without his father around."
Both Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were familiar with the Redmayne family, and they knew James as a stalwart young man whose serious expression would project wisdom beyond his age, like a true promising Alpha, yet now he was no different compared to other kids.
"Are you excited?", a hushed female voice came from the side.
"Agatha…", Elder Charlie called with a nod in greeting.
Agatha is their senior, and also an Elder, so they needed to show respect, even if it's just for show.
For the outsiders, they were all a harmonious group of Elders, each working for the benefit of the Dark Howlers pack. But on the inside, their relationships were tense as they were always engaged in a show of power, regardless of if it was for securing perks that matter or getting their way in a simple spat.
Elder Charlie and Elder Samson looked down on many other Elders, like Elder Agatha who got her title just because she won some awards in the human city and was voted as the best teacher by her students year after year. On top of her questionable achievements, Elder Agatha was prone to gossip. Everyone likes to hear gossip; they were also aware that Elder Agatha would wrap them into her stories. No one was ever spared from this gossipy grandma, so they are trying to stay away from her.
"What should we be excited about?", Elder Samson asked.
"Didn't you hear?", Elder Agatha inched closer, and her sparkling eyes didn't match her aged appearance. She looked like a woman in her sixties, but werewolves have longer lifespans compared to humans, and she was at least double of that.
"Alpha Damon…" She lowered her voice. "That boy finally decided to stop waiting for his mate, and we will get a Luna."
Both Elder Charlie and Elder Samson were stupefied. Did she say that Alpha Damon was waiting for his mate? He was sleeping around like there is no tomorrow. How was that waiting!?
Elder Charlie was first to recover. "What makes you think so?"
"Don't tell me you didn't hear. Marcy from the Red Moon pack is here.", she said with a knowing look.
"So?", Elder Samson asked and waved toward the table where James was with three other teenagers. "Alpha Edward's son is also present. Should we assume that James is part of the dowry? Or that Alpha Edward would give his only daughter without being personally present?"
Elder Agatha frowned at his sarcastic tone. "Are you against this union?"
Elder Charlie responded, "We have no opinions at this point. Before you accuse us of anything, you should look at the big picture. Representatives from several packs are here, and maybe our Alpha will tell us tonight that he found his Luna, or maybe he will announce that we will build a shelter for abandoned children. As a teacher, you should understand that taking care of children is important, and if we are about to face a big project, all of us should contribute in some way."
Elder Agatha thought for a moment while scrutinizing two men in front of her. Everyone was aware of how Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were close to Alpha Edward. Sure, some other Elders also had connections in the Red Moon pack, but they paled in comparison to being able to reach the Alpha directly.
She expected that they will be gloating how their connections were finally coming in handy, and their attitudes pointed to one thing… "You know something."
"We only know that sharing opinions in this place…", Elder Charlie paused while looking around, indicating that 'this place' was the packhouse. "…can backfire if you are wrong. And if we assume that you are right, it won't bring any harm to not talk about it until the official announcement was made."
Elder Agatha frowned. Everyone was talking about the union of Alpha Damon and Marcy and guessing how it will impact the dynamics of the packs and their positions. She saw these two men coming and she thought of getting to them first. Who would imagine that they wouldn't be eager to talk about it? Were they gaining some massive benefits and were not willing to share?
"Do we need to remind you of the consequences of angering our Alpha?", Elder Charlie asked.
Elder Agatha pressed her lips into a line surrounded by numerous fine wrinkles.
Everyone knew that she used to be one of the key decision-makers related to education and extracurricular activities for youngsters in the Dark Howlers pack. Kids and parents were visiting her often with big smiles and even bigger gifts while trying to curry favor with her so that they end up selected for the best programs. However, since Alpha Damon took over, she was reduced to something like an advisor to the principal which was almost nothing. She even needed a pass to enter the school!
Elder Agatha exhaled sharply while shaking off negative thoughts. "I was just saying casually. Don't take it seriously."
"Don't worry, we won't.", Elder Samson said, and he chuckled when she left with her nose raised high. It was obvious that she was offended. "You should have let her talk."
Elder Charlie didn't agree. "She would do her monologue, and her next victim would hear a version of how she talked with us about it and drag us into her mess. The best we can do is stay away and see how tonight will develop."
Everyone's attention went on the main entrance when Damon made his appearance with Caden and Maya by his side. Some were disappointed that Marcy was not in that group.
Damon wished that Talia was with him, but she went to see the annoyingly stubborn Shaman.
Damon knew that Talia was with Mindy and two warriors, but his kitten was out of his visual range, and he was worried. That girl is a magnet for trouble.
Damon paused to see all faces in the room, almost everyone was present.
When the chatter simmered down, Damon spoke.
"Thank you for coming tonight. As you can see, we have guests from other packs, and I hope you will show them our hospitality. Dinner will be served at seven o'clock, and after that, we will have some announcements. Until then, enjoy."
With that, Caden and Maya went to greet the elders, and Damon moved to the table where James was with three teens.
"I heard you had fun today.", Damon said.
"Yes. Thank you, Alpha Damon.", James confirmed, his playful expression was replaced with a serious one. "Don't worry. I know what to do."
Damon forced a stiff smile. He hated that this youngster had something on him, and if James decided to spill the beans how something was off with Marcy, things would go south quickly.
The safest thing would be to throw James into the dungeon and not leave him out ever, but with everyone knowing that the group from the Red Moon pack was here, Damon needed James to cover up for the lack of Marcy and Nora.
Damon noticed that George was still not in attendance. Damon was not sure how much the newly-mated Alpha will help the current situation, but Damon could guess that George won't have anything nice to say about Marcy.
Unfortunately, they didn't have a chance to negotiate, so that was another variable Damon couldn't control.
Damon told himself not to panic. If things get out of hand, he will use his aura to suppress everyone and think about damage control later. Much later.
