In the packhouse…
James was having fun with Petra, Erik, and Zack. The four of them didn't shout or raise their feet on the table (they would do that if the atmosphere was teenager-friendly). However, they were happily playing with their phones and chatting in a lively mood which stood out because everyone else was visibly older and much more serious.
Petra, Erik, and Zack were in high spirits. When they got their mission to accompany future Alpha James, they were apprehensive about it, but after experiencing the whole day of fun, they realized that they were wrong about it.
First, they had a scrumptious breakfast in the packhouse, which was followed by a whole day of playing in the town with James. All expenses were covered, courtesy of Alpha Damon.
Second, they got to stay in the packhouse for the time being, with each of them getting a room. It was like a vacation!
Third, they were attending this event with big shots from the pack, and James' presence allowed them to be casual about it. It was fantastic!
James was enjoying his time with his new friends, but part of his attention was on his surroundings.
He overheard many talks about Marcy as the future Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, how Damon will announce their union, and they wondered when she will make her appearance. The excitement about Marcy was building up.
Some groups were talking about Talia; how she secured them a tribute from the Steelbite pack and provided a scent concealer for their warriors, but those talks quickly simmered down in favor of Marcy, no matter how much Maya and Caden tried to stir the conversation about Talia. At most, people acknowledged her as Alpha Damon's assistant.
One of the Elders even said, "As a member of our pack, it's normal that she contributes. Every one of us did the same…", and then he asked when Marcy will come.
James also noticed that Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were eyeing his table, and he knew that they were waiting for the right timing to approach him. After two drinks, the duo decided to make their move.
Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were the only Elders who heard that Talia was Damon's mate, so they didn't want to talk in favor of Marcy or Talia. However, no matter what happens to Marcy, disregarding James would be a bad move because he is the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack.
"Future Alpha James", Elder Samson called in his official tone.
James looked up at the Elders and he nodded at each of them while calling out names, "Elder Samson, Elder Charlie, Elder Agatha. Nice to see you.", he ended with a pleasantry.
Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were not aware that at the last minute Elder Agatha attached herself to their group of two.
The duo turned toward Elder Agatha who looked like she was always there, and they cursed internally. Gossip-hungry wench!
Elder Agatha was happy that James called her name. He recognized her! It made her feel important. She didn't know that Alpha Edward got James to memorize Elders from all major packs, including their background and roles.
James was surprised to see so many Elders in the Dark Howlers pack. Other packs would give those titles to retired high-ranking members, but only to the ones with Alpha, Beta, and Gamma bloodlines. Maybe, a retired general who made significant contributions would get this title. The most Elders James counted was four, in the Spring Leaf pack, and this group of fifty-something Elders was more like a circus.
James' tutor explained to the youngster that Alpha Jacob (aka Damon's father) was generous in giving these titles because he believed that dividing power will reduce corruption. How wrong he was. It only made Elders fight for a larger piece of the pie, many resorting to establishing connections with other packs and causing discord from within. That eventually lead to the downfall of Alpha Jacob and Luna Violet. Of course, those were just theories, but it's a fact that the Dark Howlers pack has many Elders, yet neither of them wields any power as Alpha Damon is not even using them as his advisors.
All of them hold empty titles.
If he didn't need to play his role, James would ignore those old geezers.
"We see you are having fun, so we just came to greet you.", Elder Charlie said.
"How nice of you. My father will be pleased." James knew exactly what to say to make those Elders happy, and he hoped they will leave as soon as possible.
"It seems that you made friends with young stars of our pack…", Elder Samson said while gesturing toward Erik, Zack, and Petra to what James nodded in response.
"I am lucky to have them as guides and company. They are telling me about the opportunities you are offering here and I will discuss with my father if we can have something like that in the Red Moon pack."
James hoped that there won't be questions about what they were doing, because he didn't want to lie, but he also didn't want to say how they were playing in the town instead of training.
James wondered if he, Zack, Erik, and Petra can leave. Maybe they could go to the lounge? That should be empty. There they can talk and continue playing games without being interrupted.
Instead of leaving, Elder Agatha asked, "When can we expect your sister to join us?"
Elder Charlie and Elder Samson had matching stiff expressions. It was obvious that Elder Agatha snuck on them with an intention to probe the situation related to Marcy. Did she already forget their warnings to keep her opinions to herself until Alpha Damon makes it official?
The duo wondered if they return to the bar. After exchanging quick glances, they each took a step back, leaving Elder Agatha in front, as a silent signal that the old woman was on her own.
"Why do you think that my sister will join?", James asked.
"Well…", Elder Agatha was confused. "Marcy just came from Europe recently and is visiting our pack for the first time. I heard a lot of good things about her, and I'm eager to meet her."
"You are right.", James responded. "She just came from Europe and seeing a big pack other than ours is novel. My sister visited Darkbourne yesterday and she spent today in the human city. She didn't confirm her presence at this event."
"She didn't?", Elder Agatha said absentmindedly.
James smirked. "It seems that you are confused. Did your invitation say how my sister will be present?"
"No. But this is the event for the Elders and the visiting guests, so I assumed…"
"I am a visiting guest.", James cut her off. "Other than me, there are three more people at this table. They are also visiting. If you look around, you will see people from other packs. My sister's presence is not crucial for this dinner event. At least that's what she told me."
Elder Agatha glanced around helplessly only to see that Elder Charlie and Elder Samson left at some point. She was on her own.
James was looking at her with a mocking grin that told her he was looking down on her, silently reminding her that he is an Alpha and she is not.
"I apologize, future Alpha James. It was my mistake.", she said stiffly.
"It seems you are making mistakes often, Elder Agatha."
The elder woman frowned at James. "What do you mean?"
"Your reputation reached me before you did.", James said stoically. "I thought that it was just an exaggeration, but now I understand why Alpha Damon diminished your importance."
Elder Agatha wondered if her ears malfunctioned. Did this pup just insult her? But he was a son of an Alpha… and not just any Alpha, but Alpha Edward, the Alpha of the Red Moon pack, the second largest pack in North America. She didn't dare show arrogance.
