Tyler
Slowly, the tense atmosphere dissipated, and I found myself enjoying lunch. I avoided sitting at the head of the table to prevent any confusion about my return; only Alphas occupy that position. So, I chose to sit next to the Beta, directly across from Isla, who was seated immediately after my mother, Luna Alice. Isla has been distracted lately, which isn't like her. I can tell the difference in her behavior. I hope the Goddess allows her to heal; she doesn't deserve anything that happened to her.
Once dessert was finished, I headed with my parents to their office. It was time to state the reasons for my return. I saw hope in their eyes. I knew they secretly hoped I'd stay and take the place I left five years ago, but I wasn't ready. Honestly, I didn't know if I ever would be. My father, Alpha Aaron, took the head of the desk. My mother sat to his right, and I took the seat directly across from them, bracing myself for the conversation. The relaxed lunch atmosphere faded, replaced by the heavy presence of pack matters.
"Father, Mother," I began, wasting no time, my voice firm. "I've been reviewing the hospital's research progress, and..."
"Tyler, you have no idea how happy your mother and I are to have you back in the pack," Dad interrupted, his face softening with a smile. Mom nodded, her gaze full of obvious affection.
"It's not permanent, Father," I replied, remaining calm but with a conviction that left no room for doubt. "I've reviewed the research on the curse, and the results aren't good. We're very behind; time is running out. I need to return to the Amazonian hospital; I must fully immerse myself in the research."
I ran a hand through my hair. "Dad, Mom, my focus is on healing, on finding answers. I know that managing the hospital, managing the pack's properties, is something I could handle, but I'm not ready for those duties, for that kind of commitment. I can't split my attention between pack business and such critical research. If we truly want to find a cure, I need to focus completely on science."
A tense silence filled the office. Mom, Luna Alice, watched the "confrontation" between her son and her mate with a cautious expression. She knew we both had valid points.
Finally, Dad sighed, an old wolf giving ground. He didn't explain his reasons, but the sudden light in his eyes, the way he knew he'd won a point, was a declaration in itself. "Alright, Tyler. Go to the Amazonian hospital. Dedicate yourself to your research. I know your medical mind is brilliant, and you'll do the impossible for our species."
A momentary relief washed over me, but his next sentence dispelled it. I knew it wouldn't be that easy.
"But with one condition," Dad continued, his eyes fixed on mine. "You must attend all the Full Moon Balls, as our pack's representative. I'm not asking you to choose a mate, just to be present. Let the other packs see you; it's vital they know you, respect you, and see the strength of our lineage. It's a political move, yes, but a necessary one. We can't afford for you to hide. And by attending as a representative, not as heir, you can relieve some political pressure."
The thought of the Moon Balls, social events brimming with expectations and scrutiny, sent a pang of discomfort through me. It was a half-truth: my new title as a representative might give me some leeway, but the ambiguity of my position, and my history as a target for ambitious women, remained a challenge I'd have to learn to navigate. His condition was a form of pressure, I knew; my father's way of keeping the flame of my destiny alive. I understood him: his hope for a worthy descendant to follow in his footsteps was a powerful motivation for him, and for that, for him, I was willing to do whatever it took to find a cure.
I nodded slowly. "I accept the condition. I will go to the Moon Balls."
My mother, Luna Alice, rose from her chair and approached me, her soft hands on my shoulders. Her smile was genuine, filled with relief and pride. "Thank you, son. I knew we could count on you. It's a good start, and I'm sure you'll find your own path in all of this. Don't rush."
Dad smiled, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, but which denoted a victory. "Good, son. Now, let's discuss a new element in this entanglement: Isla. Yesterday, we discovered she's 'Moon-touched.' She says Selene gave her a purpose in the solution, though we don't know what it is yet, it's a factor to consider." My father, a good strategist, analyzed all perspectives. "Furthermore, her 'relationship' with the Blue Crescent pack, or rather with their future Alpha, could give us an advantage if things don't go our way in the election for the next Alpha King."
The storm hadn't dissipated; it had only changed form, and I was right in its center.
Isla
To say these past two days have been filled with surprises is an understatement. The latest: Tyler Knight is a wolf, and not just any wolf. He's the son of the Alphas of the Jewel of the Moon pack and, from what I gather, their next Alpha. Looking at him closely now, I can see the signs: his powerful presence, as if he owned every space he entered; his confidence; his ability to be in charge. Yet, I find him kind, diligent, and I've seen his calling for medical service, beyond his obvious scientific skill. It's a shame the medical field might lose such a talent, buried under the complexities of a title and a pack.
One of the guards guided me into the Alpha's office. As I crossed the threshold, I found Dr. Knight still there. He was seated opposite his parents, his strong presence still evident, his expression thoughtful. Our eyes met for a brief instant, a moment charged with an unusual tension. I could feel in my bones that changes were coming soon, that the time to take action and make decisions was approaching, guiding me toward my destiny.