The Alpha's Bride

Alpha Edward spread his arms. "Are you going to vouch for any of the new faces that they are legitimate Alphas of their packs?"     

Before Damon could respond, Maddox did, "Why does this look like you stalling for time?"     

"And why are you objecting to the idea of verifying that new faces have the right to vote?", Alpha Edward persisted. "I believe that my request is reasonable."     

"Let's stop talking in riddles.", Tony said sternly. "If you have a problem with me or with Alpha Talia, we should settle that outside of this Council, so we don't waste everyone's time."     

Alpha Edward's expression hardened as he saw that some of the people nodded in agreement with Tony.     

Actually, there was nothing wrong with Tony being an Alpha. Alpha Magnus was an Alpha for nearly three decades, and he had a son who was of age, with a fated mate by his side, and it shouldn't be unusual that Anthony took over his father's position.     

However, just like everyone else present, Alpha Edward knew that Alpha Magnus had no intention of retiring; the man was vain and power-hungry, and he wouldn't give up his Alpha position unless he was forced to do so. But Alpha Edward also knew that was something that shouldn't be said openly in front of everyone. As much as Alphas got drunk on power and were difficult to let go of it, and the practice of suppressing the younger generation (even their own blood) was not uncommon, it was frowned upon, and abuse of power was sanctioned.     

Heck! Alpha Edward summoned this meeting because he wanted to use an argument of Damon abusing his power so that they sanction him and if Alpha Edward brings up the same argument for the Lightclaw pack, it might backfire.     

With most of the people supporting Tony, Alpha Edward decided to switch targets. After all, Alpha Edward was a cunning man who knew when to retreat and at this point, he needed a small victory in order to sway those few undecided voters, and Talia seemed like an easier target.     

"I see that we are all ready to accept that Alpha Magnus gave his position in a ceremony that was not publicized. But what about the so-called Alpha of the Midnight Guardian pack? Did any of you hear Alpha Isaac or Alpha Sophia talking about a daughter or that Axel found his mate? We should at least confirm that she is the real deal and not someone who used despicable methods to get her hands on that token."     

Damon was about to protest when he heard Talia's voice in his mind, 'Don't. Let him talk.'     

Damon cursed under his breath, but he obeyed.     

"And how do you plan to confirm that?", Tony asked.     

Alpha Edward gestured toward two Guardians at the door. "They have a way."     

"Alpha Talia", the man from the door called. "Do you agree to this verification?"     

Talia stood up and touched the token that was on her blazer. "Is this not enough to confirm that I belong here?"     

"It is.", the man responded. "That token grants you access to the Council of Alphas as the representative of the Midnight Guardians pack."     

"If I understand this correctly, this token is my ticket in, and when Alpha Edward is questioning my right to be here, he is wondering if this token is a fake one, or maybe if I stole it, or he is meddling in the internal affairs of my pack. Is that correct?"     

The man confirmed. "The token can be duplicated. It happened in the past when an Alpha ruined it in a fight. Every owner of the token is responsible for guarding it, and if it's stolen, it's because of someone's lack of abilities. There are fifteen tokens in total, and we will serve the ones who hold them, regardless of whether they command a pack or not."     

Talia was surprised by this, and she had to confirm, "You won't care if I stole this and I'm not the real Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack?"      

The man raised his chin and responded, "We are the Guardians, and present here are the strongest werewolves in existence. The fact that they are Alphas of their respective packs is of no relevance to us. We won't force you to take the test, however, if other Alphas doubt that you are a valid Alpha, it can disrupt the meeting."     

Talia needed a moment to process this. If she knew of this rule, she would help George to get his hands on one of the tokens.     

Everyone spoke about how this is the Council of Alphas, and James said that members are Alphas of the fifteen largest packs, so she assumed... but it was normal because Alphas were the strongest ones due to their aura and they got a power boost from their pack members, so the larger the pack, the bigger the power boost was.      

Talia snapped into a reality where all eyes were on her, waiting for her response to the Guardian regarding taking that test.     

"I should take the test so that they can be pacified." Talia looked at Alpha Edward who smiled smugly at her and she wished to punch him in the face for putting her on the spot like this. "But this test is making me unsettled. The request itself shows that other Alphas are doubting me and my pack."     

"Are you worried that you will fail the test?", Alpha Edward was quick to say this.     

Talia blinked at him. "You should ask, what will happen if I pass the test? You will get your confirmation, and then what? Do you really expect me to be open to collaboration with you or anyone else present after this show of distrust? I wondered why my predecessors kept the Midnight Guardians pack so closely guarded against outsiders."     

Alpha Edward ignored her last remark and he turned to look at his cronies. "It seems to me that Alpha Talia is holding onto straws in the hope that we will blindly believe she should be here. I want a show of hands from everyone who won't consider her vote as valid unless she proves herself."     

A few hands were halfway up when Talia spoke, "You are doubting me without providing any proof. How is that worse compared to me asking you to believe my position based on the token I have? But let's say I take that test. Regardless of the outcome, my emotions will be in turmoil. How will you compensate me for the stress you are causing me?"     

Alpha Edward gaped at Talia. "You want… compensation?" He said this last word with difficulty.     

"If I fail the test, I will get embarrassed, kicked out, and probably punished. Don't you think it's fair that if I pass the test, you suffer in return?"     

Alpha Edward narrowed his eyes at Talia. "What do you want?"     

"An apology.", Talia said.     

Alpha Edward was about to agree, when Meg added, "On your knees."     

Alpha Edward was outraged. "What!?"     

"From everyone who wants me to take this test.", Talia said and looked at the Alphas gathered. "Now I want a show of hands from everyone who won't take my vote as valid unless I prove myself."     

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