Page 36 of Rebel for Claws (Rebellious Mates #4)
We actually did it. We fulfilled the Lunar Prophecy and changed everything.
Alaric emerged from the driver's side, his commanding presence immediately drawing her gaze.
Even after a full year as his mate, the sight of him still made her pulse quicken.
Today he wore black dress pants and a crisp white shirt that emphasized his powerful shoulders, his dark hair catching silver highlights in the winter sunlight.
The small scar on his jaw had faded but remained visible—a permanent reminder of Thorne's cruelty and their victory over it.
"Ready for another quarterly meeting, Councilor Silvercrest?" Alaric's voice carried that familiar note of Alpha authority mixed with intimate warmth reserved only for her.
Her new last name still sent thrills through her system. They'd married six months ago in a ceremony that celebrated both ancient shapeshifter traditions and modern equality—the first mating ceremony in three centuries to be attended by humans, hybrids, and shifters together.
"More than ready," she replied, adjusting the elegant emerald dress she'd chosen for today's formal session.
The rich fabric complemented her violet eyes while allowing for the freedom of movement her tactical training demanded.
"Though I admit these meetings are significantly more enjoyable when we're not planning wars or exposing genocidal tyrants. "
Alaric's grey eyes sparked with gold as his gaze traveled appreciatively over her form. "You look stunning, as always. But then again, everything about our life together is stunning now."
Even after all this time, he still looks at me like I'm the most precious thing in his world.
They walked hand in hand toward the open-air pavilion where the Lunar Council conducted their quarterly meetings.
The stone structure remained unchanged, but the atmosphere crackled with positive energy rather than the oppressive weight of Thorne's corruption.
Sunlight filtered through the canopy of ancient evergreens, casting dancing patterns across the stone floor where thirteen chairs now formed a perfect circle—no elevated tables, no hierarchical seating arrangements, just equals working together for the good of their unified territory.
"Maya's already here," Vivian observed, spotting the familiar copper-red hair of her fellow prophecy fulfiller. Maya Silvercrest sat reviewing what appeared to be her latest research on hybrid genetics, her green eyes bright with intellectual curiosity. "And there's Lena."
"Damon arrived fifteen minutes ago," Alaric added, his enhanced senses tracking movement throughout the pavilion. "He's been conducting perimeter sweeps out of habit, even though we haven't had a security threat in months."
Old habits from a former Beta who spent too many years expecting attacks.
As they approached the meeting area, Vivian marveled at the diverse group of leaders already gathering.
The Lunar Council represented every faction that had once been at war—pack leaders like Elder Callum who had helped expose Thorne's corruption, rebellion leaders like Cade who had spent decades fighting for change, hybrids like Elena Walsh whose tactical brilliance had helped win their final battle, and humans like Dr. Sarah Chen who brought scientific expertise to their legislative reforms.
"Vivian, Alaric," Maya called out, rising from her chair with a warm smile. "Perfect timing. We were just discussing the implementation status of the new integration protocols."
"And how our reformed educational system is performing," added Lena, her violet eyes bright with satisfaction. "The magical training programs are exceeding all expectations."
Children learning ancient shapeshifter magic alongside modern pack traditions. Humans and hybrids studying together with full-blooded shifters. It's everything we dreamed of.
Alaric guided Vivian to their designated seats with a possessive hand on her back—a gesture that still sent heat flooding through her system despite being completely proper for their public roles.
"Before we begin official proceedings," Elder Callum announced, his voice carrying across the pavilion with practiced authority, "I'd like to acknowledge our first anniversary of the Lunar Council's establishment.
One year ago, this valley witnessed the destruction of centuries-old corruption.
Today, we gather in celebration of unity, progress, and peace. "
Applause echoed through the sacred space, and Vivian felt tears prick her eyes. The contrast between this moment and the chaos of their first meeting here struck her with overwhelming emotion.
"The reforms we've enacted have transformed our territory completely," continued Elder Callum.
"Freedom of mating choice has resulted in a twenty percent increase in inter-pack unions.
Our hybrid integration program has welcomed over three hundred new residents.
And our human ambassador program has established positive diplomatic relations with surrounding human communities. "
Three hundred hybrids no longer hiding in fear. Hundreds of matings based on love rather than political arrangements. Diplomatic relations instead of secret extermination programs.
Alaric leaned closer to her, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered, "Remember when you thought I was a cruel traditionalist who would never accept change?"
She turned to meet his gaze, seeing the teasing glint that had become one of her favorite expressions on his handsome face. "Remember when you thought I was a dangerous magical rebel who would destroy our shifter society?"
"I was half right," he murmured, his voice dropping to that intimate rumble that made her want to forget they were in public. "You did destroy our shifter society—the corrupt, oppressive version. What you built in its place is infinitely better."
"Councilor Alaric Silvercrest," Elder Callum's voice cut through their private moment, "would you care to present your report on territorial security status?"
Alaric straightened immediately, his Alpha presence filling the space as he addressed the assembly.
"Security threats remain at an all-time low.
The elimination of human operative networks and the integration of former rebellion fighters into our territorial guard has created the most stable environment our region has seen in centuries. "
Watch him command the room. Even in this egalitarian setting, he's still every inch the powerful Alpha I fell in love with.
"And Councilor Vivian Silvercrest," Elder Callum continued, "your update on magical bloodline research?"
Vivian rose gracefully, feeling the ancient magic in her blood respond to the formal setting where her great-great-great-great grandmother's legacy was finally being honored rather than persecuted.
"The awakening of dormant magical abilities continues to spread throughout our territory," she reported, her voice carrying clearly across the pavilion.
"We've documented enhanced healing, increased shapeshifting capabilities, and even partial multi-form shifting in seventeen percent of our population.
The ancient bloodlines are returning exactly as the prophecy foretold. "
Seventeen percent and growing. Queen Isadora's magical legacy spreading through every pack, every family, and every generation.
"These developments represent the future our ancestors envisioned," Vivian continued, passion heating her words. "A unified society where humans and shifters don't just coexist—they thrive together, each making our world stronger."
As she resumed her seat, Alaric's hand found hers beneath the meeting table, his thumb tracing possessive patterns across her palm that made concentration on council business increasingly difficult.
One year of being his mate, and he still affects me like this.
"The Lunar Council has achieved remarkable progress," Maya observed, shuffling through her research notes. "But perhaps our greatest success is proving that change doesn't require the destruction of valuable traditions."
"Agreed," Damon spoke up from across the circle, his usually stoic expression showing rare satisfaction. "We've preserved the pack bonds and loyalty systems that give our society strength while eliminating the oppressive laws that caused suffering."
Balance. Finally, the balance we fought so hard to achieve.
The meeting continued with reports on economic development, inter-territorial cooperation, and plans for expanded human-shifter collaboration projects.
But Vivian found herself stealing glances at Alaric, remembering their journey from enemies to allies to lovers to partners in reshaping their world.
From the hybrid who thought he was a cruel tyrant to the mate who helped him become the leader he was always meant to be.
Two hours later, as they drove back from Moon Hollow with the sun beginning its descent in the sky, Vivian couldn't shake the profound satisfaction coursing through her. The quarterly meeting had represented everything they'd fought to achieve.
Peace. Actual, sustainable peace built on unity rather than oppression.
"We're home," Alaric murmured as they turned into the circular drive of their estate. "Ready to celebrate our children officially becoming part of this new world?"
The sight of multiple vehicles already parked outside their mansion made Vivian's heart soar. Through the tall windows, she could see warm light spilling from their grand living room where their chosen family had gathered for the twins' naming ceremony.
One month old today. One month of watching Alaric discover the tender, protective side of himself he'd buried for so long.
"They're all here," she observed, spotting Kieran's distinctive black SUV beside Logan's Jeep. "Maya probably brought her research notes on hybrid development patterns."