Chapter 200

Olivia

Nathan and I stood in the driveway with Angela, the warm morning sun casting elongated shadows on the ground. As I stood there in shock, taking in what was happening, a distant murmur caught my attention.

We both turned simultaneously, our eyes widening in surprise. From the horizon, what seemed like a sea of people was advancing towards the villa. Their numbers, impressive and unexpected, appeared to surge like a tidal wave, a moving entity of unity and purpose.

Beside us, Angela’s lips curled into a knowing grin.

“You see that?” she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief and pride. “Those are the voices that the Elders have tried to silence for so long. They’re tired of the stoic and traditional rule, tired of having no say in things. They want a new era, an era of democracy for the pack.”

The gravity of the situation dawned on me. These were not just individuals. They were a collective, a group bound by a common purpose and determination to see change.

As the crowd drew nearer, their faces became more distinct, reflecting a myriad of emotions—from hope to anger, from determination to fear.

I glanced up at Nathan.

At that moment, he seemed to stand taller, prouder. The sunlight caught his features just right, casting him in a majestic glow that emphasized the strength of his jawline, the intensity of his gaze, and the unwavering resolve etched in every facet of his being. He looked every bit the Alpha—commanding, protective, and poised to lead.

A pang of affection swelled within me. I wanted to tell him right then how much I loved him, how proud I was of him, but the words caught in my throat, my own insecurities and shyness rendering me silent.

Nathan's gaze swept over the approaching crowd, finally resting on Angela and then me. A soft smile spread across his face, transforming his stern demeanor into one of warmth and camaraderie.

“Let's bring everyone inside,” he said, his voice echoing with authority and invitation. “We have much to discuss.”

The sun had barely risen, but already the villa had become awash with the sound of voices. Despite the early hour, there was an energy that permeated the air, a tension that was both palpable and electric. It seemed as if the entire town had congregated in our living room.

I took a deep breath and stepped out into the living room with a tray of tea, finding Nathan in deep conversation with Angela. Their hushed voices dropped lower as I entered, their eyes darting to me with a mix of concern and determination.

“Olivia,” Angela said, her gaze warm. “I’m really sorry for how I acted the other day. I shouldn’t have acted like you and your babies were bad luck.”

I nodded, grateful for the unspoken solidarity I saw in her eyes. “Thank you, Angela. Thank you for apologizing.”

Nathan cleared his throat, drawing my attention. “We’ve gathered the townspeople for a meeting. It’s time they know where we stand and decide where they stand as well.”

I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding. The weight of our situation pressed down on me, but with Nathan and Angela by my side, I felt a spark of hope.

The meeting commenced in our little living room, with townspeople from every corner filling the space, their expressions ranging from concern to resolve. Never before had the villa felt so huge and so tiny all at once, as though being filled with so many determined people made it feel both vast and suffocating.

As I took my place beside Nathan, I felt a rush of emotion at the sheer number of faces that had shown up in support.

A burly man with graying hair and a deeply lined face stood, his voice carrying weight and authority.

“Nathan, you’ve been the best Alpha we’ve had in ages. The work you’ve done, bringing jobs and opening up ties with other packs—this town is thriving because of you. If you’re gone, we’ll fall apart.”

Murmured agreements echoed through the room. Angela stepped forward, her bright eyes a fiery contrast to the sea of somber faces. “I’ve seen this town through good times and bad, but never have I felt such unity and progress as I have under Nathan’s leadership.”

A young woman, holding the hand of her small son, chimed in, “And what of Olivia? Her father, Gamma Kamran, was a good man, respected by all. How can the Elders ignore that? Are they blind to the love and commitment she and Nathan share?”

The memories of my father washed over me, and my vision blurred with tears. Feeling a gentle squeeze on my hand, I turned to find Nathan’s supportive gaze. His eyes held a storm of emotions, but he remained silent, letting the people voice their thoughts.

An older woman, her silver hair braided neatly, stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. “If they think they can just make Nathan, Olivia, and her babies leave and become rogues, they’re sorely mistaken. This isn’t just about tradition—it’s about what’s right. And if it means going to war to protect our own, then so be it.”

Gasps and murmurs filled the room. The weight of her words hung in the air, a declaration of intent and commitment. My heart swelled with gratitude. For the first time in so long, I felt seen, supported, and valued. These weren’t just townspeople; they were family.

Finally, Nathan stood, and the room fell silent, every eye fixed on him. There was an air of expectancy, as if everyone was waiting for him to chart the path forward.

“Thank you,” he began, his voice resonating with emotion. “Your support means more than words can express. This isn’t just about me or Olivia or our child. This is about our future, our freedom, our right to choose our destiny.”

He paused, taking a moment to survey the crowd. “Meet me outside the Council building in two days at sunup. We need to show the Elders that we are united. That this pack is more than just a few individuals making decisions. It’s about all of us, standing together.”

Whispers spread like wildfire, nodding heads and determined faces signaling the town's unanimous agreement.

“What’s the plan, Nathan?” someone shouted from the back.

Nathan’s face remained inscrutable, the weight of leadership evident in every line of his countenance. “That will be revealed in due time. For now, prepare. Stand with your families, your neighbors. Together, we are a force that cannot be reckoned with.”

As the crowd began to disperse, the undercurrent of anticipation and determination was unmistakable. They were ready to stand, to fight, to protect what was theirs.

Angela approached us, her face aglow with fierce determination. “We’ve got this, Olivia. The Elders won’t know what hit them.”

I smiled, my heart lighter than it had been in days. “Thank you, Angela. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

She shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. “Probably make a mess of things. Good thing you’ve got me around.”

I chuckled, wrapping her in a hug. “Always.”

As the sun began its ascent, casting the villa in a golden hue, I looked up at Nathan, my heart full of gratitude and love.

He had ignited a spark of hope and resistance in the people, giving us all a fighting chance. Whatever the future held, we would face it together, as a pack, as a family.