Chapter 138
**Mason
Chapter 138
As I stood there, watching my mother engage in conversation with Kora, a surge of anger and protectiveness coursed through me. The golden rays of the sun bathed the scene in warmth, but to me, it felt like the world turned hazy, the edges of my vision clouded by shadows. of past hurt and resentment.
My blood boiled, heat pri ckling beneath my skin, as memories of my mother’s condescending treatment toward Kora resurfaced with a vengeance. The scent of pine needles in the air mingled with the acrid taste of bitterness in my mouth. Every nerve in my b*dy seemed electrified, coiling and tightening like a spring ready to snap.
Without a second thought, I stormed toward them, my footsteps. pounding against the earth, each one reverberating with the weight of my anger. The atmosphere cra ckled with intense energy as if the very air trembled in response to my rage.
“What’s going on here?” I barked, my voice rough and edged with a potent mix of fury and protectiveness. “Is she talking down to you, Kora?”
Kora’s eyes widened in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the force. of my outburst. She had always been the one to temper my anger, to bring calm to the storm that brewed within me. And now, she stepped. between my mother and me, a physical barrier to diffuse the escalating
tension.
An nalise looked tense, though her l*ps curled in the corner as soft whispers started up around the gathering.
“Calm down, Mason,” Kora urged, her voice steady and determined. “An nalise wasn’t being disrespectful. She was reminding me of a few of my lessons, and complimenting me on hosting the summit.”
My anger wavered, replaced by a whirlwind of confusion and vulnerability. I looked at Kora, my stormy eyes softening as I searched. for truth in her words. The scents of the surrounding forest—pine and damp earth-mingled with the scent of my own frustration, creating at suffocating blend that threatened to overwhelm my senses.
IM
12:39
Chapter 138
“I… I thought she was belittling you, like she always does,” I confessed quietly, my voice laced with regret and anguish. Kora reached out, her hand trembling slightly, and placed it gently on my arm. Her touch grounded me, offering solace amidst the chaos of my emotions.
“It’s okay, Mason. I understand. The wounds run deep, but we can’t let them control us. Let’s focus on finding common ground and resolving our differences peacefully.”
I nodded, my features softening with a mixture of relief and gratitude.
“Excuse us a moment.” She smiled at the surrounding wolves, gently tugging me away from the gathering.
Kora’s guidance led us to a small clearing bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. A blanket of moss covered the ground, offering a natural cu shion as we settled down. The air here seemed to carry an inherent. tranquility, a sacred space where we could lay bare our emotions without judgment or interruption.
With a heartfelt sigh, I began to share my deepest fears and frustrations, allowing the rawness of my emotions to surface. Kora listened with unwavering attention, offering words of comfort and understanding as if weaving together a tapestry of solace.
“It’s so da mn hard, Kora,” I confessed, my voice laced with bitterness. “All these years she’s treated you like trash, undermining our bond and belittling our love. How can I just let go of that? How can I trust her now? She ran me out of my own pack for Goddess sake.”
Kora’s hand reached out, gently cupping my cheek. Her touch was warm and tender, radiating a sense of reassurance. “Mason, I understand your anger and bitterness. But we have to rise above it. Remember, this summit is not just about personal grievances; it’s about the future of our pack. An nalise will use every opportunity to undermine your rule, to sow discord and doubt among the other leaders. We need to present a united front and show them that we are the better party. And that starts with finding a way to coexist with your mother, at least for now.”
Her words resonated within me, gradually eroding the walls of resentment I had built. The truth in her voice was undeniable. This summit held immense significance for our pack, and if we allowed our personal conflicts to overshadow the bigger picture, we risked
Chapter 138
jeopardizing everything we had fought for.
With a newfound clarity, I met Kora’s gaze, a flicker of determination. igniting in my eyes. “You’re right, Kora. As much as it pains me, I need to find a way to set aside my anger and confront my mother with grace. We will show the other leaders that we are the epitome of unity, strength, and progress. Together, we will prevail.”
Her eyes sparkled with unwavering determination, mirroring the sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. We entwined our fingers, a tangible symbol of our unity and shared purpose. Together, we turned back toward the gathering, ready to face the remaining leaders and embark on a path of reconciliation that would shape the destiny of our pack.
As we walked hand in hand, the forest enveloped us, whispering stories of resilience and growth. The soft rustle of leaves underfoot, the melodic symphony of birdsong, and the earthy scent that hung in the air provided a soothing backdrop to our steps. I drew strength from the gentle embrace of nature’s tranquility, allowing it to temper the tempest within me and restore a sense of balance.
In the distance, the murmurs of conversation and the vibrant energy of the gathering beckoned us forward. The anticipation of reconnecting with the other leaders and the potential for healing weighed heavily upon my shoulders, but I knew that with Kora by my side, we could navigate this treacherous path together.
My hand tightened around Kora’s, seeking strength and reassurance. She squeezed back, her touch a silent affirmation that we were in this together. We wove through the crowd, the scent of anticipation. mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest. The eyes of the other wolves followed us, curiosity and speculation evident in their gazes.
As we reached my mother’s side, the air cr ackled with a charged energy. My heart pounded in my chest, the rhythm echoing the turmoil within me.
My mother turned to face me, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of surprise and cautious curiosity.
“Mason,” she greeted, her voice carrying a hint of smug formality that irked me. “I hope you’ve taken some time to cool down and reflect.
“I have,” I responded, my voice steady and resolute. I refused to
3/4
12:39
Chapter 138
apologize to her, even if I had been wrong in this instance. Bitterness. threatened to resurface, fueled by years of hurt and resentment, but I swallowed it down, reminding myself of Kora’s words and the larger purpose at hand.
This summit was not about personal vendettas or settling old scores-it was about the survival and growth of our pack.
“Eloise?” I called out to the witch who had started all of this.
Eloise quickly made her way over, her steps light but purposeful. The packs gathered in a circle, each settling down among the handful of members they had brought with them. Kora’s smile radiated warmth and camaraderie as she acknowledged the other Lunas and Alphas, her genuine desire for unity shining through. But I couldn’t quite manage to summon the same level of congeniality as I cleared my throat, my gaze focused on the ground for a moment to collect my thoughts.
“If you wouldn’t mind, Eloise,” I began, my voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency, “I would like you to start at the beginning-please tell the others what your visions have entailed.”