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#Chapter 102 Siena’s Stand
#Chapter 102: Siena’s Stand
(POV Raiden)
The council chamber feels suffocating despite its cavernous proportions
Santos excused Zion and Siena. It was appropriate. I am Alpha, I am responsible for my actions, and for pack security.
I did this.
The polished wood beneath my fingertips is warm, almost alive with the history of pack decisions made in this sacred space
I breathe in deeply, taking in the mingled scents of beeswax polish, old parchment, and the subtle musk of power that permeates places where important decisions are made.
Elder Santos clears his throat, drawing my attention back to the matter at hand–the northern refugee settlement and the documentation spread before the council members.
“Aside from the blatant violence in the courtyard, and how troubling that is of its own accord, there is something a slight more pressing I’d like you to speak for.” His weathered hands smooth over requisition forms bearing Siena’s signature. “These records show concerning patterns, Alpha. Medical supplies intended for pack use were diverted to the refugee settlement without proper authorization through chain of command.”
I nod gravely, maintaining the careful neutrality expected of pack leadership during formal proceedings. “The evidence speaks for itself. I take no pleasure in it, but we must bring these concerns before the council. Pack security must remain our primary consideration.”
The words taste bitter on my tongue–necessary falsehoods to protect the pack from larger threats they cannot yet see. Violence now…is the least of their worries, and they don’t even know it.
The settlement represents more than misappropriated supplies, it’s a power structure forming outside pack hierarchy, answerable to Siena alone, creating loyalties and obligations that bypass Alpha authority entirely.
Elder Marisol frowns, her silver–streaked hair falling forward as she examines the documents more closely.
“These supplies–they represent significant resources during ongoing shortages.”
The falsified documents represent a calculated risk–one I would never have taken had less drastic measures been sufficient.
But watching Siena build a separate power base these past weeks, seeing neighboring Alphas begin to approach her directly rather than through proper pack channels, sensing the subtle shift in hierarchy as her influence grows unfettered, the threat to established order could not be ignored.
“What do you propose, Alpha?” Santos asks, though we’ve already discussed this privately, the strategy agreed upon before this public performance.
“Temporary suspension of settlement operations pending full audit.”
The compromise sounds reasonable, measured–a responsible leader addressing legitimate concerns rather than a mate neutralizing a threat to his authority. “Not permanent closure, simply appropriate oversight during investigation.”
“The council will send formal notification of the decision to Luna Siena,” Santos begins, but I raise a hand, interrupting with careful respect.
“With your permission, I believe this matter warrants her direct response. Perhaps we should reconvene this afternoon with the Luna present to address these concerns personally.”
The suggestion appears to be considerate, respectful of her position despite the accusations.
In reality, it gives her minimal time to gather evidence, to mount an effective defense against documentation that took weeks to fabricate perfectly.
“Agreed” Santos nods, appreciating this apparent faimess. “Council will reconvene at third bell. Luna Siena will be notified immediately.”
By afternoon, the council chamber has transformed under a different light
When Siena enters, our bond flares with aware Successfully unlocked! despite the emotional distance we’ve
maintained
Her scent reaches me despite the chamber’s size–jasmine and copper with undertones of something distinctly wild. Beneath it, I detect the sharp tang of anger, controlled but potent. My wolf stirs in response, both territorial and confused by this conflict with our mate.
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“Luna Siena” Elder Santos begins the proceedings with formal address, acknowledging her position despite the allegations about to be presented. The council has convened this emergency session to address concerns regarding resource allocation to the northern refugee settlement”
She takes her seat opposite rather than beside me, a deliberate positioting that communicates her stance before she speaks a single word.
1 understand concerns have been raised,” she responds, her voice steady despite the emotional turmoil I can sense through our bond. “I welcome transparent examination of all operations under my direction.”
The controlled response surprised me.
I expected a defensive anger and emotional reaction that would undermine her position with the council. Given the shortened timeline, this composed, strategic approach suggests preparation I hadn’t anticipated.
Elder Marisol slides the folder of evidence across the table, the soft scrape of paper against wood unnaturally loud in the tense chamber.
“Alpha Raiden has presented documentation suggesting improper diversion of pack medical supplies. Resources allocated specifically for pack use were redirected instead to refugee settlement without proper authorization.”
I watch carefully as Siena opens the folder, examining the meticulously fabricated evidence. Her expression reveals nothing, but through our bond, I feel the spike of pure fury before she masters it, forcing calm to the surface.
“These documents are falsified.” Her accusation emerges clear and direct, gaze moving deliberately to meet each council member’s eyes before finally settling on me. 1 have never authorized diversion of pack medical supplies to the settlement. Our operations maintain entirely separate supply chains precisely to avoid any suggestion of resource competition.” The directness of her counterattack–narning the evidence as fraudulent rather than offering explanations or justifications -momentarily disrupts the carefully orchestrated narrative.
Council members shift uncomfortably, the accusation forcing them to consider possibilities beyond simple mismanagement of resources.
“These bear your signature, Luna.” Elder Kieran points out, bushy eyebrows drawn together in concern. “Your approval stamp. Documentation from our own warehouse managers confirming the transfers.”
“Forgeries.” She directs the accusation at me now, amber eyes blazing with knowledge and betrayal. “Meticulous ones, but forgeries nonetheless.”
The moment demands a response, requires me to maintain the narrative while appearing reasonable, concerned only with pack welfare rather than personal power struggles.
“These are serious allegations, Siena” Using her name without title–a subtle reminder to the council of our personal connection beyond formal hierarchy. “Suggesting conspiracy within pack administration rather than acknowledging a lapse in judgment.”
The bond between us flares with her fury at this manipulation, this deliberate undermining of her authority.
I feel her emotional response like physical heat across the table, her wolf rising closer to the surface despite her outward
composure.
“I’m not suggesting conspiracy, Alpha.” The formal title emerges cold and precise, a deliberate distancing. “I’m stating fact. These documents were created to discredit my work and justify rescinding the northern settlement’s land grant.”
Elder Santos shifts uncomfortably, caught between competing authorities. These accusations benefit no one. What matters is protecting pack resources and ensuring proper governance of territories under our protection.”
“Indeed.”
My agreement comes smoothly, reasonably–the voice of leadership is concerned with the greater good rather than a personal agenda.
“Which is why I’ve proposed a temporary suspension of settlement operations pending a full audit. Not permanent closure, simply appropriate oversight during investigation.”
The distinction maintains the appearance of compromise while achieving the necessary goal–bringing her independent operations under pack authority and establishing proper hierarchy in what has become a dangerous parallel power
structure.
“The settlement houses forty–three displaced wolves, including twelve pups. Her voice strengthens with genuine passin that resonates through our bond. “Wolves who have nowhere else to go, whom other packs have refused shelter for fer of Pack retaliation. Suspending operations, even temporarily, places them in immediate danger”
The appeal to emotion works on several council members. I see their expressions soften, particularly Elder Marisol, whose family history makes her especially vulnerable to narratives of displacement and protection.
“Perhaps a compromise.” Marisol suggests, testing the political waters. “Continue operations under direct council
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#Chapter 102: Siena’s Stand
oversight until audit completion. No displacement of current residents, but additional transparency measures implemented immediately.”
Before I can respond to this unexpected resistance to the planned outcome, Siena places a thick folder on the table, its contents clearly organized and prepared.
“I welcome oversight.” The confidence in her voice sends warning signals through my tactical assessment. “In fact, I’ve prepared complete financial records for council review–original documentation of all supply chains, separate from pack resources, funding sources transparent and fully accounted for.”
The unexpected countermove disrupts my carefully orchestrated strategy. I maintain neutral expression through years of practice masking emotions, but internally, calculations shift rapidly as I adjust to this development.
“These records were prepared after accusations were raised,” I point out, voice remaining smooth despite the setback.” Their authenticity should be verified independently.”
“By all means.” Her smile holds an edge I recognize from hunt confrontations–a predator confident in her position. “Verify everything. Send council representatives to the settlement itself. Speak with the refugees, examine our supply warehouses, confirm with vendors who’ve provided medical resources through entirely separate channels from pack supply lines.”
The tide turns subtly but unmistakably in the chamber–council members responding to her certainty, her preparedness despite the deliberately shortened timeline.
The question forms immediately in my mind: How did she know?
Who warned her, giving her time to gather this counter–evidence?
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