CLAWS 23 THE ELDERS

The pack scurried around preparing for the arrival of the elders, even though it was not going to be a pleasant visit it was of utmost importance to be at their best.

The elders always summoned whoever they wished to speak with, it was rare that they ever visited a pack.

Aliyah could not believe Elijah would be so laid back watching him sip his cup of coffee while walking back to his room from the kitchen. This was one of the reasons she fell for him his composure at the most unlikely times but she would never let him know.

She had come to check on his preparation but to her surprise, he was just waking up from sleep. 

"why are you here Alpha?" they both turned to see Elijah's mother Bridget who just entered the house glaring at Aliyah, as much as Aliyah did not appreciate the disrespect she definitely did not want her mate's mum to hate her. 

"I'm here to speak with Elijah, the Elders arrive today"

"and whose fault is that?" she countered

Aliyah curled up her fist, a move Elijah took notice of. "Aliyah please wait for me in the room "

She was more than pleased to oblige. Facing his mother he led her her to a seat.

"mum, you should understand by now that this was my decision. Aliyah did not force me into anything"

"don't think I hate just her, I hate you as well, how can you risk everything just for her? do I and your sister Sarah not mean anything to you! you know what the elders can and will do"

"mum, don't ever think for a moment that you and Sarah are not always on my mind.."

Elijah gritted his teeth to hold back his comment...it has been long coming this argument and it was beginning to irritate him. His wolf seemed to agree as he pranced around agitated.

"..besides, why do I have to make sacrifices all my life?  I've taken the place of dad...always been there for you can't you for this once just let me be happy?"

He sighed in frustration at his mum's countenance still stoic and unyielding

"you very well know how it feels to lose a mate but you want me to give mine up"

That did the trick as guilt clouded Bridget's face, she watched her son storm out of the living room. 

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 The silence was unnerving, everyone sat still not daring to move under the strict gaze of the Elders. Gathered in the usual meeting room were the high ranking officials of the pack as well as the stars of the show Aliyah and Elijah.

"I know you are all surprised to see us here, but we had to see this for ourselves and I must say I'm not impressed" Marcus icily spoke his powerful voice breaking the silence. 

leaning back in his seat he entwined his finger "the rest of you out, I would like to speak with the two concerned with this case."

Every official left, leaving Aliyah and Elijah in the room, Marcus continued "I'll get straight to the point. Cut off any relationship you are thinking of- It's a good thing you have not completed the mating process. For centuries, a certain order has been maintained I will not have it broken down in my time "

The six elders present nodded in agreement. 

"I'll assume you'll do that. The Omega can leave. Aliyah let's talk about Alpha Kalista's death and why you think you can lead this pack."

Elijah has never felt more insulted "excuse me Elders I don't believe you are in the position to make a conclusion on our mating." he stepped forward.

Aliyah for once felt confused. Going against the elders could mean the end of the pack. But she could not help but feel proud that Elijah could stand his ground.

Marcus and the rest of the elders were stunned, obviously, this Omega was no coward.

"what makes you so confedient Omega?...are you sure you want to challenge our rule?"

"I will if I have to, I believe I don't have to remind you that the Moon Goddess made us a pair and that is the highest authority to any Werewolf, so why again do I have to care about what the community thinks? If anybody has a problem with it then Contest it with the moon Goddess, if she can undo what she has done I'll concede"

Marcus stepped down from the platform where he had been sitting, moving towards Elijah who held his gaze, 

"Are. You. Saying. You. Will. Not. Follow. Orders?" he challenged 

"Elder Marcus, maybe there is something we can come up with to settle..." Aliyah tried to step in.

she could not say much her family legacy, the pack was at stake. Marcus raised his hand shutting her up.

"I am simply stating the facts, we abide by rules yes, but if those rules come into question then I'm forced to oppose" Elijah responded unfazed

The sound of Marcus's palm colliding with Elijah's cheek resonated through the room.

"How dare you omega!"

Tasting the blood on his lip Elijah lifted his head to face Marcus "I have a name. it's Elijah "

Marcus slapped him again, this time he remained steady rage numbing his body to the pain. This Omega has made up his mind.

Let's see how tough you are then" Marcus turned to Aliyah "have him arrested and tortured till I'm satisfied"

Aliyah paused, her wolf whimpering, "Elder Marcus I'm sure Elijah did not mean any disrespect..."

"I have no wish to respect someone who doesn't deserve it" Elijah interrupted "it's okay do as he says, I understand "

"you heard him, Aliyah, don't make me take a drastic step". Marcus returned to his seat mind-linking the six elders, they needed to come to a conclusion. 

Chapter end