Chapter 9 Chapter 9 I swallowed, my fingers curling into my palm. Six years of avoiding the spotlight, of staying out of politics and power struggles. Six years of staying far, far away from Derek. "Will he be there?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended. "He notified us in advance about his absence." Mason hesitated. "Actually... He hasn't attended the Alpha Council meetings-the ones that mandate that Alphas bring their Lunas-the last few years." I studied my brother's expression, searching for any sign of deception, be he met my gaze head-on. "Why? I'd think his Luna would revel in attending these things." "His Luna?" he asked, puzzled. "Cassandra." "Cassandra Laurent from the Eastern Ridge Pack?" he asked, clarifying. I nodded. Mason tilted his head at me. "Derek King isn't married to Cassandra," he said. "He's never married at all." My eyebrows rose in surprise. I wasn't sure how I felt about that information and was afraid to examine the feeling more closely. If I didn't need to worry about seeing Derek... A part of me hesitated, but another part-one I had buried deep-was curious. "Alright," I finally said. "I'll go." "Great!" Mason gave me a big smile. "Let's represent Moonstone. Together." 1/3 Chapter 9 +25 Bonus The grand hall where the Alpha Council gathering was being held was a spectacle of wealth and power, draped in opulence that only the strongest of the packs could afford. Chandeliers cast golden light across the room, illuminating the polished marble floors and the extravagant gowns and suits of the attendees. The scent of power was thick in the air, a potent mix of dominant Alpha presences and the unwavering grace of their Lunas. I walked beside Mason, my posture poised but guarded. My brother had yet to find his mate and he was one of the most eligible bachelors in our world. Our family was powerful, rich and well-connected. So of course he drew attention. Especially with a woman on his arm. I wondered how many people knew that I was his sister. 3 I could feel the weight of a hundred different gazes. Some curious, some speculative. I wasn't used to being under scrutiny anymore. My life in the shadows had been safe, comfortable. This? This felt decidedly the opposite. Mason, of course, soaked in the attention, greeting fellow Alphas with confidence. I, on the other hand, retreated as soon as I could to a quiet corner, content to observe from the shadows. I had no desire to be the center of attention. I sat down and ordered a cup of tea, sitting back to watch the blended retinue of werewolves. And that's when I heard it. A woman's voice, sickeningly familiar and laughing softly as she said his name. Derek. My breath caught, and my fingers clenched around the teacup I was holding. Slowly, I turned. There he was. 2/3 Chapter 9 +25 Bonus Derek King stood just across the room, exuding an effortless dominance that commanded attention. His suit was perfectly tailored, but it did little to hide the raw power in his frame. His dark hair was neatly styled-that silver swoop that had so entranced me on full display -but his face-his face was what undid me. Time had hardened him. The boyish arrogance was gone, replaced by something colder. Sharper. But his eyes-those same piercing eyes that had once set my soul ablaze-and so like our son's-widened in shock as they met mine. "Mia?" His voice was hoarse, like he didn't trust his own sight. a I swallowed hard, setting the teacup back into its saucer with a loud clink. I stood. And that's when Cassandra sidled up next to him, slipping her hand into the crook of his arm possessively. Whatever feeling that had zipped through me upon seeing him fizzled into nothing. "My name," I said, jutting out my chin. "Is Elena." 日 Comments Suppor Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. Despite facing obstacles, she achieves remarkable success. However, upon her triumphant return, her brother betrays her, setting off a chain of events that will test her resolve and reveal hidden truths. This captivating novel delves into themes of secrets, reincarnation, revenge, murder, and drama. Adela's journey from deception to betrayal is filled with intrigue and suspense as she navigates through a world where power dynamics and family loyalties collide. What sets this story apart is its strong female lead who defies expectations and challenges societal norms in a quest for justice and redemption. Experience the riveting tale of Adela Taylor online at CrushReel and witness the transformation of a princess into a formidable female general.