Chapter 94

Claire POV

Over the next week I buried my heartbreak over Nathan, focusing on stepping up to take on the responsibilities my father dealt with every day as the Royal Alpha.

Learning how to manage the pack on my own wasn’t easy, but I managed.

As my first act as temporary leader of the pack, I issued a decree that I should continue to be called Princess rather than Luna.

I was only the temporary leader, and wanted to make that clear.

There was no way I was going to give up the hope that my father could be healed and then return to his duties.

No matter how long it may take, I was determined to heal him.

In the meantime, I had to become stronger and more independent than I’d ever thought I could possibly be.

But what choice did I have?

My people needed me.

Just how much they needed became clear as I made the rounds throughout the territory, checking in on the rebuilding projects already under way, and determining what aid and funds would be needed for future projects.

I’d traveled throughout the territory a lot over the last few weeks, but that was during a time of fear, violence and destruction.

And I hadn’t had much of a chance to look around and take things in while dealing with the wounded, bringing supplies or dealing with the threat of attack from all sides.

Now that peace had been restored, I was able to take my time everywhere I went, speaking with pack members and getting a feel for the communities that made up my territory.

And everywhere I went, small crowds gathered to hear me speak.

Or just to shake my hand. And thank me for what I was doing.

It was a truly humbling experience.

All of these people, taking time out of their days to come see me and speak with me.

“Thank you, Luna,” they said, crowding in closer. “We can’t thank you enough for all your help.”

“Thank you,” I said in return. “Without you, our territory would be so empty. I’m proud to see my people work so hard to reclaim their towns, and their lives.

“And please, don’t call me Luna. I’m just a Princess. I’m just doing my best.”

And I was.

I worked tirelessly day in and day out, trying to serve my people as best I could. And to make my father proud.

But I wasn’t alone in wanting to rebuild my pack. Offers for help continued to come from the other packs who helped me end the rogue attacks.

Nathan offered his support as well, and every time I spoke with him I felt a knot of complicated emotions twist in my belly.

I longed to see him, to hear his voice, to be near him. And I was also hurt and heartbroken over the way he continued to deny our past relationship.

Every conversation between us ended awkwardly, with neither one of us knowing quite what to do about our relationship.

Interacting with the other pack leaders was far less complicated, and even a source of pleasure.

I met with Alpha Gavin, the new leader of the Ice River pack, as I toured the northern border of the Royal territory.

Gavin was the former Alpha Damien’s cousin, and had since exiled Damien for his actions during the rogue attacks.

“Princess Claire,” he said when we were introduced. “I’m happy to finally meet you.”

I shook his hand, feeling his strong calloused hand grip mine. This was clearly a man who did his fair share of manual labor.

Something that became obvious as we walked around the small village where a mix of my people and Ice River pack members worked together building some simple structures for cabins and businesses.

Alpha Damien was clearly in charge of his building crew, directing carpenters and electricians from site to site and coordinating the laborers carrying or cutting boards.

“Thank you for your help here, Alpha,” I said, once he’d shown me the works in progress. “I appreciate all of your help here. And I certainly didn’t expect this much hands-on effort from an Alpha.”

He laughed. “I like to get my hands dirty. And honestly, this feels like a way for me to truly begin to make amends for my cousin Damien’s actions. A small way, of course.

“I’d also like to offer an official alliance once more between our two packs. Anything you need from now on, I want you to come to me. I want there to be trust and friendship between our packs.”

“That’s very kind of you, Alpha Gavin. I happily accept your offer. Why don’t we arrange to meet back at the Royal headquarters within a few days?’

He shook my hand again, his hand and smile both warm. “I look forward to it.”

I felt more hopeful and less alone now that I’d spoken with Alpha Gavin.

And as I left to continue my tour of the territory, I realized I was looking forward to seeing him again.

Alpha Gavin POV

Standing with a hand shielding my eyes from the midday sun, I watched Princess Claire and her escort drive away.

Hadn’t that been an interesting meeting?

I’d heard that the new princess was lovely, and kind. Someone completely new to Royal or leadership duties, and who grew up as an Omega in a different pack.

Someone I would have thought would be weak, and easy to manipulate.

Yet she’d also lead her people to a surprise victory over my cousin and his allies.

Which meant she wasn’t such a pushover after all.

I’d looked forward to meeting her, to getting a sense of her personality and capabilities for myself.

And I hadn’t been disappointed.

My Beta, Lee, joined me, and we watched her transport convoy leave the small village.

“Sir, if I may…”

I nodded as we walked back toward one of the building sites. “Yes, Lee. What is it?”

“Why are you offering the Princess an alliance so quickly? Surely we should be focusing on the Ice River pack. Your cousin wasn’t alone in his despicable plans to use the rogues.

“There are enemies inside the pack we should be working to find, and cut out.”

“I’m aware, Lee,” I told him as I picked up a hammer and grabbed a bunch of nails.

“But the Royal pack is weak right now. It’s a good idea to make friends with their inexperienced leader.”

“Won’t you be spending resources giving her help that we could use back at home?”

I shrugged. “We have plenty of resources to go around. And listen: If Claire succeeds in rebuilding her pack, then we’ll have a powerful new ally.”

One that could help us - help me - deal with any enemy that dared to try to threaten my leadership.

Lee grabbed a board from the wood pile and held it up for me to hammer into place.

I hadn’t been lying to the Princess. I really did like to get my hands dirty.

And working with the citizens of the Royal pack was giving me the perfect chance to learn about the people.

Their strengths, and their weaknesses.

“And if she fails, sir?”

“Well, then we’ll be in the perfect position to take over the territory - and the throne - for ourselves.”