Chapter 98
Ethan's POV
Alpha Kelvin’s arrival was as unexpected as it was intriguing. I stood on the porch of the Pack House as his car pulled into the driveway, flanked by two of his warriors. His presence here wasn’t entirely surprising; Kelvin had been a consistent ally, but the timing piqued my curiosity.
Olivia appeared beside me, her hand brushing mine in a subtle show of solidarity. “What do you think he’s here for?” she asked quietly.
“We’ll find out soon enough,” I replied, straightening as Kelvin stepped out of the car, his expression calm but purposeful.
“Alpha Kelvin,” I greeted, extending a hand as he approached.
“Alpha Ethan,” he replied with a firm shake, then turned to Olivia with a nod of respect. “Luna Olivia.”
“Welcome,” Olivia said warmly, though I could feel the flicker of nerves through our bond. Like Derek, Kelvin’s visits were rarely casual.
Inside, we led him to the conference room. Kelvin declined refreshments, cutting straight to the point. “I’ve come with a proposal that I believe could benefit not only your Pack but the Council as a whole.”
I leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on.”
Kelvin’s sharp eyes shifted to Olivia. “Olivia’s formula has already shown potential beyond its initial scope. Its application in medical diagnostics could revolutionize how Pack healers manage care.”
Olivia blinked, her surprise mirrored in the soft spike of uncertainty I felt through our bond. “You’ve heard about the diagnostic potential?”
Kelvin nodded. “Word travels fast, especially when it’s something this promising. this formula, combined with your mentorship program, could serve as the foundation for a council-wide initiative to strengthen inter-Pack alliances.”
I exchanged a glance with Olivia, pride swelling in my chest. Her brilliance and compassion were once again proving to be a force for change. “You’re suggesting we use this to bring the Packs closer together,” I said, summing up Kelvin’s pitch.
“Precisely,” Kelvin confirmed. “By sharing resources and knowledge, we could create a network that ensures every Pack has access to better care. It would position Thorne Haven as leaders, setting an example for other, with Council backing of course.”
Olivia’s gaze dropped to the table, and I could feel her mind racing. “That’s… a lot to consider,” she said softly, her tone measured.
Kelvin smiled faintly. “I know it’s ambitious. But I believe the Council would respond favorably, especially with the success you’ve already demonstrated. It’s the kind of initiative that could reshape the way we view Pack alliances.”
I leaned back, my wolf settling with a deep sense of satisfaction. “You’ve clearly given this a lot of thought, Kelvin. I see the potential here, and I agree; this is the kind of leadership the Council needs.”
Olivia looked up, her expression a mixture of determination and apprehension. “If this moves forward, it won’t just be about the formula or the mentorship program. It’ll require trust between Packs that haven’t always worked well together.”
“That’s where your expertise comes in,” Kelvin said, his tone steady. “You’ve proven you can bridge gaps, Olivia. This is just the next step.”
What do you think, Luna-mine? I asked Olivia through our mind link.
She turned to look at me and nodded slightly, agreeing but allowing me to speak for both of us in front of another Alpha.
I reached over, covering Olivia’s hand with mine. “You’ve already done so much, and I have no doubt you can handle this.” I turned back to Kelvin. “We’re in. Let us know what you need to present this to the Council.”
Kelvin’s smile widened slightly. “I’ll draft the initial proposal and gather support before the next meeting. In the meantime, you may want to prepare your Pack for what’s to come. They’ll be a great resource, but I believe it’s worth it.”
As Kelvin left with his warriors, I turned to Olivia, her expression contemplative. “You’ve built something incredible,” I said softly. “And now, it’s going to make a difference far beyond what we imagined.”
She smiled, the tension easing from her shoulders. “We’ve built it,” she corrected.
The pride I felt in that moment was immeasurable.
Kelvin lingered after the proposal meeting, his sharp eyes following Olivia as she left the room to check in with Grace and Mia. The grace in her stride was unmistakable, and I couldn’t stop the satisfied swell in my chest.
Kelvin turned back to me, his expression thoughtful. “She’s something special,” he said, his tone carrying more admiration than usual.
“I know,” I replied simply, leaning back in my chair. “She’s changed everything – for me, for the Pack. Hells, the Council too.”
Kelvin nodded. “The Council sees it too. Olivia isn’t just a Luna in the traditional sense. She’s shaping into a leader in her own right. It’s... unexpected, but undeniably effective.”
My wolf stirred, responding to the praise in Kelvin’s voice. “Olivia’s influence isn’t unexpected; she’s brilliant and exactly what’s needed,” I said, my tone firm. “She bridges gaps others wouldn’t even see. That’s why she’s special.”
Kelvin gave a small, approving smile. “You’ve embraced what makes her unique, and that’s made all the difference. But Ethan, you realize what this means, don’t you?”
I raised an eyebrow. “That she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me?”
Kelvin chuckled. “True, but I mean for the Council, for the role of Luna itself. Olivia’s breaking the mold. If you two continue on this path, she’ll redefine what it means to be a leader by your side. This isn’t just about Thorne Haven. It’s bigger than that.”
I hadn’t slowed down long enough to consider how Olivia just being herself would have that effect. But he wasn’t wrong.
Olivia’s actions and vision had already rippled beyond our borders, inspiring allies and neutral Packs alike. The thought of her carrying that kind of responsibility was both thrilling and daunting.
“She’s capable of it,” I said after a moment. “More than capable. But I never want her to feel like she has to be anything other than she is.”
“That’s where you come in,” Kelvin said simply. “A true Alpha and Luna complement each other. You balance her compassion with strength, and she tempers your instinct to lead with force. It’s a new standard I can get on board with.”
I glanced toward the door Olivia had passed through, imagining her in the thick of our shared responsibilities, managing everything with the poise and grace I’d come to admire.
“The twins are coming soon,” I said, my voice quieter. “That’s going to add another layer to all of this. Balancing leadership with family; it’s not something I had a great example of.”
Kelvin’s expression softened, his usual sharpness tempered with compassion. “Your father had his flaws, Ethan, but you’ve learned from them. And Olivia’s presence will keep you grounded. If there’s one thing I’ve seen, it’s that she’s your equal in every sense.”
I nodded, absorbing his words. Kelvin’s insights always carried weight, and this conversation was no exception.
“She’ll be more than a title,” I said finally. “She already is. Together, we’ll make sure this Pack and the Council see that.”
Kelvin smiled faintly. “I have no doubt.”
As he left, I stood in the quiet room, my thoughts swirling with possibilities. Olivia wasn’t just my Mate or my future; she was the future. And I’d make sure the world saw it too.
