Fake Heirness. True Luna

Chapter 6: Alphas' Gathering and Julie’s Humiliation

Irina’s POV

Julie’s tricks sometimes work, but most of the time they don’t, and some pack members comment about her not being ready to be a Luna or even Beta’s mate. Of course, that put Julie in a foul mood, and the one who had to stand her was me.

At first, all I did was not fall for her tricks, but now I want to help her, not because of her, but because her lack of preparation is ruining the pack’s name.

This was still my pack. These were still my people. I had been raised to prioritize their well-being above all else, and watching Julie fumble and sabotage her own position was like watching a clumsy child set fire to a precious tapestry.

Her failures were becoming the pack's embarrassment. Whispers at patrol changes, skeptical glances during her clumsy attempts at mediating minor disputes—the doubt was a stain spreading through the ranks. A weak Alpha’s daughter was not something to be proud of, that’s why I was trained from a young age.

Some people understand that she didn’t have the right education, but most of them are questioning her ability to lead. The fact that Lancer is right by her side isn’t helping either.

“Is Lancer going after Julie?” A pack member whispered as they saw them walk together.

As her personal maid, I had to be there in case she needed my assistance. It pained me to see my mate trying to get into her bed, but there was nothing I could do.

“Irina might not have been the true daughter, but she made a magnificent job,” Her friend replied.

I wasn’t sure if she had heard them, but after that encounter I decided I couldn’t wait anymore. So, I began to intervene. Not obviously. Not in a way she could ever acknowledge or thank me for.

It happened during a meeting with the pack seamstress. Julie was being fitted for a new gown for the upcoming treaty renewal ceremony with the neighboring Swift River Pack. The seamstress, an elderly she-wolf named Agnes with hands gnarled by decades of work, was patiently trying to explain the symbolic significance of the silver threadwork along the hem.

“It represents the strength of our borders, Miss Julie,” Agnes said, holding up a sample. “A continuous, unbroken line.”

Julie waved a dismissive hand, bored. “It’s scratchy. I want the pink silk with the pearls. It’s prettier.”

Agnes’s face fell. The pink silk was for spring solstice dances, not for solemn treaties. It would send entirely the wrong message—one of frivolity, not strength.

I was dusting a bookshelf nearby, invisible. I paused, and without looking at either of them, I spoke softly to the air. “The Silverfang Pack used silver thread in their treaty garments last year. The Swift River Alpha was said to be most impressed by the show of solidarity and strength.”

Julie’s head snapped toward me, her eyes narrowing. “No one asked you, Irina, don’t forget who is the true Alpha’s daughter.”

But Agnes caught my eye, a flicker of understanding passing between us. She cleared her throat. “The Silverfang Pack, you say? They are a strong ally of Swift River. It would be a shrewd diplomatic choice, Miss Julie. A show of… unified front.”

I saw the calculation in Julie’s eyes. She cared nothing for diplomacy, but she cared deeply for appearances and one-upping others. The idea of outshining another pack’s Luna was a language she understood.

“Fine,” she sniffed, turning back to the mirror. “Use the silver thread. But make sure it sparkles. I want it to catch the light.”

I let out a breath of relief. It may seem small, but all those details mattered, and apparently, my small interventions like this one were noticed.

“The Alpha and Luna are calling for you,” A warrior told me as I finished scrubbing the floors.

I wanted to ask him why. Julie was in a meeting with the Elder of our pack, the same man who brought her here that day, and I was not supposed to intervene.

I stood up and nodded, my damp hands wiping on my apron as I followed the warrior. I didn’t have a good feeling about this.

When I arrived at the Alpha’s study, the air was thick with tension. Alpha Richard sat behind his massive oak desk, his expression stormy. Luna Rosette stood by the window, her posture rigid with anxiety. Julie was perched on a chaise lounge, her arms crossed and a thunderous scowl on her face that she made no effort to hide.

And then I saw the other man.

Elder Derek Levis. He was a tall, imposing figure with silver-streaked hair and eyes that missed nothing. I had only seen him twice before, at major pack gatherings years ago. He was a high-ranking Elder from the regional council, not affiliated solely with our pack. His presence here, now, was deeply unusual and sent a chill down my spine.

I bowed low, my eyes fixed on the floor. “Alpha Richard. Luna Rosette. Elder Levis, Elder Harden,” I greeted, my voice respectful and quiet.

“Irina,” Alpha Richard’s voice was a low growl, dismissive.

It was Elder Levis who spoke, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. “Irina. Thank you for joining us. You are aware, of course, that the Alpha’s Gathering is to be held in two weeks’ time at Shadow Pack?”

I kept my head slightly bowed. “Yes, Elder Levis. The entire pack is aware.” The Gathering was a major event where Alphas from across the region met to discuss treaties, disputes, and alliances. Sometimes, they even found their mates because some Alphas’ daughters are allowed to attend.

Alpha Richard shifted impatiently. “This is hardly necessary, Elder. She is no longer—”

“—I am aware of the young woman’s changed status, Richard,” Elder Levis interrupted smoothly, though his tone held a subtle rebuke. He turned his penetrating gaze back to me. “As you know, it is of the outmost importance to leave a good impression. If something were to happen it could damage Blue Moon’s reputation greatly.”

My eyes flickered to Julie. Her scowl had deepened, her jaw clenched. She looked like a petulant child, not a future Luna. I understood instantly why the Elder was here.

“Julie has been through a great ordeal,” Luna Rosette said, her voice pleading. “She is still learning our ways. The council must understand—”

“The council understands that the Blue Moon Pack cannot afford to appear weak,” Elder Levis stated, his voice losing its mildness. He looked directly at Julie, his assessment cold and clinical. “The heir to an Alpha must be able to hold her own in diplomacy, in conversation, and in demeanor. From what I have observed today, and from the reports I have received, there are… significant concerns about her readiness.”

The silence that followed was absolute. Alpha Richard looked furious, Luna Rosette kept diverting her gaze from mine. I’m sure she is aware of everything her daughter has done to me, but she keeps asking me to understand her.

“Please understand her, she had to live with rogues, she… please Irina. You lived her life; she had nobody.”

That’s what she tells me, and because they cared for me all their lives… I feel indebted to them.

Julie’s face flushed a deep, ugly red. The Elder had told her she was not capable of maintaining a good image for the pack.

Elder Levis turned his attention back to me. “You were raised for this role, Irina. You were prepared for the Gathering since you were a child. You know the protocols, the histories of the other packs, the delicate dance of politics required.”

My heart began to pound. Where was this going?

“It is the opinion of the council,” he continued, his words measured and deliberate, “that for the good of the Blue Moon Pack, you should accompany the Alpha’s family to Shadow Pack. You will serve in your capacity as maid, but you will also be there to… advise. This is to ensure no unintended slight is given and that no error in protocol is made. You will be a shadow ensuring the pack’s reputation remains untarnished.”

This was not good for me. Julie looked like she wanted to kill me on the spot. She always maintained that fake smile with me when surrounded by other people, but now she is blatantly glaring.

“Absolutely not!” Alpha Richard roared, slamming his hand on the desk. “I will not have that… that impostor paraded in front of the other Alphas as if she still has a place here!”

“Would you rather they see your true heir stumble and make a fool of herself and, by extension, your entire pack?” Elder Levis asked, his voice dangerously quiet. “This is not about her, Richard. This is about the stability of your territory. This is about showing a united, strong front. The alternative is to go to the Gathering with an heir who is clearly unprepared and risk being perceived as vulnerable. Your son still hasn’t found his mate; that alone is not a good sign, so I suggest you let this be Richard and think of the greater good.”

He looked at Julie, whose face was now pale with a mixture of fury and shock. “The choice is yours. Appear strong with a shadow, or appear weak alone.”

I was going to decline the offer. I couldn’t go there and face other Alphas who had met me once as an Alpha’s daughter, but for the first time in more than a month, Theia spoke.

“We must go to Shadow Pack,” She said, her voice weak, before disappearing again.