𝐃avid Sinclair and Elowen James had always been two peas in a pod, the both of them were always off together - running around and getting into all sorts of trouble.
Much to the dismay of their parents.
The Alpha's son had befriended the brunette at a Pack meeting; both of them deciding that their own books were far more important than whatever the pack council was discussing . Little Elowen had noticed his choice of book, and asked if he had read the whole series and the rest was history.
Everyone thought the two would have been mates, but it was clear that the two's relationship was strictly platonic. The two were each other's rock, their confidants - and would always be ready to cheer the other up.
Which is exactly why Elowen found herself in David's man cave. The ravenette was watching as the brunette paced the floor, hands flailing as she ranted.
He just sat quietly and listened, waiting for his friend to calm down before giving his two cents.
"She never thought I would amount to anything Davey! She doesn't have an ounce of faith in me!" Elowen hissed and turned to face him, a heated look in her gaze. "And what do you think of this?"
David knew he would have to be careful with his answer. He could see that Elowen was already on the verge of another breakdown - not that he could blame her, she was having a rough week. However, he was a blunt person and that was something Elowen loved him for.
"Winnie, I can see where your mom is coming from, but I can also see your side of things." The alpha's son started with an incline of his head, brow pinched together in thought as he spoke. "While yes, you are human, you are also the most qualified for the role as Beta - even if you can't shift."
"See!" Her arms went up as she cheered, while a humorless chuckle left her lips. "You get it! Papa gets it! But yet she just won't see reason."
She paused when David rolled his eyes, and clicked his tongue and sat down beside him. "What are you thinking, David? I can see the wheels in your head turning."
The werewolf merely eyed her out of the side of his gaze as he decided to answer. "Elowen, you just lost your dad - your mom just lost her mate. If her daughter was to become Beta and then die not just a week after her father - that would destroy her."
"And what about you? You're next in line for Alpha." When he didn't answer Elowen narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "David Shane, what are you not telling me?" The ravenette mumbled something that the human did not hear. "What was that?"
"Dad wants me to become the next beta." Elowen only blinked, face blank as she took in the sentence and ran it through her head over and over.
David will be Beta.
David will be Beta.
David will be Beta.
David will be Beta.
"What!?" Elowen jumped up from her chair, her face red with rage - jaw grinding along with it. "When?! What did you say!? David please tell me you told him no!"
"Of course I did!" David screeched, his eyes widening in slight panic when he saw the look the human was giving him. "He asked me last night after he and mom talked to Caroline. He said I needed to gain experience in leadership." He shook his head. "But I told him no. I am not of Beta blood and that is your rightful role. Besides when I become Alpha, who will be Beta then? This would only cause problems later down the line."
The brunette bit her lip and rubbed the back of her neck. She finally just plopped back down beside her friend, arms draped over her knees and her head hanging low.
Elowen was exhausted, mentaly, physically, and emotionally.
After the fight with her mother she had barely got a wink of sleep and when she was able to shut her eyes and try to drift off; she was pulled out of her slumber by horrific nightmares.
Her mother was gone by the time she had gotten out of bed and her grandfather was still asleep; so she had just called David and asked if he had some time to speak with her.
Which led her to now, her face in her hands and David's arm wrapped around her shoulder. "It's just so hard David. Dad was the only thing keeping us together, and now he's gone." The human huffed out a defeated breath and looked up to meet her friend's sad smile. "I just want to be the daughter dad deserved, I want to make him proud - I want to honor my father by proving that I can be the Beta."
"Tell you what Winnie, I will talk to dad and see if you can get an audience with the elders. If anyone can get them to see reason it would be you." He gave her a cheeky grin as he continued. "And when I become Alpha, you will be my Beta and we will be the best duo in the region."
Elowen chuckled and accepted the hug David gave her - happy to have at least someone on her side other than her grandfather. But that's what David was, her best friend and right hand man, she knew she could always count on him.
* * * * *
It was only a day later before she stood before the council, head held high; though it took everything in her not to waver under the heavy gazes of the elders. She could see where the Alpha and Luna sat behind a table that was towards the side of the large room.
David was there as well, a serious frown on his face as his eyes flicked back and forth between Elowen and the Elders.
The tension in the Elder's chamber was suffocating but no one said anything as the head elder leaned forward arms crossed over the table. His old gray eyes were calculating as he examined Elowen - but he said nothing for a while.
"Alpha Weylyn Sinclair has brought it to my attention that you would like to ascend into the role of Beta." Elder Marcus started, voice hoarse and deep. "I had presumed that his son was to take over that position."
"The Alpha wanted that yes, but me and David both agreed that I should get the role." Elowen responded with an incline of her head.
Marcus hummed while the other Elders remained silent. "And what makes you think we would agree to this, Miss James? You are a woman." His eyes narrowed into silver slits. "You are a human." The word was spat out with an underlining venom.
"I am aware of that sir." Elowen's eyes twitched at the sneer the elder sent her, but she took a deep breath before continuing. "But I still believe that I am more than capable of handling the position."
One of the other Elder's scoffed, a mocking chuckle leaving him. "You? Hardly." He stood up and rounded the table, circling her like a vulture. "You can't shift, you can't fight - what could you possibly offer the pack? You are merely a female that should be used for breeding."
Elder Silas.
Her father hated him. The old wolf had always been a sexist bastard, and never liked the idea of females holding power. He also hated humans so it was no surprise to anyone that he had treated her this way.
It still earned him a growl from David, however.
"Silas! There is no need for that!" Elder Ameila hissed, eyes wide and mouth pulled into a deep frown. As the only female on the council, Amelia Sinclair was used to this and she hardly put up with Silas's shit. "Let her speak!"
"Thank you Elder Amelia." Elowen nodded in thanks as Silas sat down, arms crossing over his chest - resembling a child that had been scolded. "But Silas is right, yes I am not a wolf - I can't shift, and I am not strong. But being a beta isn't all about brawn, it's also about brains." She stepped forward as she continued. "I was an A+ student, and I know my way around the pack hierarchy. Needless to say I know how it works. Sure I can't offer my strength, but I can offer my intelligence."
"An intelligent human? Oh, please." Silas tutted and shook his head. "You must be short of a few brains if you possibly think-"
"Humans were doing just fine before the wolves came out of hiding." Elowen interrupted - a dark look in her eyes as she pointed to the Elder. "We built cities, created laws - won wars! We fought for our independence and risked our lives for our freedom when the US was just starting out. We formed treaties, produced plans and ideas to help our nation. You claim to be of a higher standard, yet all you do is brag and cower. The only reason you won the revolution was due to your more durable hyde and strength. You were stronger than humans, yes! But we have done more in 30 years than you have done in 100! Women are also just as important. Do you think it is easy to raise a child? Do you think it doesn't hurt watching as the man you love goes off into battle, possibly never to return? We are far stronger than any male. You are just to stupid and blinded by pride to see it!"
Elowen was panting now, shoulders tense as all the Elder watched her with wide eyes. David and Weylyn could only stare with dropped jaws and the Luna gave the human a thumbs up with a proud smile. 'Gotta love Luna Clara.'
A slow clap got her attention and she looked up to meet the impressed eyes of Amelia Sinclair. "Well said Ms James. Your bravery-"
"How dare you!" Silas yelled, rising from his seat - a fury like no other swirling around that made Elowen swallow and take a step back. She was jerked further away , however, by a fierce grip and was soon placed behind a lean body.
David.
"Leave her be. You are only mad because you know it is the truth." He growled and Silas returned the sound, prompting a low rumble from Weylyn.
Silas closed his eyes and let out a deep breath before they opened. Elowen did not like the sick grin he gave her as he backed away. "Very well, besides she will not be a nuisance much longer."
"What do you mean?" The Alpha's son questioned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
Silas let out a cruel chuckle and returned to his chair - ignoring the looks he got from his fellow elders. "As of last night Elowen Fae James is now property to Alpha Darius Lucian and is due to be sent to his pack in three days time."
Elowen felt her heart drop, a lump forming in her throat and a harsh panic settling in her stomach. Her head shook from side to side while David snarled at the Elder, keeping a tight grip on the human for both of their sakes.
"No- you're lying, Dad would never- Dad! Please tell me you didn't agree to this!" David rounded on his father while Luna Clara looked horrified.
Elowen didn't pay him any mind as Silas pulled out a document. At the bottom of the paper, the Elder's wax seal was placed in the right corner and in the left rested the signature of Weylyn Sinclair. Her eyes filled with tears as Silas lifted up her chin, forcing her to meet his cruel smile.
"You will finally know your place, human." He pushed her face away, ignoring the glare she sent him. "Who knows maybe he will take pity on you and decide to have you killed instead of using you for breeding." Silas walked towards his table and motioned for two of the warriors that were standing at the doors. "Take her to her home and inform her family. Tell her mother that the deal has been set just like she wished. I want this pest gone in three days!"
And that's when Elowen knew that she was doomed. She would never see her grandfather again, never laugh with David, never read to the young children of her pack.
But a single sentence ran through her head over and over again - one that truly broke her heart.
'Tell her mother that the deal has been set just like she wished.'
It was all her mother's doing.