MATED TO THE SECRET ALPHA-Chapter 256: Public Outrage

Outside, the noise of the gathering pack could already be heard. Voices were rising, demanding she stopped hiding. Anger, disappointment, and curses filled the air.

Kira’s nostrils flared.

She recalled how everyone here used to sing Reana’s praises, used to love and cherish her, how they wouldn’t dare to speak before she did.

How could people change so much?

In less than twenty-four hours, it felt as though they’d never benefited from Reana.

So what if she was carrying Alpha Snow’s child? Weren’t the elders already hoping to build a relationship with the Dark Snow Pack?

How hypocritical were they?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

The moment Reana appeared, standing on the veranda, there was a sudden silence, like they’d once again remembered who she was.

Their beloved Luna.

But suddenly, in the next moment, someone yelled from the back and the courtyard erupted with loud accusations.

Hundreds, no, thousands of them crowded the grounds of the Luna’s residence. Warriors, elders, omegas, and curious pack members pressed shoulder to shoulder.

"Luna Reana!"

"Answer the council!"

"Have you betrayed the pack?!"

"Is it true?!"

"Tell us whose child you carry!"

The accusations rained down like pebbles, slamming into Reana from all directions.

Behind her, Kira’s fingers twitched, barely restraining the violent rage boiling inside her.

Just then, someone shouted "slut, get out of the pack!" from the back of the crowd.

That was the last straw.

Kira’s body jerked forward. She was ready to leap. Ready to rip the offender’s throat from their body.

But Reana caught her wrist, stopping her before she could half shift.

"Don’t do it," Reana murmured without looking at her.

Kira’s chest heaved.

"They insult you, Luna," she hissed under her breath.

"They’re pack members. They are family," Reana replied quietly, "The rules still stands."

Kira’s jaw clenched so hard it looked like it might crack. Tears clouded her vision. Even now, Reana still cared for these undeserving people.

"Luna," her lips trembled.

Reana turned her head, smiled faintly at her and said, "It’s okay."

Below, Elder Jaxson cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"Luna," he bowed.

Reana turned her attention to the old elder.

"Elder Jaxson."

Her voice was calm and cold as usual, as if they were speaking during an ordinary council meeting rather than standing before a furious mob.

The old wolf shifted uncomfortably under her gaze. For a moment, something like shame flickered in his eyes. He had watched this girl grow into the Luna the pack adored. He had praised her wisdom countless times.

But this evening, the crowd was behind him. And among the elders, he was one of the few who supported a trial, instead of acting on hearsay.

"Luna," he repeated, clearing his throat again. "You must understand why the pack is concerned."

Reana leaned slightly against the wooden railing of the veranda.

"Concerned?" she echoed.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd below.

"Yes," Elder Jaxson said stiffly. "A rumor has spread that you are carrying the child of the Alpha of the Dark Snow Pack, An infidel."

The courtyard fell into tense silence.

Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, as some waited for her to deny it, even get angry and punish the rumor mongers, while others prayed she admitted it.

People, such as Elder Thomas and his faction.

Reana tilted her head slightly. "And if I am?"

The words landed like thunder.

Gasps erupted instantly.

"You admit it?!" someone shouted.

"So it’s true!"

"She betrayed us!"

"Shame!"

"You’re a disgraced Luna!"

"May the goddess’ curse be on you!"

The curses burst forth again, louder this time.

Kira’s nails dug into her palms so deeply that thin lines of blood appeared. But Reana stood unmoving.

Her gaze slowly swept across the thousands gathered before her. Many of the faces were familiar.

Warriors she had trained. Families she had protected. Children she had comforted during winter, trauma, and sadness.

And yet today...They looked at her like she was a stranger. Or worse.

Elder Jaxson raised his hand for silence.

When the crowd quieted slightly, he continued, "Luna, this is not a time for sarcasm. Please, tell us what is happening and put us at ease."

Reana’s lips curved faintly. "And if I refuse to say? Would you have someone test me..." she glanced around, her hand sweeping out, "right here?"

Several of them shifted awkwardly, because they’d agreed to test her openly, to prevent result manipulations.

Elder Maaya answered carefully. "For the stability of the pack, we must know the truth."

Before Reana could answer, Elder Thomas stamped a walking stick on the ground.

The venom in his voice was sharp as ever. "Enough talking," he said loudly. "If she has nothing to hide, she should agree to a public test!"

His gaze slid mockingly over Reana’s stomach."We brought Healer Dira."

Healer Dira was shoved forward. It seemed that she was forced out of her hut. She clutched her medical pouch, eyes lowered, too embarrassed to look Reana in the eyes.

The courtyard buzzed again.

"Let the healer test her!"

"Then we’ll know!"

"If she’s found guilty, she should be locked up in the dungeon and exiled!"

Kira’s entire body trembled with rage.

"This is madness," she growled under her breath.

But Reana simply watched the crowd.

For a long moment, she said nothing.

And then, she laughed.

The sound rang out across the courtyard, startling everyone. She was too disappointed to be angry. She was just tired.

"So this is what it has come to," she said quietly.

Her gaze moved slowly across the crowd again.

"Thousands of wolves gathered to strip their Luna of her dignity."

A few lowered their eyes. But others didn’t care at all.

"Very well." The words sent another ripple through the crowd.

Her eyes settled on the healer. "Come forward, Dira."

The old healer hesitated. "Luna... this is not necessary—"

"Oh, it is," Reana interrupted gently. She also wanted to be sure she was carrying Ryder’s child.

Then her voice hardened.

"Because if the pack wishes to judge me, they should at least do so with the truth."

Kira grabbed her arm. "Luna, you don’t have to do this!"

Reana turned to her and gave a small, reassuring smile.

"I also want to know the truth." She paused, "I don’t want to carry false hope."