Mated in the Shadow of My Sister novel Chapter 12

Chapter 0012

“We all know how much Stephanie’s passing impacted you,” Beta Robert continues. “But after six years, the whispers from pack members are getting louder and louder. They are worried about whether you are.

going to be capable of taking over the pack. If those whispers get any louder, you may face a challenge from one or even multiple other wolves for the position. Or worse, alphas from other packs may sense

your weakness and initiate a war to take over the West Mountain Pack and expand their territories.”

“We are one of the strongest packs in the area. We are not weak. We would easily defeat any pack that

dares to challenge us,” I protest.

“You are correct. We are not weak. And it is my responsibility to make sure we do not become that way,”

my father answers. “Beta Robert is absolutely correct about the whispers and the risks. Given the

existing circumstances, we cannot possibly allow you to take over the pack by yourself. Doing so would

only worsen the perception that you are weak. When you take over the pack, you need to do so not only

with a luna by your side, but also with one that is strong and fully trained.”

I take a deep breath, struggling to remain calm.

“I still do not understand why we are talking about this today. Today should be about Stephanie. Not

about getting another she–wolf in my bed.”

Stephanie’s mother rolls her eyes. “We are not talking about getting a she–wolf in your bed,” she says.

bitterly. “We are fully aware of the she–wolves that have made their way there on their own the past few

years.

I let out a frustrated laugh and put my head in my hands. If she only knew. If only if any of them knew.

Thankfully, my father decides to avoid that line of discussion, “Son, there is a reason that this needs to

be announced today. You are not the only one that needs to be sold on the idea of a chosen mate. The

pack needs time to adjust and accept the idea. Pack members have worshipped Stephanie for

years, and

they have placed her on a metaphorical pedestal. We need the pack members to believe that Stephanie