Navy's Sons: Bullied by Quadruplet Stepbrothers novel Chapter 30

26.Assembly-2

The pack assembly is just another excuse to throw another fancy party. Only this time, it is held in Kaelara Naval Station’s function hall. It’s huge and could easily host thousands of guests, so the three hundred members of Crystal Ridge pack have more than enough room to spread out.

Everyone is dressed sharp, not a single person in casual wear. I scan the room and spot a few familiar faces. And unfortunately, Yennifer Wix is one of them. She narrows her eyes at me and mutters something to the person beside her. Her cousin Isabel stands near the side of the room, close to Luca. Whatever he’s saying makes her laugh softly. Neither of them even looks in my direction. It’s like I’m just another shadow in the room. He adds something else, and Isabel smiles again. They seem close. That’s not surprising considering that Isabel is Beta Renston’s daughter. I sip from my glass, trying to push down the memory that flashes in my mind-Luca’s hand on my skin yesterday, the way he touched me in places no one else ever has. And now he’s standing there, talking to another girl like none of it happened. Maybe it didn’t matter to him. Maybe it was just nothing. If that’s the case, then I shouldn’t feel anything either.

But I do. I taste the bitterness on my tongue as I watch her casually drag her fingers across his chest, like she’s done it a hundred times before. He doesn’t stop her as if this is natural between them.

I tear my gaze away and focus on my glass. Luckily, a much-needed distraction arrives when Alpha Emery steps onto the stage. The room begins to quiet. He’s in full naval uniform, his captain’s badges polished to a gleam, the medals on his chest catching the light as he walks. The crowd’s attention shifts to him instantly. When he takes the mic, a soft hush settles over the room.

“Thank you all for coming to today’s assembly,” he begins. “It means a great deal to see the pack gathered like this.” He scans the room, his presence commanding. “The Aldair family has led the Crystal Ridge pack for over a century. Our legacy is not only bound to this pack but to the island’s history itself.” He pauses, then gestures to the side of the stage. “I would now like to call my sons forward.”

Evren is the first to move. He gracefully climbs the steps followed by Luca, Jace, and Reed. They take their place behind their father, standing shoulder to shoulder like sentinels. All four of them are dressed in ceremonial black, fitted and formal, just like Emery. Their presence draws a few murmurs from the crowd, though none dare speak too loudly.

“These boys,” Alpha Emery continues, “have stood beside me through the years. They have helped lead this pack, made difficult decisions, fought to protect our borders, and carried the a part5 weight of leadership with pride. Each of them represe of this pack’s future-steadfast, capable, and loyal.” He glances back at them briefly before facing the crowd again. “And tonight, I’m honored to introduce new additions to our family. You may know them already, but tonight, I want to present them to you not just as guests-”

He reaches out his hand, and Mom steps onto the stage. She looks calm and radiant in her silver gown. Her hand slides easily into his as she joins him at the podium.

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