Page 44 of My Shy Alpha

There’s Elder Alpha Aaron, late Alpha Ritchie’s head of security. To either side of Elder Alpha Aaron, there’s Elder Alpha Frank, a trusted friend of Noah’s grandparents, and Elder Beta Terence, Noah’s great uncle-in-law.

Despite Noah entrusting his pack to the Elders, Noah holds me behind him like he’s protecting me, and I need him to. These wolves emanate deadly scents, forcing me to shake where I stand. Yasmine has me walled off beside Noah, and Amy’s hands on my shoulders reassure me she’s protecting my back, but no matter their protection, my instincts scream to run.

“You’re the most disrespectful Alpha we’ve seen!” Elder Aaron bellows, his white comb-over quivering with rage. “This isn’t the only atrocity you’ve committed. If your father was alive, I’d scold him for how poorly he raised you.”

Noah crosses his arms. “Well, he’s not alive, is he?”

Across the table, Elder Frank rubs his temples, unable to keep his eyes on Noah without flexing his jaw. “Look at you, gloating. Real lives are at stake, and you’re flouncing around as if it affects no one else.”

“Of course this affects everyone else. I just don’t see the problem with it.”

Elder Aaron scoffs. “You don’t see a problem?! Our pack will be in danger the second other packs hear our top Alpha submitted himself to an Omega.”

Elder Terence clears his throat. The Beta’s smooth voice softens the tension. “Are you questioning Alpha Noah’s ability to protect our pack, Elder Aaron?”

“W-well, I...” The Elder Alpha trails off, his breath catching at something in Noah’s stare.

“You, what? Are you done speaking your mind?”

All eyes are on Noah, and I can’t help but shrink. Noah, on the other hand, feels like a solid pillar in a room of otherwise chaotic energy. I have no idea how he’s remaining calm. I’d lose my shit or bawl if anyone talked to me like this.

But Noah’s dark laugh consumes the room, silencing it. We wait for him to speak, not even my bond hinting at his true intentions.

Then his sorrow hits me, threatening to bring me to my knees. But rather than crumbling beneath it, Noah’s back straightens.

“That’s the last time I want to hear any of you talking shit about my mate.”

No one speaks, let alone takes a breath.

“You say Omegas are weak, but now you claim they have the power to destroy our entire pack by mating with us? Which is it?”

The Elders shuffle in their seats, struggling to look at Noah longer than a millisecond.

“Who gave birth to most of us here? Who are you mated with? You don’t have Omega children or grandchildren?” Noah scoffs. “I hope they never have to hear you talking about them like spoiled fucking meat.”

The room remains silent. Noah doesn’t move a muscle, allowing his words to echo through our minds.

An icy sheen coats Noah’s gentle voice. “You wouldn’t be alive without Omegas, just like we can’t function without Alphas and Betas, and you know it. Have some fucking respect, or I’ll have none for you.”

My breath is shaky, but my soul is on fire. I can’t count how many times I’ve wished for just one person to stand up against my ex. His misogyny sounded a lot like this Omega-hating rhetoric. Thanks to Steven, the last thing I expected was for a man to defend my wolf sex this fiercely.

But Noah is infuriated, losing grasp on his usual cool.

I loosen my fearful grip on Noah’s arm, sliding my hand into his. Noah’s shoulders drop, and he looks to me for reassurance.

I’m beaming. You’re a true leader, my shy Alpha.

He softly smiles. Thank you.

There’s something I’d like to say to the Elders, although I’m not sure they’ll listen. I peek at them, and Noah squeezes my hand.

You can speak. They’re listening.

I grip Noah’s hand tighter. But when I clear my throat, everyone’s attention zips to me, and I flinch.

Shit, now what? I’m used to speaking up for myself, over and over again, only to be shut down in the end. But now they’re listening. No, not just listening - patiently waiting. All I can do is speak through my shaking voice.

“I know I’m biased, but I’m already so impressed by the Greenfield Pack. The best example of a strong society is the health of their most vulnerable. And with how I was welcomed–” I drop my stare, softening my voice in fear of their response. “W-well, with how I was treated before I entered this room, I felt safe as an Omega, and as a woman. I teach preschool, and I’d sleep better if I knew my students had the same caring leadership running their communities.”