Vengeance of the wolf princess

Crassus, standing at the front of the hall, leaned back slightly. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a sharpness in his gaze.

Crassus tilted his head, his voice calm but laced with a warning. "Tell me, Elliott… do I need anyone's permission to get married? Or are you trying to say this wedding won't be possible without Katreena's approval?"

Elliott stiffened. "No, Alpha, that's not what I meant, but—"

Then he stopped talking because Crassus threw him an unwavering, cold, and absolute glare. A silent command, a clear message that he wasn't asking for opinions.

Elliott swallowed, lowering his gaze in understanding. "Noted, Alpha."

Crassus's gaze swept over the gathered wolves. 'The meeting is dismissed,' he said firmly. Without waiting for any responses, he turned on his heel and strode out of the hall.

..........................

Estella Pov

Estella followed, her steps hesitant yet steady. She barely had time to process everything that had happened before she felt a gentle yet firm grasp on her hand.

She turned slightly and saw Sheila, Crassus' mother, smiling warmly at her. The older woman's joy was palpable, radiating from her like a comforting warmth.

'I had begun to think Crassus would never find his mate,' Sheila said, her voice carrying a mixture of relief and excitement. 'We were already preparing to have him marry someone from the pack, just to ensure the bloodline continued.' She sighed, shaking her head. 'But thank the Moon Goddess for shining her light on him at last and leading him to you.'

Estella listened, unsure of how to respond. She had barely adjusted to the idea of being Crassus' mate, let alone the implications of what that meant for their future.

Before she could find the right words, Sheila's grip on her hand tightened slightly. 'Now tell me, dear,' she continued, eyes twinkling with anticipation, 'what kind of wedding would you like? Would you prefer an outdoor ceremony or something indoors?'

Estella hadn't even thought about what type of wedding she wanted. Compared to everything else going on in her life, planning a wedding was the least of her priorities. She glanced at Crassus, who remained silent beside them, his expression unreadable.

Then she turned back to Sheila and gave a small, polite smile. 'Something simple is okay,' she said honestly. Sheila gasped, coming to an abrupt stop. 'No way,' she declared, shaking her head vigorously. 'Absolutely not!'

Estella blinked in surprise. 'What do you mean?'

Sheila let out an exasperated sigh. 'A wedding is something you do once in a lifetime, my dear. It can't be brushed through like that.' Her tone softened as she gently cupped Estella's hands in hers. 'If you and Crassus hold a simple wedding, it would send the wrong message to the pack—and to other packs as well. It would make them think that Crassus does not value you, that you are not worth a grand celebration.'

Sheila led Estella into her villa, her hand lightly resting on the younger woman's back as she guided her toward the luxurious sitting area.

The room exuded elegance, with plush furnishings and warm lighting that gave a sense of comfort.

She gestured for Estella to sit on one of the cushioned chairs, then settled beside her with an expectant smile.

'Now, dear,' Sheila continued, her tone filled with gentle determination, 'about this wedding—'

Before she could continue, Crassus interrupted. His voice was steady but firm. 'Mom, can you find a way to bring the other packs together for a meeting?'

Sheila blinked in surprise, turning to face her son. 'Why are you trying to hold a Council of Packs meeting?' she asked, her tone shifting to concern. 'Did something happen?'

Crassus didn't hesitate. He relayed everything Estella had told him—the destruction of her family, the betrayal, and the terrifying force of the demon wolves.

As the story unfolded, Sheila's expression darkened, her brows furrowing with a mix of sorrow and fury. When Crassus finished, she turned to Estella and took her hand firmly in both of hers, her gaze searching the younger woman's face.

"My dear, I can't even imagine how you survived something like that," Sheila whispered, her voice heavy with emotion. "But listen to me—our pack will do everything in our power to help you get your revenge. You are one of us now."

Estella stared at Sheila, stunned by the depth of her concern. The warmth of her touch, the fierce protectiveness in her words—it reminded her of her mother. A memory of soft hands brushing away her childhood tears, of whispered reassurances in the dead of night. The ache of loss welled up in her chest, and before she could stop it, tears pricked at her eyes. She blinked them away, inhaling sharply, then met Sheila's gaze with new resolve.

"I won't let those who harmed me get away with it," Estella said, her voice unwavering.

Sheila's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good." Then she continued "And that is exactly why you cannot have a simple wedding."

Estella's mouth parted in protest, but Sheila was already pressing on. "We'll gather the packs after the wedding, not before. This meeting needs to be done properly, and what better way to unite the packs than through a grand ceremony? The demon wolves are a common enemy, and they will have no choice but to act. But first, the wedding must be spectacular. This isn't just a union between you and Crassus—it's a declaration of strength."

Estella hesitated, unsure. "I… I don't know anything about weddings. Or how to act in one."

Sheila chuckled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You don't have to. Leave everything to me. Your only job is to show up and marry my son."