Their proposal

As Morgan and Alex entered the grand hall, the sense of unease hit her like a punch to the gut. The elders were seated in a semi-circle, their expressions ranging from stern to downright suspicious.

"Alpha Alex, Luna Morgan, please, have a seat," one of the elders, a man with a deep, gravelly voice, instructed. His tone was polite enough, but the undercurrent of authority was clear.

With a quick glance, Morgan stared att Alex before they both took their seats. Her mind raced, trying to anticipate what was coming. She could feel the eyes of the elders boring into her, like they were searching for cracks in her armor. She fought to keep her expression neutral, though inside, she was anything but calm.

The first elder to speak was Elder Roderick, who looked like he hadn’t smiled in decades. His graying hair and lined face gave him an air of wisdom, but also of severity. "We’ve gathered here to discuss the recent developments concerning the alliance between our packs," he began, his voice measured and calm. Too calm, in Morgan’s opinion. "It seems there are some... complications."

"Complications? What do you mean?" she asked, trying to keep her voice as steady as possible.

Pausing, Elder Roderick exchanged a look with the other elders, and Morgan felt a fresh wave of anxiety wash over her. Whatever this was, it wasn’t good. "There have been rumors within the pack about your intentions, Luna Morgan," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Some believe that you might be... opposed to the alliance, and that you might even be trying to undermine it."

Scoffing faintly, Morgan’s mouth went dry. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. "Opposed to the alliance? That’s absurd!" she exclaimed, the words tumbling out before she could stop herself. "Why would I be against something that could bring peace to our packs?"

But Elder Roderick’s expression didn’t soften, but there was a hint of discomfort in his eyes. "There have been incidents that fueled these rumors... For instance, when you refused to meet Alpha Alex when he sent his Beta to escort you, and the... scene you caused when entering our pack house."

WIlling herself into calmness, Morgan clenched her fists under the table. "I didn’t defy Alex out of disrespect," she said, a touch of frustration creeping into her voice. "I just wanted to be treated with the same respect he expects from me. And as for my entrance, it wasn’t my intention to cause trouble—I was asserting my rights as an Alpha."

"Even so, Luna Morgan, your actions have raised concerns," Elder Roderick pressed, his voice growing sterner. "Questions about your commitment to the alliance and the will of the moon goddess."

Staring directly in his eyes, Morgan said calmly, "I assure you, Elder Roderick, I am fully committed to this alliance... And I will do whatever it takes to make sure it succeeds. But I won’t stand for being falsely accused."

For a moment, there was silence. The elders seemed taken aback by her fierce defense. But Morgan could still see doubt lingering in their eyes, and that only fueled her frustration.

"We’ll consider your words, Luna Morgan," Elder Roderick said, his tone slightly less severe now. "But remember, the eyes of the moon goddess are upon us, and any betrayal of her will won’t go unpunished."

"I understand, Elder Roderick," she replied, forcing the words out. "And I’ll prove my loyalty to the alliance beyond any doubt."

"We’ve discussed it, and we believe that you and Alpha Alex should have an heir within a year to prove your commitment to the alliance," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

As her lids widened, Morgan’s breath caught in her throat. An heir? Within a year? Her mind raced, trying to process the words. "An heir? Within a year?" she repeated, almost in disbelief.

"Yes, Luna Morgan," Elder Roderick confirmed, his tone softening just a bit. "It’s customary for such alliances to be solidified by the bond of an heir. It shows true commitment to the alliance."

Speechless from rage, Morgan turned to Alex, her eyes narrowing. Did he know about this? Had he agreed to it? But Alex’s expression was as stormy as hers, and for once, they seemed to be on the same page.

"My luna don’t need to prove her commitment in that way," Alex cut in, his voice sharp with authority.

The elders looked uneasy, clearly surprised by their alpha defending her. Elder Roderick shifted in his seat, his expression hardening. "Alpha Alex, we understand your concerns," he said, his voice strained. "But the future of our packs depends on the strength of this alliance. We can’t leave anything to chance."

"We’re not leaving anything to chance," Alex retorted, his tone icy. "Our alliance is already strong, and it will remain so without needing to involve a child."

Lowering his head, Elder Roderick raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "With all due respect, Alpha Alex, this isn’t a matter to take lightly," he said. "The bond of an heir is a sacred tradition. It’s a sign of true unity between our people."

"With all due respect, Elder Roderick, I can’t agree to that," Morgan said, keeping her voice steady despite the anger inside. "My relationship with Alex is still new, and rushing into this would only jeopardize the alliance, not strengthen it."

The elders looked frustrated, clearly unhappy with her refusal. Morgan could practically see the gears turning in their heads as they tried to figure out how to push their agenda.

"Luna Morgan, we urge you to reconsider," Elder Roderick repeated, his tone demand now. "An heir is crucial for ensuring the peace and prosperity of our packs."

Stuggling against her emotions, Morgan could feel her patience wearing thin. She was tired of being talked to like she didn’t understand what was at stake. She did, but that didn’t mean she was going to let them dictate her life.

"I understand the importance of the alliance," Morgan said, her voice firm. "But I also understand that forcing something like this could do more harm than good. If the alliance is truly strong, it won’t need an heir to hold it together."

As his eyes locked with Morgan's, Elder Roderick’s face hardened once more, "Luna Morgan, we understand your concerns, but the future of our packs hangs in the balance. We can’t let personal feelings cloud our judgment. As I said before, an heir is necessary to solidify the alliance. If you truly want peace, give us an heir, or we will take your refusal as something else?"