CHAPTER 30: PACK DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

"So," Kieran took a step closer, his eyes narrowing, "you actually appreciate what Lucien’s doing?"

Leia crossed her arms, her gaze drifting to the floor before meeting his again. "It’s not that I like it. In fact, I hate the violence... and everything that comes with being part of this werewolf world. It’s just—" she hesitated, her voice softer now, "I never thought Lucien would go to such extremes to protect me. I didn’t expect that side of him."

Kieran scoffed, the corner of his mouth curling in disdain. "It’s not about you, Leia. His pride took a hit. An kidnapping attempt happened right under his nose. This is just damage control for his ego."

Leia studied his expression. That subtle sneer told her everything, Kieran clearly didn’t like Lucien much.

’Have I already found a crack between these two?’ Leia thought. ’Kieran has feelings for me, but Lucien is something else. Kieran hates that Lucien is being possessive and protective of me. Then, maybe I can use this to create a bigger crack between these two. Then, my escape will be much easier. However, now my identity is revealed to many, I feel for a while I am safer here. At least, these three alpha brothers won’t harm me.’

A flick of Kieran’s fingers brought her out of those chain of thoughts.

"What, did you get lost in your thoughts?" Kieran asked, his brows pinching slightly as he studied her face.

Leia blinked, snapping out of her daze. "No, it’s nothing," she said quickly. "I think I’ll head inside."

"Are you feeling sleepy?"

"Not really," she said honestly.

Kieran gave a thoughtful nod, then stepped closer. "In that case, how about we discuss something important? I’ve been thinking about what role you could take on while working with me."

Leia tilted her head. "A role?"

"Yes. What would you say to becoming the Pack Development Coordinator?" he offered.

She blinked again, puzzled. "What exactly does that mean?"

Kieran smiled at her reaction. "Unlike the human world, our pack doesn’t run on corporate titles and desk jobs. This position is more... hands-on. It means you’ll help shape the future of the pack."

He continued after taking a brief pause, "You’d be responsible for leading improvement projects, things like building better homes, establishing schools for young pups, or even creating specialized training centers for our warriors. You’d work directly with me to allocate the funds for each project and make sure we invest wisely."

Leia listened intently, her curiosity growing further.

"You’d also be a bridge between leadership and the community," Kieran added. "Especially when it comes to the female hybrids. They’re often misunderstood or overlooked. You’ve seen both sides of the world, human and wolf. That gives you a unique perspective. And, of course, you’d have the freedom to organize events or wellness programs that strengthen pack unity."

Leia’s eyes sparkled with interest. It was something she hadn’t expected working in the corporate.

For the first time in a while, she didn’t feel like an outsider or a work slave. Leia realized that the werewolf world wasn’t as bad as she thought.

"Then, it’s decided. I’ll tell Lucien about it. Since you’ve not met the people in our pack, so I’ll introduce you to them tomorrow morning," Kieran told her.

"Okay!" Leia agreed, already feeling enthusiastic about it.

"I’m sure our pack’s people are going to like you, Leia," Kieran said, softly smiling at her.

"I hope so. I’ve to learn a lot," Leia said, recalling how Lucien commented on her weak strength. ’Maybe I should train too. Now, I’m among the wolves of my kind, so I need to learn skills of survival too.’

~~~~~

Lucien and Ronan stood at the heart of the pack’s Warrior Center, a space built for strategy, strength, and preparation.

At the center of the vast room was a large rectangular table, its surface occupied by a detailed 3D model of the Night Shade Pack’s territory. The borders, outposts, terrain elevations, and patrol routes had been meticulously recreated on it.

Surrounding the table were the five chief warriors.

Lucien, standing at the head of the table, pointed toward the model with a wooden marker.

"We’ll begin with the western ridge," Lucien announced, his finger tapping the marked section on the model. "Unit One will engage them head-on to draw their forces. Simultaneously, Unit Two will infiltrate their territory through the narrow gorge hidden along the same ridge."

He glanced at the warriors surrounding the table. "I’ll lead Unit Two. Chief Warrior Draken will take command of Unit One," he declared firmly. "As for Ronan, he won’t be joining this expedition. He’s still recovering."

Ronan, standing beside him, didn’t argue on it.

"Unit Three will secure the southern border to block any escape routes and prevent reinforcements," Lucien added.

For over an hour, strategies were mapped, questions answered, and roles assigned before everyone left.

Back at the mansion, Lucien and Ronan walked through the hallway.

"If Grandma shows up during all this, she’s going to stir up trouble," Ronan muttered. "You should’ve told her to stay with Aunt Sally for a while."

Lucien cast a sideways glance at him. "I already did. She won’t be coming to the pack for at least two weeks."

Ronan’s shoulders relaxed as he felt happy.

Lucien didn’t miss the subtle relief in his brother’s voice. He knew exactly why Ronan had said that. Their grandmother had always viewed Ronan as the weak link in the family, never fully accepting him as part of the pack’s future. The arguments between them had been numerous, and though Ronan never openly voiced his resentment, the cold distance in his demeanor was enough to show it.

"Leia... She’s different than the others. She doesn’t judge me," Ronan said suddenly. "The women in the pack hardly ever tried communicating with me," he muttered.

"Leia is built differently. Too fierce and bold. She calls herself fire," Lucien smirked while chuckling.

"Well, she is!" Ronan agreed, a tiny smile forming on his lips.