False Expectations - Chapter 34: Chapter 34

Adelina's pov:
I started my day with a quick stop at the coffee shop, a much-needed boost before heading to my new office. Two weeks had passed since I found my replacement at the hospital, and since then, I'd been working tirelessly to sort through the pending issues and familiarizing myself with the dynamics of my new role. My office was located between Maximus' and Chris' offices, as they had told me yesterday.
Climbing the stairs to the first floor, where the offices of the high-ranking wolves were located, I passed by Maximus' office. It was strange—he hadn't spoken to me in days. I didn't understand it, but I wasn't about to chase after him for answers. If he wanted to avoid me, that was his choice, and I wasn't going to force him into any conversations. If he's trying to ignore me, fine. I'll respect that, I thought to myself. But there was a small part of me that wished he'd at least give me some clarity.
I shook off the thought and pushed forward, finally reaching my own office. The door opened, and I stepped in, only to stop in my tracks.
The office was absolutely breathtaking. Sunlight poured through the large windows, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. The space was modern, with sleek white furniture and minimalist design that made the room feel spacious and open. Soft grays and whites dominated the color palette, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. My eyes were immediately drawn to the desk—made of clear glass, it reflected the surrounding light and gave the entire space an airy feel. Two white leather armchairs sat comfortably in front of it, offering a welcoming space for visitors. On the walls, abstract paintings in muted tones added a touch of artistry to the professional setting. Behind my desk, a panoramic window opened to a breathtaking view of the forest. It was quiet, serene, and the kind of environment I could see myself getting lost in during long workdays.
I stood there for a moment, soaking it all in. Whoever had designed this office knew me far better than I expected. It feels like they took every detail into account—my tastes, my need for peace, the balance of functionality and beauty. I had no complaints. I was more than satisfied with how everything looked. The office was exactly what I needed—a place where I could feel comfortable, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the pack's inner workings. After all, we spend so much of our time in our workspaces, they should be a reflection of who we are.
I took a deep breath and made my way to the desk, sinking into the comfortable chair. As I turned on my computer, I allowed myself a moment to admire the view once more before diving into the work that awaited me.
There were plenty of files scattered in front of me, each representing a different issue that needed my attention. As I sifted through them, my mind started to organize the priorities. My first order of business was a change that had been long overdue—the adoption process for orphaned pups. The current background checks for foster families were insufficient, and the system needed a complete overhaul. In my old pack, we were small enough that everyone knew each other, so a background check wasn't as crucial. But in a larger pack like this, it was essential that each foster family be thoroughly vetted. I wasn't going to let another pup end up in the wrong hands just because of outdated processes.
Another issue that had been nagging at me was the role of she-wolves in the pack. It was clear to me that there was an overwhelming gender bias—very few women held high-ranking or senior positions. This was a problem. Women today were educated, skilled, and more than capable of handling positions of power, yet they were being undervalued and restricted to lesser roles. I couldn't stand by and let that continue. The pack needed to evolve, and I would push for the changes needed to ensure that every wolf, regardless of gender, had an equal shot at leadership.
And then there was the issue of the omegas. Omegas were often seen as the lowest tier of the pack, treated as nothing more than servants to the higher-ranking wolves. But I knew better. Omegas were essential to the day-to-day running of the pack—they took on the crucial tasks that kept everything functioning smoothly. Without them, the pack would fall apart. They deserved to be treated with respect and given the same privileges as everyone else. I was determined to ensure that their contributions were recognized, and that they received the same recognition and opportunities as any other wolf.
I paused for a moment, thinking of the weight of these issues and the changes I wanted to make. There's so much to do, and the work is only just beginning.
Taking all of this into account, I knew that I needed to present a clear plan to Maximus and the other high-ranking wolves. It would be a hard conversation, but it was necessary. These problems couldn't be swept under the rug any longer, and I wasn't going to back down just because some wolves were resistant to change.
With a sense of determination, I began to draft a presentation, carefully outlining each issue and proposing viable solutions. The pack deserves better, I thought to myself. It's time for things to change.
And as I worked, I couldn't help but wonder—How will Maximus react to all of this? I had no illusions about his attitude toward change. But one thing was clear—I wasn't going to let his stubbornness or arrogance stand in the way of progress. I had a mission, and I was prepared to fight for it.
Maximus pov:
It has been nearly a month now that I've been avoiding Adelina. The silence between us has become almost deafening, but I can't bring myself to break it. My spies have come up empty, providing no evidence of her involvement in any plot against me, despite the fact that she spent so many hours with Nicolas during his stay here. That... infuriates me. The way she enjoys his company, the way she smiles at him, the way she laughs as if he were the only one who could make her feel at ease—it drives me wild. I can't stand it. I should be the one she confides in, the one she seeks out, not him. And yet, she spends all that time with him. What does that mean for me?
The logical part of my mind knows it doesn't mean anything. But the rest of me... the part that has been hardened by years of power, control, and relentless dominance—that part can't let it go. I have no proof, no solid reason to believe she's betraying me, but the jealousy gnaws at me relentlessly. Every time I think about her laughing with Nicolas, every time I think of them talking for hours in the garden, my blood boils. I can't stand how easy it is for her to be with him. What is it about him?
Nicolas has left now, a week ago, but the damage has already been done. We barely speak anymore. My conversations with Adelina have become so strained, so forced. We share meals together, lunch or dinner, but it's nothing more than a formality. A mask we put on for the pack. Our discussions rarely stray from the business of the pack, the responsibilities she's taken on as Luna.
And now, she's telling me that in the upcoming week, she'll present a plan for changes—modifications in various areas of the pack. She's been working on it for some time now, and while part of me is curious to see what it contains, the other part of me is bracing for something I won't like. I can already feel the tension building, knowing she's about to challenge things, push for changes I'm not sure I'm ready to accept.
What if it's just another one of her schemes? What if she's trying to shake things up so she can step into a role she isn't supposed to have?
She's proven herself to be capable, but is she truly doing this for the pack, or for her own gain? I've always been protective of the power I've worked so hard to build. I don't want anyone—even someone as brilliant and determined as Adelina—rocking the foundation I've laid. She's so intelligent, so damn persuasive, and I can't help but wonder—is she trying to take control of the pack from me?
I need to see this plan. I need to know what she's thinking, where her mind is at. But at the same time, I can't shake this feeling of unease, this nagging suspicion that there's more to her than what she lets on.
As much as I want to keep my distance, as much as I tell myself I should stay detached, I know deep down that I can't. There's something about Adelina—something compelling—that keeps drawing me back in, no matter how hard I try to avoid it.
She's always been like this, hasn't she? A mystery I can't quite solve, a challenge I can't quite beat. I hate the fact that I don't know where I stand with her. But I can't let my guard down. Not now. Not when everything I've built could be at risk.
I'll see what she presents. I'll listen carefully, but I'll be prepared for anything. Because I'm done being caught off guard by anyone—especially her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~>> The following week in the pack's meeting room.
Adelina's pov:
Today was the day. The day I would present my restructuring plan to Maximus and the other high-ranking wolves of the pack. There was no going back now. I knew that as Luna, I had the authority to enforce the changes I wanted to make. After all, Maximus trusted me to take on this role, and I had every right to implement the reforms I saw fit. But I also believed in the power of dialogue. Rules should be discussed, not imposed without consideration. And that's exactly what I planned to do today—present my ideas, listen to their concerns, and hope we could find common ground.
I took a deep breath as I dressed in my black suit, mentally preparing myself. The weight of the responsibility I had taken on as Luna was heavy, but it also felt right. This was where I belonged, in this position, making the changes I had always believed were necessary. Still, I couldn't shake the anxiety that bubbled in my chest. Despite practicing my speech for hours yesterday, my stomach churned with nerves as I walked down the hallway toward the conference room.
As I stepped into the room, my heart raced. The high-ranking members of the pack were seated around the large round table, all eyes turning to me. Maximus was at the head of the table, his powerful presence filling the room. Chris sat to his left, the rest of the elders scattered around, and there was an empty chair to Maximus' right, waiting for me. I took a deep breath, pushing aside my nerves, and greeted them all with a firm "Good morning."
I could feel their eyes on me as I made my way to my seat, but I held my ground. I set up my laptop, adjusted the materials in front of me, and stood before them. The weight of the moment settled over me. This was it—the beginning of something new for the pack. I wasn't here just to follow tradition. I was here to challenge the status quo, to make things better. And though a small part of me feared resistance, I wasn't going to back down.
-"Today, I'm here to present the new restructuring plan, focusing on three areas that need immediate attention. As you can see, the plan is divided into three main pillars," I began. "The first concerns the omegas and their rights. The second focuses on the position of she-wolves in the pack. And the third, most importantly for me, is the improvement of the adoption process."
I felt the eyes of the pack members shift as I started diving into the details. I spoke about the necessity of treating omegas with the respect they deserved, of ensuring that the women of the pack were given the opportunities to lead, and of overhauling the adoption process to make sure it was safer and more thorough for the pups in our care. I explained how these changes would not only improve the quality of life for all pack members, but would also position us as a forward-thinking, progressive pack.
For an hour, I laid out my vision, confident that the changes I was proposing were for the greater good. And then, just as I was beginning to feel the momentum building, an elder interrupted.
-"What is all this nonsense about omegas' rights?" he barked, his voice harsh and full of contempt. "Maximus, are you aware of what Luna is talking about? Do you agree with her?"
I felt my breath catch in my throat, but I didn't let the interruption rattle me. I had anticipated resistance. The elders had always been set in their ways. They were more comfortable with tradition than change. But I wasn't backing down.
Maximus didn't immediately respond. Instead, the elder went on, his voice dripping with disdain, "Don't you see that her plan goes against the very foundation of the rules that have been in place for centuries? This isn't how we operate. We're wolves, not some... some charity."
A cold silence settled in the room. I could feel the tension building, a palpable heaviness in the air. But then, to my surprise, Maximus stood up. His voice was calm, but there was an undeniable authority in it that cut through the elder's objections like a blade.
-"I believe that while Luna's suggestions may seem radical to many of us," Maximus began, his eyes sweeping over the table, "I have to admit that they are appropriate and exactly what the pack needs in order to renew itself and continue running smoothly."
His words hit me like a rush of warmth. For a moment, I thought I imagined the hint of approval in his gaze. But then his next words brought me back to reality.
-"We are one of the most powerful packs, not just in North America, but around the world," Maximus continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "However, many of our day-to-day management processes are outdated. I will be king in a few months, and we will be a royal pack. We can't operate on deprecated processes that have been abandoned by many packs long ago. We must be pioneers and set the example for others to follow."
His words resonated with me, fueling the fire inside me. This was the reason I had fought so hard for these changes—to modernize, to challenge the outdated practices that held us back. I wasn't alone in this fight. And Maximus—my Alpha—was standing by me, supporting the plan.
-"That's why I entrusted our Luna to prepare and present to you this restructuring plan," Maximus finished, his gaze locking with mine for a brief moment.
I couldn't help the rush of relief that washed over me. I had expected pushback, but with Maximus' support, I felt more confident than ever that my plan could be implemented. This was just the beginning. I wasn't going to let anyone, not even the elder who had interrupted me, stop what was needed for this pack to thrive. The winds of change were blowing, and I wasn't about to let them die down.
The room fell into chaos. Some of the pack members clapped, their approval evident, while others grumbled in disapproval, their harsh words growing louder by the second. Arguments began to fly from every corner, their voices rising in volume and intensity. The tension in the air was palpable, and for the first time since I became Luna, I realized just how deeply conservative this pack was. It wasn't the progressive, forward-thinking group I had hoped to work with. This was a community entrenched in tradition, its members clinging to outdated beliefs that they weren't ready to let go of.
The discomfort gnawed at me. I felt isolated, almost as though I were an outsider in my own pack. The excitement I had felt earlier, the hope of making real change, was starting to crumble under the weight of their resistance. For a moment, I even questioned if I had made the right decision to present the plan in the first place.
That was when Maximus spoke again. His voice was commanding, carrying the full weight of his Alpha status.
-"Silence!" he barked, and in that one word, his Alpha power radiated through the room like a force of nature. It was immediate—every voice silenced, and the room became still. His dominance was absolute.
-"Thank you," I thought to myself, relief flooding me. Maximus was the anchor I needed in that moment. He wasn't just the Alpha of the pack; he was the one who could bring order to the chaos, who could command respect from even the most resistant members.
Maximus turned his gaze to the room, his posture tall and unwavering. "I think there's no use arguing with each other," he began, his tone measured yet firm. "As we all know, Luna has the power under our law to impose any rule she sees fit, provided she has my approval. Regardless, she called this meeting because she values your opinions. She wants to hear from each of you. This shows respect for the pack and for your thoughts. Therefore, you will respect her, as you would me."
His eyes met mine then, and there was a soft intensity in them—compassion, understanding, and strength. It was the support I needed more than anything.
-"Now, Luna, if you're done with your presentation, what do you want us to do?" he asked.
His question, gentle yet assertive, cut through the tension like a knife. I felt a swell of gratitude and, perhaps for the first time in the meeting, I allowed myself to breathe again. Maximus' words had reinvigorated me, reminding me that he was on my side, that he saw the value in what I was trying to do. This was our pack, and together, we would lead it into a brighter future.
I stood up, my body suddenly feeling stronger, more resolute. "My original desire," I began, my voice clear and firm, "was to present a plan that improves many things that have worked in an antiquated way up until now. I want to cover the gaps in the system and optimize it for the betterment of everyone."
I paused for a moment, looking around the room. Every eye was on me, some with skepticism, others with cautious curiosity. "In no way," I continued, "did I want this plan to create controversy or discord. I believe that any decision made by a leader must be accepted by the majority of the people, because that is the only way to move forward together."
My heart raced. This was the moment I had been dreading—the moment I would have to face their judgment.
-"I want you to vote," I said, forcing calm into my words. "Who is for and who is against my plan. All in favor, please raise your hand."
I sat down and stared ahead, trying to keep my composure. Anxiety twisted in my stomach. I was certain most of them would reject the plan, dismissing it as too radical, too different. A few hands raised timidly at first, and I felt my heart skip a beat. But as the seconds passed, more and more hands began to rise, some with hesitation, but others with growing confidence. My breath caught in my throat when Maximus raised his hand as well. The room was shifting. The pack was seeing what I saw, feeling the truth of what I was offering.
The final count of hands confirmed it—the plan had passed, and the majority of the senior members had supported me. A flood of relief washed over me, followed by an overwhelming sense of victory. I had done it. My hours of hard work, the countless late nights, the doubts I had fought through—it had all led to this moment.
I stood up again, my voice full of gratitude. "Thank you all for your support. I promise you, I won't disappoint you." My words were sincere, grounded in the belief that this was only the beginning. "Now, let's get down to business."
As I finished speaking, a cheer erupted from the room—"Luna! Luna! Luna!"—and it reverberated in my chest like a heartbeat, the energy in the room electric. The applause, the encouragement, the sense of unity that I felt in that moment—it was intoxicating. The euphoria that surged through me made me feel as though I could take on anything. This was my moment. This was what I had worked for.
I gave them my widest smile, my heart soaring, and with that, I turned and left the room, Maximus trailing proudly behind me. The weight of the decision was still there, but now it was a weight I carried with pride. I had won the pack's trust, and nothing would stand in the way of the changes that were coming.