The Silver Wolf (Diana and Talon) novel Chapter 141

Chapter One Hundred Forty One

Vanessa’s face flushed with anger.

‘Elder, this is my mating ceremony!”

Her voice echoed across the hall.

‘Whatever happened in my mate’s past is none of the Council’s business.”

She moved closer to Rafe, wrapping her arm through his possessively.

Claim

‘I chose to give the Alpha title to my mate. It is my choice to become the Luna of Stone Claw instead of its Alpha.”

Her eyes narrowed toward Talon and Diana.

‘And now all of you are questioning my decisions because the Alpha King and Luna Queen don’t approve.”

The accusation hung heavily in the air.

‘You are allowing them to manipulate you.”

Murmurs spread through the crowd once more. Several wolves exchanged uncertain looks. Others looked offended on behalf of the Elders. Diana remained silent. Willow rolled her eyes. Damon looked seconds away from laughing.

But the Elders? The Elders looked insulted. Very insulted. Elder Alaric slowly folded his hands in front of

him.

‘Manipulate us?”

His voice was deceptively calm. Vanessa nodded confidently.

“Yes.”

The Elder tilted his head.

“And how exactly do you believe the Alpha King is manipulating us?”

Vanessa immediately pointed toward Talon.

“His Alpha King power.”

The room grew quiet.

“We all know how powerful the Alpha King’s command is.”

Her confidence returned.

“He can force wolves to obey him.” She glanced around the room. “Perhaps he already used his aura on all of you.”

That statement caused several visiting Alphas to wince. Some Betas openly groaned. Willow buried her

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Chapter Ope+med Forty One

Clam

face in her hand. Diana suddenly felt secondhand embarrassment. Even Talon looked slightly stunned by The sheer stupidity of the accusation.

Then-Elder Garrick stood. The former warrior Elder’s aura exploded through the room. The temperature seemed to drop instantly

His silver eyes locked onto Vanessa.

“IGNORANT CHILD!”

His voice thundered through the hall. Several younger wolves flinched. Even Vanessa took an involuntary step backward.

“You dare accuse the Elder Council of being manipulated?”

Vanessa swallowed but stubbornly lifted her chin.

“Then why are you interfering with my mating?”

Elder Garrick looked as if he wanted to throw her out the nearest window.

“Elders,” Talon suddenly said. His voice cut through the tension.

“Arguing with ignorance rarely produces intelligence.”

A few Alphas coughed suspiciously. Damon outright laughed. Vanessa shot him a glare. Talon continued calmly.

“Perhaps we should simply give her proof.”

Elder Alaric immediately understood. A slow smile appeared on his face.

“An excellent idea.”

He looked toward Vanessa.

“This will be educational.”

Vanessa frowned.

“What do you mean?”

Elder Garrick gestured toward Talon.

“Proceed, Alpha King.”

Immediately the room became silent. Everyone turned toward Talon. Even Rafe looked confused. Talon stepped forward. His posture straightened. His eyes glowed faintly. Then- His aura exploded outward. Power filled the room. Dominant. Absolute. Several wolves instinctively lowered their heads. Others struggled to breathe. Some younger warriors nearly dropped to one knee.

The visiting Alphas stiffened. The pressure was immense. Even Damon felt it. And Damon was a King.

“This…” one Alpha whispered. “…is the power of the Alpha King.”

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Chapter Opanded Forty 3

Vanessa’s confidence immediately faltered For the first time she realized exactly who she was Challenging Talon’s voice echoed throughout the hall.

“Elders.”

The Alpha Command filled every word. The force behind it was undeniable.

“I command you.”

Several wolves gasped. The pressure intensified.

Clem

“Do not approve the mating of Vanessa and Rafe.” A pause. “And do not allow Rafe to become the Alpha of Stone Claw.”

The command rolled through the room like thunder. Every wolf felt it. Every wolf knew it carried power. Every wolf expected the Elders to obey. Silence followed. One second. Two. Three.

Then-Elder Alaric calmly adjusted his robes. Nothing happened. Elder Mirela looked bored. Elder Garrick yawned. Actually yawned. The crowd stared. Confused. Talon’s command had done absolutely nothing. Finally Elder Alaric spoke.

“Alpha King.” His tone was respectful. “But you possess no authority over the Elder Council regarding succession matters.”

The room exploded into whispers. Vanessa blinked. Rafe looked shocked. Elder Alaric turned toward them.

“Do you understand now?” Neither answered. The Elder sighed.

“The Alpha King cannot command us regarding Alpha succession.” His gaze sharpened. “This protection was established thousands of years ago.”

Elder Mirela stepped forward. “If an Alpha King could decide who became Alpha in every pack, then the independence of every allied territory would cease to exist.” She looked around the hall.

“The Council exists to prevent abuse of power.” Her gaze settled on Vanessa. “Even from a King.”

Talon nodded. Exactly. That was the purpose. Elder Garrick crossed his arms.

“When succession is involved, we answer to the law.”

Not the Alpha King. Not a Luna. Not a King. The law. Vanessa’s face paled. Because her entire argument had just collapsed. Elder Alaric continued.

“Do you now understand why only properly trained Alpha heirs are permitted to inherit Alpha titles?”

Vanessa said nothing. The Elder smiled slightly. A very irritating smile.

“These are matters taught during Alpha education.” His eyes narrowed. “Which raises a rather troubling question.”

The entire room became quiet again.

“Vanessa.” The Elder’s voice was calm. “Did you attend Alpha School?”

Only One

Vanessa fruze. The silence was answer enough. Several Alphas exchanged looks. One Beta actually choked on his drink. Damon rubbed his face. Willow looked like she wanted to disappear. Diana bit her lip to keep from smiling. Unfortunately, Talon had no such restraint. A grin appeared on his face. A dangerous one. Elder Garrick noticed.

“Alpha King.” Talon immediately looked innocent.

“Yes, Elder?”

“Stop enjoying this so much.”

The entire hall erupted into laughter. Even Diana laughed. Talon looked offended.

“I am not enjoying anything.”

“You absolutely are,” Diana whispered.

Talon leaned toward her.

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