Chapter 15 #3
"I already know how different you are," I say before I can stop myself.
"I watched Hunter transform from a human into a wolf.
I've seen Ethan in his wolf form. I've spent time with pack members and observed things that shouldn't be possible according to everything I learned in biology classes.
I know exactly what you are, and I'm still here. "
The room goes completely silent. I've just acknowledged the supernatural elephant in the room directly, something I realize no one else has been willing to do.
"You're right that I'm an outsider," I continue. "And you're right that I haven't been here long. But I'm not naive about what I'm getting into. I'm choosing this with my eyes open."
"For now," Garrett mutters. "Wait until something scares you. Until you realize you're in over your head."
"Then I guess you'll have been right about me all along," I shoot back, my patience wearing thin. "But I'd rather try and fail than not try at all because you've already decided I'm going to fail."
Hunter's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. When I look at him, there's pride in his eyes.
"I think we've heard enough for tonight," Gregory says, standing.
"Dr. Sinclair has presented compelling evidence of a serious threat to our territory.
The question now is whether we support the proposed course of action.
Submitting the EPA report and working with journalists to expose EnvironTech's illegal operations. "
"I call for a vote," Hunter says formally.
"Seconded," Caleb responds immediately.
"All in favor of moving forward with Dr. Sinclair's plan?"
Hands go up throughout the room. I count quickly. It's not unanimous, but it's a clear majority. Maybe seventy percent of the pack.
"Opposed?"
Marcus, Garrett, and maybe twenty others raise their hands.
"The motion carries," Gregory announces. "Dr. Sinclair will submit her report to the EPA, and we'll coordinate with outside investigators to expose EnvironTech's operations."
The meeting breaks up shortly after, with pack members clustering in small groups to discuss. Some shoot me curious looks, others outright hostile glares. But several approach to thank me for the presentation or ask follow-up questions about the contamination.
A woman my age with dark hair and kind eyes takes my hand. "I'm Lily. I wanted to thank you for taking this seriously. My nieces play in those woods. I want them to be safe."
"I'll do everything I can to make sure they are," I promise.
She squeezes my hand and moves on, replaced by a couple who want to know more about the timeline for EPA action.
Through it all, I'm aware of Marcus watching from across the room, his expression calculating. He's not happy about how tonight went, but he's smart enough not to push any further in public.
Hunter stays close, introducing me to pack members, fielding questions, making it clear through his presence that I have his full support. It's both comforting and a little overwhelming.
Finally, the crowd thins out enough that we can escape. Hunter guides me outside, where the cool night air is a relief after the packed room.
"You did amazing," he says, pulling me into his arms. "Even Marcus couldn't shake you."
"I thought I was going to throw up when Garrett asked about us being together."
"You handled it perfectly. Direct, honest, didn't get defensive." He kisses my forehead. "I'm proud of you."
Rachel and Caleb join us in the parking lot, both grinning.
"That was incredible," Rachel says. "Did you see Marcus's face when you called him out on deciding you'd fail before you even tried?"
"I probably shouldn't have said that," I admit. "It was disrespectful."
"It was honest," Caleb counters. "And the pack respects honesty more than politeness. You showed backbone."
We talk for a few more minutes, decompressing from the intensity of the meeting. Eventually Rachel and Caleb head home, leaving Hunter and me alone.
"Come back to my place?" he asks. "I don't want to be alone tonight, and I'm guessing you don't either."
"Your place," I agree. "But fair warning, I'm going to crash hard once the adrenaline wears off."
"Good. I'll make sure you're comfortable." He opens the passenger door of his SUV for me. "And Ava? Thank you. For standing up there in front of the whole pack, for defending yourself against Marcus, for choosing to help us even though it's complicated and scary."
"You're welcome." I lean up to kiss him. "Now take me home before I fall asleep standing up."
As we drive through the dark forest roads back to his house, I think about what just happened. I faced down a room full of werewolves, defended my research and my relationship, and got the pack's approval to move forward with exposing EnvironTech.
And while Marcus and his faction still oppose me, I have allies now. People who've seen what I can do, who trust me because I've earned it.
It's not a complete victory. But it's a start.
And right now, with Hunter's hand in mine and the pack meeting behind me, that feels like enough.