The next day, Kendall sat in the Hearing Hall alongside the rest of Juliette’s pack. They had all left at dawn to arrive at the Hawaiian Wolf Council Headquarters in Honolulu with plenty of time to spare.

Being fated werewolf soulmates meant that Kendall had loved Juliette at first scent, but looking at her, facing the Wolf Council Committee with no fear, made him proud to be hers.

His warrior might be petite in size, but she made up for it in sheer bravery. Not many men would have gone after her old alpha or confronted Shark, but she did time and again and never lowered her head once. And now, she valiantly stood up in front of a council made up of elderly werewolves who asked her question after question.

The Council’s hearing lasted five interminable hours. The Head Wolf, the newly-appointed Venerable, called several witnesses to the stand, and among them Sheriff Smith, Shark’s guard, and Nicky and Devon. The two teenagers shook like leaves the entire time and looked on the verge of puking, but answered every question truthfully.

At the end of their session, Nicky raised his hand and asked permission to speak.

The Head Wolf frowned at the breach of protocol but waved his hand. “Amuse us.”

“Thank you, Venerable. I want to say that Alpha Kewada has always believed in us when nobody else did. She’s been looking after us since we were kids, and we’ve never thanked her for all the times she had to fix our messes.” Nicky stood straight and brought his right fisted hand against his chest, pumped it three times and said, “Thank you. We could never ask for a better Alpha.”

Devon too saluted his alpha before they were ushered away.

Afterward, the Venerable tilted his ancient head toward the elders sitting at his left, then mirrored the gesture for the right side of the bench. “Have we reached a verdict?” he asked.

The elders nodded their white heads, and a white paper passed hand to hand until it reached the Head Wolf.

“Before I read the Council’s decision, I want to say a few words myself.” The Venerable looked at Juliette with inscrutable eyes.

Kendall saw Juliette tense as her chest stilled.

Everything’s going to be fine, he sent her, and her body slightly relaxed.

“After hearing Alpha Kewada’s testimony, and our witnesses’ as well, I’ve reached the conclusion that she was in her right to defend her pack. Now and then,” the Head Wolf said.

Juliette’s knees visibly wobbled and she reached for the wooden ledge of her stand.

“As the Head of the Wolf Council, I extend Alpha Kewada our apologies.” The man smiled at Juliette. “I am personally proud to count among the Hawaiian packs such a dedicated leader, and wish for more women to follow your example.” He looked at the paper in his hand, opened it, and his smile grew wider. “I am glad that my esteemed colleagues share my same opinion,” he said. “Now, it only remains to congratulate you and Alpha McKenzie on your mating.”

Oh my gods, oh my gods, oh my gods… Happiness radiated from Juliette, who kept repeating in her mind the same words over and over.

You made it, my love. Kendall’s heart burst with joy and couldn’t wait to have her all to himself for a long, extenuating celebration at the Secret Cove.

“As they say: Live long and prosper.” The Head Wolf winked at Juliette, and the rest of the room burst into laughter.

Did he just say what I think he said? Juliette asked through their channel.

Yep. Kendall couldn’t help but laugh alongside the rest of the hall, and soon Juliette joined them too.

Later, when they were about to leave the Council’s premises, the Venerable approached them.

“So, I and the other elders want to know,” he said. “Since you are both alphas, and it is such a rare occurrence, how are you going to deal with a double pack?”

“Kendall came up with a smart solution,” Juliette answered, nudging him with her elbow to tell the rest of it.

“I thought that we can move every six months. During the winter, our packs live on the island, and we move to the Seattle’s Wolf’s compound when it’s too hot in here in the summer,” Kendall said. “While Juliette was recovering from her ordeal, I spent long hours talking to her about my pack and how I wanted to share its beauty with her. And then, I thought that we could do like those people who migrate seasonally between Washington State and Arizona, only we’ll split our time between Oahu and the Pacific Northwest.”

Did I tell you today that I’m madly in love with you? Juliette sent him.

Not properly, I’m afraid, he answered as the Venerable talked.

“That’s brilliant!” The Head Wolf said. “I’ve always wanted to hike Mount Rainier.”

“Our packs are your packs, Venerable. Consider yourself invited,” Kendall offered his hand and the elder man shook it with great strength.

Instead of taking Juliette’s hand, the Head Wolf drew her into a hug. “Now go before he grabs you in front of everyone and I’m forced to fine you and your mate for lewd conduct.”