She sat down heavily and turned to her mother, trying to look calm. Hoping that no one else could hear the panicked buzzing in her head.
Her entire future waited on the other side of the silence that hung in the clearing.
Marie stood up and faced the group.
Does anyone have anything to add?
Katherine and Beatrice shook their heads, but Victoria stood, being careful not to disturb Aura.
I do. I know that Claire's gone against the Alpha's command, and I'm not saying that it's not a big deal, but Claire has been an enormous asset to us as a pack and to me specif ically. I want her to be a part of us—I want Aura to grow up to be part of a pack that includes Claire Benoit.
Claire dipped her head low, grateful for Victoria's defense. She wanted to butt her head against the hazel-colored wolf, but she knew it would look too impulsive.
Victoria lay down, pressing the warmth of her side against Aura.
Before anyone else could twitch, Judith stepped forward.
Before you make a decision, Marie, I would also like a moment.
Claire's mother closed her eyes briefly in assent. Judith paced close to Claire, and the scents of anger and frustration that were wafting off Judith made her cringe. Claire has ignored our laws and an Alpha's orders more than once. And the pack is only as good as the laws we have—they exist to keep us alive, and we survive because we follow them. Claire has flouted that again and again. Something has to change.
The gray wolf sat down in front of Claire, their eyes level. Claire shivered, her skin rippling beneath her fur. Judith was going to condemn her. She stared at Claire as she continued. Any law—any command—that would drive a human who doesn't know our identities to their grave at the hands of a wolf is unacceptably flawed.
Beatrice interrupted. Our laws are larger than this pack. We have no authority to change them.
Judith turned to face Marie. Then we must change the way we interpret them. You are very powerful, and you know our laws better than anyone. But hear this. If you use them without good sense, without regard to what it means for us —as a species, as a pack, and as individuals—then I will challenge your position. You may be strong, Marie, and you may love our pack, but I am no weakling. Claire has done the right thing. The thought of her living with the sort of agony that I carry, when her victim didn't deserve to die—it's appalling. There is a balance to be had here, and I urge you to find it, or I will do it for you.
Judith paced away and resumed her spot by the fire, her head held high and her eyes staring resolutely at the fire. Not challenging Marie, but ready to. Claire was too stunned to move—too stunned to breathe, almost. Both Judith and Vic toria had stood up for her, and that had to be good, but Judith's threat to Marie shook Claire. She might have disagreed with her mother, but hearing Marie's position called into question made her feel shaky.
Without showing even a hint of nerves, Marie pushed herself to her feet.
I agree with Judith. And that is why, though the law authorizes severe punishment for what Claire has done, it falls to me, as the Alpha, to determine whether that punishment will be given. This is the second time Claire has gone against the pack. We have discussed— and I believe that she understands—that actions of this sort lead to very serious consequences. I cannot let this go unpunished. Even though it is a positive outcome, I cannot condone this sort of behavior from one who is supposed to be loyal to our group.
Claire's throat tightened. The edges of her vision blurred, but she kept her back straight, her ears up.
Her mother stared steadily at her. At the next full moon, you will not be allowed to participate in the gathering. You will find your own protected place to transform. You will not come to the clearing. You will not hunt. You will be as a seule for that night. I hope, in the future, that it will be a reminder of how important this pack is to you. It will be a taste of the life you may face if you act without our consent again. Do you understand?
Around the fire, the other wolves' tails curled close around their bodies, their ears laid flat against their heads. Katherine actually whined. It was a harsh punishment, but Claire was too relieved that they hadn't cast her out to be upset. After facing that possibility, one full moon seemed survivable. Painful, but survivable. Judith lowered her eyes, accepting Marie's decision.
I understand. Claire lowered her head. Accepting the punishment. Bearing its weight.
Good. Then let us return to our human forms. It is cold, and it has been a long week. I think we all need to return home and rest. Marie turned her gaze to the rest of the group. When Claire has completed her full moon alone, we will not bear the memory of this against her. Though her transgressions are to be punished, her intentions are to be honored.