Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 77: Heir

**Theo's POV**

"Tiana, you are my mate. The moon goddess ordained us to be. Nothing can come between us," I assured her.

"Your father may not buy the idea of an outsider becoming Luna of the pack."

"You are a part of the pack as much as anyone else," I said, taking her arm gently. "And if he were against an outsider becoming Luna, he would not also be pushing me to women from other packs."

"There's a difference. Those women are noble. I am not."

"Tiana," I said, moving closer. "What matters is that I want to be with you, and I need a wife, a Luna for my people."

"I still need time Theo."

I nodded, slowly pulling my hand away from hers. "I'll be waiting."

She nodded and then went back into her room, leaving me to stare at the door. I sighed, taking in a deep breath and turned to go back to my own chambers.

"Your majesty," A servant called out. I turned to see a young boy holding out an envelope.

"Who is this from?" I asked, scrutinizing the envelope he gave me. The seal was that of the inner council that consisted of the eight most noble elders of the pack.

"Your father instructed me to hand this to you?"

"For what reason?" I asked, even though I knew the servant was not likely to know.

"I am not aware of the reason, Your Majesty," he responded.

I nodded, opening the letter to read.

*Inner Circle Council of Elders*

*Shadowclaw Pack,*

*To Master Theodore Romano,*

*Son of Alpha Romano,*

*Heir Apparent to the Shadowclaw Pack,*

*In accordance with the laws and customs of the Shadowclaw Pack, you are hereby summoned to attend a meeting with the Inner Circle of the Council of Elders. This council has been convened to address pressing matters that bear great significance to the future of the pack. Your presence and counsel are both expected and required.*

*The meeting is scheduled to take place at High Moon Hall on the eve of the full moon, promptly at the hour of eight. Punctuality is of utmost importance, as the topics to be discussed are urgent and demand thorough deliberation.*

*We trust you understand the gravity of this summons. The decisions made during this council will pave the path forward for the Shadowclaw Pack, and your insights, as heir to the Alpha lineage, are invaluable*

*May the moon watch over thee and lend thee strength.*

*By my hand and seal,*

*Elder Thaddeus Drayke*

*High Councilor of the Shadowclaw Pack*

*+*+*+*+*+*

The inner council chambers were colder than I remembered, the oppressive silence only broken by the sound of our breathing. The last time I had been here was when they were deliberating if I were old enough to handle certain tasks as a prince.

I sat near the end of the long, polished table, every council elder's gaze pinned on me like predators circling a prey that had been severely injured already and had no chance of an escape. My father sat at the other long end of the table, his gaze fixated on me harshly.

"We have been sitting here in silence for too long, don't you think?" I asked with a raise of my brows. "Why don't we stop wasting each other's time and go straight to the point."

"Theo," my father began. He gave me a hard glare, clearly not appreciating my comment even though I was right. "You've been summoned here because your indecision has become a problem. The pack cannot wait any longer."

"And what indecision are you referring to?" I asked with a cocky smirk on my face. "Can you be more specific?"

"We are not here to play games, Theodore," Elder Jael- the only female member of the council said in a clipped tone. "Keep your snarkiness away from this meeting."

"Noted," I replied, not bothering to hide my eye roll.

"Your indecisiveness as we were saying," my father continued.

I clenched my fists under the table, my nails biting into my palms. "My indecision?" I repeated after him. "This isn't about indecision, Father. It's about ensuring I make the right choice for myself and the pack."

A murmur rippled through the room, but my father silenced it with a sharp glare.

"The pack needs stability," he said in an annoyed tone. "You've had more than enough time to find a mate. The Beta's heir has already been presented, and yet here you are- still uncommitted, still making excuses."

My jaw tightened as I met his gaze. "Leadership isn't about rushing into decisions to satisfy appearances. It's about strength, wisdom, and preparation. A Luna isn't just a symbol, Father. She's a partner. I won't choose someone I don't trust to stand by my side."

"Enough!" My father's voice thundered through the chamber, silencing me. "Your excuses are wearing thin. The pack is losing faith in you, Theo."

"Not everyone," I shot back, my voice rising despite myself. "Some still understand that the right leader doesn't bow to pressure but stands firm for what's best."

Elder Thaddeus, one of the more rigid council members, leaned forward, his weathered face set in a scowl. "Theo, your father has a point. The pack needs to see progress. The people are starting to question your ability to lead."

I was only reminded of how much I hated this man. He was always against me most of the time so I often wondered if I have offended him in the past.

"And what happens if I make the wrong choice?" I countered, my gaze shifting to him "What happens if I pick a Luna who weakens the pack instead of strengthening it? Would that satisfy their doubts?"

Elder Jael cleared her throat. Her silver hair gleamed in the dim light of the chambers as she spoke. "Theo raises a valid point. Leadership is about more than just appearances. Forcing him into a hasty decision could backfire."

My father scoffed. "Theo, this isn't about what you want. It's about what the pack needs. And what they need is a leader who understands the importance of tradition and stability."

"What is with the rush of having a mate soon?" I asked him. "You are still healthy, you are still ruling. I am still very young- Peter is three years older than me and is the one ruling as beta which is why he has to prove himself. I don't need to when you are still alive, Hale and hearty.

He rose to his feet as if he had not heard a single word that I had said. "If you don't choose a mate in two days, I will officially name Peter as my heir. He has proven himself capable of providing the pack with stability. What have you done?"

His words hit me like a physical blow. Peter? The Beta becoming alpha? Then where was I going to stand?