I held myself straight and tall. I was the future of the pack. I had to start showing them the confidence I wasn't sure I felt. All eyes turned to us as we entered the meeting hall. We made our way to our customary table at the front of the room. There were more people here than I had been expecting. I thought this was only going to be a small meeting. That's what mom had seemed to indicate. It appeared that she hadn't been telling me the whole truth on that one...

I took my seat next to mom. I looked over the crowd more carefully once I was seated. Their attention was on my father. I realized that quite a few of them were watching me. I think they realized something was different about me. Not only was I wearing a dress and not pouting about it, but my posture and demeanor was different. The shapeshifters were sure to notice. I could hear the mutterings about maybe I was growing up after all and accepting my role in the pack.

I had never denied my role in the pack. I just wasn't ready to get married. I wouldn't before I completed college regardless. Father had already agreed to that. However, I could make sure I wasn't appearing defiant to the other shifters. It was bad enough in their eyes that I was Chosen. If being Chosen meant that I grew into my role, maybe they would be more ok with it.

Dad looked over at me and smiled, nodding his approval of my change in demeanor. I knew I was doing the right thing at that small gesture. He stood to address the crowd. "I called this meeting tonight to show you that my daughter, Samantha, is well, even with her unusual circumstances." He explained to the crowd. The uproar began then.

"How can she take over the pack if she's a bloodsucker?" one voice called.

"She should take a mate now before the change!" another voice added.

Father raised a hand to silence them. "Samantha will take a formal mate when she is ready. Her new status as one of the Chosen will not affect her future in the pack. I have been reassured by the vampires. They are trustworthy in this matter. Even they cannot lie to a werewolf." He explained to the crowd. "I do not intend for Samantha to marry until after she has finished college. However, I will allow your sons to begin courting her. In an age appropriate manner," he added that last part with a glare towards a group of teenage shifters. There were some chuckles from the crowd about the nature overprotective fathers. It was something they could all understand, the overprotective nature of shifters towards their wives and daughters. Everyone in the room understood and tensions eased.

Mom stood up next to Father and the crowd looked to her, gentling their expressions even more. Mom was well loved in the shifter community and she was well respected. "With that dreary business out of the way, let us begin the celebration of Samantha's 15th birthday!"