growing pains [ASHEN MEETING]

Maverick watched as the assortment of Ashen wolves gathered one by one to hear what their Empress had to say. As more of them congregated at the shrine, the dire wolf began to feel a twinge of nervousness in his gut. He'd never been a leader of any kind, never pictured himself in any kind of role of importance, and now here he was about to become Emperor Consort to the most powerful and influential wolf in the land. Gods above, how was he ever supposed to be what they all likely imagined him to be? Maverick's expression betrayed none of his worry, however, composed and grinning like he didn't have a care in the world all the while he was having a secret panic attack at every new face he saw. To say he felt like a fish out of water next to the regal and gorgeous Venom would've been a gross understatement!

Venom began shortly after without any pomp or circumstance, addressing the crowd as one might a family gathering to inform them of the changes the pack would be going through. The first announcement came with an exchange of smiles between himself and his fiancée as she informed the pack of their engagement and upcoming wedding, followed closely by the announcement of their expected litter. Mav's smile grew wider, his paw atop of hers giving her a little squeeze of affection. His heart was racing and hammering in his chest as he considered the idea of being a father again, but he had faith in himself so long as Venom was at his side with him. When she was with him, there wasn't anything he couldn't accomplish. Afterwards came the announcement of promotions, and excitement rippled through the throng of younger wolves. Kitsune and Seere were specifically called out and given ranks of high honor. Well deserved from what he knew.

Then came the most controversial part of the meeting—the announcement of Ashen's exodus and return to their ancestral home, as well as the departure from the Abraxas name and faith. It was something Venom had discussed with him some, and while he wasn't a very religious wolf to begin with—or at all for that matter—he supported his lover's decisions for herself, her family, and her pack without question. Knowing now that Venom intended to be known simply as Venom Klein, it did give the man something to talk to her about when it came to their nuptials. Venom left the floor open to any comments or criticisms from her wolves, and Mav turned steely focused eyes out over the crowd, scanning each face to read their expressions and see how everyone had taken the news. There was some concern over any dissension over the move or the abandoning of Abraxas, and Maverick was keenly searching for any signs of disapproval in the sea of faces like a hawk searching for prey.

"Maverick"