Xander

The moon sat elegantly in the sky. It's presence was welcomed with joy by the pack members.


Tonight, we created the pack mind link and officially celebrated my position as Alpha.

Based on Hera's news, we had a day before Antonio made his move. The pack mind link had to be done before we went to battle.

Leila was carried away by madam Kimmy and some omegas in the evening. We were also going to do a mating ceremony for all pack members that were interested.


Hera said it would improve our bond as a pack.

The noise ceases as Hera climbed the podium. Official or not, she was the current priestess of the pack and they held her in high regards.


'My beloved people…" she began. Her calm but firm voice grabbed the attention of everyone present even the children.

'... from this night on, you'll no longer be individuals living together for protection but you will be a unified family. Held together by the bond blessed by the goddess and the leadership of your Alpha. There will be no more loneliness, you will have a family that will share your burdens with you. But, no one will impose this decision on you. You have the power to reject it…"

I could feel elder Luke's gaze on me. I acknowledged him with a nod. After the meeting with the elders, I decided that the decision wasn't totally theirs to make and the pack members had to choose for themselves.

'Will you members of the Blessed Hills village take Alpha Xander as your Alpha? Will you trust that he has your best interests at heart? Will you let him lead you?"

I wasn't loved in my former pack, I was feared. Fear can only take you somewhere not so far. This time, I'll be better. I will lead them with a fist and a smile.

The murmuring in the crowd increased. They were confused and excited that they were given the chance to decide.

Grey smiled as he and Damien nodded at me. The only person that knew about this decision was Hera but I was happy that I had their support.

'What is your answer people? Feel free to voice your opinion."

If they rejected me, then after the battle I'll have to discuss with Leila whether we will leave or not. But, none of these people would fight for me. I won't allow them to…

'Yes!!..." they chorused, beaming happily '...we will have Alpha Xander as our leader!!"

I felt my heart swell with happiness.

These people…I'll keep them safe with all my heart. Was this how the sorcerer that placed the shield felt?

I smiled at the rude elder, her shock at my acceptance was written on her face. I still didn't know her name.

Hera smiled.

'Thank you everyone. Now, let us begin."

Elder Luke and I climbed the podium. We stood on either side of her, facing each other.

The crowd watched in heated silence. An omega stood behind Hera, holding a dagger on a tray. Using the dagger, Hera slashed our palms.

'Join hands."

I gripped his bloody hand with mine. Since I wasn't related to elder Luke by blood, transfer of power over the pack had to happen like this. Hera would take care of the mind link.

'My goddess, a new leader has come to take care of this pack. Grant him your favor and blessings." Hera prayed with lifted hands and shut eyes.

Nothing happened at first.

Then I felt it. The presence of everyone at the back of my mind. Their combined shock as they also felt it.

It was beautiful.

‘Wow…why didn't we have this with the former pack?' asked Hala

‘I don't know…'

'It is done."

Releasing his hand, I quickly shifted and unleashed a victorious howl.

They joined in, echoing my howl…

****

The first pack run was postponed to after the mating ceremony. Although they were itching for a run, most of the pack members were eager to observe the ceremony.

According to Grey, this ceremony marked a long awaited return to tradition.

'Congratulations Alpha" Liam said standing by my side.

People were starting to return. The shifting had caused the destruction of clothes so everyone had gone to change.

I had packed an extra pair for the mating ceremony. I changed to that. I thought walking home naked would be awkward for everyone but I was wrong.

The nude trek had added to the growing bond of the pack.

'I never knew a pack could be this close. It's amazing that even now, the bond is still growing."

I nodded in agreement with Liam.

People smiled and congratulated me as they passed. I replied all of them. Grey and Damien returned with the last set of people.

'I'm famished…I smell the meat the madam Kimmy prepared." Grey whined.

Damien rolled his eyes in exasperation at his behavior. They behaved like brothers with Liam as the weary older brother. It was amusing.

'Congratulations Alpha" said Damien.

'Congratulations Alpha" Grey said through the mind link.

'Leave him alone. It hasn't even been an hour since the link was placed" Liam scolded.

'But it's so cool…"

Liam and I weren't new to mind link but people like Grey was experiencing it for the first time.

'Are you talking through the link Grey?"

'Yes but Liam is being a killjoy…"

'Hey!"

I laughed.

Grey smiled.

'Are you going to do the mating ceremony Liam?" I asked.

Liam paused, looking at me suspiciously. Grey and Damien looked at me.

'No. I'm not seeing anyone."

'Oh? I thought you and Hera were…was I wrong?" I teased.

Liam was so stiff sometimes. Except when Leila was teasing him.

Grey eyes widened while Damien smirked.

'How…how did you…" he stuttered.

'So it's true" said Grey. His grin was large.

'Congrats man" Damien gave his shoulder a pat.

'We haven't decided to announce it yet" Liam said, trying not to glare at me.

I smirked, ignoring him.

'Anyone interested in participating in the mating ceremony please get up" said elder Luke.