Night and Day: The Alpha Nomad

Unexpected Announcement

Night-

I could sense Day’s anxiety but it didn’t show on his face. He wore a well concealed mask of courage and valor. He approached the edge of the pond with a dignified swagger to his gait. The pack members parted and bowed as he advanced through the sea of wolves surrounding him. Damon truly was an Alpha and was ready to lead his pack.

“Damon we already know you have proved to be an invaluable member of our pack, and your father has trained you well. We want to extend our condolences to you in this time of grief. We all feel a deep wound with your parents’ passing, but as you know our pack needs a leader, an Alpha. Our pack needs a dedicated protector and the wisdom of an Alpha. Do you accept the responsibilities that come with the title of Alpha?” Beta Levi boomed.

“I was born to lead this pack, and will protect them with the best of my abilities,” Day replied with a regal aura radiating from him. “I will not let my father down, and know that he will guide me even from beyond the grave.”

“Will you uphold justice in our pack, and sentence judgement with fairness? Yet executing punishment to those who break our pack rules with a firm hand?”

“I will be the face of justice in our pack,” Day continued stoically. “I will seek justice for the wronged, and execute punishment judicially to those who upend our pack order. I will be an ear to our pack so they may voice their concerns and will do my best to address these concerns swiftly and with due process. If anyone questions my authority I will make sure they receive a reminder of who is Alpha.”

“Damon of the Red Feather pack, we will respect you, will follow your leadership, and will seek out your wisdom as our new Alpha.” Levi raised his hands towards to pack members. “Red Feather pack, give your new Alpha a warm welcome!”

Day waded into the shallow pond and dipped into the icy waters. A chorus of howls erupted from the crowd as he emerged from his baptismal soak. He joined them, then I joined in instinctively. One by one the pack members shifted into their wolves.

“Before we return to the feast that awaits us I have one announcement,” Damon stared at me with this wolffish grin. “I would like the pack to welcome our guest with open arms. I meant to introduce her yesterday but as we all know the night did not go according to plan.”

There were hushed whispers and Delfie nudged me with a devilish grin. I could tell there was more to Day’s speech than just to welcome me as a guest. I felt his heart beat faster anxiously as he prepared his next thought carefully.

“Since she is alone and unprotected, I would like her to extend an invitation to join our pack, does anyone have any objections to this?” He waited until he was sufficiently sure no one would refuse the invitation. “Since there are no objections, I would like to add that the Moon Goddess has chosen her as my mate. Should she accept my invitation into the pack I would like to offer her a place by my side as my Luna.”

I overheard a couple snickers, a handful of gasps, and Delfie giggled delightfully next to me. She hugged me presumptively before I even had a chance to accept or deny the offer. I could feel my face heat up, but I could not decide whether I was more embarrassed or annoyed that he decided to announce this so suddenly. I couldn’t understand how they would accept a total stranger as their Luna, especially since I was the reason their former Alpha and Luna were killed.

Don’t worry, my Nightingale, no one will question you as Luna, Day spoke as if he heard my thoughts. You don’t have to give me an answer tonight, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to announce you and let the idea settle in with the rest of the pack. I also thought it would give you an opportunity to think things over.

I sighed and nodded silently, however some members mistook that as my acceptance to the position and a second wave of howls began. I looked at my feet trying to hide my blush. Although I care deeply for Day, I wasn’t sure I was ready to lead an entire pack. I may have thought I was before I left my own pack, but I grew comfortable being on my own as a rogue.

“Let’s return to the safe house to enjoy the feast that awaits us!” Damon suggested then shifted to his beautiful red wolf.

He looked even more noble than the first night we met, as if the title of Alpha radiated off him. The remaining members, and myself, shifted to our wolves and scampered back towards the safe house. An euphoric energy ran between the pack members. I felt welcome for once and felt natural running with the Red Feather pack, like I was finally home.

……………………………

Day-

My nerves tingled with anticipation after announcing Night as my mate. I wanted the pack to accept her, but most importantly I wanted her to accept me as my mate. With all we’ve been through I knew the Moon Goddess chose her to be my mate for a reason. We’ve been through similar tragedies, and I know with her strength I will overcome this grief to lead our pack.

We approached the safe house but a sense of danger made my hair stand on end. I could smell fresh wolf blood emanating from the safe house. I let out a low growl, but before I could warn the pack, they darted into the opening surrounding the safe house. I lowered myself behind the brush on the outer edge before approaching.

Gun shots.

Not again, I said to myself, then directed at the pack I linked: Stop! Do NOT approach the safe house. Danger is afoot, allow me to investigate.

What a way to initiate my first night as Alpha. I did not want to prove my ability to protect my pack so suddenly, but I was determined to keep them safe. I suddenly worried about Night, and panicked when I could not find her.

Fen, Delfie, have either of you seen Night? I linked without hiding my fear.

She was next to me back at the pond, Delfie commented. I’m sure she’s close by. Don’t worry Day.

We’ll find her, Day, Fen assured me.

Delfie and Fen ran off into the woods to search for her. I stared at the unlucky few who rushed into the clearing and fell victim to the hunters. I felt like we entered a war zone. How did they find us?

We won’t be safe if we stay, I told myself. But where do we go? Where will we be safe?

We have to stay on the move, my wolf replied resolutely. They won’t know where to look if we keep moving. It’s not practical but what other choice do we have?

I knew he was right, at least until the hunters had to hunker down for the winter. My mind returned to Night and began to worry again.

Where is she? I whimpered. I can’t even sense her.

Maybe you’re caught up with your concern for your pack, she’s got to be safe, my wolf tried to calm my nerves. Round up your pack take care of them and get them to safety, then we’ll find our Mate.