Pack's Moon Alpha©

"It's not about whether they're going to knock you down, it's about whether you're going to get up when they do." —Vince Lombardi. PROLOGUE: Pack's Moon Alpha The moon rests on my head, and I can feel the heat from the campfire warming my toes. A big smile is on my face. My cheeks hurt, but the smile doesn't fade; the energy I feel in my chest is the best feeling. My hair is blowing in the wind, and the fabric of my dress tickles my calves. The laughter, the cheers, and the pack's tears are the most lovely things I can see tonight. The way my father's nose wrinkles when he laughs heartily and my mother's celebratory whistles make me laugh because they can't hide how pleased they are, and knowing that happiness doesn't fit on their bodies relieves me. My father clears his throat and stops laughing, but his cheekbones still give away his diversion, and with his right hand, he asks everyone to lower their voices. He has a long paper in his left hand. With his eyes, he waits for the Omegas dressed in red to come down from the makeshift stage. Nani models on stage and blows kiss at the audience, making us laugh. My mother gets up from her chair and kicks her butt, pushing the girl forward. "Oh, Goddess Luna," Hoku whispers next to me, and I turn to see how she's massaging her belly. ''I'm going to die laughing, help me.'' "I didn't think I'd laugh so much today," Hyka says, sitting to my left. ''My hands itch with excitement.'' "The Goddess has blessed us with many Betas." My father says, shaking the long paper. ''Remember, my precious Betas, a pack is not complete without the wisdom and patience that Betas carry in their blood. Do not allow anyone to corrupt you.'' "That's why you are wearing green today. For our pack, you represent tranquility, harmony, and hope." My mother continues her speech to the Betas. Hoku takes my arm and hugs me as her face fills with tears, her right-hand squeezes her pretty green dress, and I know she's holding back her sobs. "Easy, Hoku." I take her hand, preventing her from grabbing her dress. ''Do not go on stage with your clothes ruined.'' She laughs softly and wipes her tears. ''You're right.'' "What a fool, I didn't cry when they called me," Hyka whispers. "Shut up, you know-it-all human." Hoku attacks. ''Why would you cry? I know you've grieved enough about your horrible yellow dress.'' ''Miserable wolf; let the ceremony end-'' ''Silence,'' I say, tired of the attitude of my friends. ''Do you think it is time for your stupid arguments?'' They both respond, "No." "Then shut up and pay attention." "Yes, Ulani." I see them glare at each other, but I let out a sigh when neither of them speaks again. I had missed a part of the ceremony; several Betas were already lined up on stage.  "Hoku Kalani." My father calls, but Hoku doesn't leave her seat. ''Hoku Kalani.''  Her twin gets up and hits her on the back. "What the hell, Hyka? Why did you do that?'' "Alpha Ahoma is calling you, silly." Hoku jumps out of the seat and shakes her dress. She takes the stage with her head held high, and I smiled proudly. ''How beautiful, my little sister.'' I roll my eyes because the two of them love each other, even if they don't accept it. "Don't tell her I said that." ''Sealed lips.'' The night begins to disappear, welcoming the dawn, and it is as if the moon, my mother, has everything under control. They had called on all the young to bless their ranks as wolves or members of the pack, all humans, omegas, and betas. Now both the sun and the moon are present in the sky, and it is my turn. Hoku runs towards us with a smile. She wears a swirl on her forehead drawn with oil and oak ash and on her neck a necklace with the same symbol made of emerald. "Okay, say it." She points to me. ''Say it, come on.'' ''I don't want to.'' "Come on, Ulani, don't be so evil." Her caramel eyes sparkle with excitement. ''Say it, please. I want to hear it. I've been waiting for this moment since we were pups and saw our first ceremony.'' "I know, but you can ask someone else." I wanted to laugh. "Ulani, just say it!" I get up when I see that everyone was preparing for the end of the ceremony and waiting for me to walk near the stage.  ''Lani?'' I hug my friend, proud of her. I whisper in her ear, "Beta Hoku." She squeals. I walk away, surprised by the sharpness of her scream. Her eyes water and she lunges back at me. I wrap my arms around her, extend my hand towards Hyka, and squeeze her hand to encourage me. "Come on; it's your turn." She smiles at me. ''I'll take care of this weeping woman. Leave it, Hoku.'' She shakes her head tucked into the crook of my neck. I push Hoku's body against her will and hear her screech, but I don't stop and walk with my heart pounding towards the stage. "Who would say?" I hear my father speak. "I never imagined it. From generation to generation, the alphas in this pack have only had males and not just one. My father and mother had my five brothers and me. However, the Goddess blessed me with a daughter, brave as my moon, as wise as my mother, and beautiful as the Moon Goddess.'' I'm nervous. I'm used to being seen as a high-ranking wolf, but I've never used that power. Now I will be the leader of a pack on my own. I would have the support of my Beta Hoku and Hyka as my advisor, even so, it's not the same, and I don't know if I'm ready. I have depended on my parents for my twenty years of life. I bow my head. My breathing quickens, and anxiety eats me. I'm not ready. I am not. I don't know if I should be. Me? an alpha? They must have had a male child. Why am I complaining? I'm ready. I am an alpha. I'm ready. Am I really? ''Blue represents stability, wisdom, the order of the sacred, immortality and power.'' I feel hands on my shoulders, and it startles me. I look behind me, and my parents are here with me, giving me courage, and I remember that since they are my parents, they have no right to name me a leader. The oldest-old couple in the pack is on stage explaining why I wear blue. The deerskin clothes, their walking sticks, and the wrinkles on their faces make me proud. We are the only pack in the area with such ancient members and traditions intact. "Blue inspires confidence. Alpha must care for, supply, and be the mainstay of a pack.'' The older woman says in a stern voice. I'm ready. ''Ulani Kenaha." They call me, and I let out the air I've been holding. I approach them without looking back. I know I have the Goddess holding my hand. ''Ulani Kenaha, daughter of our alpha Ahoma Kenaha and our moon Ari Kenaha. Are you ready to be Alpha Oak's Moon?'' ''I am,'' I say, nervous, and I know I said it in a murmur. If I weren't standing here, I'd crash my head into some door. I'm such a fool. The tender smile that the elderly give me comforts me a little. "Ulani, do you swear to protect the pack?" Here we go. Come on, Lani, you can do this. ''I swear.'' I hear hissing, and my smile returns. "Do you swear to honor the elders?" ''I swear.'' "Do you swear to teach the younger ones?" ''I swear.'' My voice grows, and the pride in my chest too. "To be faithful to your family, friends, and partners?" ''I swear.'' "Not to hurt the weakest of the pack?" ''I swear.'' ''Give the pack a cub inherited from your guidance and blood from your blood?'' ''I swear.'' "To be strong when others are weak?" ''I swear.'' He drops his heavy hand on my shoulder and turns his gaze to the pack. "Oak Moon, do you accept Ulani, daughter of House Kenaha, as your alpha?" The pack claps, yells, whistles, and drums begin to beat loudly. They have accepted me. The woman approaches me and draws the symbol of the pack on my forehead. "Never keep your head so high that it can be cut off, or so low that it can be stepped on. Be humble enough to avoid being blinded by arrogance but dignified enough not to allow yourself to be humiliated.'' She puts the sapphire necklace on me. ''With the Moon and the Sun as witnesses, I proclaim you, Ulani Kenaha, alpha of the Oak Moon Pack.'' I walk to the center of the stage and look at the moon. My flesh burns, my eyes cry, my blood bubbles, and my bones c***k. My wolf asks for freedom, and I leave the way free. I stand tall and stiff, with straight ears. I stare at my pack, and submissive, they change one by one; they sit waiting for my orders. Wolf-mans put a fist to their chest and bow their heads. I wag my tail showing sympathy, and howl to the Goddess, followed by my blood, my family. My pack. Oak Moon.