The Right Girl

ELEVEN

GRAHAM

The ceremony was actually, surprisingly planned well. The way this pack is currently run, it is surprising they can even put their shoes on in the morning. That will all change soon. They won’t know what hit them. A weak pack is a big target and I am dumbfounded that they have survived this long. Mary’s sweet scent begins to fill the room and I smile as her tiny arms wrap around my waist, she buries her head into my back and sighs. “Are you sure this is what you want Grey.” I feel her anxiety and turn around to embrace her. “I can’t see another way, what I really want is for us to lock ourselves in that apartment, and enjoy each other’s company forever.” I wink playfully, hoping to lighten the mood.  I notice the small blush creep across her cheeks, a little giggle escapes. “Alas my dear, Audrey must be found and that old bumbling buffoon is not the man to do it.” I add on.

Her shoulders droop at the mention of Audrey, she leans against me, breathing deep, trying to control the tears that threaten to spill.

“I thought I was doing the right thing.” She chokes out.

I run my hand down her hair, letting it rest on the nape of her neck. “My love, nothing was the right thing for Audrey, anything we did would have ended in disaster.” I sooth.

It is true, this possibly wasn’t the right choice, but how was Mary to know the pack was this bad. It was at its prime before we left. However, no matter what choice we made, Audrey was a loose cannon, hell bent on self destruction. Maybe it is who she is, maybe it is us hiding her heritage that is to blame, but right now, none of that will bring her back.

I hear the crowd cheer as my name is announced over the loud speaker. I look down at Mary, she is slightly trembling. I place a quick kiss on her cheek and release her grasp on my hand. “See you soon sexy.” I wink before strutting onto the stage. The hoards of people erupt into cheers and whistles. I must admit, I feel a bit like a rock star.

“Ladies and Gentleman, your future Alpha Graham West.” My father’s voice booms across the field. Lucky for his dominating voice, because these wolfs are loud today.

“My pack, I would like to do this a bit differently today. My mate and your future Luna Mary will join me up her for the entirety of this ceremony.” I casually inform the crowd. This had not been previously discussed, and my father’s face falls, causing a small smirk to appear across mine. Mary’s terrified face says it all. I stride over to her confidently and take her hand, rubbing my thumb over the back of it, hoping to ease some of her anxiety. The male wolfs cheer the little clusters of unmated she wolves throw daggers. A low roar grumbles from inside me. “This is my mate and your Luna, you will respect me and you WILL respect her.” I growl into the microphone. I see the disapproval etched in some of the faces before me. I don’t care. This is my pack and I will make the rules. I look to my father and gesture for him to step forward. “Let’s get this over with.” I grit out

my father steps forward, smile plastered on his face holding the dagger in one hand and placing the golden bowl on its stand. All of this, for looks, none of the flashy accessories are necessary.

“With this dagger, I Richard West, current Alpha of the Crystal Lake pack, pass over my title and pack to you, Graham West, rightful heir of the Crystal Lake pack.” With that he slices a thin line in each of our palms then tightly grasps my hand, letting our blood mix. I wait expectantly for the power to transfer; by all accounts it should feel like a surge of power entering my body. Nothing happens, No surge, no chattering in my head. Nothing. I look at my father confused, his expression the same as mine.

“Well this is quiet the conundrum.” My father’s voice echoes in my head.

“You don’t f*****g say, old man.” I reply angrily. This mind linking business wasn’t too bad. It kept conversations private when they needed to be.

I scanned across the crowd, their confused faces started back at me, then the chatter started. “What is happening?” One lady whispered.

“ Is he not the rightful heir?” Another added.

“ Calm down everyone. Maybe it is to do with my son abandoning his pack.” My father joked. Nervous laughter rang from the crowd.

“Really smooth father, throw one last jab in there before you lose your power eh?” I send him an annoyed mind link

His eyes quickly flash towards me, the corners of his mouth twisting into a smirk. The old coot is enjoying this.

“It is fine son, I will have the council called and this will be sorted by the end of the week. I am about as impressed as you are; I have been ready to pass power over to you for 20 years now.” His calm demeanor pisses me off. How can this man always be so flippant about everything?

I storm up to the front of the stage, snatching the microphone from my father’s hand.

“My pack, due to unforeseen circumstances, the ceremony will not go ahead today as planned.”  I begin my speech

“QUIET OBVIOUSLY NOT YOUR PACK.” A man yells from the middle of the crowd. Earning snickers from those around him.

“Oh yea, smart ass?!” I growl into the microphone. “Come on up here, let’s see how good your confidence is while you’re standing up here with me” My tone is threatening and I notice the paper white face in the crowd. “Come now, don’t be shy now! Up here, quickly.” I jest. The man walks forward, head hanging low. I bet he didn’t think this is where his snide remarks would land him.

“Name?” I quietly question the young man.

“Jackson, sir.” He replies with a quiver in his voice.

“ My fellow pack mates, I will be taking over temporarily until my father can figure this out. Many, Many things are going to change around here, mostly to do with training and patrols. My good friend here Jackson, has volunteered to being his training right now, he also let me know he is extremely keen to be on the first patrol tonight.” I slap him across the back, enjoying his uncomfortable shuffling.

“Now, run boy, 50 laps around the training ground. GO.” I lean in closely and give the Jackson my instructions. He takes off down the stairs, running towards the training grounds. I smile triumphantly and turn to the rest of the “officials” on the stage.

“ Men, if you would join me in the office, thank you.” I throw over my shoulder, not bothering to stop and directly address them. Not really worth my time these people.

Seated behind my father’s old mahogany desk, in the comfortable chair I ponder over the piles of unfinished paper work. What an absolute disgrace!

“Ah thank you for joining me here today.” I welcome my father, his Beta and his Gamma to the office.

“It really is no secret I am here to find Audrey, but I am now also here to fix up the shemozzle. Holy s**t dad, what have you done with this pack?” I shake my head in bemusement.

My father dropped his head and started at the ground. “I don’t have an explanation son.” His curt reply

“That’s obvious, isn’t it.” I retort. I have far too much to sort out now to even bother with pleasantries.

“Since you are all here, Beta Phillip, you will alert the council of the failed Alpha ceremony, I also want you to plan the border patrol rotations. Gamma Ronald, you will work the training schedule. All male wolfs 16 and up will train daily from 6am until 8. See to it now men.” I demand then turn to my father.

“You and I get to fix up your shitty paper trail old man. We can’t thrive if our companies don’t run.” My tone is threatening, I watch him gulp. Hard work obviously isn’t something this man is use to at all.

I look at the Beta and Gamma, standing there mouths agape. “Is there something else men?” I question the dumbstruck men.

“ Ah, do we not also get to retire?” Phillip questions me, his confidence faltering

I raise an eyebrow at the 2 fools before me. “Do you think you have done enough to retire?” I explode “This pack is a disaster, my daughter is missing and you cockheads want to take off on retirement. Get the f**k out of here, do your assigned tasks then come back for some f*****g more.” I am so angry, I am sure you can see the steam coming from my ears. I turn to my father. “Don’t you dare think you are off the hook until we have this s**t sorted out old man?” He nods his head in agreement. This is going to be a long uphill battle. I sigh and shake my head. " Well, let's get on it then."