The Luna Queen

Chapter 3: The New Era

Montrell

Before I became Alpha, the council elders told me I had to get votes of approval from the pack members if I wanted to elect a new council. Thankfully, Sterling helped me get the handwritten votes by sending out a pack wide mind link of the candidates and if they approve or disapprove. Majority were in favor and now that I’m Alpha, there’s no need to delay appointing the new Elders. It’s a new era and it’s time to usher in the changes.

I send personal links to my five candidates and Zack requesting they meet me in the garage. After everyone is there, I explain why I requested them. “I asked all of you here because I’d like to go see the council and find out what we have to do to appoint you as Elders. If you don’t mind, I’d love to run to the mountain with you all so we can save on gas. It’s only ten miles.”

They all agree. We strip naked and shift to our wolves. While we run, our wolves carry our clothes. After arriving at the base of the mountain, we shift back to ourselves and get dressed.

Everyone follows me up to the door. I buzz the doorbell, and a groggy voice answers the speaker box. I inform them I’m here to see the council. A few moments later, the door lock disengages. Everyone except Sterling hasn’t seen the inside of the mountain. Since they’re seeing this for the first time, I know they’re eager to take everything in, but right now, I want to get my new council members assigned. A tour of the place will have to wait. We walk down the long hall, passing by the common area, sunroom, and kitchen until the hall curves and leads us into the glass enclosed lava room.

Thaddeus and the others walk into the lava conference room, still wearing their sleepwear and sit at the stone table in the middle. Without a formal greeting, Thaddeus says, “This is unexpected. What brings you by and why do you have all these people with you? Our location is meant to be top secret.”

“I only brought the candidates for the new council,” I answer.

“And who does the pack approve as the new council?” Thaddeus’ tone gives hints of doubt.

“As you can see, I have Sterling Swiftwater, Amber Hart, Quentin Nguyen, Khalil Thomas and Cheyenne Gregory. A diverse group with various experiences that will make an excellent and balanced council.”

“And do you have the required votes?” His tone indicates he hopes I failed to do things the proper way.

“I do. I have them right here in this bucket.” I made sure I brought the bucket of votes with me and hand it to Thaddeus. Although I tell him what the majority vote is, he insists on tallying the votes himself.

After finishing, he eyes me with an annoyed look. “You’ve done just as you were told. We have no choice but to step down as the elder council of Diamond Peak.”

“How soon can I appoint the new Elders?” I ask.

Thaddeus softly groans. “There are a few formalities, but I grow weary of all that. I suppose it’s a good thing you brought everyone with you. To save time and having to plan another ceremony, I’ll do the swearing in oath right here, for all five of you. Step forward and please raise your right hand for allegiance to the Moon Goddess.”

All five candidates raise their right hand. “Please repeat after me,” Thaddeus starts. “I do solemnly and sincerely swear before the people of this pack that I will observe pack law and pledge loyalty to the Alpha and pack. Should I break my oath, I shall be willing to submit myself to severe punishment by the Pack. This is my solemn oath.”

The five repeat the words back to Thaddeus. The former Elders then stand to their feet and bow in reverence. “Your new Elders now have their position and relieve us of our duty,” Thaddeus states. “Give us about a week to move out and get settled elsewhere. This means retirement for us and we’re free to do as we please. But since you’re shaking things up, I have to ask if that’s alright with you?”

I smile at him, despite his condescending tone. “You’ve served well and now it’s time to enjoy life outside of the pack. I have no problem with that.” I extend my hand for a farewell handshake.

Thaddeus shakes my hand and for the first time, he weakly smiles. “Very well. Best of luck on your new endeavors, Alpha.” He turns his attention to the new council members. “May you serve this council well and succeed in giving your Alpha sound counsel.”

~~~

While giving the former council members time to leave the mountain, I hold a meeting in the conference room at the packhouse with my new council members a few days later. “I called you all here today before you get settled in the mountain so we can assign roles. We’ve briefly discussed this before but now that y’all are the new Elders, it’s time to assign them.

Sterling, given your experience as Beta, you’re the head council member and presider. You will speak on behalf of the council when required. You’ve got Thaddeus’ job. Aunt Amber is in charge of omega relations. Despite their low rank, omegas are not slaves and will not be coerced into doing things. Under Amber’s leadership, omegas will be given chores and tasks to complete and if they fail to complete their chores, another omega takes up the slack.

Talia is the new chief Delta and Gunther, who served under Khalil is the new chief Gamma. Talia and Gunther will most likely seek advice and counsel from Khalil and Cheyenne. In terms of defense protocols, I’d love for you two to handle that. Despite the diva QT is, Quentin is a history buff. I think he’ll be perfect as the council historian and record keeper.”

“I like the sound of this,” Sterling voices. “Anything else you want to discuss?”

“There is one more thing,” I say matter-of-factly, “but it can wait until after you’ve settled in the mountain. I’ll stop by in a few days after everyone moves in.”

“Sounds good. I guess we’ll see you then.”

Everyone leaves, but I call Quentin over before he steps out the conference room. “Quentin, I’d like to ask you something.”

He gives me his full attention. “Sure, what’s up?”

“I know it’s customary for council members to live in the mountain, but I also know Trevor always wanted to have a small cabin and live a simple life. I promised him I’d build a cabin near the mountain - which I’m working on - and as his mate, you’re not obligated to stay in the mountain with the others. How do you feel about this?”

Quentin grins widely. “Muffin mentioned something about you building a cabin. It’s all fine with me.”

“Awesome! I’ll see you at dinner.”

We go our separate ways and I giddily go to my room. Everything is perfectly falling into place.