Charcoal Moon

3

Day of the Alpha Ceremony:

slathered on my face by my mom and Luna Alanna.

"Ouch! I dont see why I have to dress up." My nerves were on edge with all tugging of my honey brown hair and makeup being

"You are being announced as Beta after Damon is announced alpha and announces his Gamma." Luna said shoving another pin into my ridiculously tight bun.

"Perfection! Now go put this on" My mother shoved the garment bag into my arms and pushed me in the direction of the bathroom, ignoring my groans of protest.

Closing the door behind me I pulled the robe from my body grumbling with annoyance. There was a comment of "No underwear you don't want pantie lines" from the other side of the door from Luna. I have never been into the first stuff, I usually wear my hair in a high ponytail and have the littlest bit of eyeliner and mascara. I don't feel like I really need it, my skin looks like porcelain with my green eyes and my full lips are naturally pink. My clothes are usually pretty casual, this dress is by far the fanciest thing that has ever been on my body. Carefully I shimmied into the dress and zipped it up, sucking in a breath I turned to face the mirror.

"wow" My voice was hushed, for once I looked like a grown woman. My curvaceous hips and breast were on full display in this dress with tiny straps holding them in, and the slit only made my legs look longer. Which is another thing different about me, most she wolves don't have these many curves. I am already 5'10 I dont need the added height so we went with simple 4-inch heels. I should be happy at least I can move enough to fight in this dress if anyone challenges me. The deep green of the dress makes my eyes absolutely pop.

"Keelin come out, we want to see you!"

"Coming mom" I shouted from my side of the door before swiftly exiting the small bathroom. Luna and mom just stared at me not saying anything.

"What? I thought you would be happy turning me into a real-life doll?"

"Kee, you look beautiful!" Luna Alanna gushed. "Annie, look at your girl!"

"My baby is so grown up" Her eyes shone with pride and unshed tears.

The evening has gone by slowly, well mostly because I have been avoiding peoples stares and whispers. Guess they are not used to me looking so much like a girl either. Damon's ceremony went flawlessly, of course. The pack cheered as he announced Markus as his Gamma, he is more than qualified, and he looks the part as well. Tall, bulging muscles, like he has spent the last 6 months straight in the gym. His dark skin opposite of Damons light creamy skin, he says his acceptance than pushes his blonde locks out of his face and looks to me.

"Ready?" Damon mind linked me as his hazel eyes catch mine as he stared for just a moment.

I give him a small curt nod, noticing his dark hair was freshly cut this morning. Hoping to find his mate among the hundreds of visitors here for the ceremonies. It is tradition to invite ally packs when leadership changes and every invitation was answered, even the councilmen who hate me.

"As many of you already know, I have chosen a Beta some time ago. I am sure you have heard the rumors." There were a few whispers around the crowed. "I would like to introduce Keelin Blake as Beta of the Golden Summit pack!" I made my way to the stage to stand alongside Damon as Markus had done before me, but I didn't get cheers and applause like Markus did. Damon didn't seem to care that only a few pack members were actually happy as he continued on. "Before we continue would anyone like to challenge Ms. Blake for the position of Beta?" Damons's voice boomed over the large crowed.

Silence.

More silence, like they were debating.

No one from our pack would challenge me, most everyone was very cautious of me.

"In that ca-" Damon was cut off by an unknown wolf making his way to the stage.

"I Jasper Owens challenge Keelin Blake for the position of Beta of the Golden Summit pack" Figures council swine Clyde would put his son up to this in a disgusting reach for power.

"Keelin, do you accept this challenge?" Damon's eyes held worry but not for my safety.

"I accept your challenge, may the best wolf win."

"I plan to" He snorted at me.

I gave him my sweetest smile, if only he knew. Damon gave his instruction, we had one hour to prepare and meet at the training grounds. No one under 17 was allowed to attend as it was to be a fight to the death.

A very brutal one at that.