The Scarlet Witch

Chapter Ten - The Midnight Moon Pack Inductions

A month has gone by since Amaranth arrived at the Scarlet Moon Pack. In the month that she has been there, things have slowly been falling into place. She has been getting the hang of her Luna responsibilities, helping with organizing the schedules for the omegas, placing orders for restocks and organizing and creating a spreadsheet with all of the information about supplies needed. She met with a decorator and ordered furniture for her office, and made arrangements to turn Alpha Damon's old office into a small personal library for herself. She has been building relationships with members of the pack, helping out in the kitchen, visiting both the male and female training sessions. Making an extra effort to be seen, something that at first felt really alien to her. But everyone at the Scarlet Moon Pack was so friendly and welcoming that Amaranth felt very anxious trying to put herself out there, to be seen and accepted by them.

Dimitri has been helpful as well in Amaranth's efforts, involving her in meetings and making sure that he formally introduced her to some of the pack leaders. Dimitri had been excited about getting her involved, after learning during some of their late night talks that she made an effort to be invisible at the Midnight Moon Pack. The married couple made an effort to have nights to themselves, learning about each other and having quality time with one another. Over this past month, Amaranth has grown. She had come out of her shell more and more as the days went by. She even started using her magic more, while at the Midnight Moon Pack she tended to use magic as little as possible. Here in the Scarlet Moon Pack she was using her magic to cheer up children and to assist with small tasks around the pack house.

Although things have been going smoothly for Dimitri and Amaranth, they can’t help but to have their guard up as they arrive at the Midnight Moon Pack for the Induction Ceremony. As they pull up to the main pack house, Amaranth draws in a deep breath. She hasn't really been to this building since the wedding. Difficult memories come back, and as she takes in another breath, Dimitri takes hold of her hand and gives it a squeeze. After all of their talks, he knows just as well as the closest friends she has how stressful being in the pack house can be for her. The two get out of the car, with Dimitri joining Amaranth's side, and hand in hand they make their way inside, heading towards the main hall.

Entering the main hall, there was a clear difference in effort made to decorate for this event compared to their wedding. While the bare minimum was done to decorate the hall for the wedding, for this induction it seems like nothing was too much. Large bouquets of flowers are the centerpieces for every table. Each table is covered with fine linen, no doubt that the silverware and plates are brand new. The event was labeled as a black tie event, all of the guests were decked out in their best formal wear. Dimitri was sporting a black suit with a burgundy tie that matched Amaranth's outfit, a sleeveless burgundy gown with a mermaid fit, and a burgundy cloak with black gemstones scattered around it and two openings, allowing her arms free access. Dimitri was blown away when he first saw her in this outfit. The look fully embraced her witchy identity.

The two took in their surroundings, making their way through the hall, searching for a familiar face. The first face that they saw was Alexander, Dimitri's brother. As the two made their way towards him, he turned and smiled at the happy couple. Hugs were exchanged.

"Pretty grand induction ceremony, huh?" Alexander sighed.

"Yeah, though it looks more like a wedding than an induction", Dimitri looked around, taking more of the scenery in.

"Well, inductions are sometimes as close as us werewolves get to weddings. And it has been known that Michael and April don't tend to hold back when it comes to their daughter." Alexander immediately turned to look at Amaranth, looking sympathetic, "Sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that."

"It's fine. What you said was the truth. There is no need to hold any punches." Amaranth turned her head, her attention going elsewhere. Dimitri followed her gaze and was met by a group who looked vaguely familiar, Matthew and Derek being among them. He nudged her, letting her know that she could go ahead. Amaranth excused herself and made her way across the room to the group. She was instantly enveloped in a group hug.

"You two look happy" Alexander said, drawing Dimitri's attention away from his wife.

"We are. She's adjusting a lot easier than we anticipated", Dimitri smiled.

"How's grandfather?"

"He's well. Enjoying retirement from being Alpha, though he is acting as Amaranth's advisor. But I think that-"

"Alpha Dimitri. Prince Alexander." Melanie approached the gentlemen, interrupting Dimitri with a sway in her hips and standing a bit too close. "Thank you so much for coming to my induction as Luna of the Midnight Moon Pack"

"Thank you for the invitation," Alexander responded, his face absent of expression.

"You're very welcome." Melanie flashed a seductive smile, though neither of the brothers were particularly moved by it.

She can't be serious, can she? Alexander mind linked to Dimitri. Is she really trying to flirt with us?

Yes she is serious, Dimitri responded. The apple doesn't seem to fall too far from the tree.

"-all in all, I hope that we can create a good relationship between our three domains. I think that we can all benefit from it if we play our cards right." Melanie said, not catching the private conversation that had happened. "And I can assure you that there will be benefits, I can offer you-"

"Prince Alexander, Alpha Dimitri. I see that my mate has already welcomed and thanked you for coming." Jacob greeted the brothers, shaking their hands and wrapping his arm around Melanie's waist.

"Yes she has", the brothers said in unison, making a point not to look at Melanie. Dimitri sensed some movement and turned his head to be met with Amaranth rejoining them, a sweet smile on her face.

"Matty and Derek said hi." Amaranth said, taking hold of Dimitri's hand.

"Did they f**k up your cottage yet?" Dimitri sported a playful smile, lacing their fingers together.

"No, apparently they have not." Amaranth laughed.

"Well, we'll leave you all to take your seats. We'll be starting soon." Jacob cleared his throat. Taking his leave, he steered Melanie away with him, her eyes never leaving where Dimitri and Amaranth's hands were joined.

The three watched as the future alpha and luna left, turning and making their way to their seats. They sat at a table with five place settings. They were joined at the table by Beta Simon, who greeted Amaranth with a hug, and the brothers with hand shakes. The fifth seat remained empty, as it was intended for Alpha Damon. Amaranth was curious as to why Simon was sitting there with them instead of with the others, as it was his son becoming alpha, but didn't voice any questions. Once everyone had taken their seats, dinner was served. Conversations were had quietly at each table.

The official ceremony began with Alpha Michael making it a point to have a monologue about his time as alpha. As Melanie and Jacob were named the new Luna and Alpha of the Midnight Moon Pack, Amaranth tensed up a bit, forgetting how to breathe until Dimitri gave her hand a small squeeze. She turned to look at Beta Simon, who had the same grave expression on his face. Past conversations that they've had coming back to them. Talks about how they feared what might happen to the pack once Melanie is in charge. And now those fears only seemed to have intensified with Jacob standing by her side. A young man who always seemed too eager to have Michael's approval.

It seems that the Midnight Moon Pack has been handed off from one pair of narcissists to another.