Page 66 of Blood Pearl

Xavier places his hand on Crispin's shoulder. “My dear, Crispin. If you had, they wouldn’t be Shadow Warriors, now would they?”

“You saved my life again, Xavier. It Is becoming something of a habit.” Taking his arm, I turn and walk with him. “I think I must repay you somehow. What could it be?”

“There is one thing that I would appreciate, Alpha Aurora, if I may be so bold.”

“Name it. If it is within my power, I’ll happily grant it.”

“The next time I tell you to duck, dodge, run or climb…Don’t stand there arguing. Just…Do…It!”

Crispin gasps at the audacity that someone would say such a thing to me. Smiling, I do an exaggerated curtsy. “I’ll try, but no promises.”

Before I can take Xavier’s arm again, Gerry slips between us. Xavier grins at him.

“What a big green monster you’re becoming, Gerry.”

Chapter 34

FLINT

Today, so far anyway, has been an exceptionally good day. All the Alpha’s and Luna’s of our packs have come together to celebrate Gerry and Aurora becoming chosen mates, and to attend their Alpha and Luna ceremonies.

Seeing everyone together has been an uplifting experience. Although most were present at the previous Alpha meeting several weeks ago to discuss the rogue situation, it was a very different atmosphere. We are all aware that the problem hasn’t gone away, but it’s been put on the back-burner, so to speak, while we focus on some positive aspects of pack life and culture.

Gerry and Aurora chose to have a very formal ceremony, both in customs and in dress. Everyone has attended in their pack’s formal wear. I was worried that this would cause divisions between the packs present, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Gerry insisted on the dress code, despite voicing my misgivings, however, he has been proven correct. All the guests are mingling well and the pride that each show in their own pack is great to witness.

Using the traditional speech for the Alpha ceremony was a little odd for me, as recently there has been a trend to go ‘modern’ as it were. I did enjoy going ‘the old way,’ and by the guests' reactions, they did too. Let’s be honest, ‘modern’ has its place in the world, but maintaining our culture, history and heritage is also extremely important.

Gerry’s speech spoke of these things and how he believes that the pack should always pay homage to both its origins and its destiny. He received an excellent response from all present. I saw a couple of the Alphas nodding to each other at the end.

Aurora came across as positively regal during the Alpha ceremony and she totally glowed while becoming the Luna. She had the audience on their feet and eating out of her hand, all at the same time.

Everyone is feasting as though they’ve been starved for a month. Cook Ivy has excelled yet again. She insisted on having fire pits built so she could have a hog, a deer and a bullock roasting. She was adamant that without these, people would go hungry and that wasn’t happening in front of her pack Alpha and Luna.

The smell alone is enough to make you gorge yourself. I’ve had more than a ‘helping’ of each meat and the accompaniments are to die for. There is hardly any room to sit in the dining area, as trellis tables, covered in ornately decorated tablecloths, hold such a wide variety of specialty dishes, originating from each of the packs. The tables and chairs have been set up outside, with picnic blankets spread to cover any shortfall in seating.

When I first arrived, I spoke with Gerry and Aurora. Apologizing for my poor behavior, and then my rudeness, certainly helped relieve some tension that I felt from them.

We also agreed that I should have a meeting with all the pack leaders once they were all present, and before the ceremonies began, to update them on a few things.

Gathering them all around the conference table in the Alpha’s office, I began with my own apologies. I seem to have a lot of that going on at the moment.

First item on the agenda was giving them as much information, as the Council thought prudent, about Eve Planter and her death. We didn’t announce the fact that Gerry was present. This was to prevent Gerry from having to revisit it every time someone was interested in some minor detail. He should not have to relive that day, over and over just to satisfy a morbid curiosity.

I talked this point through with Gerry prior, so he fully understood our reasons. He was grateful that we had given him this consideration.

Second was the consequences to Ulmer Oakfold after he held the meetings with the Alphas. We tried to arrange a single meeting for him with all present, but this wasn’t possible, so he held three meetings in total.

Asking for their input as to how he should be dealt with, backfired on the Council somewhat, as there was no general consensus as to what this should be. Due to this, we took a ‘majority rule’ stance on it. Most Alphas suggested he be demoted from the Council, so that’s what we did.

We have been preparing to interview for a less senior position, but still with serious responsibility. Our Central Library of Information and History has a chairman that will be retiring soon. He has been looking amongst his ranks for a replacement, without success.

Ulmer, having been a Council member for over thirty years, has an intimate knowledge of much of what would be kept on file. Seeing this as an opportunity to both fill the vacancy with a suitable candidate and to demote Ulmer to a position that we could monitor him, without losing all of his wealth of experience, we made the decision.

Once again, the Council finding itself short of members, we looked for candidates. Examining all the packs for suitable replacements, we saw that the Eclipse pack are training their Alpha Heir Bronze to take over. Approaching the current pack leaders, we were able to recruit Luna Sage almost immediately. Alpha Chet needs to remain until his son has taken over the Alpha position and will then join his mate on the Council.

During the afternoon, the festivities have diminished somewhat. Most have been off for a nap following all the excitement and such quantities of food. I find myself alone and enjoying the dessert table that Cook Ivy has filled with many delicacies.

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