Page 12 of Fated to the Rogue

Time passed by quicker than I would have liked, and before I managed to find any solutions to my wolf problem, the sun set, allowing the moon to shine bright in the navy sky. I was finishing getting dressed when I heard my phone beep on the bedside table. Glancing at the lit up screen, I noticed a message from Alex that read:Everything’s ready for the ceremony. Tried linking u but couldn’t reach into ur mind.

I blinked a few times, realizing I hadn’t tried mindlinking anyone ever since I got my counterpart the night before. Instead of texting the Delta back, I decided to test my new ability forthe first time. To my surprise, all of my attempts at establishing a connection with her failed. Thinking she might have a block up, I tried to link Malin, only to be faced with the same result. I thought it would be natural for me to communicate with anyone in my pack because of the magic bond that tied us. Could I be doing something wrong?

“You’re not doing anything wrong.” Dawn’s voice startled me as she suddenly crawled up to the surface. “We just can’t link them.”

“Why the hell not?” I spat, tired of her games.

“Our souls are tied, yet there is no bond between us. If you keep pushing me away, you’ll only make yourself weaker.”

“So what am I supposed to do?”

Unfortunately for me, I realized I wouldn’t be getting an answer when she remained silent. There was no point in arguing with her; she was probably just being stubborn, as always. Not willing to stress myself out more than I already was, I decided to just let it go. I could try again later when she was in a better mood, if that was even possible.

Just like I had done the night before, I met with my friends and the former Elite members at the entrance hall, hoping tonight’s ceremony would have a better outcome. We exchanged a few words before heading outside together. When we arrived at the main square, all eyes landed on me, sending a chill through my bones. Apparently, my first shift experience had traumatized me. The gathered pack members cleared a path, allowing us to walk up to the front of the Elder Shrine. The moment my father raised his hand, the crowd went completely silent.

“Members of Wind Howlers Pack…” His voice was loud and imposing, demanding respect. “You are here today to witness the rise of your new Elite members. After the confusion of last night, Elder Laelius determined that my son, Zephyr Wyndham, is still fit to exercise his duties as your next Alpha.” Alexprobably informed them all about the ceremony, judging by how everyone remained quiet at the revelation. “Our traditional run, however, will be postponed while we look into his…peculiar wolf situation.” He lowered his tone at the last part, and I found it hard to keep my head high.

“I don’t like this...” There she was again.

“What?” Why was I even paying attention to her?

“The run is important to help strengthen our bond with our pack; avoiding it will only make it harder for us to rule.”

“Us?”I scoffed. “Funny you should say that considering the only thing threatening my title right now is you!”She lowered her ears at my aggressive tone, but still squinted her golden eyes in anger. For some reason, speaking to her in such a harsh manner made me feel a pinch of pain in my chest, but I shook it off. “Youare the problem. The faster I get rid of you, the sooner I can focus on the real issue - the Fallen.”

“And what makes you think I can’t help you with that?” she finally barked back. “You're so damn arrogant!”

“That seems to be the only thing we have in common.”

“Without further ado, let’s begin,” Elder Laelius announced, putting an end to my internal debate with my she-wolf. He turned away from the crowd, stepping closer to me and my father, who were standing side-by-side at the center.

Dad and I exchanged side-glances before stretching our right hands out in synchrony. A silver dagger with a wolf sculpted at the end of the hilt hung from the rope belt around Elder Laelius’ waist. He carefully wielded the weapon, bringing it closer to the former Alpha’s palm as he placed his hand right under it for support. The blade easily cut my father’s skin, the silver preventing the wound from immediately healing so the blood could flow from his veins.

The Elder then proceeded to do the same to me. I didn’t wince; not from the pain, nor from the burning sensation causedby the holy metal. I watched the thin crimson river stain my palm for a brief second before I noticed my father turning to face me, and I mimicked him. With our eyes locked, we grasped each other’s bleeding hands.

“Vetus descendet ut nova oriri possit,”Laelius chanted repeatedly as our blood mixed and dripped down our hands, hitting the grass and almost instantly being absorbed by the soil. I couldn’t understand the magical ancient tongue, but I knew what was happening - I was being tied to my new responsibilities and my land. By the time the ritual was over, both of our cuts had already healed. “Rise, Zephyr Wyndham, new Alpha of Wind Howlers Pack!”

At his command, I took a deep breath and straightened my posture. I glanced at my people, my followers, as I threw my fist into the air. The members all fell to one knee, lowering their heads in submission. They were accepting me as their leader. The moment should have felt empowering, but a single thought prevented me from fully enjoying it - how long would their loyalty last?

The same ritual was performed with Beta Warrick and Malin, then with Gamma Hudson and Zachari. Alex stood there with us the whole time, but because she had already been officially made Delta five years ago, she didn’t need to go through it again. At the end of the ceremony, my Elite team and I took a few steps forward to present ourselves to the pack, while the Elder recited a speech about how the old would set with the sun and the new would rise with the moon.

After the Power Transfer Ceremony, the wolves would all celebrate with a run through the dandelion fields, but since we decided it would be best to postpone it, the Elder simply dismissed us. My parents congratulated me and invited me to dine in the city with them, but I politely refused. My friends, the new Elite members, certainly deserved to be thrown a partywhere they could enjoy their new power. However, as much as I wanted to celebrate with them, I needed to dedicate my attention to the issues keeping me up at night.

Instead of opening bottles of beer by the cliff, I called my friends to the Alpha’s office. I ran my fingers over the wooden desk with golden detailing, my eyes scouring through the room as I realized it was technically mine now. My gaze eventually landed on my father’s dark green chair. As I hesitantly sat on it, I felt powerful; it was curious how an inanimate object could hold so much meaning.

“Our first official meeting,” Malin observed, his tone slightly amazed as he too felt the grandiosity of the room. In the end, he turned his attention back to me. “What is it about? Is anything wrong?”

“A lot of things. Everything seems to keep going wrong lately.” I sighed at how pathetically pessimistic I sounded. How could I be hopeful in face of the recent events though? “I’m sorry I’ve dragged you here after such an important moment in your lives.”

“I’ve dreamed about being Beta for a long time, and I always knew what it meant. Our duties are more important than parties.” My best friend had an even more serious look than usual on his face.

“I hate parties anyway.” Zach shrugged.

I widened my eyes at their reaction. A smile spread over my lips as I was reminded of what my Beta had told me the day before - I was not alone in this. Part of my insecurities washed away, and I allowed myself to relax against my chair.

“If that’s the case, please take your seats.” Damn, I was really calling the shots now. My two friends nodded as they followed my command, waiting in silence for me to go on. “As I have already told you, we have a big problem on our hands - aside from my female wolf situation.” I frowned, quickly shaking myhead before I let the issue distract me. “The Fallen army has been growing in numbers, and they’re marching in our direction. There are only three packs standing between us and them now. The council still has little information on who they are or what they want, and we have lost three of our allies. We can’t know for sure when they will get to us, or if they will be stopped before then. For that reason, I want to make sure we will be ready to deal with them if they come.”

“What’s your plan, Alpha?” Malin grinned playfully.

---