Page 179 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince
I have so much backup and support that I suddenly feel eager and joyful. I’m ready for this task and can’t wait to lead this pack! I know there are still things to discuss with my parents. There are political decisions to make regarding Silverlake, but we can do so later.
Half an hour later, I’m with Dante and Ari, going through most of Marcus’ documents. It will be a lot of work to sort through them, but at least I find a list with names and pack members and their status and rank. I also find a folder with the pack’s finances, surprised to see that there is actually quite a lot of money, he just never wanted to use it for the pack, it seems.
Annalise joins us at first, then leaves to meet with my mother to make sure everything is running and ready for breakfast. She returns to us at around 7:30. “Most of the pack is already here!” she says. “Seems like they were very eager to meet us.”
“Did everything go well with the breakfast delivery?” I want to know.
She knows, chuckling lightly. “Good thing I listened to your mother yesterday and ordered from three different bakeries. Today, it’s not particularly fancy, but we have lots of fresh bread, ham and cheese, butter, and I also made sure there are fruits and vegetables. Oh, and I had them bring all the leftover cakes and cookies from yesterday. That stuff normally gets thrown away before they stock up freshly in the morning, but I figured it’s still good and tasty, and our people will like it. For tomorrow we are set up better, though,” she explains.
“I think we are already set pretty well for today,” I say, surprised that she managed to put together so much in such a short time.
“I agree,” Ari nods, sounding amazed.
I give her and Dante a short glance, and they nod, excusing themselves and saying they will wait for us outside. “I will announce a few things today,” I tell Annalise, taking her hand into mine. “It’s just the basics. Unfortunately, I can’t discuss everything with you beforehand, but if you feel something isn’t right, link me immediately.”
“Of course,” she smiles. She looks nervous but also excited. “We have five minutes. Care to fill me in on the most crucial details?”
I nod, telling her the few points I’ll mention today and my plan to introduce Dante and Aryanna to the pack as new members. I tell her a few more things but leave out one crucial one. I want to surprise her with it.
“Are we ready to face them,” I smile at her.
She nods eagerly, grabbing my hand joyfully. “Let’s go, Alpha Liam!”
“Oh,” I raise my eyebrows, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer. I teasingly grope her butt, noting how she moans slightly. “Just a slight warning that my energy is fully restored. I hope my Luna is ready for a long night later on.”
“Oh, she is,” she answers smoothly. She is so freaking good at flirting. It amazes me to no end. Her hand wanders down my hips and legs, dangerously close to my groin. “She also has the silky ties and blindfolds for her Alpha to play as much as he likes with her.” She smirks. “Until then, keep it in your pants,” she adds teasingly.
I smack her butt, making her squeal and laugh before pulling her up into my arms, kissing her hungrily. Only my strong sense of duty stops me from fucking her on the spot. Unfortunately, a lot of people are waiting for us. I let go of her reluctantly, but not before kissing her softly once more.
Then I take her hand and lead her outside.
I’m amazed by what Annalise and my former pack warriors put together. They made sure everyone has a place to sit. It’s late summer already, fortunately not too humid and hot, but at the same time warm enough for everyone to sit outside for breakfast.
It seems that Annalise had plates and everything else we need delivered as well. Everyone looks at us expectantly when we arrive. There is one fairly empty table. Dante, Aryanna, Ella, and my mother are waiting there. It’s crowded. It seems like everyone who was not in the infirmary made sure to come. I can see hope in their eyes but also their insecurity.
It’s one of these moments that I’m glad that I’ve found my mate. Showing others that I love someone and am loved in return takes a bit of an edge off my appearance. The last thing I want is to come off as too scary – it’s a fine line between being a stern leader, earning respect… and being terrifying.
Before we start breakfast, I have everyone sit down, leaving me, Annalise, and my Betas as the only ones standing.
“Let’s start with the obvious… We all know what happened yesterday.”
My casual start made some of the wolves loosen up and nod and smile carefully.
“As some of you know, my name is Liam Alcott and, from today on, I’m proud to call myself Alpha of Red Claw. I’ll promise you to take my task as Alpha seriously and lead this pack with strength and pride; and together with my mate Annalise, your Luna, also with a sense of justice and kindness. I strongly believe that the Moon Goddess has led us all together to finally end the oppression of this pack. From now on, I want to make sure we walk forward united and build the pack up to its former glory and strength, making it a safe place for every member – no matter gender or rank. I’m fully aware that change will take a while to happen, and we have a lot of work ahead of us. I need to know that you are all in this with me! Can we make it happen?”
The crowd is quiet for a split second before cheers rip through it. They are so eager to help and leave the past behind. I feel truly relieved. Despite all the injustice, they are willing to trust a new Alpha and put faith in me.
“We will have several meetings during the next weeks where I’ll introduce all the plans for restructuring and rebuilding the pack. For today I would like to give you a swift overview of what we will do this week. Luna Annalise will take a look at the pack and the houses.” I nod towards her, giving her the cue to take over.
“I’ll take a look at the living situation of every member, including the packhouse, and make sure everyone has a decent place to live,” A warm smile curls around her lips as she looks at the crowd. I can see how their eyes light up by her friendly approach. She can already talk to their hearts as any good Luna is supposed to do. “It might take a while until every building is renovated, so I have to ask you to bear with me for a while and be patient. We will start with renovating the most important buildings first, such as the infirmary and nursery, so that those who need the most protection will have a safe space. But rest reassured that during the next months, I’ll make sure every house and building here is restored.”
“I’ve found a list with pack members,” I take over again. “During the upcoming week, Luna Annalise and I want to meet every member personally, no matter rank or gender. To avoid chaos, we will hand out a timetable so that everyone knows when they are scheduled to meet us.” I point at Aryanna and Dante. “At my side, you can see my Betas, Aryanna and Dante, who will also join Red Claw. They will approach all of you with the details.”
I can see the surprise in their eyes. That’s a completely new approach for them. Apparently, Marcus never talked to them directly.
“For this week, Alpha Elden’s pack warriors will help us out with patrolling the borders until I have taken a look at your fighting abilities. Warriors, we will go back to training starting tomorrow. Beta Aryanna will hand out the schedule. We don’t make any distinctions between women and men. Everyone who wants to can train. The same goes for Omegas. I repeat, everyone who wants to can join the training. We will find a fitting position for everyone. Tomorrow I’ll look at everyone who wants to fight and be part of the warriors and make sure each member is in a fitting group.”
I can see some of the guys nodding eagerly. They are pumped to get back into a training routine. I assume Marcus made sure most of them were held back and only trained his closest allies. Some women seem to look interested too, but a bit insecure. I decide to speak to them directly. “As I told you, I don’t make any distinctions between males and she-wolves. If women of this pack want to fight and train, they are more than welcome to do so! My Beta Aryanna is one of the fiercest fighters I know.”
