For The Love of A Wolf

The day dawned chilly. Damien and Lynette had slept in past nine, and were now rushing to get to a meeting with Paul and Liam. Lynette threw on light blue sweater tights and a long sleeve navy and light blue wool dress..slipping into black suede ankle boots and simply braided her hair over her shoulder. Damien pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply “You are more beautiful every day!” As they grabbed a quick breakfast, they noticed the women and children from Black River eating and laughing.. getting acquainted with the pack. Lynette stood and addressed them “There will be a meeting in the throne room after breakfast. Please bring your children with you. The swearing in ceremony will occur once we have all your necessary information.”

Walking in, they were surprised to see Aaron standing there with Paul.. though it was a great surprise. He was larger by several inches but he looked haggard..tired. He stepped forward “Your majesties, I throw myself at your feet begging for mercy. I understand my daughter’s betrayal must be dealt with harshly.. I only ask you spare her life” Damien hugged him and Lynette took his hand… “We are not going to execute your daughter. We have decided she will be given a lot of menial chores to do. She will be working in the kitchens.. the laundry room… she will aid in all things household. And she will be monitored at all times. No access whatsoever to telephones or electronics. We are stipulating this to begin immediately and to be revisited in six months. We are also going to have to monitor your mate, unfortunately..Aaron. She has a tendency to give in to anything Christine asks. Which probably has a lot to do with her selfish behavior!” Aaron nods “That has been a point of contention since Christine reached puberty. Now, it is always a full blown fight every day!! To be honest, now that the monarchy has been reestablished, I have been tempted to ask you to absolve me of my mate bond” Lynette looks at Damien “We can do that?” And he nods… “I have been reading about it in the book of ceremonies!” And she squealed “That’s it! That’s how we help my momma!”

Liam had his laptop ready to input the information from the Black River pack. They all had similar stories.. only slight variations. One young woman referred to the entire pack as Hades playground and they all noticed the bitterness in her tone. Lynette walked over to her and hugged her whispering something.. and the entire room felt the atmosphere in the room lighten. The teenage boys requested joining military training and Damien told them.. “You can train two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. The interim of time, you will attend school. If your grades are not on par with above average levels.. we will reevaluate your training schedule! Everyone attends school unti eighteen.. or you graduate! Ladies.. there are plenty of employment opportunities and more on the way as we build more businesses. Check the daily information board in the commons to see if anything catches your interest. Everyone works..and everyone draws a paycheck! We believe in self-sufficiency!”

After everyone was sworn in, and sent on their way, Paul asked Damien and Lynette to sit. He began “After last night’s airing of the coronation, responses poured in. We are at about 50/50 percent in acceptance.. even though the Moon Goddess’s blessing was obvious. Most of the resistance, of course, stems from Alphas who support the existing council..or the packs the actual council members hail from. I am wondering how we should proceed. There are several approaches. Aaron sent the emails out this morning.. as to how the new council will be elected. And that will go a long way in reassuring the realm that we don’t want dichotomy in regard to governing practices. Also.. open for discussion… I would like to see an Alpha appointed as a governor of sorts.. for each district. The King cannot possibly settle all disputes.. everywhere. Having a strong leader.. and appointing the most moral Alpha in the area to be in charge of that region may cause an issue.. But, if we can locate retired Alphas..with good track records in being fair and just leaders.. and set them up on neutral territory.. building a small community for him to hire only people he can trust and provide plenty of security.. He could handle most disputes.. only requiring the monarch’s input for impending wars. He would have to report to us quarterly.. and auditing would be a necessity.”

Damien looked at his mate.. back at his father smiling “I knew you would be the best person to advise us! Everything you have just suggested is above par! Boldly pushing positive reinforcement to our wolves! Liam draft a speech in regard to this! I want to review the reputations of every retired Alpha from every region. Even the smaller packs! Being bigger isn’t always better! A stellar reputation isn’t solely isolated to the amount of people you managed.. it’s the method of that management! Aaron, can you begin the vetting process for us.. and narrow it down somewhat!? I fear the numbers are going to be astronomical!” And everyone laughed!

Paul looked up from his own laptop… “ Well.. we may as well get some practice rolling heads.. There are five council members at the front gate, requesting audience. Let the games begin! Monarchs, please take your thrones!” And again, we all laugh. Aaron stood and opened the double doors, allowing six huge Royal elite guards in… they walked directly behind the thrones and stood at ease.. looking like an entire forest!

The gentlemen were led in, and shown to a table set up especially for them. They were offered drinks and snacks. Damien spoke with authority “ Gentlemen, please note we are allowing this audience out of courtesy. We understand these are upsetting times for you…however, trust and believe, that times are indeed changing. The Goddess’s doctrines are coming back.. in full force.. with mandatory acquiescence. These are Her edicts! Not mere mortals. Now, the floor is yours. Remain respectful and there should be no problem “

Elder Lewis was the first to speak “We have all agreed to refuse to recognize any authority you believe you may have. The Moon Goddess hasn’t reached out to any of her wolves in decades..centuries, even. Why now? And why YOU?”

Lynette spoke up “The Goddess reached out to us because I carry the mark of the prophecy. And while I could prove it to you.. I find no need for it! My mate was chosen because he is the strongest male in the world. Able to protect us against all enemies. To question that, is to question Selene herself! Not a smart move, at your age.. but I won’t judge. “

A second councilman chimed in “I am Councilman Andrews. While you may believe you have a right to the throne.. it is obvious… had the Goddess chosen anyone.. it should have been someone more mature. Someone with experience. Not children. Like Phil said… we do not recognize this false monarchy. We will not support this regime!”

Damien chuckles “Oh..you’re under the impression your opinion matters? Allow me to clarify.. we do NOT require your permission..we are NOT requesting your support. We ARE demanding you relinquish your position. We WILL abolish the current council. As such, consider yourself on 48 hour notice. Failure to comply, WILL result in your incarceration… resistance will result in your deaths. There is no room for argument. There is no need for rebuttal. My advisors have already discussed it. Our decision has been made. Unfortunately, by coming here and believing you had any right to demand, you negated my willingness to compromise. This meeting is adjourned. I suggest you go home, and make your arrangements, gentlemen”

The guards escorted them out and Damien asked “Liam.. are their offices being raided? Computers and files seized?” Liam laughs “Oh yeah! As soon as they sat down, council headquarters was under our control. Communication was terminated first. All personnel placed under temporary custody and everything confiscated. Their people have been released..but the former council…for all intents and purposes, is dissolved.”

Lynette starts laughing “Damn! They are about to have a very bad day! We have to move fast now! The half that thought to stand by the old ways, have no governing faction at the moment. We cannot allow them to fall into chaos!” And Paul spoke “We are already on it Luna Queen! Emails went out to every Alpha at exactly the precise moment this meeting adjourned. Damien.. a press conference is set to begin, as soon as you allow them to setup. Liam, have you drafted the speech?”

Liam followed with “I have the rough draft.. which hits the highlights, but our King always seems most effective when he speaks right off the cuff. We are good to go at his nod”. And Damien laughs “Well…Fuck! Let’s do this thing!” And Lynette says “I need more coffee for this shit!” Everyone.. even the guards.. laugh at the Queen”