The Black Alder Series

Elena POV

During the meeting, I remained silent up until Serene came in and I saw how Alpha Ned was towards her. I am so afraid that when I leave, she will be forced to stay behind and endure the same punishments I had to for years. However, when Gamma Nate claimed her as his mate, I was so relieved, all I could do was silently cry. Roland must have sensed my rising stress and I also wanted to hear what she wanted to say. She wanted to tell Roland what they did to me. I was so scared she would be putting an even worse target on her back from this shitty pack, but I knew she was right. He had to know, and I wasn't able to tell him. Even thinking about it, made so much anger start to rise. Serene took my hand and Roland's and just he through my memories. I could feel his reaction to them. However, when he got to my memories of the moon goddess, I saw Serene start to convulse and shake. I started to pull away but both she and Roland held my hands tighter, and I was brought back to my memory, but the moon goddess was looking at me.

" Choose your decision wisely," she says to me, and I'm brought back to reality. I reflected on her words, trying to determine what they meant, while Roland gazed at me. My thoughts were interrupted by Roland's growling, causing Alpha Ned's side to jump in a defensive position, which reflected Roland's side doing the same. The moon goddess's words came into my mind, and I growled for them all to stop, which instantly made everyone drop their heads in submission. I somehow was able to hear Roland's Mindlink to his pack and I knew that wasn't his decision to make for me. It was mine. Alpha Ned was mine. This whole pack needed to pay the cost of their actions and I needed time to decide how. However, I was sure of one thing. So, I beat Roland to it. "Alpha Ned, I challenge You for the Alpha Position” 2 weeks from today.

The whole room was quiet before Ned started laughing like a mad man, followed by my brother Lynx, and David. Cole, Roland, Nate, and Serene were staring at me with surprise.

" You think you can beat me, child, I'd like to see you try", he said, still laughing though I could see the fear of it. He felt my aura. He knew I was strong. He didn't just know yet but how much. He was calling my bluff.

"I say accept the challenge alpha, put the bitch in her place”, lynx spat as if I meant nothing to him. Roland growled, but I took his hand to calm him down.

" Well, considering just a growl from me makes ALL of your wolves submit instantly, I know I'd win. So yes, I challenge you, Ned. Do you accept”, I told him? That shut them all up quickly. They all looked at Ned. Ned seemed to ponder whether or not to do it, but I knew the outcome. He never tries to look weak.

"Yes child, I accept, and I look forward to finishing what we started on your birthday. “At his, Roland left my side, grabbed Ned by the next, and slammed him into the wall, his hands were still around his throat. Lynx and David rushed to their alpha, but Nate and Cole were in front of them in a second in a defensive position as a warning

"I've tolerated enough of all you," he says, slamming him again. " I should kill you right here, right now, but your life isn't being held by me. It's being held by my queen, but please, continue to insult her’, Roland said, smiling, looking hopeful that Alpha Ned was stupid enough to say something. He then dropped Ned on the ground and Ned coughed, trying to get his breathing under control.

" This meeting is concluded,” Roland said, picking me up marital style which made me giggle as I watched Nate do the same to Serene. I could feel Marcus’ eyes on me, but I couldn't look at him. I know his eyes would haunt me if I did. I could hear his wolf growling, which is something I didn't think I could do. Roland put me down once we got back to the visitor's quarters. I was tired, most likely from Serene draining me when she linked Roland into my mind. I could tell he sensed it. He took me to the bed and laid beside me. I snuggled into him and drifted off.

Roland woke me up the next morning, telling me we were going back to his pack house today, where I would be announced as his Luna. I'm nervous since I never really thought about being a luna until now. What if they don't like me? What if they treat me like my old pack?

They will treat you like the Royal you are

I smile because Snow always knows how to make me feel better.

I walk with Serene accompanied by Nate to get her stuff from the servant quarters while Roland and Cole pack up. As soon as we're packed, most of the staff came and hugged us goodbye. I tear up and I see Serene doing the same. I've come to view them as my family. We promised them that we would come back to them soon. Once I beat Ned, I will make sure they are treated equally as they deserve.

We were walking out of the servant's quarters when I smelled roses and I knew Marcus was close. As I turned around, he called my name, coming up to me. I saw Nate tense up and get in front of me in a defensive position, but I knew Marcus wouldn't hurt me. He just couldn't anymore.

" Marcus is OK Cole, he won't hurt me. You go ahead. The visitor's quarters were not far behind me, and I knew Roland would be here in an instant if anyone attempted anything. Nate looked at me just to make sure. I smiled and nodded. He takes the stuff I was carrying, and they continue to the visitor's house.

"1 don't have long, Marcus. I'm about to leave soon. What's up”, I asked him. I can tell he isn't sleeping with bags under his blue eyes.

"1 just want you to know how sorry I am love. David threatened my family if I ever claimed you. He knew you were my mate. Alpha Ned made me reject you and I didn't want to. Ever since I found out you were my mate; you were the only one I ever wanted. You still are. Please. Don't leave me. I love you. Please don't go”. He then drops to his knees pleading and grabs my hands and I feel the tingles, but they are barely there because of our broken mate bond. I backed up, taking my hands out of his. I felt eyes on me. Turning around, I saw Roland leaning against a tree listening with his arms crossed and I could hear a low growl. I turned back to Marcus, who was still on his knees. I pulled him up by his shoulders. I can hear his wolf purr from the touch

" I forgive you, Marcus. I knew it wasn't your fault, and I'm sorry you were forced to have to do that. I had been in love with you too you know, ever since I was a little girl, but all of this shit happened, and it separated us. I have a new mate now, Marcus. Please try to move on and be happy. Knowing you can find love again makes me the happiest wolf." I look into his eyes pleading, hoping you can understand. I saw his blue eyes tear up. He drops his head in defeat. I hugged him quickly and turned back and started walking towards Roland. Not two seconds later, I hear a growl and I'm grabbed by the arm tightly. I see Marcus is merged with his wolf and his wolf is in full control. This isn't going to be good

"YOU WILL NOT LEAVE US’ his wolf booms in a deep voice, and I am a bit terrified. Roland appears at the same moment, growls, and pins Marcus down, making Marcus release me. I can see a crowd is starting to form with Lynx, David, Jen, and Ned all watching. I hadn't noticed but Cole and Nate are now here and shifted into their huge wolves separating the crowd from us.

" Let him go, Roland, I'm ready to go".

Roland releases a coughing Marcus, who has now returned to normal. Roland grabs my hand, and we walk back to the visitor's house while everyone watches us. We got back to the visitor's house to load the stuff and get back to the car. I go into the room to tell Serene what happened, still shaken up. The aura Marcus Wolf released was something I had never felt before. Such longing and bloodlust and a hidden promise but his intent was there.

Once everything is packed, we all get into the limo that Roland owns, apparently, and we drive off pack lands.