Everyone’s eyes turned to face who made the statement. Behind a of them, among Dax and two older women, stood Rita as she let out her voice in a loud pitch.
“You are the honorable Alpha of our Pack, as well as the Wolf King of Oregon Woods. If you truly intend to leave, then do so in a way that reflects your identity. You don’t need to bear any false image of yourself. Who do you take us for? Do you truly believe the people you’ve led over the years will buy anything you say about sleeping with a woman just because you’re drunk?!”
At this point, Rita paused to catch her breath since she had screamed from the top of her lungs
However, the moment she paused, the others who had kept silent out of reverence for their Alpha and the confusion they were in also raised their voices and spoke.
“That’s right. Our Alpha, Lord Asher, is not that kind of person.”
“I’m ashamed of myself for even considering it for a moment.”
“Lord Asher, we respect your choice, and we understand your love for Lady Roxanne, but please… tell us the truth!”
“We don’t believe you cheated on our Luna!”
“You both love each other!”
“We wish you happiness and support your union!”
The voices and cheers of confidence emanating from the crowd filled the entire woods, making it reverberate in the hearts of everyone who heard them. The voices of women, men, children, the elderly… everyone standing up for their Alpha.
Truly, it was a moving and wondrous sight to behold.
Asher was overcome with emotion as he saw this display of loyalty and love from his Pack.
“Thank you everyone. You have shown me how blessed I am to have led such a strong and proud Pack of Werewolves!”
Asher’s smile was wide now, brimming with pride and confidence. His eyes focused on Rita, who gave him a thumbs up.
“Foolish sister… thanks…” Asher smiled softly.
His eyes then turned as he caught Dax’s encouraging smile, coupled with a nod.
“My best friend, even though I hid so much from you… thank you for believing in me.” He whispered.
He saw Linda and Melissa. They both smiled at him, showing great pride in his resolute decision. Looking at them made his heart ache a little.
“I couldn’t keep my promise to you, Miss Melissa. But, I promise… I will make Roxanne mine, and soon!” Asher smiled, nodding at the two of them.
Now surrounded by the cheers and encouragement of this who loved him, Asher felt the harsh burdens on him dissipate, and he proceeded to let out the truth.
“Nothing happened between Camilla and I! That is the truth! The one and only person I love is my destined mate, Roxanne!!!”
His loud declaration of love shocked everyone, but at the same time, they were moved. Even those from the other packs were entirely won over by Asher’s bravery. Out of respect, and the overwhelming emotion rising from everyone, they all took deep breaths and opened their mouths to give their response of approval.
“AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” All the Werewolves beneath Alpha’s summit howled in unison.
Well, all… except one.
Larry!
“What the fvck is going on here?!” He growled silently, annoyed by the sudden interference of Rita, as well as Asher’s moving speech.
Larry’s eyes darted around him, eyeing those he called his comrades, fellow Omegas. They all cheered for Asher, making him even more enraged. They were all naïve and mentally weak, making them the perfect pawns for him. However, it backfired now that Asher was seating their hearts with his demonstration.
“This wasn’t planned… Damn, why is Rita even here so early?” He mumbled under his breath.
Still, Larry refused to give in. He had an ambition, and he was going to realize it. No matter what they tried and how much they struggled, the outcome would remain the same. The young man regained his smile and set his eyes on Asher.
“Even though I am free of guilt for any clandestine activity with Camilla, the truth remains that I can not remain in a place that doesn’t have my mate. I need to be with Roxanne for the sake of our fated love. Therefore… I will relinquish my position as Wolf King, as well as grant my Alpha title to one whom I have deemed worthy.” Asher continued.
His eyes went to Dax, who was looking stunned. Dax understood his intentions perfectly. However, he still didn’t want to accept it, the fact that Asher was truly leaving.
“My successor for the positon of Alpha of the Rockwood Pack is none other than Dax, my faithful and loyal Beta, as well as the most trustworthy friend I have ever had.
“Wha-?!” Larry gritted his teeth the moment he heard that.
‘Dax? Well, you can say all you want, Asher… it doesn’t matter.’
Dax was weaker than Asher by far, do he would be easier to deal with. If one considered his calm and stoic nature, there was no way someone like him would be capable of moving the hearts of everyone and lead the Rockwood Pack.
‘I’ll just have to dispose of Dax and Alter my plans a little… the chance will come.’ Larry smiled.
“Dax. Please come up here.” Asher smiled, nodding at his friend.
Dax was still giving him an unsure expression, not wanting to take the burden of Alpha from him, however, once he saw the sincere smile Asher made, as well as the twinkle in his eyes, the Beta decided to trust his leader and sworn friend.
“I have to go now…” Dax said, looking at Rita as well as the two older women.
“Do it. I believe in you.” Rita nudged, giving him a slight punch to the shoulder.
This made Dax’s tensed up face relax a little, giving her a resolute nod. He had many doubts, but he would fulfil his duties for the good of the Pack.
>WHOOOOSHH<
In a gust of wind, Dax vanished from his location and rapidly approached the Summit.
"What is the meaning of this, Asher? You've entirely gone off the rails from the purpose of today's gathering" Benson suddenly barked, showing his dissatisfaction with how Asher was handling things.
Asher turned to look at the older man and gave him a cold stare.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Eeek…" The man squeaked, shutting his mouth as he looked away.
Even though Asher was relinquishing his position as Alpha and Wolf King, he was still plenty powerful, enough for everyone to remain wary of him.
"I agree with Benson, Asher." Klaus finally spoke up in a calm manner, expertly hiding the excitement that was rising within him.
Asher's face turned to the undaunted werewolf. Unlike Benson, Klaus wouldn't be frightened by a mere stare.
"The purpose of today's meeting was for you to make your choice and abide by it. Yet, you're settling the internal matters of your Pack Not only does it go against the reason we are gathered here, it's also a waste of all our time." Klaus remarked.
Truly, if one saw things from his perspective, he had valid points. Asher was under the obligation to fulfil the conditions and end the ceremony, not further settle other things. However, everything Klaus said was only the surface of his true intentions.
"You should be honest with everyone, Klaus…" Asher remarked, narrowing his eyes at him.
"You're just being impatient, aren't you? After all, you want to occupy the position of Wolf King as fast as possible…"
Asher's remark sent rage surging through Klaus' veins as he glared at the instigator.
"What are you talking about?!"
Hearing Klaus growl didn't faze Asher in the slightest. He had more important things on his mind. Still, Klaus had a role to play in the conclusion, so he overlooked his impudence.
"Just be patient. Once I'm done crowning Dax as the Alpha, I will officially step down as Wolf King. After that, you can have your fun."
Klaus was a little wary of Asher. He didn't know why the young Alpha was stalling for time, creating so many unnecessary scenes in such a simple event. Asher's final words rang in his head too.
'… You can have your fun.' Whatever did that mean by that?
Well, none of it mattered to Klaus anyway. As long as he got what he wanted, everything would end up in the palm of his hands. It was inevitable anyway.
'I'll be the King once again, no matter what!' Klaus grinned as he glared at Asher's cold eyes.