Dax ascended to the Alpha’s Peak, moving closer to Asher in a flash. The Beta was nervous about the whole thing, however, he chose not to think but to simply follow Asher’s lead as he always have in such situations.
“I will now be declaring you Alpha, Dax. Do you have any objections?” Asher asked, narrowing his eyes at his friend.
Whenever he did that, it was a clear indication that Dax couldn’t refuse. And so, the young man sighed and shook his head.
“No.”
“Very well. Then, I shall begin.” Asher smiled.
In the presence of the congregation that had assembled, Asher brought out a fang from his pocket. It had a sturdy, thin fiber rope holding it together. The fang represented what everyone in the Pack knew quite well.
“This is the symbol of the Rockwood Pack, the fang of the first founder. It is now yours.” Asher said, causally handing the object to him.
“H-hey, is this too lax? It’s unacceptable that you would so easily hand over the title without undergoing an elaborate ceremony or contest of strength.” One of the Alpha’s present suddenly barked, unable to control his emotions anymore.
For someone who believed in the old ways, the event taking place in front of him was nothing short of preposterous. He couldn’t allow such an important ceremony to take such a casual form.
“It seems you have a problem with this. However, I don’t remember you being a member of our Pack, Tyman.” Asher said, glaring at the elderly man.
The man was often intimidated by Asher’s gaze, so he couldn’t say much to protest. However, his expression displayed that he was in contempt of the event. Even the other Alphas frowned on Asher’s succession ceremony. However, just as the Wolf King rightly mentioned, they were in no place to speak concerning matters pertaining to the Rockwood Pack.
“The old ways are too outdated and elaborate for no good reason. Besides, the old ways were created by the Alpha’s of that time, and it is the general rule that it is the Alpha that decides how he is to be succeeded. I simply wish for this method.” Asher further explained.
In the past, other Alphas had chosen the outdated method, but ultimately it was their choice. As someone with a choice as well, Asher had every right to decide on his successor.
“Dax holds the second highest title in the Pack. It’s already a given that he’s capable for the job, so I chose him. Any complaints?” Asher asked the group of busybodies seated.
All of them kept quiet at this point.
“I didn’t think so.”
He returned his attention to Dax and completely handed over the object to him. The moment this happened, Dax rose from his kneeling state and held the fang high up above his head. This resulted in a deafening roar from the pack members beneath the summit.
“All Hail Alpha Dax!”
Their voices reverberated across the whole village and beyond. The reason for their excitement was not misplaced. They all knew Dax was capable for the job, and extremely responsible. During Asher’s absence, he had handled the Pack’s affairs succinctly. He didn’t even have a Beta under him, yet he was able to coordinate everyone in such troubling times.
Dax smiled and nodded at the people, stepping forward to give them his answer to their cheers. His eyes glowed blue and his facade slightly changed to resemble a wolf.
“Awooooooo!!!” The new Alpha’s voice peaked.
All the members of the packs responded with their howls as well, creating a perfect harmony with their new leader’s voice. The rhythm and fluid merging of the voices of the Rockwood werewolves shook the entire settlement, and while it lasted for merely a few moments, they all felt like they had bonded for an eternity.
“It is done.” Asher smiled, nodding at Dax.
Dax nodded back.
“Now that you’re done with your personal business, why don’t you say we get on to the main event?” Klaus suddenly said impatiently.
He had been watching and waiting, yet Asher showed no signs of an ulterior motive. Why then would he keep stalling for time? Now that the little Rockwood ceremony was over, the grand finale had arrived.
“Sigh, you’re right… Klaus.” Asher said.
This made the former Wolf King smile in anticipation.
“As I leave my position as Wolf King, I will hereby select the succession process.”
Asher’s words stunned Klaus as his eyes widened.
‘Selection process? What the hell is he talking about?!’ His mind rang.
“Yes. You look quite surprised, Klaus. Did you really think you could occupy the Wolf King’s position just like that?” Asher smiled.
This made the older man furious as he clenched his teeth and gave Asher a menacing glare.
“What do you mean? Isn’t it only natural that the strongest wolf in the community becomes Wolf King? Other than me, is there anyone else worthy of the title of Wolf King in Oregon woods?” Klaus growled as he spoke.
Technically he wasn’t wrong. The weak was never allowed to lead a stronger one. Such was the trite law of the werewolf race. Only the strong could ream at the top. As such, if anyone was to claim the title of Grand Alpha, Wolf King of Oregon Woods, they had to be shown to be the most powerful of all.
However…
“And what is to determine that you are indeed the strongest wolf after me?” Asher asked defiantly, now giving a very scheming grin.
Klaus was now flustered, trying to consider how best to respond to a clear taunt from his opposition.
“What are you saying? I was the Wolf King before you! Only Alpha’s and royals may contest for the position of the Wolf King, and I am already stronger than all the Alphas here.” He barked.
During the last succession match, Klaus had proved himself superior to every of the elders who had gathered as Alphas. The only one who ultimately bested him was Asher, and that was because it was just the kind of beast he was.
Asher slightly shook his head, giving an amused expression.
“You’re wrong, though… after all, we have a new Alpha in our midst, don’t we?”
Everyone followed Asher’s hands as they moved in the direction of someone on the summit. It was Dax!
“Y-you mean-??” Klaus gritted his teeth as he glared at the newly appointed Alpha.
“You dare to compare me to some like him? How dare you, Asher!”
Asher shrugged, not even paying much mind to Klaus’ agitation.
“Whether you accept it or not is of little relevance to me, but the fact still remains that Dax had become an Alpha, and is also entitled to the positon of Wolf King. It would be presumptuous to assume that you have an automatic right for the throne just because you used to be the strongest many years ago.”
Asher’s words hurt Klaus’ pride, enough to make him rise from where he sat in anger.
“Asher, that’s enough about-”
“Sit!” Asher said in a commanding tone.
Instantly, a huge wave of commanding aura emanated from Asher and lunged toward Klaus. Of course, this time Klaus tried resisting by shrouding himself in his protective aura. However… he was easily overpowered. Using [Domination] against Klaus, Asher gave him a threatening glare causing the legs of the former Wolf King to shake. Finally, they gave out and Klaus’ buttocks crashed upon his seat.
“As I said before, you’re only assuming the capacity of your power based on all those years ago. That hardly counts now.” Asher continued.
“There’s… there’s no way an Alpha who is just wet behind the ears could defeat me, in the first place… this is just absurd…” Klaus mumbled, still glaring at Asher, though he was powerless.
Upon hearing this, Asher grinned widely, moving closer to Klaus.
The sudden movement of Asher made Klaus’ body to begin trembling in fear. He tried controlling himself, but the effects of [Domination] had yet to wear off. Plus, it was also muscle memory… from back when Asher flawlessly defeated him.
“It seems your body still remembers, even though your mind has forgotten, Klaus… how a certain wet-eared Alpha utterly crushed you all those years ago.”
Asher was now directly facing Klaus, staring at him condescendingly.
“If it happened in the past… then what’s to stop it from occurring again?”