The Unmarked Mate

Chapter 66

Elestren

Two days after the conversation with Dae, I had gathered the pack at the end of the day to announce the decisions on the postings. I had already named new warriors, because without the rogues, the packs had a low number of them. Some of the packs were freed again to conduct more business outside, with the humans, many young omegas went back to school and some decided to attend online universities. The council of elders was reformed with representative for everyone, Frederick and Alisha Williams were back on it, alongside Mrs. Lloyd, Liam and Nora. But the positions everyone was waiting for was the ones of Delta and chief warrior. The choice was obvious for me by now.

The packhouse was crammed up, too many people and not enough seats. But everyone seemed to be cheery and happy about their position. I still had work to do but for now the basis were fair for everyone, no more discrimination, no more biases, no more forced labour. I had done much in ten days. As I stood there, I should have been happy but I was just exhausted. I cleared my throat to speak and in seconds everyone stopped chatting and turned their eyes to me.

"Good evening! I hope everyone is well settled into their new position!" a loud cheering broke. It seemed I did it right.

"I won't keep you waiting for much longer, the only seats on the council remaining are the ones dedicated to the Delta and the chief warrior. It won't come as a surprise to most of you. I would like to propose for Delta Pablo and Teresa Mendez, they're a powerful pair, and they'll share the title." Everybody cheered, little Luis louder than anyone else. He kept jumping all over. He ran to me and hugged my waist, so I picked him up and took him in my arms, for the rest of the speech after he gave me a thank you kiss on the cheek, his little face turning red from his own audacity.

"For chief warrior, many candidates came to mind, and with the new additions I don't doubt you'll all protect this pack fiercely. I have every faith in you. But I would like to give this position to someone who has proved himself a mighty warrior and a wise advisor: Dae!" There were a few gasps of surprise but that quickly changed into another round of cheers. Dae looked shocked to everyone and came to join me as Teresa and Pablo had.

"Furthermore, if you so desire, you can choose a family name and write your own history, you can choose any name that would represent who you are and who you want to be." I added. His eyes sparkled.

"Then I know what name I want, the name of the family I chose: Crimson!" I gave him a broad smile and raised my glass.

"A round of applause for Chief Warrior Dae Crimson!" Everyone cheered, and applauded, and laughed, and drank. It was a true celebration indeed. Jack and Serena who had stayed all this time went to congratulate me and told me how impressed they were by the changes I had been able to accomplish in such a short time. Then the Mendez came, and the Williams, and Fredericks, and a lot of people. This was too much, there was too much noise, too many people wanting to talk to me, too many compliments, too many... everything and not enough of one thing.

I quietly left the packhouse to smoke a cigarette. It was snowing again and the air froze me up to the bone but inside, this warmth was not the one I craved. I took out my phone to call James, I needed to hear his voice. I clicked on his contact and called him, it didn't even ring and went straight to voicemail. No! Not now! Bloody phone! I needed to hear his voice, I needed his comfort, I needed him. I tried again and again. That fucking thing! I started crying, I was exhausted, I hadn't slept more than five hours a night since he had gone, I had worked all day every day, the only thing keeping me going was that I had a work to do and I could speak to James at night. But now the main work was done and James wasn't answering. I needed to see him, fuck it, people could spare me for a day. I turned my heels and started walking back, my eyes still glued on my phone, on his picture.