Endania

Alpha

We got there a little later. All the Commanders were already there. When Commander Alton saw us he said, "Ashero, Your Grace, I'm glad you could make it. Now we can begin."

"What's this about?" Ash asked.

"One of our people has told us Her Grace's mother has returned from her trip," Commander Nature said.

I went still. ~Has she found out I'm not there?~ I asked.

"Not yet. But it's only a matter of time before she does."

~Yes.~ I agreed.

"Alora has also informed us that you know how to use your fire, You Grace," Commander Dominic said.

Ash and I both looked at her. "Sorry," she muttered. "It slipped out."

I sat. Here comes the part where I become Alpha. I had been hoping for more time but I guess that flew out the window. ~Yes. The knowledge I needed came to me when I agreed to be your Duchess.~

"Are you aware of what this means?" Commander Gillian asked.

~I am.~

Dominic stepped forward and rested his hand on my head. "I transfer all leadership of the werewolves to you," he said in a voice filled with power.

I felt the leadership settle around my shoulder. ~I accept.~

"We now name you the Alpha," all the Commanders said at the same time.

I felt power race through my veins. I also felt my wolf form grow bigger. I looked each of them in the eye then tilted my head back and howled. Dominic shifted and howled too. Then more howls joined ours. I stopped howling and listened as the howls died down. Dominic shifted back into his human form. "Alpha, will you allow me to be your second guard?" He asked.

I looked at him for a few minutes. Then came to a decision. ~You may. But I know there is something you need to say to make that final.~

He nodded and knelt. "I, Dominic, pledge to protect the Alpha for as long as I may live."

~I accept your pledge and you may guard me.~ I responded.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

Ash sighed. "Now that that's done, what's next?"

Everyone looked at me. ~I want to see how long it takes for Lord Flame to notice that his killing the Duchess did nothing.~

"That's what Alora told us. So we're going to wait for him to make the first move and train our people in the meantime?" Alton asked.

~Yes.~

"And what do you want us to do about your mother?" Nature asked.

~We'll wait for her to find me. If she does I want you to leave her to me.~ I paused. ~I also want to be the one who kills Lord Flame.~

"That makes sense but are you sure about your mother?" Ash asked. "Will you be able to kill her?"

I looked at him. ~No, I won't be able to kill her. However, I don't want her dead either. If she doesn't leave me alone or attacks me after I've spoken to her, you or Dominic can take care of her.~

"And her husband?" Dominic asked.

~If we end up killing her, I will deliver the news to him.~

"Or we can leave her on his doorstep," Ash suggested.

I growled. ~No! He'll call the police and they'll swarm Endania. I don't want that. I will tell him myself.~

"Fine," Ash grumbled.