HOLDEN: Book Two of The Dark Moon Series

Chapter 2

LUKA'S POV

"I've gathered you all here today because I have decided who I want to be leading the enforcers, the trackers and the warriors." The crowd in my office huddles closer to hear what I am about to say. Naal and I took much longer to choose these leaders than we expected to but I am confident in our choices.

"The head of the enforcers will be Artemis Hawn." Naal says firmly. Whispers are heard amongst the room most in shock while others are secretly pleased. There's never been a female head enforcer before until now.

"That's ridiculous! The only reason you've chosen that girl is because she is your friend! She is not qualified for the position!" My eyes find the voice of the outraged pack member and they land on a man that looks vaguely familiar. I believe his name is Peter.

"How nice of you to voice your opinion Peter. Is there anything else you deem necessary to rant and rave about while you're at it?" His mouth shuts at my question and his face begins to burn red.

"Make no mistake, and this goes to everyone here, I am not my father. I am my own man making me my own Alpha. When I choose or designate someone to a role it isn't out of the kindness of my heart. It is because I know that whomever I have chosen is more than qualified for that position. I do not choose people on a whim or a hunch that they are good. I choose them because I know they are great and they will do this pack proud. Have I made myself clear Peter?" I watch him gulp and slowly nod his head. The looks on everyone's faces are shining in awe of my speech, even Naal and Yulia's.

"The head of the trackers will be Keegan and Kyle Lowell. Do I need to explain why we've chosen them or can we move on?" Yulia asks strictly. No one comments so we take that as a means to continue.

"Finally the head of the Warriors will Peter Hamish." I watch his face as he steps up to my desk and kneels down.

"Alpha I am not worthy of this title. Please forgive me." It's amazing how a man of so many words only a few minutes ago has very little to say now. Standing up I look at the faces around me before I look down to Peter.

"No you do not deserve this title Peter but you are worthy of it. I will not take back what I had just said not five minutes ago so get up and show me that I am not making a mistake in choosing you." He rises to his feet and gives me a curt nod.

"Yes Alpha."

"As for everyone else training will begin next week for all who are interested. Just because we aren't at war anymore doesn't mean there isn't a threat. I thank you all for coming and suggest you start rubbing shoulders with your new leaders because they will need subordinates. That is all."

Everyone files out of the room leaving Naal, Yulia and I. Once the door is closed I slump back into my chair and sigh in exhaustion.

"Are you ok Luka?" Yulia asks coming to my side. She hands me a glass of water and I drink it gratefully.

"I never thought I was going to have to prove myself so quickly. I mean seriously I don't even remember what came out of my mouth a few minutes ago." I slump further into my chair and Naal chuckles.

"I thought you did a great job. You definitely shook them up but what matters most is that you made it clear who you are and that you are to be respected no matter how long you've been the Alpha. So kudos to you."

"Naal is right. The look on Peter's face when you made him the lead of the warriors was priceless. I've never seen so many emotions run across someone's face before. Actually it was pretty funny!"