Vanessa [Vol. 1]

1.

"Vanessa of Skyland Falls" the nobles spoke in unison.

The pack members remained silent, stunned by the decision.

They all turned to look at me. I lowered my head, uncomfortable with the thought of every wolf judging me. My timidity caused an outrage amongst the pack.

"SHE CAN'T LEAD US!" one wolf exclaimed.

"SHE CAN'T EVEN LOOK US IN THE EYE!" shouted another.

The wolves all let out their own howls of detest with the decision. Although phrased differently, they all screamed the same thing.

No one had ever questioned the word of the noble ones before; never in a million years had it happened. The change in tradition was the first of many to come for me. I could tell.

The nobles, Adolpha and Adolphus stood above us all. The current Alpha, Gunnolf, stood to their right and Beowulf, the wise, flanked their left. The four of them looked on as the pack members spoke their mind.

The men were outraged by the thought of a female leading them while the women challenged everything they said. Although the female wolves made very valid arguments of their own, the men refused to listen. They were completely opposed to the decision.

Finally one of them turned their attention to the nobles.

"Nobles, tell us you've made a mistake here" Kurt spoke. A pleading tone in his voice.

Was the thought of me being his alpha so unbearable he had to beg?
The pack became quiet awaiting a response.

The noble ones looked at him; their faces expressionless.

"No mistake has been made. Vanessa is the chosen alpha and alpha she shall remain" they spoke in unison.

A familiar voice rose from the center of the pack. A voice that was always heard during arguments of this sort.

"I refuse to accept a woman as my alpha. I will not kneel to her" Caleb spoke.

"You'd rather get on your knees for a man then?" Accalia teased.

The women of the pack erupted into a fit of laughter. Beowulf and Gunnolf chuckled at the front.

Caleb, was not fond of being ridiculed. He headed towards Accalia with his fists balled up, ready to throw a punch. Her brothers stepped before her. Both huge men, twice the size of Caleb. He scoffed and turned around, his attention to the nobles once again.

"Vanessa is not worthy of leading a pack. She's not capable" he started.

"No one will take her seriously. And when the other packs get word that a girl is now alpha, we'll become a laughing stock. They'll try to challenge us for our land" he continued.

He looked at me with a scornful expression.

"And with, this, leading us," he extended his arm in my direction "they're sure to win it"

Did he really just refer to me as "this".

Kurt seconded Caleb's statement along with other wolves.

Caleb then, with a spontaneous boost in confidence, proceeded to elect himself alpha.

"The wolves need a true leader. One who can take charge of situations and tell them what is to be done. Someone to lead by example" Caleb dragged on.

"With your blessing, nobles, I would gladly accept the role of alpha" he finished.

The noble ones spoke.

"Caleb of the Clearwater Clan, you dare challenge the decision of the nobles" they bellowed stepping in unison closer to the pack. Closer to Caleb.

"Vanessa of Skyland Falls will be your alpha. She will lead you and you will follow. You will adhere to every order she gives without hesitation, and no decision is up for negotiation. And when her blood is spilled and merged with that of alphas passed, you will kneel" the noble ones concluded. They were now an arms length away from Caleb.

They were not known to shout, to get loud in any way. They were peaceful. Obviously that all changes when their authority is challenged.

The pack was silenced by their words. They both stood before Caleb, towering over him. Their eyes, narrow and grey, gleaming down on him. Even I felt intimidated, and they were fighting for me.

Caleb lowered his head and stepped back. The nobles both put their arms out and signalled that I come forward.

I'd never seen anyone go from frighteningly intimidating to calm and graceful that quickly.

Not eager to find out what they would have done if I refused, I walked toward them.

With all eyes on me, anger and envy brewing in the hearts of most of the wolves, I felt unsafe. As though one would pounce on me and end me there, letting the position roll onto someone more "worthy". However I didn't show fear. I couldn't.

Making eye contact with no one, I strode to the front. Standing between the the wise one and the soon to be ex alpha, I turned around and put my arm out.

My swearing in as alpha was about to commence. There was no turning back now.