Wolves Without Hearts

☙ Chapter 17 ❧

☙ T Y T O ❧

Once I called the meeting to order everyone quieted down immediately and I gave a curt nod, pleased that they recognized my authority.

"Now there are several things we should discuss. The first being our Beta." I began, watching their reactions carefully.

I heard a murmur of approval flicker though the pack before it died down, "As you all know, I defeated Orion and took back my title but to my knowledge, many of you wish for him to step down as Beta. I will not force him to resign from his position seeing as he only did what was right for his mate but if any of you wishes to challenge him then come forward."

No one stood for a moment and I felt Calixa's irritation as she stood next to me. I knew she disliked Orion but I didn't think she'd want him to step down.

Then a male and female rose from the back of the crowd and the male announced, "I, Kairo Steele, challenge Beta Orion Axenon for the position of Beta. If I shall pin him down for 10 seconds, then my mate and I will become Beta and Beta Female of Silver Blood Pack."

"I acknowledge your challenge Kairo. Beta Orion, do you accept? Will you be willing to fight for what you believe is yours or will you step down?" I replied, slowly analyzing Kairo's and Orion's faces. They both seemed to be uneasily staring each other down so I knew they had some history together. I only hoped after this fight they would put it behind them.

Orion hesitantly nodded his head, "Yes Alpha, I accept Kairo Steele's challenge for Beta and will meet his challenge in the training area directly after the meeting."

"I approve this challenge as it stands and will witness the fight after the meeting. Now onto the next issue. As it stands the pack is technically without an Alpha although you all recognize me as such. In order for it all to be set in stone, we will have a ceremony tomorrow evening to inaugurate myself and your new Luna as leaders of the pack." I announced.

As soon as I spoke, my pack began murmuring excitedly to each other and I chuckled, "I hope this gives you all due time to prepare for the celebration. Also, we will hold a separate ceremony for your new Luna, Calixa Dunamis, at the next full moon which is a week from now."

"Yes Alpha," they chorused.

"Great, now I would like to officially call the pack meeting to a close. All members are welcome to witness the challenge for Beta." I dismissed them and immediately headed towards the training hollow, Orion, Kairo, and most of the pack following close behind.

Calixa was right beside me, making sure to stand tall and proud like a true Luna. I couldn't help but let my lips curl into a small smile at that and I slyly took her hand in mine. She didn't object but I felt her tense slightly at my actions. I knew she couldn't pull away because she didn't want the pack to think she didn't want me and I certainly wasn't against that.

We arrived at the training area within a minute or two after the meeting and everyone gathering in a circle around the clearing where the challenge would take place.

"Kairo, Orion, take your places and the challenge will commence as soon as you're ready."

They quickly complied and were soon in their fighting stance, waiting for me to give them the signal to begin. I waited a moment and gave a curt nod, "You may begin the challenge. It will be a one on one without interference and whoever is pinned down for 10 seconds will lose the challenge and the winner will acquire the title of Beta. There will be no use of wolves, do you understand?"

Both males nodded in understanding before circling each other like prey on a hunt. Kairo was analyzing Orion who was doing the same, neither moving to go first. After a few moments passed, Kairo made his move and charged at Orion, who was expecting it and stepped out of the way, only to be intercepted when Kairo changed his course. Orion was knocked off his feet as Kairo landed a punch to his jaw and Orion fell to the ground with a thud. Kairo was on him in seconds, his hands wrapped around the current Beta's neck in a choke hold.

I counted down ten seconds and saw Orion still struggling in Kairo's hold. The warrior must not have realized the ten seconds was over so I ordered him to release the former Beta's neck, "Kairo, let go of Orion, the ten seconds are up and you have won the title of Beta and your mate will be Beta Female."

He immediately complied with my order and allowed Orion to stand. Kairo's chest puffed with pride and his mate ran to his arms, exclaiming, "I knew you could do it!"

Orion, however, hung his head in shame and defeat without anyone to console him after his loss. Although he was my friend, I felt no sympathy. This is a world where survival of the fittest comes into play and in Silver Blood, we abide by that rule.

"Orion, you are hereby stripped of your title and will take your place as a warrior of this pack. Kairo will now fulfill your previous duties as the new Beta of Silver Blood." I announced.

Everyone took that as the end and dispersed, leaving me to train a new Beta and meet the new Beta Female.

Kairo released his mate, who I still had yet to meet, and turned to me, "Alpha, would you like me to organize the patrols now that I am Beta? I can assure you that I can handle it without training. I've prepared for this since Visenic infiltrated our pack."

I nodded in understanding, "Of course, but not before you introduce me to your mate. I'm sorry I'm not well acquainted with the pack since the incident  happened."

"Yes Alpha," he agreed, as his mate drew her attention to me and stood by Kairo's side, "This is Xenia Steele, your new Beta Female."

"Pleasure to finally meet you Alpha Aitan," she greeted, dipping her head in respect.

I felt my wolf's approval and smiled slightly, "As it is nice to meet you. If you need anything related to your new position as Beta Female, I'm sure Calixa can be of service."

"Of course Alpha," she nodded, turning her head towards my mate and giving her a warm smile.

Calixa remained emotionless so I turned my attention back to my Beta, "Kairo, if you'd like, you can move into the Beta's house immediately. Orion's things will be moved to the pack house by morning so this will be your last night in your current home."

Kairo grinned, "That sounds great Alpha, thank you. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to spend the rest of the evening with my mate, I promised her I'd make dinner and that's a chore all in it's own."

I chuckled,"Good luck with that and have a wonderful evening you two."

"We will Alpha."

Then it was just Calixa and myself. I turned to look at her but her attention was on Kairo and Xenia, who were holding hands as they walked back to spend their last night in their home. I didn't know if she was jealous of their affection so I approached her slowly, attempting now to startle her out of her thoughts until I could hold her.

She didn't seem to notice me until my arms were securely wrapped around her and I felt her tense up before relaxing into my embrace, "See, my little mate, this is how it should be."

I didn't get a reply and at least she didn't fight me but I intended on getting a reaction out of her so I leaned down and put my face into the crook of her neck, gently breathing on the spot my mark would go.

"This is where my mark will go, Calixa."

My whisper sent shivers down her spine and she finally decided she had enough and struggled to escape my grasp. Soon she was away from me and straightened her shirt with a huff, "It might be there in the future but definitely not any time soon Alpha."

I let out a growl at her mocking tone but let it go, seeing as she is my mate but soon I would put her in her place. I just needed to right moment to execute my plan.

"I'm going to our home," she snapped, her voice betraying her by wavering.

I smirked and watched her walk away. It might not be so difficult to get her to want me after all.

☙❦❧☙❦❧☙❦❧ 

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter! But it doesn't stop here! This is a double update so go ahead and keep reading! (Also do you like my new accents? I decided to spruce up the book with the little symbols :3) Enjoy!