Lucifer

15

"Would you trust this man with your life? With your family's life?"

"Yes," the crowd responds whole-heartedly.

"Would you trust him to make alliances and lead if my mate and I were ever killed?" The same response echoes with no sign of hesitation. While happiness flows through the room, Gabriel doesn't share the same emotion or submit a response. The day old bruise casts a greenish yellow tint on his swollen cheekbone, and Gabriel's hands rest tightly in his blue jeans, hiding his scabs. He lost.

Sheldon stands on the stage, his chin high while pride engulfs him. His eyes wander over his people, not even noticing the empty soda and beer bottles scattered on the floor. His heart clenches as his eyes grab hold of his sister and he smiles widely. Sheldon's sister gives a thumbs up but her giggle is drowned by the cheers ringing through the room. He quickly straightens his back as his palms start to sweat. The end is near.

"Then he shall be the beta!" Micky can't help but laugh at the excitement filling the room, but her laugh turns to a smile as she watches Lucifer. His eyes are no longer a dark blue, but the color of an ocean before it's been polluted. They shine with happiness and Micky can't help but walk over to Lucifer and wrap her arms around him. His eyes meet with hers and for a second they both stand still, their hearts making a decision without attempting to ask their brains.

"Elliot," Micky calls to break their moment. "You have been chosen as third-in-command. Do you accept the offer?" Elliot's eyes widen and his mouth opens, and he can barely find the willpower to nod. "Then rise and join us up here." Micky rests her hand on Lucifer's shoulder while standing beside him. She can finally make her own decisions; no more killing by her hands.

"Would you trust this man with your life? With your family's life?" No objections are made, and this time Gabriel turns his head in disgust at such a low ranking. He forgets he is no higher than anyone else in this room. "Would you trust him to travel to other packs for business purposes and become beta if my mate and I were ever killed?" And with the last response, the pack is filled; members and ranks, but no fighters yet. Lucifer quickly addresses that issue.

"Everyone 10 and older will start training. You will learn battle strategies, and how to be as good of a fighter as I have become. No excuses for missing training will be tolerated besides health-related conditions. Tomorrow at 7:30 am will be the first session. Do not be late."

"Yes Alpha," everyone choruses. With the nod of his head, Lucifer walks off the stage. Micky stays to congratulate Sheldon and Elliot before meeting up with Lucifer.

"It's complete," Micky whispers as she buries her face in Lucifer's chest. He lowers his chin to rest it on his mate's head and cracks a grin.

"Our pack," Lucifer whispers. "Our pack is finally complete." And once again he's filled an important role and chose for the greater good; only this time, he's doing it willingly.

"We will start with two miles," Lucifer announces. Micky snorts and crosses her arms across her chest.

"I could run that by the time I was 6 months." A few chuckles escape the crowd and Lucifer raises his eyebrows as he turns to face his mate.

"Then be my guest to join."

"Will do, Lucy." Lucifer growls but a light sparkles in his eyes. He's messing around.

"Add an extra lap."

"That's not fair! You've kept me trapped in a house for such a long time! I'm not as fit anymore." She crosses her arms. Though Lucifer knows she's joking, a wall builds up inside of him to stop his heart from clenching.

"Then run two and a half miles and stop complaining." With his cold response, Lucifer walks away, his back tensing. He sits down in the kitchen and peers out the window, watching Micky gaze longingly at the house. Her eyes meet his and she mouths an apology, then turns and starts running. The pack follows.

Micky's hair smacks her in the eye and her pants are as loud as when she steps on brittle branches. Everyone has worked up a sweat though they have just hit two miles; only special wolves got to train in their packs. Isaiah, however, runs fast and proud with his ears detecting every last bit of noise-so it's not surprising when he stops after hearing a noise outside of the group. Isaiah's whole body stiffens and soon everyone stops to look back confusedly.

"Alpha," a wind seems to whisper through the hollow trees. The moon stands above and watches like it's holding a secret, half of it turning to face away like it's ashamed. The leaves rustle and orange and red leaves fall with a sound so quiet even the werewolves have to listen closely. "Alpha Rogue." The hushed voice comes again but no owner accompanies it.

Micky's hands clench onto the hem of her shirt and no one dares to move. A small swoosh sounds behind the group and all the werewolves show their beasts. A couple minutes go by and it's silent; the leaves no longer fall and the stars have sprinkled in the sky as if to watch over the pack. But no one saw the silver eyes; no one except for Micky. And no one else saw the note, so Micky keeps it clenched in her hand. And not once does she dream of letting it go, not even as she fakes a smile at her mate.

Sorry that this is a little bit shorter than normal! I just felt like this was the right place to stop. Please vote and give some feedback! Stay beautiful! -Sierra