HOLDEN: Book Two of The Dark Moon Series

Chapter 16

LUKA'S POV

Looking around the recreation centre causes a sense of unease to settle in the pit of my stomach. The idea of the gathering seemed effortless and clever at first but now that everyone is here the power surging around me is phenomenal. It was one thing with Andrei, Irina and Alexei here because they're power was enough to make even the humans steer clear, though I think their huge hulking figures and menacing scars and tattoos also attributed to that but now it's so much more.

"I'm glad to see that everyone has arrived here safely. It will be quite the blending of cultures that's for sure. Let alone their sheer power that's electrifying the atmosphere. It's quite the sensation." My grandmother says coming up beside me. I love how she's able to read people's thoughts without actually prying into their minds. I think it may have been a gift the Moon Goddess blessed her with.

"I completely agree." I say scanning each and every face in here making sure there is no one added or left out from the photo list I was sent from customs.

"And if my wolf's sudden submission is anything to go by I can tell this is causing you a little distress." She tells me in a joking manner. Frowning I turn her way feeling the submission her wolf is actually giving me.

"Why are you doing that? I don't want you to submit." I enquire warily.

"You may not want to but your wolf is beginning to make his presence dominant. It's something all Alphas do when in the presence of other Alphas. Many try to fight for authority but only one is truly the head. They need to show their strength and power and from what I'm feeling somehow your wolf is only getting stronger the more you're in here."

If the harsh lines that are beginning to grace her face are anything to go by then she's telling the truth. By surveying the room around me it seems like everyone is beginning to sense the burst of dominance my wolf is demanding. I can feel him reaching out to every person in here almost like invisible hands are stretching forward and imprinting on everyone here. I can see the resistance and confusion but each and every person here including Andrei submits. It's an invigorating feeling... this feeling of absolute power.

Using this moment to finally address them I move to the stairway and step up high enough that everyone will be able to see me. I signal to Naal and Yulia to make their way to me and they both stand one step beneath me. I watch with silent amusement as Alexei makes his way through the crowd to stand near the bottom of the stairs.

"Welcome one and all to Dark Moon pack. I am Alpha Luka Garretson." I say to them feeling the authority in my voice.

"I am Beta Naal Ryon and I am glad to see all have arrived safely." Naal says his voice matching mine.

"And I am Gamma Yulia Remer. May the Goddess bless you all while you are here and grant you the mate you so choose."

The crowd erupts in applause and I smile in response. Lifting my hands to calm them they stop and I begin to speak again.

"All of you here have been selected to join us in this gathering. The purpose of this event is to begin new alliances and broaden the respective choice of mates. The rules are simple; our human town is open for you to observe. As you know mating isn't subjected to merely lycans anymore. If you are to find you are going to bond with a human you are to let any enforcer, warrior or tracker of my pack know, from there we will go through the appropriate protocols. There are many shops and entertainment sites within the town that will keep you occupied and interested. The recreation centre will be open to you twenty-four hours. Your rooms are on the second floor and you will be directed there after this speech is over. If there is anything you will need there will be a subordinate to help accommodate you." I pause to see their reactions and then continue.