Simply Mates

FIFTIEEN

"Andromeda! I swear if you don't open this door this second, I will-"

I swing the door open, revealing my red-faced father whose chest and shoulders are raising and falling rapidly as he pants heavily in anger. 

Shit.

"I'm sorry, I slept in. I'm ready now." I say apologetically. 

"We were supposed to meet last night and this morning." He spits.

"I know. I...I went for a run. I didn't get back here until late." I say, stumbling to remember the lie Skylar shared with him. 

He shakes his head and steps back a little, letting me leave my room. "What was yesterday about?" He asks lowly, his eyes narrowed down at me as we begin our walk to the hall.

"I didn't like how disrespectful he was being." I reply, not entirely lying. "It won't happen again."

"It better not. Today is important." My father says, running his hand through his thinning hair. "Today we talk about the Alphas who will be stepping down in the new year."

"Okay. I will definitely take note of them-" He stops walking and I, too, stop to look at him. He looks at me with an emotion that I cannot pinpoint and I find myself furrowing my brows in confusion. "What is it?"

He clears his throat, a sad smile gracing his lips. "It is time." He says, before coughing again. "It is your time, Andy. I am stepping down on the first full moon of the new year. You will become the Alpha Female of Moon Fire. The announcement will be made today."

I stagger backwards a little bit in shock, my eyes never leaving him as I stare at him in disbelief. I can feel my wolf howling in pride at the news and my own pride begins to fill me.

"Dad?" I whisper. "Really?"

I can feel tears welling up in my eyes when he nods his head - his eyes showing love, pride and sadness all at once. 

I cough, shaking my head as I force myself not to cry. "I don't know what to say." I croak, my voice hoarse. "Thank you."

He smiles at me. "There is nothing to say." He states, firmly. "Andy, you are everything that I have hoped for and more. I am more than proud to pass my position on to you. I am...I am proud of you, Andromeda Stidolph."

Without thinking, I fly towards him. I wrap him tightly in a hug and he quickly returns it. This is the moment I have been waiting for and I couldn't be more happier. It's everything I have been waiting for and more and words cannot express the feeling within me at hearing the simple words 'I am proud of you'. Nothing. 

Too soon, father pulls away. He quickly wipes his eyes and his face turns stern again. "Let's get this meeting done so we can get home." He states and I nod my head in reply, following him to the hall that holds the meeting - one last time.

The Alpha King sighs. "Now that we are finally in agreement, let's move onto our final item." He says, pinching his nose with his fingers. The Queen removes his hand and he gives her a small smile, his face warming at her simple touch. 

"It's time to announce the Alphas who will be passing the torch, so to speak." The Queen says, relieving her mate for a moment. "I know of a few myself, but let's just go around the table, eh? Starting with you Alpha Edgar."

Alpha Edgar - the Alpha of the Èrable Pack - stands from his seat. "As you all know, my son was murdered in a rogue attack several months ago." He begins, his eyes sad and his posture weak. "As suggested, our pack held The Trials and a...replacement was found. I would like you to meet my successor, Kane Williams." He gestures to the large, wolf beside him. 

Kane Williams stands and says, "I accept the position of Alpha of the Èrable Pack with honour, your Grace."

The King nods and moves onto the next Alpha.

"I will be retaining my position as Alpha of the Pacific." Says Alpha Garrison.

"I will be retaining my position as Alpha of the Night Wolves." Alpha Erik states with a smirk. I don't like that man. 

"My position will be passed down to my son, Ned Carver." Alpha Samuel says, slapping his son on the back. 

"I accept the position of Alpha of the Wild Oak." Ned states with a smile. 

"I will remain Alpha of the Egeria." Alpha Manuel states. "Considering I just started the position two months ago." 

The room chuckles. 

"My son will be relieving me as Alpha of Redwood." Alpha Jonathon says, his voice booming around us. 

My eyes find Callum's and I have to hold back my smile that threatens to form on my lips. 

Callum stands - his back straight and his head held high. "I, Callum Denvers of Redwood, accept the position of Alpha come the first full moon of January." He says formally, a smirk dancing on his lips. 

"Hopefully his son has some common sense." My father mumbles under his breath as Alpha Frederick announces his son.

"Father..." I warn, shooting him a glare. He huffs and turns his attention back to the other Alpha's. 

My heart races with anticipation as each Alpha stands, our turn coming closer and closer. I'm sure my father can hear its frantic beat and Callum can feel my nerves as I wait - impatiently. I watch and note each Alpha, silently counting down the seconds until my father can take his turn. 

And when it's time, I can barely hold back the urge to scream 'I accept' at the top of my lungs. 

My father stands slowly, looking around the room at the other Alpha's. "As you all know, my firstborn is a female." He says, glaring at each Alpha that scoffs at the news. "She has been trained for years to relieve me when the time comes - and now she's ready. I will be relinquishing my role as Alpha of Moon Fire on the night of the first full moon in January. My daughter, Andromeda Stidolph will take my place."

I watch as he returns to his seat, nodding at me to stand. I take in a deep breath and do so, desperately holding the excitement within me that threatens to burst. 

"I, Andromeda Stidolph, accept the position of Alpha Female of the Moon Fire pack." I say loudly, my voice echoing off of the walls of the silent room. Each Alpha stares at me for a moment, my eyes finding Skylar - who wears a large grin - and then finding Callum. 

The look within Callum's eyes is indescribable, but it fills me with so much joy - so much satisfaction - that I can't help the smile that graces my lips before I sit down. David placing his arm around my shoulder as he gives me a side-hug and whispers, 'About time' in my ear.