XV

After having dinner together, Maximus took Selene on a tour of the pack grounds. She really liked the homey feeling it gave her. „Someone called me Luna Queen today."

„Well, you are one. I'm sorry I haven't told you before. I wasn't sure if you would accept me and putting this responsibility on your shoulders seemed it would drive you away rather then make you stay."

„Maximus... All my life I have been alone, except for father. When he left too, I focused on the forest and my duty. Seeing you...I don't know, I haven't felt this way before. It may seem strange since I am no wolf and can't feel the pull as you do, but I do feel something. And it's not just that. It is like...like my soul is tied to yours, I can feel it calling to me. All you did was show me your love. I trust you."

„Oh, moon, you don't know how much that means to me. I don't want to loose you, you are my everything." He brought her closer to him. „Can I kiss you moon?"

„Yes". He leaned slowly, looking into her eyes. She stood still, waiting. this would be her first kiss and she was glad she will share it with him. he finally touched her lips, only grazing them with his own. When he saw she didn't back away, he deepened the kiss. Another feeling all together. Selene enjoyed their moment, embedding it in her mind. Parting, they both smiled. „Now, tell me what Luna Queen means."

„Our pack is called Ironblood and is at the north of Kingdom Erebus. All together, there are 8 other packs and the High Order. Ironblood is the royal pack, in charge of keeping Erebus safe and making sure alphas don't overstep their status. Some see themselves with the highest rank and think they have all this power over their pack members. These were stupid traditions long ago. The Alpha should have the position of a leader and rule together with their chosen beta and gamma. This way, different ideas and perspectives can be heard."

„But, in the end, the alpha makes the decisions, no?"

„Well, yes, but a good alpha knows what should be done. That is why we also have the High Order. They make sure when the bloodlines are corrupt or weak, to open the position. Other male werewolves, usually of higher status, like beta, gamma, even some strong warriors sometimes, fight until submission for the title. If the Alpha wins, he keeps his title, but if he loses, he either becomes a pack member, like any other, or can be given a closer position to the alpha. But this becomes the new alpha's choice. Sometimes keeping a former leader close to you can be an advantage."

„And the Luna?"

„The Luna is the Alpha's soulmate. If the Luna falls, the alpha falls and vice-versa. There has never been an alpha to rule for long with no Luna. They bring balance to both the pack and the man. The Luna Queen however...that is another story." Selene looked at him intrigued, curious to know more.

„The royal pack is different. Being Alpha King, it comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially the Nighshades. They belong to the royal pack and are seen as a very important asset. Falling into the wrong hands... only a male of Alpha status can challenge the King."

„Challenge you? At any time?" He melted at her concern for him.

„Moon, you don't have to worry. With my...reputation let's say, no one really has the courage to challenge my position."

„What do you mean? What reputation?" he contemplated for a minute if he should tell her.

„My father...he wasn't a good man. When my mother died, giving birth to me, he became cold, cruel. He didn't care about anything but finding the rogues that killed her."

„Rogues killed your mother?"

„Yeah..she was poisoned"

„I'm so sorry Maximus." He showed her a little smile.

„Since then, the pack members became afraid of him. He was very hard with my training too, said there was no room for mistakes from the future king."

„What happened?" Maximus stopped walking.

„I killed him. At 17, I challenged for his position and won."

„Oh, Maximus. I wish I could've done something."

„Don't worry moon, it's better this way. I wouldn't have wanted you to meet him anyway. He was too...dark."

„I understand."

„Now, people outside our pack think I killed my father in cold blood. They say I am heartless and cruel."

„ You should not mind them. They don't know what happened."

„In a way, it's better. Alphas feel they don't have a choice but to listen to me. We intervene when wrong is inflicted upon a pack and the alpha turns a blind eye or even worse, takes part in it."

„How could an alpha do that? Aren't they supposed to protect them?" Her innocence was spectacular to him.

„Moon, not all werewolves are good. Some lead through fear, like my father. Some inflict harsh punishments, like the banishment."

„The Banishment?" Maximus realized what he said. For sure she wouldn't like it.

„It's the highest form of punishment that can be given to a pack wolf. The Alpha rips all the ties of the wolf to the pack, making them a rogue. Then, they banish them to the...Bloodwoods."

„You mean to my forest? That's why all those wolves showed up in my home? How could you do this to them?"

„Moon, it is not something I can control. The High Order placed this rule over Erebus. The Banishment can not be brought down upon anyone, there are some boundaries to it. I don't like it either. When a wolf is made rogue, the ties to the pack are severed. It's like taking away a part of them. They are vulnerable. Pushing them in the Bloodwoods only makes them more conflicted, turning them ferocious. Not all rogues are bloodthirsty as the ones I'm sure you encountered. Some chose the life of solitude or did not feel like belonging to a pack. But adding the magic of the forest to it, it changes them completely." Selene thought about it for a second.

„Ok, I believe you. But I still think this banishment is not right."

„I know moon...but I don't have that power over the rules of the High Order. They were made decades ago. I can only interfere so much in their decisions. Usually they don't bother themselves with anything. But this is their way of making sure Erebus is not controlled by only one person, which would be the king. Like I said, the King can be challenged. My father is the best example. Due to the High Order, he knew he couldn't just do what he wanted. They keep everyone in check."

„If one evil man had the power over all, it would be chaos." Selene said. She understood their stance. But she couldn't help but think, why did the High Order install this banishment in the first place? Why not lock away the criminals? Maybe some would have the chance to redeem themselves, if alive. She found it strange.

„There is one more thing."

„What is it?"

„Like the King can be challenged, the Queen can be too."

„I'll have to fight for the position?"

„Yes... I'm sorry moon. I wish I could do something about it, but my position doesn't allow me too. It would be hypocrititical of me to ban the challenge."

„I understand. I don't mind it. The people have to make sure their leaders are worth their positions." Maximus was proud she was so fearless and had so much courage. She will be a queen loved by all. In an instant, she turned to him. He saw the flicker of worry in her eyes.

„What happens if I loose? Will you loose your Alpha King position too?"

„No... it is considered that the Alpha King and Luna Queen positions are different from a normal pack's ones. Because the risk of loosing a strong King is too high, he keeps his position."

„But, what about the winner?"

„She becomes Queen....and the King's chosen mate."

Selene was struck by the news. The taught of loosing him to another woman didn't sit well with her at all. She decided there will be no mistakes. She will fight to the death for him, if needed.