Choosing A Second Mate

A few hours after Hale was buried and the unrest had settled down, the Elders had returned from a meeting with Kael. As Reana's older stepbrother, his words held a bit more weight than anyone else's.

Although what he suggested didn't sound quite right, Kael's explanation was plausible.

Elder Collins, the spokesperson, stood in the middle of the stage, his eyes taking in the crowd as he addressed everyone. As he gave the long speech, beating around the bush, his gaze moved to the quiet and absent-minded Reana.

Elder Collins sighed heavily, feeling sorry for her as his mind drifted to the conversation they had in the meeting just moments ago.

"It is disheartening that my little sister had to go through such a devastating loss again. Having lost so many people in less than six months, I can't say I know how much she's hurting, but one thing I'm sure of is that the moon goddess knows best." Kael paused to take in everyone's expression before he continued. "While it is not ideal to encourage her to take a second chance mate right now, unfortunately, we have no other choice."

"But Kael, she just lost her mate and isn't in the right frame of mind for that right now," Elder Collins protested with a frown.

"It's sad, really. But what other choice do we have? All the Alphas from the region suspended their important matters for days to come down to our pack for this coronation. Even Alpha Snow from the southern islands sent a representative. If they left now, what hope do you have that you'd be able to call them back before the next mating ceremony? Not to forget, we can't crown an Alpha without the other Alphas present, nor can the pack remain without a leader for another year. This rare opportunity cannot be wasted."

The Elders had a thoughtful look on their faces. Kael was right. This opportunity cannot be wasted. Their Black Moon Pack had been without an official leader for six months now, and they could no longer afford that vacancy.

"What should we do after this? Are we picking out eligible men for her to choose from?" Elder Jaxson inquired. He didn't like the sound of that, but they truly had no choice here.

Kael shook his head, "My sister is grieving and absent-minded as it is. Even if you put three men in front of her, she might not be able to pick out any. So, I suggest Hale's friend, who is also the pack's beta. With him taking Hale's place, Reana will be in good hands."

Everyone nodded. Beta Ryan was Hale's childhood friend and also the beta Alpha Hale chose. So far, Ryan had no scandal or known history of misusing his power as a warrior. If anything, he had good character and would definitely treat Reana fairly...except that he already found his mate.

But Kael sneered at that, what mate? One that he'd ordered Ryan to reject?

After Elder Collins had relived the conversation, he finally hit the nail on the head.

"...so, for that reason, we have decided that Luna Reana will choose another man to become her mate. She will be safer in Beta Ryan's–"

A soft chuckle suddenly erupted from the silent Reana. She had not said a word since her mate died. Even when he was taken away to be buried, she didn't flinch, and her reaction got the people worried. But suddenly hearing her give an unamused chuckle startled them.

"Aren't you all being a little too heartless?" she suddenly asked, her cold exterior growing even colder now. She wasn't the daughter of an Alpha for the grandeur and perks that came with that title. She was raised to be a leader, so when she rose from her seat, striding towards Elder Collins in long, purposeful strides, she looked domineering, fierce, and fearsome, sending shivers crawling through their skin.

Even the Alphas couldn't help taking a sharp breath. Reana looked like she could kill someone with just a glare.

As for Reana, her numb mind was reeling with every negative emotion. Her mate just died without a known cause and they wanted her to take another mate? And Ryan of all people? What was she, a pushover?

Moreover, what was the point of an Alpha? Wasn't he just a figurehead?

She stood tall before Elder Collins, her sharp and clear eyes holding him in place as she spat. "My father, Alpha Roughman, entrusted me with this pack's leadership, and I honored our traditions and gave you an Alpha. But he was murdered before your very eyes..." Reana's piercing gaze swept through the crowd. "Do you expect me to forget my grief, ignore my desire for justice, and accept another mate? Do you think I'm easy to bully?"

As Reana spoke, the warriors poured out, standing gallantly behind her. She was their comrade, their beloved Alpha's only surviving child, the one who had been blessed by her father and grandfather from birth to rule this pack!

The warriors watched her go through hellish training day and night in the hands of her father and six brothers just to become the perfect leader for this pack, so any form of disrespect to her would not be tolerated! They had already failed her twice - when they couldn't protect her family, and her mate, and they weren't going to fail her for the third time.

Elder Collins quickly shook his head, that wasn't their intention. They wouldn't dare to bully her. But before he could explain, Reana continued;

"Am I not allowed to mourn him?"

Reana wasn't yelling. She was calm and collected but her aura, her strength, the death glare didn't let anyone, not even the Alphas from the other packs take her lightly. After all, she had a Luna wolf, one they'd not seen for many years.

The Elders lowered their heads in shame. Perhaps they were too forward and should truly give her time to heal.

Seeing how remorseful they looked, Reana finally stopped chastising them. Squaring her shoulders, she proclaimed; "I, Reana Roughman, hereby declare with unwavering resolve and unshakeable authority: I shall not be swayed by circumstances and misfortunes…

"...I am the rightful heir to the leadership of the Black Moon Pack, and I claim it now. I will lead this pack, and I will do it alone. I shall become the Alpha and Luna Reana of the Black Moon Pack! Let all members, from the lowest to the highest, know that I, Reana, have spoken. I will protect, I will defend, and I will guide this pack to greatness, just like my father expected."

Everyone present exchanged weird glances, seemingly taken aback by her bold declaration. It was not their custom and tradition for a woman to become the Alpha.

They could turn a blind eye to her ruling alone for a while, as the Luna with a Luna wolf, but being the Alpha and Luna forever, that was preposterous. She would need heirs to take over after her!

As if she read their thoughts, Reana added, "...for now."

Meanwhile, a certain someone had a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched from the crowd.