Longing For My Rejected Luna

Chapter 66

*****Erika's POV*****

"I, Erika Blackwood, swear an oath binding me to the sacred and royal position of Iron Claw, to protect the people. Keep them safe. Guide them. Ensure the prosperity of this great pack. I also solemnly swear to do my duty by the pack and all who reside in it. To never take for granted or frivolously handle the affairs of this might pack."

I swallowed my nerves as I held the short staff given to me by one of the Elders of the pack. They must not notice that their new Alpha was a bag of nerves, it was not a good way to start my reign.

"Go on." The Elder who had given me the staff urged.

"I also promise to continue this great legacy started by my ancestors, and to perform as astoundingly as those before me, and I would do my best to do more. I, Erika Blackwood, make this oath with sincerity, zeal, honesty, determination, dedication, transparency, accountability and good thoughts in my heart. And as I have decided to take on this mantle of leadership, to be devoted and wholly involved in the affairs of this pack, may the powers of the Moon be my strength to venture onto this path of leadership, so help me Moon Goddess."

I concluded my oath swearing.

The Elder collected the short staff from me and gave to the Elder that was assisting him — Elder Crix - and took the emblem of leadership that every Alpha before me had been given on their coronation day to mark the beginning of their Alpha-ship, he pinned the wolf shaped emblem on my gown, it was believed to be made from wolf's skin and gemstone.

Father had one. I never knew how they made them and no one except an Alpha wore it. But when it was pinned on my cloth, I felt responsibility of the pack rest of my shoulders and the zeal to rule also overwhelmed me.

"By the power vested in me on this day, I, an honorable Elder of this great pack alongside my fellow distinguished Elders announce you, Erika Blackwood, as the new Alpha of Iron Claw pack."

"Agreed as it is proclaimed." All of the other Elders chorused, standing to give me a uniform bow of their heads, including Elder Grigshade.

I looked to where my two best friends stood with wide, proud smiles on their faces. They started clapping for me, and before long, the whole room was a drowned in cheerful chaos; claps here, hoots there, some even sang these ancient songs for when a new Alpha ascends the throne.

When the whole praises and ovation was had died down.

at me. "Let our new Alpha address

Kat gave me a thumbs up. I acknowledged them with a grateful smile and nod. Then I looked at the extensive hall with almost all of our members in attendance. I went to stand before the podium and

the blessed werewolves of Iron Claw." I

heads in response.

you all have chosen me. I am most grateful. I do not promise to be my father because we are different, but I promise to be the Alpha you will be proud of. I promise to make sure that your needs are met to the best of my ability. Once again, I am grateful

stepped back from the microphone. Another round of loud ovation and

Alpha Erika." A little voice

crowd until it settled on a little boy who was waving at me, an innocent smile on his lips. My heart filling at the

squealed In more happiness as I returned his wave, he was overjoyed. Not minding that others were in the room, I let out a laugh. He was no more than four or five,

for trusting

nodded then his attention was gone from me to

merriment begin."

array of food prepared by the maids. There was

came to me to congratulate

hugging me and Paula tight. "Iron Claw

and affection for these two people who had proven to be more than

anybody dying, I'm taking a

delicacies with her

Paula linked hands with her. "You coming,

still have some people to greet. I'll join

turned to

went to Elder Grigshade, he was talking to someone. He paused as soon