Chapter 14 - Grayson

I was back in the overlarge room in Kaiden's lower level, which was apparently not the basement because that was even deeper and held cells to lock up wolves who misbehaved. At least, that's how he phrased it when I'd asked him. It was still odd to consider the man an Alpha, but I could feel that strange magic come off him in waves.

Will I be the same?

As I waited to get this ceremony over with, I sat in a chair that had been placed on a raised platform, one I was pretty sure had been constructed from the remains of the ring from last night. Kenzie sat in a similar chair just a few feet away, the two seats placed in the center of the platform before an audience of every wolf from the Williams and Edwards packs.

The Alphas from the council were all in attendance as well, and I noticed Brooks sitting next to Kit and Kaiden. I could see that he was working my sister's last nerve, and I would have laughed if I could find anything funny right now.

As it was, I felt…nothing.

I hadn't gone back to the room last night to sleep, choosing to shift and run through the wood surrounding the compound. I'd slept just outside the estate and only entered when I had a feeling that the room would be unoccupied.

For whatever reason, I didn't want to face Kenzie. This was the end of our arrangement, and…and I didn't want that. Gods damn me to hell and back, but I didn't think I could keep up my end of the bargain.

I don't want to never see her again.

When I'd been brought in here, it was the first time I'd seen Kenzie since I left her in bed the other day. We hadn't talked at all about what had happened or what we were going to do, and just how exactly was I supposed to have that conversation?

I would rather go toe-to-toe with Choal again than have to endure the look on Kenzie's face when I told her I was having second thoughts.

"Thank you all for coming once more!" Aspen called out, and I did my best to refocus, turning toward where he stood just ahead of me at the front of the platform. "We are here to name a new Alpha!"

The entire room erupted into cheers, even the Williams wolves who'd backed Choal. It appeared that by not killing him last night, I'd put myself in their good graces, and several had come up to me and said how impressed they were by my unique transformation.

Alder, Cade, and Rowan sat just behind Brooks and Kaiden. There they were—the misfit group of Alpha wolves who'd broken tradition and befriended each other—and I was about to join their ranks.

"Welcome to the club, asshole!" Brooks called out, the others, even Cade, laughing and pumping their fists into the air.

I should really be a lot happier.

"All right, settle down." Aspen's tone was clearly annoyed with Brooks' constant antics, but there wasn't much he was going to do about that. "Would the Blooded Wolf of the Williams Pack please step forward to present your new Alpha with the pack bond?"

Choal stepped forward, bowing low as he approached the platform. Just this morning before the ceremony, I'd learned that he was a descendant of the Williams' old Alpha line and a cousin to Eli.

With that being the case, I'd expected him to be a lot more resistant to me taking over. However, not gutting the man on the floor with my claws had apparently endeared me to him some. Still, there was respect behind the fear Choal had of what I might do to him. And respect was more valuable.

"I am here to offer our new Alpha the Blooded Gift."

Aspen turned back toward me. I stood up, walked to the front of the platform, and reached out a hand to pull Choal up.

"I accept your Blood Gift, Choal Williams."

The room was quiet, and as Choal took his place next to me, I looked over toward Kaiden and the others. Kaiden smiled, and I cocked my head at him. Even though we couldn't hear each other, I silently communicated with him like we always had, pumping my brows in a clear, "Bet you're glad you didn't have to do this, huh?"

He smirked back at me, his expression saying, "You fucking bet."

"Choal Williams present unto the new Alpha the Blooded Gift of the Williams Pack!" Aspen shouted, and the room began to surge with an invisible energy.

Getting down on his knee, Choal lifted his arm and held it out to me. Shifting enough to extend a claw, Choal slashed through his wrist. Blood welled to the surface, and I stepped in front of him, gripping his arm.

"Grayson," Aspen said, standing just behind where Choal and I were centered on the stage; the image a bit like how Kit's wedding appeared, "do you accept this chance to be the Alpha of the Williams Pack, and do you understand that by joining the Williams today, you bond to the Edwards will be severed?"

Nodding, I looked just past Aspen toward Kenzie before quickly blinking myself back to the ceremony.

"I do. I accept the status as Alpha of the Williams Pack earned through the traditional trials of their pack. I hereby leave Edwards behind and become Grayson Williams."

Aspen smiled and nodded. "Begin."

The room went quiet enough to hear a pin drop. I leaned over Choal's arm, lifting it as high as I could from his kneeling position in front of me. I nodded at him, holding eye contact as a means of respect for his "gift." When he nodded back, I let my fangs descend into my mouth and struck down just around the slice in his skin.

Choal's blood poured into my mouth—coppery and bitter—and I felt the rush of pack magic filling my body. The Williams bond pulsed with each of Choal's heartbeats, and I saw behind my closed eyelids a rapid summary of his time with the Williams Pack. Connection to the wolves below the platform swelled, and I could suddenly feel a wash of their emotions crest over me.

The sensation was odd and intense and nearly all-consuming. In fact, the only other beat of awareness that thrummed behind the newly formed connection was the awareness of my pack bond with the Edwards slipping away.

A part of me grieved that loss. I was giving up that family to lead another one, and it was…well, it was fucking weird.

I could sense the retreating connection from Kenzie strongest since she was the closest Edwards to me physically. But the bond to her wasn't entirely gone because she wasn't just once a pack member.

She was my mate.

That connection was still there, which was a shock, considering I'd rejected her already. But I wondered if her going into heat and what we'd done at the mate reveal ceremony had done something to ignite it. I'd been thinking that since it happened, and I just felt more and more right as the days went on.

The rejection wasn't as strong as it once was, and I was going to have to admit that I was perfectly happy about that.

Not now, Grayson. Focus.

It was what hit me next that nearly knocked me on my ass, and I was grateful to have my fangs locked into Choal that kept me upright.

I remembered Kaiden's shorter, less intense Alpha ceremony, and the way he looked physically changed once the gifts of an Alpha had been bestowed on him. Now, it was my turn to experience that shift, and it was nearly too much to stomach, nausea threatening.

An innate understanding of that enhanced connection appeared immediately. I knew that I was Alpha of the Williams. I was now bound to them as a member of their pack, and with Choal's acceptance of me as their Alpha, the magic followed right along with it.

The rush of powerful energy that flooded my veins was like being near that fucking drug of theirs. Thankfully, I'd never been hit too strongly, but all of us had felt the increase in power from just being around the compound when the stuff had been airborne.

That had felt chemical and forced, like being rocked by a punch could make you sleepy. You weren't really tired; your body was being pushed in that direction, and the drugs had been the same.

This was not that.

The Blooded Gift given to me by Choal that cemented my position as Alpha, the act that had worked some kind of ancient magic that I still didn't understand, felt…right.

My body was stronger and more awake, and it was like something had clicked into place that had always been just a little bit off. Like I'm stepping into my destiny .

I had to force myself not to laugh about that one. It was ridiculous to think that fate or destiny were actually real. It was all just luck and chance and chemical reactions. However, I had to be honest with myself. I was feeling exceedingly dejected right now despite becoming Alpha, and that had everything to do with the "fated" situation I found myself in with Kenzie.

And how spectacularly terrible that was working out.

The whirlwind of my thoughts slowed as the memory rundown and flaring magic backed off. I retracted my fangs, letting Choal pull his wrist back so that he could begin to heal. He stood up a bit shakily, and I offered a hand to help. As our skin connected again, I could feel the rush of his appreciation, and I instinctively sent back one of acceptance and gratitude.

The move was so natural, and I realized only after the fact that I'd exerted my first act of Alpha power. It was wonderful and strange, and then Aspen was holding up my arm like he had in the ring.

I could sense his excitement, the way he adored playing this master of ceremonies role, and then the entire room erupted into cheers again.

Waves of joyous energy hit me from the Williams wolves, along with a background of nervous optimism. I knew they'd been through so much with Eli as their Alpha, and I genuinely intended to make their lives better—being the best Alpha for them that I could.

"Williams Pack!" The howls soared in the wolven version of a response call. "Meet your new Alpha! Grayson Williams!"

Again, operating on instinct alone, I threw my head back and howled into the rafters. Everything inside me rushed forward in a surge of recognition and claim. These were my wolves, my pack, and I would do whatever I needed to do to keep them safe and happy.

Dedication and acceptance hit me from all of them, and I held up my arms on my own this time, stepping forward.

"I promise to be an Alpha you can be proud of! Let us leave behind the days of separation and fear. We are all wolves, and we are stronger together."

Jet and Kaiden, the Alphas from the council—especially Brooks—all cheered loudly along with my new pack. I could still sense them, even if distantly. Jet and Kaiden would always be my family, and now that I was one of them, that connection to the other Alphas swelled higher.

Like we really are better when we're together.

"For now," I smiled, looking across the sea of faces with pride swelling in my chest, "let's celebrate! Everyone is to get a drink, enjoy, and then come to me for the pack bite. I want you all to know that you are each valuable."

Confirming the bond with each wolf wasn't necessary with the Blood Gift. I could sense all of them united to Choal in their bond, but I wanted to take the time with each of them. It had been such a powerful moment when I had done the same with Jet, and I wouldn't deny any of my pack that same experience.

The cheers continued, but as the room began to filter into conversations and the preparations for the celebratory dinner, a voice rang out through the commotion.

"Jet! Grayson!"

Everyone halted, each of us turning toward the door at the back of the room. Senna was standing there, looking a bit worse for wear, and she rushed forward toward Jet when they locked eyes.

What the hell? She's supposed to be with the twins.

Kenzie was suddenly behind me as I made my way off the platform and toward Senna. I could smell char clouding her oceany scent, and the nerves radiating off her were nearly as strong to my enhanced perception as the confusion coming from the Williams wolves.

"Senna, honey. What are you doing here? Glade and Skye—"

"They're okay." She smoothed herself against Jet's chest as he held out his arms to her. "We have a situation."

My stomach clenched, and I looked around at the wolves gathered before stepping up alongside Jet. Cade and Alder were right on my heels, and the Alphas surrounded Senna in a protective bubble, all of us sensing her concern.

"Is this the best time to be talking about this?" I eyed Senna, offering a sympathetic expression.

"I know. I know. The ceremony and all the wolves. But it can't wait." Senna grinned at me, her brows still pinched together with worry. "And congrats, Alpha."

My chest pinched. I knew that Senna had mixed feelings about me at best. We'd always gotten along, but after Kenzie and I had distanced, I could tell that Senna was almost as upset as MacKenzie was. It was the best-friend code, after all, to be pissed on your bestie's behalf.

"Senna," Kenna rushed toward her as Jet let his mate step back, "are you okay? Is someone at home hurt?"

The two of them hugged, squeezing each other tightly, and I could hear Senna sigh as Kenzie's arms found her. When she pulled back, Senna shook her head at Kenzie.

"No, no one back home is hurt, and I'm fine. I…I had a vision. It's not good. I suggest we call an immediate council meeting. And I don't think we should keep the packs out of it."

I shook my head. "Senna, I don't—"

"It's Leon and Reginald. I saw them, Grayson. This…this needs to be dealt with—now."

My teeth clicked together as I shut my mouth. Those fuckers? What are they up to now?

It was a bit strange for us to all meet about something so important and not try to keep the packs back for a time. It could easily cause panic if the members were in our meetings and learned about a significant threat.

But I'd come to trust Senna's advice—and what she could see as a V?lva. We all had.

Jet and I looked at each other since we were the Alphas of the two packs currently present. I nodded at him, giving him my support to call the meeting jointly between the packs.

"Looks like your first official address as Alpha is coming on pretty damn fast." Jet nodded back at me before turning outward to address the room. "It looks like we're going to be pausing the celebration for a moment, everyone! And going on a little…field trip!"

***

After calming the chaos after Senna's arrival, Jet and I asked the assembled wolves to end the ceremony at Kaiden's compound and travel back to the Williams territory.

My territory.

Of course, my pack was fine with returning home, but there were a few grumbles from the Edwards wolves as well as a few of the Alphas, namely Brooks and Cade, who both agreed that the situation could be dealt with at Kaiden's.

Except for all of Eli's notes and the information we have about what he was doing with Leon and Reginald are there. And we need those.

Eventually, we'd all agreed to meet at the Williams' territory compound. Now that I was inside the enormous stone manse, my stomach was wound in tight knots that wouldn't relent. The place was cold, still lingering with the psychic imprint of Eli's evil. I had a lot of work ahead of me if I wanted to turn this place around.

Starting with Leon and Reginald.

"Can you get those notes from Eli? They'll probably be useful."

I jumped slightly when MacKenzie spoke.

Kenzie had ridden to the compound with me, and the entire drive had been utterly silent. I didn't know if she was just upset about Senna's news or if it was something else. She seemed particularly on edge, but who could blame her, right? Leon and Reginald had nearly killed Jet and destroyed the Edwards Pack, our family.

Revenge against those assholes had been my entire focus when I was Jet's beta. I'd been searching for them constantly with few leads. Hell, finding them with Eli had been complete luck, and the bastards had slipped through our fingers—again.

"Yeah, I'll have Choal bring them up from that lab."

Kenzie just nodded, and I left her to stand in the entrance hall while I hurried over to catch Choal on the stairs.

"Hey, could you go get those notes from Eli? And where's the best place to host a meeting with this many wolves?"

Choal nodded, pointing down the long hall to my right. I recognized it from the attack we'd launched on the Williams when Eli's drugs had become too much of a problem in Kaiden's territory. I hadn't explored the estate much then, however. I was mostly concerned with making sure the antidote was flowing, and Kit was safe.

"There's a banquet room down that hall. Last door on the left. I'll get Eli's shit. Umm…"

He hesitated, and I could sense the apprehension through our pack bond, his wood and earth scent charring with his nervous energy.

"What is it, Choal?"

"Well, there isn't a good way to ask this, I suppose. So…am I staying here? Or do you want me to move on?"

He had a reason to ask, of course, and I considered how brutal the fight in the ring had been. Choal was one of Eli's as well. He'd been there during the attack that night, and he'd fought against the wolves of Kaiden's pack as intensely as he had me.

"Do you plan on causing trouble?"

Choal sputtered for a moment, looking at me like I'd grown a second head.

"What?" He shook his head. "Like, am I going to fight your ass again? Challenge you for Alpha in six months?"

I nodded. "That, and are you going to play nice? Or are you going to start rebellion among the pack members?"

He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing, and I just continued to eye him, unblinking.

After a moment, though, he shook his head. "No. You won the challenge fair and square. I ain't here to start shit just because I lost. Eli was a piece of shit—for the record—and I'm here with the others because I have family here. I won't leave ‘em unless I'm forced."

Reaching out, I extended my hand for a shake as I held Choal's stare.

"Good. I like loyalty. Don't cause any problems, and you're welcome in the pack. But you won't get another chance. This is it."

Choal nodded back at me, a silent moment passing between us that signaled the agreement. I could feel that acceptance through the bond, and I answered it with a sense of respect for him. I understood what it meant to be devoted to your kin, even if other wolves didn't view them as equals.

"I'll get that stuff," he finally said, and I nodded again, barely moving my head this time.

"If I'm not back, give it to Kenzie."

Choal lowered his head and took off down the other hallway that led to Eli's lab. As I watched him run off, I noted the solid feeling of that connection between us. Though it might be unconventional, to say the least, Choal and I had an understanding, and I knew he'd honor it.

I hurried down the other side of the hall to check out the banquet room. We needed a suitable space for everyone to meet. It was perfect, so when the others began to arrive, I ushered all the wolves inside.

Jet and Senna took their places next to me in the front of the long room, and Kenzie stood just behind me. I'd grabbed the notes from her, and during the few minutes we had before everyone was here, I looked them over.

What I found didn't bode well, and I had a feeling it might have to do with Senna's vision.

"Thank you, everyone." Senna stepped forward, holding her own in the packed chamber. "Most of you know me. I'm Senna, Jet's mate, and Luna to the Edwards Pack. I am also a V?lva. You may not be as familiar with what that means, but long story short, I cannot shift into a wolf. Instead, I have been given…gifts. Gifts that allow me to see glimpses of the future. Among other things."

Senna conveniently left out the fact that she could stop time to a degree, but I had to assume that she didn't want that one circulating just yet. It was a scary concept for most people to consider, and she wasn't here to make enemies.

"I wanted to meet with all of you to tell you what I've seen. I wanted to meet with all of you because this affects every wolf and shifter, and I know that it's our separation that's holding us back."

The room was enraptured by her words, and I could feel waves of fear, awe, and curiosity flowing off the wolves in my pack. I could still sense Jet's Alpha gifts even as I wasn't in his pack anymore, and the calming energy he released was settling his wolves. I tried to do the same.

It took some doing, but as I remember the way it felt to be under that calming energy, my own rippled up from beneath my skin, and I sent it forward.

"I've seen a threat to both the Edward and Williams packs, potentially all of wolf-kind. I've seen rogue wolves and potentially…hunters. Moreover, I've seen Leon and Reginald mingling with them. They've been a thorn in the side of both our packs, and their violence doesn't appear to be slowing down. We need to band together, batten down the hatches, and look for a way to take out Leon and Reginald once and for all."

Gentle murmuring started through the crowd, and I stepped forward, raising my hands.

"All right, all right. Look, this isn't good. Of course. But it's by working together that we'll handle this." I presented the notes from Eli's lab. "I've also found some useful information in Eli's things. It looks like the rogue wolves may be connected to what he was doing with Reginald and Leon regarding the drugs. And…"

I scanned my eyes across the wolves, taking in all the faces. There were wolves of various stages of life, teens and elders. There were wolves across genders and colors. And I couldn't tell where my pack ended, and the Edwards began just by looking at them.

This was the power of us all together, and Senna was right. We all needed to be here for this.

"As one of the Alphas' Council, I want us all to work together to come up with a solution. Alphas," I met eyes with Alder, then Cade, then Brooks, and finally Kaiden and Rowan, "join me."