CHAPTER 88

Chapter 88

Darius‘ POV

The Vow Ceremony would be taking place tonight. I would be addressing the people and new members would also take a vow to belong to only this pack for as long as they lived.

It was probably the second–best thing I found enthralling about packs as a child. The first best thing was when the beautiful mate of mine got my attention and became the center of my world.

When she said she didn’t see herself spending the rest of her life with me, a part of me broke. For the next two days, I tried avoiding her as much as possible. Even though it was hard, it was for the best. I’d thought so much as to why she wouldn’t want us together forever and I came up with nothing.

“Everybody’s ready on the field, Alpha,” Stanley announced. The announcement was made days ago and the pack members all came out, no one was left behind at home. The turn–up was surprising for people who never wanted him as their Alpha.

“Thank you,”

I gave him a nod.

As we walked towards the field, everyone turned around, their eyes on me and a majority of them had a smile on their faces. Ever since the news broke out of what my father did to the pack, I’m guessing their opinions of me changed.

The elders, who had previously refused to meet with me due to the death of one of their sons–a young man who was allegedly mentally ill but claimed to be a member of the Resistance group–suddenly wanted a meeting. I declined their request, and Stanley ensured that the message was delivered firmly.

“They see you differently now, Alpha,” Stanley announced proudly from behind me.

“I’m still Darius Darkwood. Nothing’s changed,”

Just because I didn’t allow Ryker to take over the pack doesn’t make me a savior all of a sudden. My reputation still precedes me. I was still the bastard son of their Alpha, a monster and a wolf without a heart.

“And it’s an honor standing next to you to serve you, Darius Darkwood. I’ll be sure to add that to my resume,”

I found myself smirking at Stanley’s joke. He was a good guy and I appreciated his commitment.

TE

My eyes went to Angela and Reina. They were sitting together with her mom. Angela had a frown on her face while reprimanding Reina. Instead of my little princess listening, she kissed Angela and gave her a naughty smile. I couldn’t help the smile on my lips. When Angela lifted her head and our eyes met, I frowned and quickly looked away.

Reina ran up to me and held my hand. I wanted her to stay with me as well but she would be better looked after with Angela. It was a loud crowd tonight, and taking her to the podium with me could be dangerous.

“Why don’t you stay with Mama for a few minutes, I’ll come get you as soon as possible,”

She nodded. “Okay, Daddy. Can you buy me strawberry ice cream tonight?”

20:15 Thu, 20 Jun

Chapter 88

“Of course,”

“Yes, thank you,”

She kissed my cheeks and walked back to Angela.

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Angela smiled at me and I couldn’t bring myself to smile back at her. Because my heart began to dance at the sight of her beautiful smile and I forgot how to breathe.

With Stanley still behind me, I walked up to the podium. I still see the new members standing close to the stage. They were about fifteen in number.

“Don’t turn yourself into a human shield. If anyone wants to attack me, let them come at me. Understood?”

Stanley was shocked at the instruction but he still answered, “Yes, Alpha,”

I wouldn’t want to waste the life of a warrior as reliable as Stanley to save my own life.

The new members were called to the podium and they all took their oath of allegiance one after the other without compromising

Soon, it was time for me to address them.

“Members of our beloved Pack, it’s a beautiful night, don’t you think?”

—

It would’ve been a good night to call out the members of the Resistance group and strip them of their rights as members of this pack. Either kill them, ban them from this pack, or throw them into the dungeons and let them rotten to their bones but I wouldn’t be doing that. I was taking Angela’s advice, doing it differently this one time, and curious to see how it goes. If it worked out, good for them. If it doesn’t and they still try to act like a bunch of bastards, I’ll be setting a pyre for them, all twenty of them.

As I became silent, their eyes became more intrigued as to what I had to say.

“I’m sure so many of you heard about what happened. I should’ve spared you the details but I’ll only shorten it. Your former alpha who unfortunately for me and for him, was my father sold this pack to Ryker, the vulture Rogue King. Ryker doesn’t want you people, truth be told, he wants the land and the name of the pack and probably a few of you as slaves,”

Sex slaves.

“If Ryker marches into this land tomorrow or in a few days, months, lots of lives would be lost. Children would lose their parents and be forced to live a difficult life forever,”

Lallowed that to sink into their heads for a few seconds.

should “Trust me, not even the stupid Resistance group of yours can stop Ryker. Which is why the members of the Resistance group stop every godforsaken activity of yours. Not for my sake, but for the sake of the same pack you’re trying so hard to protect. If you don’t want me, you’ll have to wank Ryker. It’s either one of the two,”

Ryker hadn’t attacked the pack yet because he knew I was the Alpha. If it was Charles or anybody else, there wouldn’t be a single member alive anymore,

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“Believe me when I say that I know each and every one of you that belongs to the Resistance group,” I went ahead to lock eyes with each member of the Resistance that I could find among the large crowd.

“I should give out the necessary punishment but I’ll take the advice of someone and believe you have the brain capacity to stop acting recklessly and focus on the same goal as every member of the pack; saving this pack. We’ll need every help, and every resource we can find. If you know you’re fit enough to be a warrior, take it up as a part–time job. This one just doesn’t come with a pay,”

They laughed.

“Dr Zack will no longer be allowed into this pack. The reason for this announcement is relevant to members of the Resistance group and those who take up therapy sessions with him. The rest shouldn’t bother,”

A murmuring ensured.

“Also when the entire problem with Ryker is resolved…” I paused, making sure I’d gotten everyone’s attention. “I’ll be stepping down as the Alpha of this pack,”

The murmuring became loud and I could see the question on everyone’s faces. There was no need to stay where I wasn’t wanted. I didn’t even plan on staying in the pack for so long. It wasn’t worth it anymore. I’d taken over the pack by inheritance and that forfeited me from taking the oath of allegiance. It would be easier for me to leave.

“Lastly, I don’t fancy you members of this pack as much as you all hated me as the bastard son of your former alpha but please, for goodness sake, SURVIVE. That’s all I’ll ever want from you,”