Page 49 of Rogue Wolf

Five…four…three…

Kodiak tensed, readying his muscles for a fight. This was his position, and he would keep it no matter what.

Two…one.

The last beat resonated through the space.

Moki didn’t move into the semi-circle where Kodiak and Ash stood.

Kodiak growled softly, but Moki didn’t lower his eyes. He knew, right there, he’d always have to watch his back around that one, but at least he didn’t need to fight again. The pack had agreed to take him as their leader.

“The Pack has spoken,” announced Ash.

Ash turned to Kodiak.

“By the power of the ancestors,

shared with me,

you are given the position of alpha.

This comes with the responsibility

to lead with strength and fairness,

to ensure the pack continues to grow,

to protect humans, to slay vampires.

In the way of the alphas who have walked before you

And the ones who are yet to emerge,

you continue our line.

Give this power only to those

Excelling in control over their forms,

Both human and wolf.

“Kodiak, do you swear to lead the Shadow Pack?” asked Ash.

“I do,” he said.

“Will you continue until you are no longer able, whether due to injury, poor health, old age, or death?”

“I will.” His skin prickled at the mention of death. It wasn’t his he feared for, but Tamaska’s, his pack’s.

“Your hand.” Ash unclipped a small ceremonial knife from the back of the drum.

Kodiak held out his left hand.

Ash drew the knife over his palm, and blood spurted from the cut. Then, she did the same to her own palm.

“With your blood.” Ash turned his palm so his blood dripped onto the dirt beside their feet.

“With my blood.” Her blood splattered onto the dirt to mingle with his.

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