Page 50 of Rogue Wolf

Kodiak recited his pledge.

“I give my blood to the pack

As they give theirs

Blood, ancestry, past, present, and future

Bind us together as one

To fight the evil around us

To protect the weak

With courage, strength, and fairness.

I will bring this pack into a new era of growth, abundance, and peace.

This is my pledge.”

“We accept and hold your promise,” the pack responded in unison.

“With the pack’s blood, the pledges are sealed.”

One by one, the pack stepped forward to slice their palm add their blood to Ash and Kodiak’s.

“We accept your role as alpha.”

“We accept,” responded the crowd.

“We support you for the sake of the pack. The pack protects us and preserves the knowledge of our ancestors for future generations. For Shadow Pack!”

“For Shadow Pack!”

Kodiak squared his shoulders and lifted his chin, power rumbling through him. It was done.

Now he looked at her and she struck him hard with her beauty, her soul. It shone so bright right then he could barely breathe.

Tamaska stood just outside the edge of the semi-circle. Tears slid down her cheeks, but her face shone with respect and awe.

Kodiak wanted to include her in the ceremony, but with Moki snapping at his heels, Kodiak couldn’t invite her to become a pack member without risking a challenge. And she couldn’t participate in the last of the evening’s proceedings, either.

She’d still have to wait a bit longer. While that would hurt her in the moment, she’d hopefully understand his actions in time.

“Who will be beta of the Shadow Pack?” asked Ash.

“Onai will be beta,” Kodiak answered. The decision was an easy one. Onai was loyal to Kodiak and to the pack. If anything happened to Kodiak, Onai would see the pack into the future and continue looking after Tamaska.

Ash bowed her head in acknowledgement. She lifted the mallet, then beat the drum.

“Come forward, Onai,” said Ash.

Onai moved to stand in front of Kodiak and Ash.

“Will you swear to support me as alpha of Shadow Pack?” asked Kodiak.

“I will.”

“Do you agree to become the beta of Shadow Pack?”

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