Chapter 5

Blake's POV

Everyone was gathered on the field for the succession ceremony. The mood was vibrant and everyone was happy. The moon was nearing its peak. I turned to look at Rea who was standing by my side with her gorgeous appearance. She smiled at me, making my heart flutter. People were whispering to each other about how good we looked together.

Mia and Kyle were behind us. Kyle has been acting strangely, as I said. Earlier, when I asked about the girl persistently, he snapped at me. That was a bummer. As a friend, I didn't take it personally, but my wolf did. Kyle realized his mistake and bared his neck in submission. I barely managed to keep Ryker at bay when he almost attacked him. I decide to leave his room before I lose control over Ryker.

Ryker was also awfully edgy. It was like he was ready to kill. I don't understand what's wrong with him. I tried to talk to him, but he just shut me off. I was confused, but I decided to let it slide because it was a big night and I didn't want to ruin it. Nothing was going to get in my way.

My parents were standing in front of the whole pack along with the elders who were going to perform the succession ceremony. My father, Sean Grayson, and my mother, Miranda Grayson, have been the Alpha and Luna of the Blue Moon pack for over 25 years. They decided that they would step down once I turned 18 years old, and that is today.

Both of them did well as the leaders of the pack. There had been times of difficulty when rogues threatened to destroy the pack, but they held on and continuously led the pack to victory in each fight. I admire them, but I find myself questioning whether I am fit to fill in their shoes. There's more to being a leader than just being born an Alpha. That is what my father always told me.

" When my father stepped down as Alpha, I thought I was ready to take over from him. I realized that I was wrong when I had a mountain of problems to solve. I didn't know what to do or where to even begin. That's when I turned to my father and asked him for help. He then told me the words that I then passed on to my son. There's more to being a leader than just being born an Alpha. You don't automatically become a leader of a pack because you have Alpha blood," my father says, with emphasis on ' Alpha blood, while looking in my direction.

His words resonated within me.

" Blake, my son," he continued. " This is your turn to find out what it is to be It Alpha of the pack. All those people around you will depend on you to lead them forward, keep them safe and give them the strength to fight beside you when the need arises. It's your duty as well as your future Luna to love and protect the pack."

I smile and nudge Rhea, who is blushing profusely.

" I don't want to take up a lot of time. With what I have said, I hope that my son has heard my words. It's time for the blood oath," he announced.

It was time. In a few minutes, I will be the Alpha. The elders who were seated rose. My father beckoned me to come over, and I walked away from Rea.

My father gave me a big hug, and then he pulled away to inspect me. We were almost the same height, but I was an inch or two taller than him. He had a proud look on his face that made all my worries melt away. It was a appearance I earned all these years of hard work.

" You have all grown up son. It feels like yesterday when I read you and your sister in my arms. It will only be a matter of time before this moment is for you and your son." He was emotional with tears glistening in his eyes. He is a soft big bear, but when he gets angry, he becomes hella scary. I smiled at him.

" Thank you, father, for believing in me. I wouldn't be here without you."

" Hey, you jerk!" A tiny fist lands on my shoulder. I turned to see my scowling mother. I pretended that she hurt me just to tease her.

" Aah, that hurts," I cry out, hoping her anger melts her anger.

" You deserve that. Why are you thanking your father for he did it on his own? You traitor," she said at me accordingly, making all of us laugh. I quickly embraced her lovingly and took in her scent. The most calming and heavenly scent.

" I would never forget to thank or give love to my lovely mother. I was saving the best for you. You know that, right?" I whispered to her while still hugging her. " You naughty boy," she said, giggling. We pull apart and begin the ceremony.

My father and I stood in front of each other. And the elder hands over the knife and sacred chalice to my father.

My father looks at me seriously. " Are you ready?" he asks, and I nod my head.

" Words."

" Yes, I am ready," I said firmly.

" Bring your hand forward," he commands, and I extend my right hand to him. He takes it and makes a swift cut on my palm. He quickly hands the knife back to someone else and grabs the chalice so that my blood drips into it. I didn't feel any pain at all. The cut had started to heal. My father repeated the same process with himself, combining our blood in the chalice.

The elder took the chalice and started chanting something in Latin. I felt a surge of power through my veins and a bond with every pack member was formed. I was now connected with everyone as their Alpha. The intensity made me feel overwhelmed and disoriented but, I managed to get ahold of myself.

" Now you are the Alpha of the Blue Moon pack. These are your people and you, their leader. "

Howls of approval were heard from the crowd and I felt a sense of pride. They accepted me as their alpha. My eyes met with Rea. She was the person I wanted to share this happiness with right now.

Once the cheers toned down, it was time to make the final oath.

I placed my right hand on my left breast and recited the oath.

" I, Blake Grayson, accept to be the Alpha of the Blue Moon pack. I swear to protect my pack. I swear to lead them to greatness without showing any fear. I swear to never back down from any challenge and I swear to always put the pack first."

They howled again in cheers.

So now that was over, I went back to Rea, ran up to me. " You did it, babe. I am so happy for you!" I should be able to feel it now, right? I pulled her into my arms and stayed like that for a little while sniffing her scent, but nothing changed. I pulled back and looked at her.

" Do you feel anything different, Rea?" She looked confused for a second, but she shook her head no. I kissed her, pulling her body impossibly closer to mine. No, nothing. There were no sparks or tingles. Everything that would tell me that she is my mate is not there.

I pulled back in shock. This could only mean one thing. She is not...my mate?

" Mate," someone said. I looked behind Rea to see my sister, Mia, standing there looking at me like she wanted to kill me. Her wolf has surfaced and is it says Mate? Who is her mate? She marched over to us and pulled Rea away from me.

Both Rea and I were still confused, but it was clear that Mia grabbed Rea aggressively and kissed her. Right in front of me. Surprisingly, I didn't feel hurt or angry. Everything made sense. She was not my mate but my sister's mate. The only thing surprising is that I didn't know that my sister liked girls, or maybe I just never cared for them.

Rea broke off the kiss looking shocked, disgusted and embarrassed. I looked between her and my sister without knowing what to say or how to react to that. Rea ran away and Mia was about to run after her, but I grabbed her arm to stop her.

" Don't go after her. Give her space to digest this," I said calmly. She sighs disappointed and walks away.

I was left alone like an idiot. Moments ago, I was so sure that things would go my way. I just lost the person I considered the love of my life, to my sister. Was I heartbroken? Yes, I was, but there was not even a fighting chance.

The rest of the night was just a blur. I drowned myself in alcohol trying to wash away my sorrow. My emotions were all mixed up, and I wasn't so rude about what I was feeling anymore. And everyone was right. I got ahead of myself. This was something beyond me and I couldn't have foretold. It was foolish of us to make an assumption so confidently. I wonder how Rea is feeling. What about Mia? I've been with her mate for such a long time, unknowingly. She must be upset with me. Oh man. This is such a royal mess. It wasn't a great night after all.