Alpha Eric's Promise, Protecting those he loves
Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Chapter 59

The Elders’ Proposal

The morning after Richard’s funeral, the atmosphere in the Crescent Moon Pack was heavy with expectation. The events of the past weeks—the betrayal, the battle, and the loss—had shaken the pack to its core. The pyre’s ashes were still warm, but the pack elders wasted no time. They summoned Alex to the Great Hall, a place reserved for decisions that shaped the pack’s future.

Alex stood in the center of the room, his arms crossed and his expression neutral. The elders sat before him in a semicircle, their faces lined with age and wisdom. They were the keepers of tradition, the guardians of the pack’s laws, and their judgment carried immense weight.

The silence stretched, broken only by the crackle of the fire in the hearth. Finally, Elder Mathias, the eldest and most respected among them, spoke.

"Alex," he began, his deep voice echoing through the hall, "you have proven yourself in ways few young wolves ever do. You faced Richard, a beast consumed by darkness, and emerged victorious. You led the pack through chaos and loss, showing strength and honor. For that, we owe you our gratitude."

Alex inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Mathias. But I didn’t do it alone. The pack stood with me."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the elders. Elder Lila, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, leaned forward. "Humility is a valuable trait in a leader, Alex. But make no mistake—what you did required courage and conviction. You have shown us that you are not just a warrior; you are a leader."

Alex frowned slightly, unsure of where this was heading. "I only did what needed to be done for the pack."

Elder Jorin, a younger member of the council but no less influential, nodded. "And that is precisely why we are here. The Crescent Moon Pack is in need of an Alpha. Richard’s death left us without a leader, and while the pack remains united for now, we cannot endure long without someone to guide us."

The room fell silent again as the weight of Jorin’s words settled over everyone. Alex felt his heart skip a beat. He had suspected this might be coming, but hearing it spoken aloud made it real.

"Are you asking me to become the Alpha?" Alex asked, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

Mathias leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "We are not asking. We are offering. You have shown the qualities of an Alpha in every way that matters. The pack respects you, and they trust you. If you accept, the elders will back you, and you will have our full support."

Alex’s chest tightened. He had always known that leadership came with responsibility, but the weight of being Alpha was more than he had imagined. It wasn’t just about leading battles or making decisions—it was about being the heart of the pack, the one everyone turned to in times of need.

He took a deep breath. "This isn’t a decision I can take lightly. Becoming Alpha isn’t just a title—it’s a lifelong commitment. The pack deserves someone who can dedicate themselves fully, who can put the needs of others above their own."

"Exactly," Lila said sharply. "And you have already proven that you can. Look at what you’ve done for the pack in these past weeks. You put yourself on the line to protect them, to bring stability back after Richard’s chaos. If that isn’t the mark of a true Alpha, I don’t know what is."

Alex glanced at the other elders, searching their faces for dissent. But all he saw was agreement. Even the usually reserved Elder Harlan was nodding, his expression thoughtful.

Still, doubt lingered in Alex’s mind. He turned to Mathias. "What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?"

Mathias’ expression softened, and for a moment, he looked more like a grandfather than an elder. "Every Alpha has doubts, Alex. It is not the absence of fear that makes a great leader, but the courage to face it. You will not be alone in this. The pack will stand with you, as will we."

The other elders murmured their assent, their voices a quiet chorus of support.

Alex’s thoughts churned. He thought of his father, Eric, and the sacrifices he had made as Alpha. He thought of Richard and the path that ambition and pride had led him down. And he thought of the pack—their faces, their trust, their hope. They needed someone to lead them, to guide them into a future free from the shadows of the past.

Finally, Alex straightened his shoulders, meeting Mathias’ gaze with determination. "If the pack truly believes in me, then I will not turn away from this responsibility. I will accept the role of Alpha."

A ripple of approval swept through the elders, their expressions lightening as though a great weight had been lifted. Mathias rose to his feet, his movements slow but purposeful. He extended a hand to Alex.

"Then it is decided," Mathias said. "Tomorrow, at the break of dawn, we will hold the Alpha Ceremony. You will take the oath and claim your rightful place as leader of the Crescent Moon Pack."

Alex clasped Mathias’ hand, a surge of both pride and apprehension washing over him. This was it—the moment that would change everything. There was no turning back now.

---

The news of Alex’s impending ascension spread through the pack like wildfire. By the time evening fell, the atmosphere in the village was electric with anticipation. Wolves gathered in small groups, discussing the decision with a mixture of excitement and relief. For the first time in weeks, there was a sense of hope—a belief that the pack could move forward under Alex’s leadership.

In his cabin, Alex sat by the fire, his thoughts racing. Aria was there with him, her presence a steadying force as always. She had been the first to hear the news, and her reaction had been one of quiet pride.

"You’re ready for this," she said, breaking the silence. "I’ve seen it in you from the start."

Alex looked at her, his expression uncertain. "What if I’m not? What if I make the wrong choices? Richard did, and look where it led him."

"You’re not Richard," Aria said firmly. "You’ve already proven that you put the pack first. That’s what makes you a true Alpha."

Her words were comforting, but Alex couldn’t shake the weight of the responsibility that loomed ahead. "What if I fail them, Aria? What if I can’t live up to their expectations?"

"You won’t fail," she said, her voice unwavering. "Because you won’t be doing this alone. The pack is with you, Alex. And so am I."

Her confidence in him was a lifeline, pulling him out of the sea of doubt that threatened to consume him. He reached for her hand, finding solace in her touch.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "For everything."

Aria smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "Always."

---

The next morning, the entire pack gathered in the sacred clearing where generations of Alphas had taken their oaths. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine and earth. A large stone altar stood at the center, draped in ceremonial cloth and flanked by torches.

Alex stood before the altar, dressed in traditional Alpha garb—a deep crimson cloak edged with silver, symbolizing strength and unity. The elders formed a semicircle around him, their expressions solemn and expectant.

Mathias stepped forward, holding a ceremonial blade. "Alex Lycroft, son of Eric, do you swear to lead this pack with honor, to protect its members with your life, and to uphold the laws and traditions of the Crescent Moon Pack?"

"I swear," Alex said, his voice steady.

"Do you swear to put the needs of the pack above your own, to guide them through times of peace and war, and to ensure their survival for generations to come?"

"I swear."

Mathias nodded, his eyes shining with approval. "Then kneel, and accept your place as Alpha."

Alex knelt before the altar, bowing his head. Mathias placed the blade against his shoulder, the cold metal a reminder of the weight he was taking on.

"With the power vested in me as Elder of the Crescent Moon Pack, I name you Alex Lycroft, Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack. Rise, and claim your place."

Alex rose to his feet, the cloak billowing behind him. The pack erupted into cheers, their howls echoing through the forest. For the first time in weeks, Alex felt a sense of peace. He was ready to lead them into a new era.

And he would not let them down.