Chapter 219
Skye’s POV
The morning sun glinted off the rows of black SUVs lining the roads as Adrian drove us toward the ceremonial grounds. Today marked the official Alpha King transition ceremony, an event that only happened once every four years.
But this one was special–it wasn’t just a transition; it was the beginning of a new era.
“Looks like Xavier has quite the fan club,” Adrian remarked, nodding toward a group of enthusiastic supporters waving homemade signs.
THE
I leaned forward, taking in the crowds gathering along the streets. Many wore shirts printed with Xavier’s face and campaign slogans. Some held banners proclaiming “A New Dawn for Werewolves.”
“They really believe in him,” I said softly.
As we turned onto the main boulevard, I noticed a different gathering across the street. These people weren’t celebrating. Their faces were grim, their signs painted with slogans like “Entertainment Stars Go Home!” and “We Need Leaders, Not
Actors!”
“Not everyone’s happy about the change,” I observed.
Adrian’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Total bias. Some of them are probably just hired protesters from his political rivals.”
Warriors stood at regular intervals along the route, their alert gazes scanning the crowds. Despite their presence, the tension between the celebrating and protesting groups was palpable. Occasional shouts erupted when opposing sides came
too close.
“I don’t like this,” I muttered. “It feels like a powder keg.”
Adrian reached over and squeezed my hand. “The security team has everything under control. Nothing will happen to Xavier today.”
We finally arrived at the ceremonial grounds, a vast outdoor amphitheater nestled in a natural valley. The Council had transformed it into an impressive venue with a grand stage draped in the traditional colors of the Alpha King–red and gold. Rows of seating surrounded the stage in concentric semicircles, filled with representatives from every major pack
across the country.
Adrian parked in the VIP section, and we joined the stream of well dressed werewolves heading toward the entrance. I smoothed down my red dress, feeling the reassuring presence of my father’s knife strapped to my thigh.
“You look stunning,” Adrian whispered as we took our seats in the front section reserved for allied pack leaders.
The ceremony began with a procession of Council members in their formal robes, followed by a series of traditional rituals. Elder Selene stepped forward to lead the blessing, her voice carrying across the hushed crowd as she invoked the guidance
of the Moon Goddess.
Finally, the moment arrived. Thomas walked onto the stage, wearing the ceremonial cloak of the Alpha King. Despite everything I knew about him, he, looked every inch the powerful leader, his posture commanding respect.
1/3
Chapter 219
Xavier entered from the opposite side, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. The contrast between them was striking Thomas representing the old guard, Xavier embodying a new vision.
The formal exchange of power proceeded according to ancient protocol. Thomas removed the heavy medallion that symbolized his authority and placed it in Elder Selene’s hands. She turned and presented it to Xavier, who bowed his head
to receive it.
As Xavier straightened, the medallion gleaming against his chest, the crowd erupted in applause. Many rose to their feet, cheering for their new leader.
Thomas stepped forward to shake Xavier’s hand, offering a perfectly measured smile. The microphones picked up their
exchange.
“Congratulations, Alpha King Xavier,” Thomas said smoothly. “I hear you still haven’t found your mate. As it happens, my youngest daughter came of age this year. You should know how much she admires you.”
A ripple of murmurs passed through the audience. This was classic pack politics–attempting to maintain influence through family connections.
Xavier smiled politely. “Thank you for the kind offer, but I consider myself traditional in this regard. I prefer to wait for the Moon Goddess to reveal her plans for me.”
Xavier’s diplomatic refusal earned cheers from many young females in the audience.
According to tradition, the new Alpha King would now deliver his inaugural address. Xavier moved to the podium, adjusting the microphone as the crowd settled into expectant silence.
He surveyed the gathered werewolves, his expression solemn. When he spoke, his voice rang clear and strong.
“I want to bring charges against former Alpha King Thomas.”
The words hung in the air for a split second before chaos erupted. Gasps and shouts filled the amphitheater as everyone tried to process what they’d just heard.
Then everything happened at once.
A glint of metal from the tree line caught my eye. Adrian must have seen it too, because he was already moving, launching himself toward the stage with supernatural speed.
The crack of a gunshot split the air. Adrian slammed into Xavier, knocking him down just as the bullet whizzed past. But not fast enough–Xavier grimaced in pain as the bullet grazed his shoulder, tearing through his suit jacket.
The crowd exploded into panic. Screams filled the air as people ducked for cover or rushed toward the exits. Warrio sprang into action, some racing toward the source of the shot while others formed a protective circle around the stage.
“Get him to safety,” Morgan shouted, appearing at Adrian’s side. Together with several other Alphas, they created a human
shield around Xavier.
Blood stained Xavier’s white shirt, but he waved off their concerns. Instead of seeking cover, he grabbed the microphone that had fallen to the floor and raised it to his lips.
“Listen to me,” he called out, his voice cutting through the chaos. “This is exactly why I must speak today.
2/3
Chapter 219
The determination in his voice gradually quieted the crowd. Warriors signaled they had secured the perimeter, though tension remained high.
Xavier stood tall despite his injury, the blood on his shoulder a vivid contrast to his pale shirt. “I am bringing formal charges against Thomas for kidnapping, child abuse, and illegal organ trafficking.”
I watched the color drain from Thomas’s face as he stood frozen at the side of the stage.
“We have evidence,” Xavier continued, his voice steady and resolute. “Concrete evidence of children taken from their packs, subjected to experiments, their organs harvested for black market trade.”
More gasps rippled through the crowd. Some people looked disbelieving, others horrified.
“I will not begin my reign by sweeping the crimes of the past under the rug,” Xavier declared, his eyes burning with intensity. “I am charging Thomas with kidnapping, child abuse, illegal organ trafficking, and more crimes that will be detailed in full during his trial.”
I caught Adrian’s eye across the chaotic stage. I pulled out my phone and called Garrett. When he answered, I simply asked, “Are you ready?”
