Chapter 5 Preparations and choices

The great hall of the Blood Moon pack was busy with activities as the wolves of the territory from all ranks were making preparations for the arriving guests. Damian was at the entrance, watching everyone work with focused attention.

Massive wooden tables were being arranged in a circular form to leave the centre open. This was where the Lunar bonding ceremony was going to take place in just two days. Bouquets of flowers were hung in every corner and their scent mixed with the smoke coming from the kitchens.

"The Silver Ridge wolves arrive within the hour." Cassian said as he took his place beside Damian. His beta was energetic, tall and lean. He was a sharp contrast to Damian who was muscular and had a sharp wit. "Eastern Ridge and Northern Pines delegations will be here by sundown." Cassian added

Damian nodded in response, his expression nowhere didn't show his irritation at all of the duties he had to perform. He wasn't okay with all that was happening but he had to pretend he was because of formalities. As Alpha, he understood that they were important but as a man he found them tiring.

"Hunting parties have returned with enough game for celebrations?" He was referring to meat that would be used for the celebrations.

"More than enough," Cassian replied. "Also the ceremonial mead is prepared. Elder Kai inspected it personally."

I know that he would have done that. Damian thought to himself. The elder of the council didn't joke with his ceremonial responsibilities. When ceremonial honey meads were involved, Elder Kai made it his personal responsibility to make sure things were in order.

"And the guest quarters?"

"The guest quarters are ready. Though......" Cassian hesitated for a while. It was very unlike him. As beta, he rarely minced words with his Alpha.

"Speak freely," Damian said, he focused all his attention on his beta at this point.

"There have been some concerns about where Lyra should lodge for the ceremonies. Cassian said. He was trying to be careful.

"Some of the elders feel she should be given a room at the main lodge because of her status as a potential mate. They feel it's not befitting for her to stay with the remaining Silver lodge delegates."

Damian's jaw tightened in irritation. "The elders are getting ahead of themselves."

"They believe the gesture would honor her lineage and show our respects and interest in a future alliance with the Silver Ridge pack."

"That also means that she would be close to my quarters."Damian added with a hint of irritation in his tone.

Cassian didn't deny it. As beta, he served at the pleasure of his Alpha but was also responsible for upholding the pack's traditions. "It would be a political advantage"

Damian turned to face Cassian . "And what does my beta think, beyond politics?"

Cassian looked at him. They grew up together, trained together, fought side by side in many battles. Only a few knew Damian as well as Cassian . Even fewer could speak to him with total honesty.

"I think," Cassian said carefully, "that your personal happiness and the pack's welfare don't have to be a problem."

Cassian knew that this was the farthest he could go in letting Damian know that he knew his heart belonged to another. Cassian knew that Damian was not considering the political advantage Lyra was going to bring him.

"Let Lyra lodge with her pack," Damian decided. "We can show respect without making hasty decisions before the moon goddess."

Relief washed over Cassian's face. "I'll inform the lodge master, Alpha."

As his beta left, Damian continued to inspect the on-going preparations. The ceremony was beyond choosing a mate, it was also about showing the strength and prosperity of the Blood moon pack under his leadership. The visiting packs would thoroughly observe every single detail for weakness or opportunity.

He had spent years building the Blood Moon pack's reputation, changing from a simple and distinct pack to the most feared and respected in the territory. Their territory was indeed large with strong warriors and important alliances. Despite his achievements, traditions required that he choose a mate, not for love but for power and bloodline.

That wouldn't be the case if only the moon goddess would reveal Selene as his true mate.

The thought had been on his mind since their conversation the previous day. What if the goddess didn't choose Selene? What if she chose Lyra? He knew that the Alpha had the right to reject the goddess's choice but that decision came with grave consequences.

"Alpha." His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice.

He turned and saw Elder Miriam walking towards him.

"The hall looks beautiful" she said, her eyes moving to and fro the hall, observing the preparations. " I believe that with this the Blood Moon pack will leave a lasting impression."

Damian smiled at the old woman's observation. "That's the plan"

The old seer studied him with eyes that seemed to see far beyond the surface. "You seem troubled, Alpha. It's unusual for a wolf of your calibre."

Damian considered avoiding the question but he found himself unusually willing to speak plainly with the elder. Of all the council members, Elder Miriam was the least concerned with politics but she had a special connection to the moon goddess. She was a seer.

"The ceremony is near," he said simply. "There is so much at stake."

"You're right." She nodded in affirmation. "Choosing a mate for the Alpha is no small matter. But I want you to remember, Damian Blackwood, that the goddess reveals, she does not command. She guides us through the path of least resistance, but that doesn't mean it's the only path.

Her words simply confirmed what he already knew, yet they sounded different coming from her. "What if I choose a different path?"

"Then you must prepare for the consequences". Her gaze was fixed on his face. "The moon goddess does not punish offenders, as some believe. She only allows us to go through the consequences of our choices. If you disobey the will of the goddess, it only means that you must face and overcome greater obstacles".

Damian was about to respond when a noise at the hall's entrance drew his attention. A young warrior rushed in. The expression on his face showed that it was urgent.

"Alpha! The Silver Ridge delegates are already at the southern border".

Damian braced himself. He had to wear the familiar mask he had worn all his life, the capable leader with no flaws and no emotions. "They came earlier than expected. Go ahead and gather for the welcome party."