C50 All Hail the Luna

Freya's pov

Artemis was standing waiting for me, his hand by his side like the perfect gentleman that he was. A smile was on his face in full display, I didn't think he could smile in public.

His dark reputation and all.

When I was just two arms away, he stretched forth his hand as I got near, I slipped my palm into his and it locked in like a perfect puzzle piece.

The people had now gathered and looked at Artemis and me. With the support of Artemis, we climbed up taking the stage.

All eyes were now on us, all faces that bore hate towards me. No one here was my friend. As if to back up my assumptions, I saw the woman in the gallery, the human that lost her mate and claimed that Artemis saved her.

What caught my attention wasn't her, rather the person by her side with whom she spoke with. Jude the two faced cunt. Artemis had told me all about him, he was the one that invented the notion of my sparring with Merona. He wanted to kick me out, him, and the rest of the Court. I was also informed that she was the one in charge of putting servants to do her bidding against my wish, apparently The Court had sent her to spy on me and possibly look for any opening that could be used as a weakness to make me forfeit the position.

I felt bad for her, after all that time spent doing absolutely nothing and accomplishing no goal, here I was, standing on the podium about to be crowned Luna of the Waterfall pack. Such a pity.

Just you all wait, I'm climbing up the ladder and it was only a matter of time before I discovered which one of you was responsible for my father's death.

You won't play me for a fool.

Artemis' warm hand pulled me back from my thoughts and plunged me back to the fox in sheep's clothing in front of me.

I plastered a fake smile and bowed slightly, in a nodding pattern.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Fifth Multi-billion dollar event. If you are here, it means one thing, you all somehow own a share in our group,” Iris said and the people cheered and applauded. They really did feel special.

I was thrown off, I didn't tag Iris as the serious type, but here he was delivering a beautiful speech that had people smiling and applauding.

“That being said, let’s welcome the leader of the Multi-billion dollar group under the alpha, Jude,” his followers clapped and patted his shoulder as he weaved his way up to the pulpit.

He had a bright smile despite the wrinkles on his face that spoke about the turbulent season he had withstood. I guess he'd soon be laid to rest.

He walked past me and Artemis, our hands still intertwined among each other.

Jude bowed and slipped out one of those professional smiles. I felt Artemis muscle clench by his hold on me.

It was obvious, I wasn't the only one that detested him.

Smiling, I placed my fingers on his arm to release some of the tension in his muscles and equally loosen his stronghold. Artemis quickly loosened up and mouthed sorry at me.

The feeling of someone watching me, made me look to my side. The Rexe's.

I held myself to slip out the clear sigh of disdain and irritation in my throat.

“Today does not only mark the Fifth multi-billion dollar group but also the celebration of our dear Luna of the waterfall pack,” he declared and people reacted as they would when something great is announced.

“Our Luna be rest assured is strong and capable, I testify because I have seen her, we have all seen her. Her size should not mistake you, she is sturdy…”

I fazed out, I didn't like his speech, it was as though he was saying what he thought of me, but turning it around and seeming it to be a compliment.

It went completely unnoticed before, either because of the drama amongst the girls or the fact that I was too terrified at first to notice my environment. But now I did, it was unmistakable that guards were posited at every corner of the hall, taking watch.

A group stayed up on the balcony, up on the roof, the little shootout, projected area for lights to be controlled. There was a man there with a gun, staring intensely at me.

He wasn't my stalker but he did give me the chills. Steering, I caught eye with a set of brown orbs, staring intently at me.

Now I felt the chills. He was my stalker.

He was invisible because he masked himself well with the others. No one would suspect him and even I, that suspected him, I didn't have any evidence, just a tell.

The warmth wrapping me like a bubble suddenly burst as I looked down at the source of my warmth, locking eyes with me before he marched to where Jude stood.

Jude!!

Still with my smile on I met eyes with the girls, they were all smiling at me, well not all, Merona. It looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.

I didn't believe that was the champion that scared the shit out of me, I beat her to stupor. A proud smirk made its way to my lips as we sealed eyes.

“…… Freya is such a force, I love and trust her and you should also,” hearing my name, I tuned in back to the speech that was delivered. Good thing I was smiling.

“Well then, let’s welcome Freya Demitri to the stage,” I didn't miss how Jude tone went sturdy when he mentioned my name, the tone didn't really matter, for all care, he could go to hell, what bothered me was the reason behind it.

I gaited towards him and my mate like the Luna that I was. Smiling. My hands held the side of my dress up slightly, to avoid tripping and falling.

He smiled when I approached him. I didn't know what this event entailed or how it unwrapped, considering this was my first event. So I was really confused, I just stood confused.

I hope I won't be asked to deliver a speech.

Please don't.

“So let's hear from Freya Demitri,” Jude announced.

Devil!

He was the devil. There was no use looking for one again.

“Thank you,” I smiled and moved to take the stage not before Artemis brushed my arm slightly. My clothes might have been obstructing him, but his little gestures lit up my heart.

Jude stepped back as did Artemis. The moment I ascended the podium, I felt a shift. That fear that I was going to mess up disappeared and then I was suddenly overwhelmed with calm. It was weird and I couldn't quite explain it, but seeing all the heads of these people, I imagined them naked and small.

Crazy.

“Good evening everyone, welcome to my induction. Before I climbed up this stage, I was fear struck as this was my first speech in public. You could imagine and most of you know my background better than myself. But then climbing up here, and looking down at all of you, I felt my esteem restored. This whole speech is summarized into a small phrase. ‘It's how you see yourself that enables how others would see you,’ so no matter where you might find yourself, see yourself great. I mean look at me, I'm a Luna. Don't let anyone belittle you and I would be that Luna that is approachable and you could always come to for help or even little talk. I won't be closed off and I also would not be sickeningly sweet. I'm most grateful for having me Waterfall pack, thank you.” I stepped back as the people equally clapped, I smiled and went on to say, “Jude,” as I bowed and walked out.

“That was lovely,” Artemis said in my ear. Speech was suddenly my favorite thing, I felt my stomach do a backflip to Artemis compliment.

“Yes she's that graceful,” jude said to the gleeful crowd.

“Now to the main event, Freya Demitri, please step forward and knee,” he commanded. I did as I was told.

I crunched down on one knee and the other followed.

“Raise your left hand up,” he told me and once again I complied.

“Place the right hand on your shoulder.” My response was positive.

“Let’s welcome The Multi-billion dollar group,” Jude announced.

Large strides took their place up onto the podium. I raised my head and stared at their faces. The complete court. One of them or all of them knew everything about my father and I was going to find out.

They stood with their hands clasped in front of them. They were filled with power and agility, their stare held dominance and the predatory look to them. Even the human.

Artemis moved now to my side. In a protective manner.

“Repeat these words after me,” Jude said.

“I, Freya Demitri, do solemnly swear to protect the pack, to put it first before me, to do and carry out my duty as a Luna. To not do any harm to the pack. To lay my life for it when required…,” okay what sort of oath is this.

Oh well I continued.

“To serve and respect the pack. To not pose as a threat and to do all that’s required and going to be required of me,” I completed the oath. It felt more like a funeral oath because what the fuck.

That wasn’t the end? I saw Jude put out his hand and call someone, the person's feet came running towards us. He brought out pieces of paper and ink.

I gave you my word but it wasn’t enough, now you need my fingerprint? I guess they had trust issues.

Notice how they said pack and not at all alpha.

The papers were stretched out in front of me as I was still on my knees. I dipped my thumb into the ink and plastered it in the paper, my print reflecting. I did so with all other papers of agreement laid out in front of me.

“Bring the seal!” He called out.

The same man came with a box and brought out a golden ring.

Wow, I was really getting married to the pack.

Jude took my hands and slid the ring into my middle finger. Why?

He walked over and slid the ring onto Artemis' fingers e r also.

All the court members took a couple of steps forward and circled me.

“Rise,” Artemis commanded and I stood up.

“We present you Freya Demitri, Luna of the waterfall pack!!” They chanted and broke out for me to see the people again.

“All hail Luna Freya of the waterfall pack!”

“All hail!!”

And I was Luna.