Longing For My Rejected Luna

Chapter 66

*xkkxErika's POV*¥kkx

"l, Erika Blackwood, swear an oath bindingto the sacred and royal position of Iron Claw, to protect the

people. Keep them safe. Guide them. Ensure the prosperity of this great pack. | also solemnly swear to do my

duty by the pack and all who reside in it. To never take for granted or frivolously handle the affairs of this might

pack."

| swallowed my nerves as | held the short staff given toby one of the Elders of the pack. They must not

notice that their new Alpha was a bag of nerves, it was not a good way to start my reign.

"Go on." The Elder who had giventhe staff urged.

"| also promise to continue this great legacy started by my ancestors, and to perform as astoundingly as those

before me, and | would do my best to do more. I, Erika Blackwood, make this oath with sincerity, zeal, honesty,

determination, dedication, transparency, accountability and good thoughts in my heart. And as | have decided to

take on this mantle of leadership, to be devoted and wholly involved in the affairs of this pack, may the powers

of the Moon be my strength to venture onto this path of leadership, so helpMoon Goddess."

| concluded my oath swearing.

The Elder collected the short staff fromand gave to the Elder that was assisting him — Elder Crix - and took

the emblem of leadership that every Alpha beforehad been given on their coronation day to mark the

beginning of their Alpha-ship, he pinned the wolf shaped emblem on my gown, it was believed to be made from

wolf's skin and gemstone.

Father had one. | never knew how they made them and no one except an Alpha wore it. But when it was pinned

on my cloth, | felt responsibility of the pack rest of my shoulders and the zeal to rule also overwhelmed me.

"By the power vested inon this day, I, an honorable Elder of this great pack alongside my fellow

distinguished Elders announce you, Erika Blackwood, as the new Alpha of Iron Claw pack."

"Agreed as it is proclaimed." All of the other Elders chorused, standing to givea uniform bow of their heads,

including Elder Grigshade.

| looked to where my two best friends stood with wide, proud smiles on their faces. They started clapping for me,

and before long, the whole room was a drowned in cheerful chaos; claps here, hoots there, seven sang

these ancient songs for when a new Alpha ascends the throne.

When the whole praises and ovation was had died down.

The Elder nodded at me. "Let our new Alpha address her people."

| cleared my throat, Rika and Kat gavea thumbs up. | acknowledged them with a grateful smile and nod.

Then | looked at the extensive hall with almost all of our members in attendance. | went to stand before the

podium and adjusted the microphone so | could be heard.

"Good day the blessed werewolves of Iron Claw." | greeted.

They all bowed their heads in response. "Good day Alpha"

"I am grateful for today and for the opportunity to take on this very sacred, honorable duty as your Alpha. | am

glad that you all have chosen me. Yes, | know you did not literally chosebut coming here today is a telltale

that you all have chosen me. | am most grateful. | do not promise to be my father because we are different, but |

promise to be the Alpha you will be proud of. | promise to make sure that your needs are met to the best of my

ability. Once again, | am grateful Iron Claw."

| took a bow and stepped back from the microphone. Another round of loud ovation and cheerful whistles filled

the room.

"We trust you, Alpha Erika." A little voice shouted.

My gaze wandered the crowd until it settled on a little boy who was waving at me, an innocent smile on his lips.

My heart filling at the joy of this little boy who had no idea what was happening in the pack, | raised my hand to

wave back at him.

He squealed In more happiness as | returned his wave, he was overjoyed. Not minding that others were in the

room, | let out a laugh. He was no more than four or five, he was resting comfortably on his mother's hips.

"Thank you for trusting me." | replied.

He nodded then his attention was gone fromto his father.

"Let the merriment begin." | announced.

People began delving into the big array of food prepared by the maids. There was more than enough food to go

round, everyone was taking their dish and serving themselves.

The Elders ctoto congratulate me, my friends ran to hug me.

"Who's our newest Alpha?" Kat squealed excitedly, huggingand Paula tight. "Iron Claw is lucky to have you."

Paula commented, she was beaming brightly.

"Thank you girls so much for your support."Thugged them with so much love and affection for these two people

who had proven to be more than just best friends. They were sisters.

"I don't see anybody dying, I'm taking a dish for myself." Kat eyed the long buffet,

already savoring the delicacies with her gaze.

too." Paula linked hands with her. "You coming, Alpha?"

"No, | still have speople to greet. I'll join you girls when | can." | waved them away.

| turned to accept congratulations

and to mingle with members of the pack | was going to rule. | went to Elder Grigshade, he was talking to

someone. He paused as soon as he saw me.

"So you went ahead to disobey me." His voice was calm as was his face.

"I'll suggest forgo whatever thought you concerningbeing the Alpha because | already am. We'll be working

together in the future being an Elder of the pack."

"Where's my daughter? Are you not tired of holding her?" He narrowed his gaze at

me.

| smiled. "I thought you would never ask."

He frowned at my expression.

"Here's your daughter." | gestured towards the entrance of the room.

Tasyra stepped into the room

wearing an exquisite sky blue gown with real diamonds meticulously sown on the bodice. She wore diamond

earrings and necklace too, she was turning heads. Paula and Kat saw her, they turned to look atwith a

knowing smile?

She beamed atand then at her father. "Daddy." She waved, then began

walking over to us.

"A truce, Elder Grigshade."