Chapter 69
LEO'S POV
"Where is my mate? 1 asked Luke for the one-millionth time. My eyes danced around the crowd in search
"I have no idea. He replied, I also noticed that Beta Darius and has mate were not present too.
"What about the Beta and his mate?"
"My Alpha, they refused to come. They did not want the ceremony to take place in the first place, so they are not coming."
I scoffed
"Alpha, I agree with them though. I don't think you should go through with this."
"If you're scared that our elder brother will kill you or your twin, don't be. Our father made us swore never to kill the both of you. My Older brother might not really care, but that shouldn't bother you. As long as I am alive, I won't let him kill you."
"Be careful with your words, Alpha. Remember, that they are very sacred," Luke warned.
"know"
He shrugged. That's not why I don't want you to transfer your power to him though. I don't think he will rule this pack half as good as you did. You're the best for this job and I think the moon goddess agrees with me. It's rare for a junior brother to ake over the Alpha position while the elder one is still alive, fit and very much interested in the position, but with the moon goddess help, you did it. I think you should end this
"I'm not," I said dryly, my eyes still searching for Rita. 'And, find any mate for me.
"Yes, Alpha, Luke said, bowing his head and he left.
I wondered if Rita was joining my Beta in avoiding this ceremony. Last night, she tried convincing me to change my mind. but I refused. I admired her desire to stay back and fight with me, but her safety comes first before any other thing in my life Soon, the ceremony began and I looked around, wondering where my mate could be. Why wasn't Luke back with her yet. The Transfer of power ceremony is about to begin." The MC announced and everybody stood to their feet to sing the Pack's anthem.
Many other formalities were carried out, still, Rita was nowhere to be found.
The priest walked up to the podium. I stood up straight, my eyes still on the crowd waiting for Rita to appear amongst them.
"Alpha Leo, repeat after me, the priest began. "By the ancient laws and traditions of our realm, 1, Alpha Leo Salvatore, Alpha
of Noctus Umbra Pack...
I said nothing and everyone began to murmur amongst themselves.
"Alpha Leo? The priest sounded a little pissed, but I cared less. My mate was nowhere to be found. I had to make sure Rita was safe before I went through with this.
Leo, do you think this is a joke?" Ryker, my elder brother snarled. "Did you call me here to embarrass me?"
I paid no attention to him.
"Leo, just say the words already and transfer the power of the Alpha to me
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I frowned, turned to him and glared at him. "It's Alpha Leo, not Leo. I'm planning on transferring power to you. I have not done so yet
He rolled his eyes. "Then. 'Alpha Leo, transfer the power of the Alpha to me. What is keeping you?"
Tm not doing anything until I make sure my Luna is safe."
I turned to the crowd, ready to walk into and through the crowd in search of Rita.
"So, you'll just leave me hanging until you find your Luna?" Ryker growled.
"Yes, I will," I said with a straight face.
"Why on earth will you do that? You can't just leave me hanging Ryker snarled.
"Well, watch me do it," I said dryly. Tm still your Alpha after all.
I turned back to the crowd and then I saw her. I saw my Rita. I beamed immediately. Luke was walking behind her.
I turned back to the priest. "We can continue. I have seen my mate."
Ryker glared at me, but then he heaved a sigh of relief, "Finally. Priest, hasten up."
"Okay. The Priest nodded and then he turned to me. "Repeat after-
"Stop. Rita screamed, interrupting the priest.
"What is going on?" Ryker growled. "Let's get this over with already."
"Alpha Leo, please don't do this. Rita looked terrified.
"Alpha Leo, your Luna was kidnapped, Luke said and I stiffened.
"Again?"
What did they want this time? Loud murmurs broke out among the crowd.
"Who dared to do so?" I snarled and there was pin drop silence.
That's the thing. No matter what we do, they will still come for us. It's best if we stay here. Our people need us
Everyone present murmured in agreement..
There are rumors about the Alpha being cruel, but we all know that we're all enjoying the best economy in the history of the wereworld just because of him, Someone in the crowd said and everyone cheered in agreement. My eyes turned back to Rita's face and I saw how much she wanted us to stay back, but she got kidnapped in this mansion. It showed how unsafe this place was, "I want you to be safe.
"If I'm not safe here, I'll definitely not be safe somewhere else. Ive been kidnapped here numerous times, but remember that this mansion used to be the safest place in the world. We can make that happen again."
She was right. I glanced at Ryker. He said nothing, but he was seething with anger. His staff had access to this mansion and mine to his, but I had to stop it. That is where I would start from And then, I'll filter my staff myself. It's good to know that you're having second thoughts about transferring your power, Fang said and I snorted.
Thave not made the decision yet, I replied and he grunted
2
'You should listen to our mole."
I looked up. Not just at my mate, but at my pack members too. Their eyes were all on me, anticipating my response. Most looked at me with pleading eyes. A few had hateful looks though, and I looked away from them to the ones who wanted me here.
"He is choosing a lowly she wolf over us. He does not deserve to be Alpha, One of the wolves said and immediately I took out my silver coated knife, raised it to aim at the wolf that had spoken, but Rita shook her head in disapproval. Clenching. my other fist, I returned the knife.
Treason. I shouted instead. I turned to the warriors. "Take him. He will be punished without trial. I'll think of what to do with him later."
The warriors seemed hesitant and I glared at them. "Do you want your Alpha to do your work?" I asked and they immediately stormed over to the man.
"Let's just get the ceremony over with, Ryker grunted.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
"What ceremony?" I asked and Ryker's face turned white. "I'm sincerely sorry for wasting your time. But this ceremony is not taking place any longer." Thate you," Ryker spat disdainfully and stormed out of the building.
I apologized to the wolves present and dismissed them. Soon, the only people remaining in the hall were I, my mate and Luke
"Do you know who kidnapped you?" I asked immediately I got to her. I brought her closer to me for a hug and then I noticed how red her cheeks were. And, it was not the kind of red that turned me on. "Did someone slap you?"
"I'm out of there now. That does not matter,
"It does." I was trying to stop myself from shouting, but I failed miserably. "Who did this to you? Tyler?"
If my brother had kidnapped your mate. Trust me, I'll know,"
"Luke is right," Rita chipped in. "I was locked up in this mansion. Someone else kidnapped me,"
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Who is it?"