Listen to me 157

pter 157

Sloane

I watch as the pack stares at me with complete and total shock. Iake a deep breath and step forward.

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“I know this must be a surprise for all of you. First, finding out that I am Alpha Waylon’s granddaughter, then hearing that, as a woman, I will be stepping in as Alpha to take over this pack assure you that I have thought through the potential ramifications of this decision for a very long time. I did not make this decision quickly or lightly. And while we intended to wait to make this announcement until after my birthday tomorrow, with Kaelin’s sudden reappearance on these pack lands, after the betrayal of your former Beta and Gamma, Alpha Waylon and I decided that we couldn’t wait any longer. As my grandfather said, he is past his prime, past the time for him to pass the torch of being Alpha to his heir. And as his heir. I stand ready to take on the responsibility of becoming your Alpha. I’ve been working with my grandfather these last few months, going over the financial statements of the pack, managing the pack’s warrior training, and reviewing the overall processes of the pack. Hopefully, you have seen some changes that have been implemented and are feeling the positive effects of those changes. You may not have realized that it was because of my involvement, but Alpha Waylon has been very open to taking my suggestions and making those changes.”

I stop, letting them digest that.

“While I know this announcement is sudden, we can no longer wait to have the Alpha ceremony, making me the Alpha of this pack. However, I would like to take a few moments to answer any questions you may have,” I say.

“What happens if we don’t agree to having a female Alpha?” someone asks.

“You will be allotted time to pack your things and leave the pack

I wait while the pack murmurs unhappily about that. They didn’t expect that they would have to leave if they didn’t accept

“Are we able to challenge you?”

“If you think you can defeat me, yes. However, I’ve defeated every one of you in warrior training and in training, I was holding back. In a challenge, I won’t,” I say.

“What will happen with our Beta and Gamma positions?” another pack member asks.

I look over and nod at Scarlet to join me on stage.

“For the Gamma position, I do not have an answer yet. That is something that we will assess once we have taken over the pack and things have settled a bit. As for the Beta position, Scarlet Morgan has agreed to be my Beta,” I say, welcoming her at my side.

“Are you kidding me? Now we have not one, but two she–wolves running this pack?” a male pack member asks.

“That’s correct. Two she–wolves who have put you in the pack hospital on more than one occasion,” I say, standing firm. “I can guarantee you that Scarlet, like me, holds back in warrior training.”

“Well, except that one time I was teaching Gabriel a lesson about underestimating me,” she says.

“Right. I’m sure you all remember that day,” I say.

As I look around, I realize the female members of the pack seem pleased with the change. Their mates may not totally agree with Scarlet and I taking over the pack, but they aren’t going to go against their mates. It’s the single males who are struggling with being led by a female.

“Scarlet comes from a strong Beta family, a family who stood beside my Uncle Roman for years before taking over the Brenner family pack until my cousin comes of age. Scarlet is a true, loyal, and powerful pack member who will bring

strength and continuity to this pack, something it is currently lacking.”

“So, this is why there are so many additional warriors here? To make sure we don’t riot?” someone asks.

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“No, that’s not why they’re here. They are here because I don’t trust Kaelin. I don’t trust that he won’t come back and challenge his father for this pack. I don’t trust him to stay away while I have my planned birthday party tomorrow at my aunt and uncle’s pack. That is why they are here. No offense, but this pack is soft. I intend to change that. I intend to make all of you stronger. But I do not feel confident that if we were attacked today that we could win without their support. I know the warriors that my uncle and Alpha Austin brought with them are stronger than most of the warriors in this pack. If we went toe–to–toe with them right now, either pack could defeat this one.”

“What about Alpha Benedict? Why is he here?”

“I asked Alpha Benedict and Alpha Bethany to be here as witnesses. As two packs that share a border, I’ve spoken to Alpha Benedict about continuing the alliance that his father started with my grandfather. Alpha Benedict has agreed,” I say.

That stirs another round of murmurs in the crowd.

“I would suggest that you all remember that Alpha Sloane is descended from a long and powerful line of Alphas,” Benedict says, speaking over the crowd. They hush quickly to hear what he has to say.

“Most people have underestimated Sloane all her life. You would be foolish to do so. If you cannot see the strength that this woman would bring to your pack, then you are blind. I will clarify, as the new Alpha of my pack, if you choose to leave Sloane’s pack because you don’t feel comfortable having a female as your Alpha, you are not welcome in my pack,” he says, shocking me.

“Nor would you be welcome in my pack,” Uncle Roman says.

“Nor in mine,” Alpha Austin says, stepping forward.

“This isn’t meant to force your compliance,” I say quickly as people begin shuffling uncomfortably.

“No. We’re not forcing you to do anything,” Scarlet says. “As Alpha Sloane said, you are welcome to pack your things and leave. We will not force you to stay where you don’t want to live. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences for your decision. The alliance that Alpha Waylon had with the Hartwells will only strengthen now that Alpha Roman’s niece, and Alpha Austin’s daughter are taking over the leadership of this pack. You should consider that as you make your decision about whether you chose to stay or go.”

When there are no more questions, I look out over the crowd.

“You need to make your decision. Talk to mates and family members, but you have to make your decision now,” I say. “While you do that, Alpha Benedict, Alpha Bethany, Beta Daniel, would you please join us on the stage.”

When they join us, I hug Bethany first, then Benedict.

“You have no idea how turned on I am right now,” he murmurs in my ear. I fight my grin as I pull away. I need to stay

serious.

Once we’re all in place, I look at my grandfather. “Ready?”

“Beyond ready,” he says softly.

I notice several pack members walking away, back inside the packhouse. Both Uncle Roman and Alpha Austin’s eyes go unfocused and then I see warriors following them inside to make sure the ones who intend to leave don’t cause any problems on the way out.

I’m not surprised that some are leaving, and hopefully it’s only the Kaelin supporters in the pack, but it’s still disappointing. Scarlet reaches out and squeezes my hand, silently reassuring me, before I focus on my grandfather.

“When you’re ready, Sloane,” he says.

09:37 Thu, Feb 12 G GG.

“I. Alpha Sloane Hartwell, to hereby swear my loyalty to this pack. I promise to love, honor, and protect them for all of my days. I will be their strength when they are feeling weak. I will be their shoulder when they need to cry. I will be their sounding board when they need to vent. I will be a leader they can respect and will willingly follow. I swear this before you. Alpha Waylon, your pack, my family, friends, witnesses, and the Moon Goddess herself,” I say.

Then Grandpa Waylon faces the pack. “I, Alpha Waylon Cunningham, do hereby renounce myself as Alpha of this pack. I give you your new Alpha, Alpha Sloane Hartwell. Long live the Alphat”

“Long live the Alpha!” the pack cheers. Their cheers aren’t quite as loud as the ones Benedict got when he became Alpha, but this pack has only had a few moments to adjust to me becoming their Alpha.

While they’re cheering, Benedict slices my palm, then holds it over the chalice, letting my blood drip into the cup. Then he hands the cup to Scarlet.

I turn and face her.

“Scarlet Morgan, do you accept your role as Beta of this pack? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect me as your Alpha and this pack, being a leader they can respect and will willingly follow for the rest of your days?”

“I do,” she says, then sips from the cup. The pack link instantly forms between us.

‘Damn girl, I am loving this strength in you. We are going to rock this!‘ she says in our new mind link.

I fight my grin, then turn to Daniel, having him repeat the same words and drink from the cup. Then, both of them add their blood to the cup.

Benedict hands the cup to my grandfather, who starts by accepting the three of us as his pack leaders.

“I, Alpha Waylon Cunningham, accept you, Alpha Sloane Hartwell, as my Alpha, and you Betas Scarlet and Daniel Morgan as my Betas,” he says, before drinking from the cup. The moment he does, he sucks in air and nearly chokes.

“Grandpa?” I ask, worrying that this is all too much for him. His eyes burn with unshed tears as he coughs.

“So much strength, so much power. I knew I made the right decision,” he says.

I hug him tightly as Benedict passes the cup to Grandma Judith. Her reaction is similar to my grandfather’s and while I feel myself growing stronger with them joining my pack, their strength isn’t anything close to mine.

When I turn back to the pack, I can see their surprise at my grandparents‘ reaction. The first couple to step up looks nervously from my grandparents to the chalice. When they drink, both give a startled ‘Oh‘ before moving away.

As more of the pack steps forward to accept us, I feel my own power grow and the continued surprise from the pack members at just how powerful Scarlet and I are together as their leaders.

By the time everyone who chose to accept us is done, the sun is starting to set.

“Everyone, this is a time for celebration. It’s a new day in our pack. Let’s party!” Scarlet says just as the omegas begin bringing out a feast of food.

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.