Chapter 8

• Silence was prominent within my office as I sat alone, Aaron long since having left. Mama and Otets have yet to arrive, and I've heard nothing of them. Yet I wasn't all too worried, I knew that they would be here by tonight to attend my ascension ceremony.
• A knock pulled me from my thoughts, causing me to cast a narrowed glance at my office door. "What?"
• The door pulled open, revealing someone that I didn't wish to see. "Alpha," the old wolf started, only to be cut off.
• "Did I say you could come in?" I asked, glaring at the Elder. "I remember asking 'what' as in, who's there."
• The Elder sputtered, pausing in his striding steps. Like most Elders he was within his late sixties, brown hair graying at his roots. He was tall, like most werewolves, yet had a slight hunch in his back. I recognized him, Beccam, as one of the least annoying Elders within the pack.
• He bowed slightly, not looking within my eyes. "Alpha Ruslana-Slava, I am Elder Beccam. Of the ten upper Elders and ten lower Elders I am the fourth lower Elder, apprentice to the second upper Elder." A thick Russian accent coated his words, as though he wasn't used to speaking English all too often.
• I waved off his rank with a sour look. "I care not for the ranks you Elders put yourselves in. To me an Elder is an Elder, no difference between the first or last. Get on with why you came here."
• Elder Beccam sent me a kind smile, taking a few steps forward. "I would like to congratulate you on your ascension. When the moon rises tonight you will officially have the title of Alpha that your father prepared you for."
• I cocked an eyebrow at him. Now this is unusual. Usually Elders don't care for flattery, thinking themselves better than an Alpha because they're a council of old wolves. For some reason they think it gives them more power than an Alpha. Even though, an Alpha still has more power than twenty old wolves.
• "Why?" I questioned, honestly curious why this Elder was being so... Pleasant.
• "Your father, Alpha Vasili, helped my family and I out a long time ago. He was the reason we were able to immigrate to the US. Alpha Vasili, although violent and rough, honestly cared for wolves. Whether they were his own or not. I can see this in you, you care for the pack just as an Alpha should. With your capabilities I'm sure you would be able to protect the Konstantin pack no matter the adversary."
• I motioned for Beccam to sit before me. "You do know I'm a half-breed, do you not?"
• As he sat he nodded before shrugging. "Of course. Everyone knows that Vasili's mate was a human woman worthy of any wolf. There hasn't been a mating between humans and werewolves in a rather long time, now no one is all too sure if the offspring of such a union would be weak or strong."
• I nearly growled, yet held myself back knowing that he hadn't meant it as any disrespect. Rather, he seemed to be explaining himself.
• "But," He continued, "it doesn't take a genius to know that you, despite being a half-breed, is quite worthy of being our Alpha. One needs only to watch you spar with your brothers or other wolves to see your strength. Similarly, by looking at your paperwork one would understand that you are capable of managing a pack. I have been watching you to determine your worth with my own eyes, after hearing what the upper Elders had to say."
• Now that peaked my interest. "Oh?" I asked, leaning forward on my mahogany desk. "And just what did those Elders say?"
• The old wolf didn't flinch in the slightest, bringing a grin to my lips. "They were rather unflattering comments about you, in regards to both gender and bloodline. As a lower Elder I had no say in the matter so I kept my mouth shut, deciding to do something useful instead."
• "And what was that?"
• Elder Beccam reached into the pocket of his worn blue jeans, pulling out an Android. "I recorded their conversation seeing as proof is better. I didn't want to come to my Alpha with merely gossip after all."
• I reached forward and grabbed the phone. There wasn't a pass code on it, allowing me to unlock it immediately. Indeed there was a recording pulled up, thirty minutes worth.
• "They talked shit about me for thirty minutes?" I questioned with a dry laugh.
• Elder Beccam chuckled as well, shaking his head. "No, they talked shit for the first fifteen. The second half was in relation to your ascension ceremony. Information that I assumed none of the upper Elders told you."
• "I'm keeping this." I stated, picking up the phone and locking it within my desk when Elder Beccam made no move to refuse. "I'll trust you in regards to its contents. But I do have a question for you."
• Elder Beccam tilted his head to the side for a moment. "Of course, ask away."
• "Do you not have any loyalty to the Elders?" I asked, legitimately curious.
• Every Elder I've met up until now has only been interested in keeping their interests healthy. Whether that be to set up a male wolf to become Alpha or otherwise.
• Elder Beccam furrowed his brows. "The Elder Council was originally established to be a group of advisers to the Alpha. Wolves who spent their lives studying the laws of the Gods, of wolves. I owe no loyalty to the Council itself, only my Alpha. Elders are meant to be loyal advisers, nothing more."
• "Hm." I liked this wolf. "Give me a run down on the ceremony then, the things that I've not been told of."
• He nodded, leaning forward, ready to explain. "The ceremony will be held in the garden out back, as originally planned. All pack wolves and guests shall gather within the garden, standing before the deck where you will be during the entire ceremony. As the ceremony begins you will call forth the first upper Elder, as it's been done for centuries, who will recite the passages that will enable you to become Alpha. Only Elder Rantel has stated that rather than the Alpha passages he shall recite the Luna passages, expecting you to not know the difference. He will then call forth his own son and recite the Alpha passages for him."
• A vicious grin overtook my lips, excitement burning through my anger. "Is that so...? He must think I'm stupid, no?"
• Elder Beccam just shrugged. "Many of the upper Elders are in league with him, all except a few. Some lower Elders are in league as well."
• I pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, handing him both. "Write down all the names of those involved within this plot."
• Elder Beccam did so without hesitation. "Here," He stated as he handed me the slip of paper. "Out of the twenty elders fifteen are planning to force you into the position of Luna."
• I glanced down at the list, unable to hold back the dark glint within my eyes. Fifteen names were indeed scrawled down; Rantel, Linal, Vical, Roman, Wandle, Inad, Ken, Lan, Ninnan, Perna, Yenla, Harold, Andrew, James, and Hennan. Folding the paper up I slid it into my pocket, eager to use it later in the evening.
• Looks like I'll be killing some wolves this evening after all.
• "Do you know the Alpha passages?"
• Elder Beccam nodded. "Yes, every Elder studies the passages for Alpha, Luna, Beta and other high ranking officials in order to become an Elder."
• "Good," I said as I stood, walking over to look out of the window. "Be prepared to be called upon to recite the passages then."
• "Of course, Alpha. Is there anything else you need me to do?" He asked as he too stood.
• I nodded, turning away from the view of the forest to look back at him. "Make sure to add into the passage for any wolf who objects to my claim on the Alpha title to step forth and challenge me, or to submit to my will."
• Elder Beccam bowed lowly. "It will be done."
• "Send in Vladislav!" I called out after Elder Beccam as he left.
• Not too long later did Vladislav enter my office, confusion gracing his features. "Never thought I'd see the day that you'd use an Elder for anything but a punching bag." He said, referring to how Elder Beccam acted as my messenger.
• "That one in particular is growing on me." I stated with a chuckle as Vladislav seated himself across from me. "I need you to listen to this recording. Make sure that it's true that the first fifteen minutes records the Elders talking shit about me and that the second half records them planning to force me to become Luna." I commanded, pulling the cell phone out of my desk before handing it to Vladislav.
• Vladislav snatched up the phone, fidgeting with it. "No problem, Sestra. The Elders are getting a little bold, net?"
• I nodded with a sigh. "Da, seems as though they are. Although, I can't understand as to why the wish to challenge me. I have the Alpha Konstantin blood, and I proved my use through how I handled the Belam dispute."
• Vladislav nodded, casting a glance down at me. "So how will you deal with the wolves who think themselves more powerful and important than their own Alpha?"
• I shrugged. "The easiest way; I'll execute them once I become Alpha. I'll squash this rebellion before it become one by killing off the ring leaders. To remind the Elders that they are not my equal, that they are my subjects just as any other wolf."
• ~~*~~
• Night had long since fallen, the moon high within the inky sky. It was nearly time for the ceremony, which would be held once the moon sat within the center of the night sky. Only about twenty or thirty minutes left to wait before I can complete my ceremony.
• I stood leaning against the rails of a balcony found on the second floor, enjoying the night breeze as I avoided the wolves who gathered here for the ceremony. With a glass of scotch in one hand and little to no noise I was content. It was rather noisy on the first floor and within the garden. Wolves mingling about and chattering loudly, enjoying the food and drinks.
• "Why aren't you enjoying the festivities with the others?" A man questioned from behind me.
• I glanced over my shoulder only to find Kanjax leaning against the doorway. Scoffing lightly I turned back to the night view, sipping on my scotch. Kanjax, not deterred by my silence, walked towards me until he came to stand beside me. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, only to see him sending me a questioning glance.
• Huffing with annoyance I decided to answer him. "I'm happy enough enjoying the festivities by myself."
• "That sounds somewhat lonely." He stated, his gray eyes searching for my gaze.
• I refused to look within his eyes, much preferring the view of the stars and the moon before me. And yet I was distinctly aware of how close Kanjax was to me, the way our elbows almost brushed up against each other. The steady thumping of my heart suddenly seemed too loud, my skin feeling as though it was becoming rather flushed.
• "What are you thinking about?" He asked, his deep voice taking on a conversational tone.
• I cast him a side glance, watching him as he ran a hand through his blond hair. "The best way to kill fifteen wolves." I stated nonchalantly.
• And I wasn't lying. Ever since speaking with Elder Beccam I couldn't help but to wonder which way would be best. I had to, of course, use this as an opportunity to set an example for the rest of the pack. To insure no other wolf would dare to try their might against my own.
• Kanjax grimaced, whether it be from the amount of deaths to come or the idea of killing someone. Pansy.
• "Seems as though whenever we meet you kill someone." He noted, referring to our previous encounters.
• I knocked back the rest of my scotch, turning to cast an accusatory look at him. "Perhaps you just put me in a bad mood."
• He turned so that he would face me as he leaned against the railing of the balcony. "You killed Alpha Belam before we met." He pointed out with a small grin, as though he was enjoying this banter.
• I raised an eyebrow. "Alpha Belam pissed me off resulting in me killing him. After I met you I killed another wolf in a different territory. I was in a rather bad mood and went straight to killing rather than negotiating."
• Kanjax cocked his head to the side in an adorable manner. "Oh? From what I've heard of you, you prefer violence to negotiating in any context."
• I tsked, clicking my tongue, as I refused to look away from his stormy gaze. "What I prefer is to settle disputes in the quickest ways possible. If that is completed through resorting to violence than I shall resort to violence as much as needed."
• Kanjax raised his hands slightly in a mock surrender in response to my slightly aggressive tone. "I do not mean to offend you, Alpha Ruslana-Slava. I'm simply seeking to make conversation, to get to know you better."
• I scoffed, glaring up at him through narrowed eyes. "Why? You are the Beta of another territory, you have no right nor need to get to know me."
• He leaned towards me, his tone softening. "It's more of a personal interest, if anything."
• "Your personal interest isn't warranted." I stated, my blood rushing from his close proximity.
• It wasn't like me to get nervous under any circumstances. Much less have to my nerves agitated to this extent by some male who makes me feel nervous rather than angry.
• He reached out, grabbing a strand of my short brown hair and pulling it towards him. "Are you sure?" He questioned lowly, placing a chaste kiss on the brown locks as he leaned forward even further.
• I suppressed a flinch, glaring into his gray eyes that were only a handful of inches away from my own. First the incident within my office and now this. Either this wolf had more balls than I thought or he had a reason for these actions. An irrational paranoia spread throughout my mind, originating from the darkest corners within my mind.
• Releasing my hair confusion pinched between his eyebrows as he looked into my brown eyes. Surely he was seeing that dark glint of paranoia, of distrust of him and his actions.
• "Ruslana," Alexei called, rushing into the balcony without paying any mind to Kanjax.
• He paused in his rushed steps, looking in between the Beta and I in shock. Kanjax made no move to increase the distance between us, rather, with a narrowed gaze he stepped closer to me. It almost seemed as though Kanjax was sizing Alexei up, a stone cold expression replacing the soft and warm one he had earlier when speaking with me. I could understand his confusion as to why another wolf referred to me by my name seeing as Alexei and I looked nothing alike despite being siblings.
• But what was even more confusing was as to why this wolf was reacting as though Alexei was making passes at his woman... We hadn't known each other all too long and I've been given no hints to if he is my mate. And yet he seemingly acted as though we were already mated.
• I pushed Kanjax away with a grunt, using an unnecessary amount of force, before turning to Alexei. "What is it, rodnoy brat?"
• Alexei still spared a glance between Kanjax and I, having never seen me close to someone who isn't blood. "Mama and Otets should be arriving any moment. Once they do we'll begin the ceremony."
• I nodded. "Okay, that's good." I cast a glance at Kanjax, seeing him watching our exchange quite closely. "Idite syuda." I stated, beckoning Alexei closer with my forefinger.
• He complied with my command, coming forth until he stood quite close. Alexei lent me his ear, motioning for me to speak.
• "Otpravit' kogo-to, chtoby sledit' za etim chelovekom, poka on zdes'. Rassleduyte yego takzhe, ya khochu imet' otchet o nem na moyem stole k utru." I stated in a rushed whisper, my paranoia taking charge over my actions.
• Send someone to follow this man while he's here. Investigate him as well, I want to have a report on him on my desk by morning.
• Confusion pinched Alexei's brows as he glanced at Kanjax. "Kto? Yemu?" He asked, idiotically motioning to Kanjax with his right hand.
• Who? Him?
• Without any hesitation I smacked the back of his head, whispering harshly within his ear, "Da, ty, blyad', pridurok. Ne dvigaysya k nemu, a chto net. Kak vy dumayete, pochemu my govorim po-russki? Stels, Aleksey, stels!"
• Yeah, you fucking moron. Do not motion to him and what not. Why do you think we're speaking Russian? Stealth, Alexei, stealth!
• Alexei flinched from my smack and harsh whispering, raising his arms in a submissive position. "Ladno, ladno! Boshe, prosti!"
• Okay, okay! Christ, I'm sorry!
• "Go then," I stated, switching back to English. "I'll be downstairs soon."
• Once Alexei scurried away Kanjax and I were silent for a moment. I could feel him staring at me the whole time, yet I refused to meet his gaze. It was bad enough that Alexei pointed at him like an ill bred pup.
• "You, know," Kanjax started, walking till he stood in front of me. "It isn't all too polite to speak of someone in front of them like that."
• I groaned, of course he would've noticed. "I've no idea what you mean, Beta. I was only conversing with my brother."
• Kanjax scoffed, leaning against the railing of the balcony as he caged me with his arms. "Of that I'm sure."
• I turned my head to the left, stubbornly refusing to meet his gaze. A fluttering feeling settled within the pit of my stomach from his proximity. I crossed my arms to keep my shaking hands still.
• "It also isn't very nice to avoid looking at people." Kanjax stated, his warm breath fanning over the top of my head.
• Pursing my lips and narrowing my eyes I gave in, meeting his gaze. "Is that better, Beta?" I asked snidely.
• "Yes." He responded with a grin, flashing his teeth at me as he looked down at me.
• I couldn't help but to fidget, his proximity making me rather nervous. "Would you mind stepping back?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
• I could tell it didn't work all too well by the way Kanjax's grin widened. "I could, but I don't really wish to."
• I gnashed my teeth together, shooting a fierce glare up at him. "Last time you were this close to me I bit you!"
• He leaned down, giving me a clear view of his shoulder. "I remember. If you must, feel free to again. Only, let's make it a mate-mark this time."
• At that comment I couldn't suppress the furious blush that raced across my flesh. I looked up at him, flabbergasted. What he had just suggested was rather scandalous! For two wolves, unmated to the other, to mate-mark one another was a slap in the face to our religion.
• "Y-you, you sukin syn!" I exclaimed in anger.
• Without any second thought I pressed my palms against his abdomen. A rather well sculpted abdomen, at that. With my hands braced against his abdomen I pushed harshly, using my werewolf strength to send him flying. Kanjax hit the wall of my home with a groan, standing on unsteady feet as I raced past him.
• With my hands pressed against my cheeks I tried to cool the burning on my cheeks, unaware that an unfamiliar woman had been watching the entire time.