Blake’s POV ~

The tournaments are happening today. It’s going to be interesting to see who wins Gamma..and Luna’s Champion. She wants to spar with them herself. Yeah..try telling her that it defeats the whole purpose of finding someone to protect and guard her, if she proves she has to protect and guard them. And she just rolls her eyes, saying she just wants a friend to get in trouble with..so.. here we go.. not arguing with her!

We started with Head Warrior.. ten men and two women fought each other..and by process of elimination, we had gotten to two.. Anthony and Marshal.. they squared off.. and Marshal threw first punch..and Anthony went down. What? Wait.. What? One punch? I announced “Our Head Warrior… Marshal Orrin!” And the crowd went wild. Apparently, he is a pack favorite!

The Delta tournament went a lot faster! Only four contestants.. and within an hour, oir delta was named.. one “Marty Callahan!! Our new delta!” And, the Gamma battle. Luna’s Champion! And Jolene came out for this one. I asked where she’d been..and she said “Cooking. Everyone will be hungry “ and I laughed! You meant to say “Pouting.. because I didn’t want you beating everyone’s asses!” She whispered “Well. I really was cooking!” And I laughed harder..which caused Dalton to crack up “Dude! You didn’t even deny you were pouting!” She flipped him off.

We watched..and one girl seemed to be surpassing all the others. She was lightning fast..and a hard hitter.. her problems lie in close contact. If they got close enough to get ahold of her..she would tap out.. Jolene whispered “I see what’s holding her back. You can have the guy Gamma. I want her! And don’t even try to argue! That girl is a fucking fantastic fighter. She just doesn’t like being touched by men! Something has happened to her and I want to help her!” And I nodded.. stepping forward I announced.. “Bear Creek! What I am doing today, is new! We will have two Gamma ranks from here on out! Our pack will set a precedent! Our new Gamma.. Tobias…Toby…Miller! And Our new Luna’s Champion… Gamma Angela…Angie…Slater”

“Ceremonies will commence at moonrise tonight! Thank you everybody! It has been a great day and your Luna has prepared a feast! Bonfire after the ceremonies” And the herd ran for the food.

We had finished with our meal..and I stood to go to my office “Marshal…Marty, Toby and Angie… I need you all in my office. We will go over your duties.. and there are some things you need to know”

Everyone was seated and Jolene crawled into my lap.. Matthew was kneeling at the coffee table..coloring and Dalton was helping him. By helping, I mean..coloring with him. “Marshal… I was impressed today! You’re a go-getter type. And I like that. The last fight..explain..why did you just put him down..no chance at spar?” He chuckled replying “I could give you some big bullshit answer..about wanting to prove my prowess.. impress you with my worth.. but, the honest truth is.. I was tired..dog tired, man! And, I really wanted this position..and Anthony is a crazy strong fighter! I couldn’t take the chance he was going to best me. So..lights out! It’s my signature punch! I would like for him to be my second. He’s my best friend!” And I laughed..telling him I appreciate his honesty..and by all means..name Anthony his second, at the ceremony tonight!

Turning to Marty , I asked him what the delta position means and he was quick to respond “Delta.. schedule training..set border patrol.. arrange tracking teams.. train the elite guard. I also have a degree in tech. I can manage surveillance..install and program security cameras. I am a decent hacker..though I seldom say that out loud..and by the way.. our system needs stronger firewalls and virus protection. I have several balckbelt in different disciplines..but suck at most weaponry.” I nodded.. impressive!

We hear “I’mma tell my daddy! Stop it unca Dalton! That’s my color. Staahhpp! Daddyyyy! Dalton being cockblocker!” And Jolene looks at me..while I’m trying not to laugh as I try to ask “Matthew..baby.. that’s a grown up word. Where did you learn that?” And Dalton jumps up saying he forgot to do something in his office..while Jolene tells him to sit his ass down! Then she says “Mattie..what was Uncle Dalton doing?” Matthew whines “He wanted my color. I say no.. mine..and he say he need it for his pitcher. So he breaked it cause we can both have it to color.” I’m thinking okay…logical.. then Jolene says “So..because he broke it.. you feel it won’t color the same now..right?” And Matthew nods. Then she asked “Then why is he a cockblocker?” And…in the incredible logic of a two year old he replies “Because he didn’t let me do what I wanted to be doing. Like he said Daddy did him yesterday night when he made him check the border fence”

And Dalton says “Way to sell me out, little dude!” Jolene said..”Dalton.. I get that he’s going to hear words…and things his little ears shouldn’t. But…if you ever use them in direct conversation with our toddler again.. I will hold you down and scrub your mouth out with toilet bowl cleaner!” And Matthew said “Oohh.. Unca Dalton getted trubble! You need time outs!” And everyone laughed. While Dalton apologizes to Jo!

I look at our Gammas and ask “Toby.. since we have initiated the new position of a Luna’s Gamma.. your main objective will be handling arrangements for visiting packs.. backup for Dalton.. and that in itself, is a 24/7 job.. and helping Delta with training, patrol, and tracking schedules. I also want you training an elite guard..at least twenty warriors, you can keep scheduled and on rotation!” Then I turned to speak to Angie..but Jolene stopped me. She spoke up “Angie.. you will be my third.. if we ever get a Beta female, you will assist us both. For now.. tell me why you wanted this position. And be honest..please. I noticed some reticence on the field around the men. I can help you with that fear.. if you’d like.. but I would also, like to know the cause.”

She looks at the floor..then she whispers “My stepbrother.. He used to beat me. A lot. Lock me in a closet while he was gone..sometimes, days. He’s at Smoky Moon now.. with his mate. But the fear is there.. I don’t like feeling confined and that’s why I try to keep distance when fighting. I want to do a good job here. If you can help.. I will take it!” Jolene immediately pulled her close and we literally watched the fear leave Angie’s form.. and a tear rolled down her cheek.. then she sobbed. And we all gave her a moment.

Once she was calmer, I spoke “We want you to choose a team of she-wolves. Train them to your specific talents. It will fall to your team to protect the young Alpha..and any other children we may have. Now! I need your oaths..and I am going to Alpha command you all! There is something that must never leave this room. You all know Matthew is not my biological pup. But he is mine..nonetheless! We have reason to believe his sperm donor will be coming to try and take him away. Especially if he ever discovers what I am about to share! Matthew is a healer. A Goddess gifted healer..and already a very strong one. It is our duty to have eyes on my son…at all times! He is never to be left alone. Always at least one guard on him… at all times!”

Any questions?