Chapter Thirty-Six
Axe and I are walking hand in hand to the meeting hall. It's secluded, trees all around. I've never actually been in this hall. Axe pulls me into the side entrance and we enter a little room.
“You're going to wait in here until I tell you to come out. For now, we can watch through the window,” Axe informs me quietly.
I stand by the window and look into the huge, brightly lit room on the other side.
Dozens of chairs line up through the whole room.
Seeing everyone from the pack sitting in the same room is stressful.
Do I really have to go out in front of all those people?
There's a tall stage up front and Brian and two other men are standing to the side of the stage, looking like professional businessmen.
Their hands behind their backs, their shoulders broad, their posture impeccable.
They are the muscle of the pack, anyone can see that.
“Can they see us?” I ask, stepping back from the window.
“No. We can see them but they can't see us.”
The side entrance opens again and Dash walks in.
“Well, someone's fashionably late,” I tease.
“They will wait as long as I tell them. Besides, they're going to wish this meeting started later once Axe walks out.” Dash straightens himself up. “You ready?”
“Seven years ready,” Axe mutters. “Let's start this.”
Dash nods then opens the door to the hall slightly, slipping through. He goes up on stage and all attention turns to him.
“Hello, everyone, thank you for being here. This meeting is being held for a big occasion. The last seven years, I have stepped up and taken the role of leadership...”
“Hold on.” Alpha Manson, who I see in the front row, stands. “If this is a handing over the reins ceremony for you to be the new alpha, I should really have been informed. We need to discuss this before this meeting goes on.”
“Shut up already,” Axe mutters with a roll of his eyes.
“What's wrong?” I whisper.
“My father is undermining Dash. It's infuriating. I can't wait to show everyone up,” Axe tells me quietly.
“Do you overrule your father?” I ask, needing to know the answer.
“Damn right I do. I was the last alpha who got handed the reins in a traditional ceremony so no one can go above me. Anyone who conspires against me is committing a crime.” Axe's words give me peace of mind.
“All due respect alpha Manson, this isn't a ceremony. This is a reinstatement. I am your beta once again because I'd like to welcome alpha Axel back.” As soon as Dash says Axe's name, the room goes deadly silent.
Axe winks at me before opening the door, stalking across the room and taking his place on stage.
Dash steps to the side, letting Axe take up centre stage.
All eyes are on Axe. No one dares to speak a word.
I look at Manson and his eyes are bulging.
His wife beside him looks just as shocked but smiles when she sees Axe. Shock fills every face of the audience.
“Everyone, things are about to change. I'm the alpha and I'm setting new laws.
Now this will be a long meeting so whatever plans you had for the night are cancelled.
First of all, I'm tired of rumours about me.
Yes, I did act out towards pack members and that is my fault, I'll admit to that.
But I'm putting those rumours to rest. I will never hurt an innocent pack member again.
No one has to fear me ever again. By the end of this meeting, everyone will understand this pack's biggest priority is safety.
Everyone's safety.” Axe seems secure on stage.
He definitely will fall back into being alpha naturally.
“As much as I want this to be a good occasion, we have some dark issues to deal with.
Crimes have been committed in this pack that have gone by unnoticed by the beta and I.
I'm putting a stop to that right now. Sentences will be given out so, soldiers, I want all four exits of this building guarded. No one leaves. If someone tries to run, restrain them,” Axe instructs.
Soldiers from the pack move around immediately, three guards on each exit.
I look through the crowd trying to spot the people who have abused me to see if their expressions hold fear, but there are too many people to find them.
However, I spot Joel easily, his scent sticking out.
He's around the middle section on the left side of chairs.
He doesn't look worried at all, bored if anything.
But everyone else in the crowd looks worried. No one knows if Axe is still unstable.
“I will call names. Come to the front. My soldiers will handle you if you don't come,” Axe states.
“I found a pack member on the forest floor beaten half to death. After nursing her back to health, she opened my eyes when I discovered the multiple crimes that were committed against her. Come on out.” Axe looks to the window that I'm standing behind.
I take a deep breath and open the door, all heads turning to me. Multiple gasps sound as I step out and stand on stage beside Axe. Joel now pays full attention. I look out at everyone, no longer feeling nervous. I hope Axe rains hell down on this pack.