Chapter 8

Bounce's POV

I was grateful to him, so I made him name our pack.

The pine pack's stood up and bowed their heads. Since they were sitting in a position, I didn't need them to stand up, but they did.

"You can have your seat. Just make sure your eyes are on me" I told them.

And they obeyed quickly.

" Like I said, I have a few things to say before the merge. I want you all to understand something. I'm not in any way forcing this union. You all sent your beta to me voluntarily. So I wouldn't owe anyone who thinks this union wouldn't pay him or his family to ransom. You are free to opt-out both individually or as a family. It is your choice. I've told your beta that if you have any inheritance in your pack, you are free to claim it. I'll gladly give you everything. It's worth in money or diamonds, as you want it. Come plain before you take this path that will bind us together for life".

Their beta told me he did this already before planning this ceremony but I was doing this again because I wanted to be free of blame. I waited for them to stand up or step forward but none did and that didn't make me happy. I didn't think there was anybody who would love their pack so much and wouldn't want to join another, especially when I'm the demon alpha that they all fear.

"You and I are both aware that I've been called the demon alpha. It's the truth. I can be a demon to anyone who inconveniences me and a normal man to anyone that gives me peace. It is your choice to choose. I will give you a few minutes to think about this fealty you are about to swear because I can brutally end your lives if you go against me and my pack. I don't show a bit of clemency when it comes to betrayal, not even to my pack members. I'm the monster I've been called and described.

I made sure that I was saying all these in my alpha's voice so that they would know that it isn't a threat but the reality of what I can do.

"I'm giving you another chance to leave. So if you want to, you are free. I give you my word. If you don't trespass you won't be touched by my pack" I repeated.

None of them stood up or made any attempt to leave. Now I know that every one of my actions towards them will be justified. Just as I was about to continue, a pup walked towards me. I wondered what she wanted.

My men, seeing this, ran to stop her from approaching. My men don't know pup when it comes to harm. They believe anyone can harm them. The parent of the pup ran forward too but I stopped them.

"Let her be," I ordered.

My men moved back a little while the parent of the pup went back almost crying. I knew the pup wanted to say something so I didn't want them to stop her.

"Everyone is free to speak even if it's a pup" I said looking down at the pup.

I even got down from my chair to go meet her so I could hear whatever she wanted to say.

"So what do you have to say pup?" I asked her.

" Alpha I'm Celine and my mama told me that you will be as nice as our dead alpha" she said with her childish voice. " Is that true?"

"Do you want me dead?" I asked the pup.

Our conversation could be barely heard since the pup's voice isn't so loud. Everywhere was silent so that they could all hear the conversation but the child's voice wouldn't let it go far but I know those that heard will tell those that didn't. I could see fear in the pine pack's members, especially the pup's parents.

"No," the pup shook her head.

"May I ask a question, pup?"

The pup nodded.

Which is better? A kind alpha that was killed due to his kindness and couldn't protect his land and people or a brutal one who wouldn't even allow anyone close to his people or land?"

I was looking forward to the pup's reply. She then pouted and put a finger on her lips as if in a deep thought. I really like the pup's courage, if she's an alpha breed she would be a good leader.

"The brutal alpha would be better. At least he won't lose his land, family and friends like I did" she said enthusiastically.

I ruffled her hair. " Good thinking pup".

"But will the brutal alpha be nice to his people?" She asked again.

" Even a brutal alpha loves his people" I replied.

I was really patient with the pup.

"Then he is a good Alpha," she smiled. "Will there be candy?" She asked with excitement.

Actually I didn't know what a candy is but I don't want to prolong matters here so I gave a nod. The pup became so happy and she gave me an unawares peck and ran back to her parents. I couldn't help but twist the edge of my lips at how adorable and bold the pup is. Not that I don't have pups in my pack but they scarcely come near me or let me say I'm rarely available for them.

Do not blame me, I was a pup too when my parents left me and I had to survive on my own. This little acting made me crave for my own pups. I even had in my heart to get closer to the one at the pack house. I didn't realise that I was off for seconds. I quickly adjusted and continued the ceremony.

I went to my seat after I ordered the swearing to start. Then the Beta, whom I don't even know his name, came forward. He bent on a knee and started.

"I Gabriel, the beta of pine pack, swear fealty today before the moon goddess to the alpha of Sceptre pack, alpha Bounce, to do all that you Alpha Bounce has bid me and be loyal till the end of the earth. If betrayal flows from me or I'm an accomplice to betrayal, may I and my family die like chicken" he swore, stood up and signed the contract on behalf of all his people.

"Oh his name is Gabriel" I said to myself.

Just as he took the oath and the binding ritual of drinking the water that has drops of my blood in it, his eyes shone and I knew then he was now the beta of my pack. This I didn't want but I don't have a choice here since I don't have a beta. I would have created one if I had the power to use one of my loyal men. For years I rejected alpha blood and beta's in becoming my people. I know how dominant they can be with their show of powers. With all my avoidance, I still ended up with a beta.

I know I wasn't the only one who saw the commission of my new beta. It gave a vivid sign. I don't know what my men felt but I've always known them to be loyal.

After Gabriel every other member of the pack swore their fealty. The more they did this the more I felt their bond in my body. It was like blood running through my veins. Even their pups took the drink even if they couldn't talk, some tried and it sounded funny that others laughed. I didn't because the process was quite tiring.

"You will all have your land and properties. Nothing would be taken from you except you want to exchange it for another. Nothing would be taken from you. The only difference is that there won't be a border between us and your pack name will be changed. Also your pack house will be demolished and rebuilt to my taste because I love perfect things. Beta makes sure every necessity is well handled.

"Yes Alpha," Gabriel said.

I didn't need to address my own people again. I've done that already before today. I had given them strict warnings about segregation and its consequences. They've never failed me and I know they wouldn't now.