ALPHA KING'S SECRET TRIPLETS Chapter 60

HUNTER'S POV

In the deep serenity of the Sawtooth National Forest, I stood by Zora's side in our lupine forms. Her red fur gleamed under the light filtered through the treetops, while my gray coat skillfully blended into the forest shadows. We were in the heart of Zora's pack, a place that displayed a grandeur different from the pack I knew.

Unlike my pack, there were neatly arranged wooden benches here, and a colossal throne carved with faces representing the alphas preceding Garnet, the imposing Alpha King. Expectations hung in the air as Zora and I awaited Garnet's arrival for our official introduction. I asked Zora how long it would be until Garnet arrived.

Her response was brief: “Not much.”

The distant sound of drums began to echo through the forest, indicating the proximity of the gathering.

Red-furred wolves started emerging from the forest's density, one after another, forming a congregation heading towards the meeting spot. The pulsating energy of the place intensified as more wolves joined the assembly. My eyes scanned the scene, observing each member of Zora's pack.

Finally, near the throne, emerged a female figure draped in a black cloak with a hood that concealed her face. She was a mysterious presence emanating an aura of authority. Her steps were calculated and silent, echoing the respectability she carried.

Then, an ancient sound reverberated through the area. Garnet's deep and grave breath filled the air, signaling his imminent appearance. My attention turned to the forest entrance, where a magnificent red wolf stood out.

It was Garnet, the Alpha King, with his lush and majestic fur. His eyes, filled with wisdom and experience, scanned the assembly before fixing on Zora and me. A subtle bow passed through the pack members, a gesture of respect in the presence of the supreme leader of all packs in the Rocky Mountains. I could feel the energy surrounding his presence.

Zora nodded, a respectful greeting to her father and leader. I followed suit, demonstrating my respect, although I was still trying to understand the dynamics of this new pack. Garnet's gaze hovered over us, and I felt the silent assessment of a wise leader.

The moment had finally arrived. Garnet, with his magnitude and authority, stood before us, and the pack awaited the Alpha King's next words. “It is an honor to have in our pack my beloved daughter and sole heir, Zora,” declared Garnet, his voice resonating like distant thunder. “Now Luna of Hunter, son of Alastair, appointed by the Moon Goddess to take on the role of the next Alpha King.”

The pack, in unison, knelt before us. I felt a wave of responsibility and humility in the grandeur of the moment. Zora approached me, her red wolf touching my gray fur in a gesture of unity.

I responded, addressing the Alpha King with respect. “It is an honor for me and my pack to stand before the great Alpha King, chief, and protector of all packs within the Rocky Mountains. I thank the blessing of the Moon Goddess for this opportunity.”

Zora, by my side, expressed her joy at returning home, and Garnet, with a warm smile, gestured for everyone to rise. “I am truly happy to have you here. The Moon Goddess has been generous to us in uniting our packs in this unique way. Now, it is time to celebrate.”

The pack then rose, and the silence was broken by joyful howls that echoed through the forest. It was the beginning of a celebration that would unite the packs and strengthen the bonds of those destined to lead.

Garnet led the start of the celebrations, encouraging dances and songs in gratitude for the union of our packs. The pack began to gather around, forming a circle around us. The sunlight filtered through the tree leaves, creating shadow patterns on the forest floor. Garnet, Zora, and I were enveloped in a festive atmosphere as the pack began to chant ancient songs in honor of the Moon Goddess.

My lupine form danced harmoniously alongside Zora, whose red fur radiated in the sunlight. The heart of the pack pulsed with energy as we celebrated, united by joy and the bonds beginning to form.

“Why did you take so long?” a voice behind us asked with a mix of curiosity and reproach.

I turned and faced the woman in the black cloak I had seen next to Garnet's throne. She removed the hood, revealing cascading black hair and nearly gray eyes.

“Hello to you too, Ignis,” Zora said. My admiring eyes fixed on Ignis, a Peeira, for the first time before me.

Ignis stared at Zora with a serious expression and said, “You know how much Alpha Garnet despises delays.”

Zora responded with a tranquil smile. “We thought it's best to rest a bit before coming straight here. But as soon as I felt you had already informed my father, we rushed over.”

Ignis turned her gaze to me, and Zora made the proper introductions. She shot a look at me, and I stared at her with admiration as it was the first time I had seen a Peeira in person.

“What are you staring at so much?” she asked. I apologized for my rudeness, explaining that it was my first time in the presence of a Peeira.

“I'm sorry for the rudeness, Ignis,” I murmured, trying to express respect. “It's the first time I've encountered a Peeira.”

Ignis smiled, revealing a hint of pleasure at my words. “It's good to be seen like this, with respect. Few still recognize the meaning and importance of my existence.”

Zora intervened, asking if Ignis needed anything else. “Do you need anything else, Ignis?” Ignis pondered for a moment before responding. “No, for now. Just wanted to let you know that Garnet and I will join you later in the Lodge for a more intimate dinner.”

“It will be a pleasure to have you,” Zora replied.

Ignis bid farewell with a wave, putting the hood back on before walking away in the direction of the forest. Zora and I resumed our dance, now accompanied by the murmur of lively conversation around us.

“I'm sorry about that, Hunter. Ignis has a peculiar way, but you get used to it.”

“It's okay,” I replied. “I don't have a Peeira to compare, so I'll accept her the way she is.”

Zora smiled, appreciating my understanding. However, she added with a playful tone, “Ignis is probably jealous.” I arched an eyebrow, surprised. “Jealous? Of what, or rather, of whom?”

Zora glanced away for a moment before answering. “Probably of me. Since my mother died, Ignis has treated me like a daughter. But that's a long story, and I don't want to spoil our celebration with it now. I hope you understand.”

My eyes met hers, and I smiled, agreeing with her suggestion. “As you wish, Zora.”

***

Late in the evening, Zora and I returned to the imposing Lodge in the heart of the forest. The celebration prepared by Garnet had been intense, full of music, dance, and laughter echoing through the thick trees. We entered the mansion's interior, tired but satisfied with the festivity marking our arrival in Zora's pack.

Zora turned to me, her tired yet still sparkling eyes asking, “What did you think of the celebration, Hunter?”

I gave a slight smile, appreciating the sincerity of her question. “It was great, Zora. Different from anything I've experienced so far.”

“I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did too,” she laughed, the gentle melody of her laughter filling the Lodge's spacious room. “Garnet knows how to throw a party. I hope you didn't feel out of place.”

I shook my head negatively. “Not at all. Everyone was welcoming. It's... just different.”

We fell into silence, both aware of the new dynamics between us. We were now a couple, a union blessed by Alastair and now Garnet, the Alpha King, who undoubtedly had high expectations.

“It's strange being here in the Lodge with so much silence, isn't it?” I commented, observing the bright chandeliers illuminating the room.

“I asked for us to have a little time alone before the omegas came to prepare dinner. I thought we might like a moment to ourselves,” Zora suggested, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

As a newly formed couple, wanting to be alone was somewhat natural. Both of us knew what our packs expected from us.