Chapter 42 – Caden

The crowd around has dispersed once Grace chased after Felix. I can’t help but turn to look at my father’s body and let out a sigh. A funeral will need to be arranged for him as well as plans for my coronation.

“I already called a few wolves to come take his body to the morgue.” Zander’s voice calls out softly, his hand patting my shoulder as he comes to stand next to me. I thank my best friend, realizing that we will also need to have an initiation ceremony to hand over the Beta title to him once we return to the Royal Pack. Caleb and Cody walk over to us, their faces lit with smiles as they pat me on the back.

“You lucky dog!” Cody chuckles out, throwing his arm over my shoulder and pulling me into a side hug.

“That silver she-wolf is one heck of a woman and you just declared your interest in her just like that? Should I start calling her ‘You’re Majesty’?” He continues laughing. I roll my eyes, a smile growing on my face as I think about Grace. Watching her tackle Felix at first made me feel fear. To see the she-wolf I held in my arms hours before as she healed take on my cousin, a well known woman abuser, worried me to no end. But then I watched her force my cousin to submit, felt the power of an Alpha push through her blood and I realized that she was defending my honor because she cares about me. It made me happy to think the woman I wanted also wanted me and would defend and protect me just like I would her.

“You just might end up doing that.” I chuckle out, getting a look of disbelief from Cody as his arm drops from my shoulder.

“Seems like our King has found his Queen.” Caleb states, lightly punching my shoulder. I agree, motioning for the three to follow me as we head to the lodge. A banquet will be prepared for tonight and I will have the be there as the new Alpha King.

“Your Majesty!” A voice calls out and I turn to see Eli the Ancient walking towards me, a friendly smile on his face. Fangs poke from under his top lip and part of me heightens my senses as I wait to see what this Vampire wants.

“Lord Eli.” I greet, nodding respectfully at the man.

“Let me start off with congratulating you on becoming King. In my opinion it was about time for Gregory to be put down.” Shocked, I take a closer look at Eli and realize he means no harm, my guard against him lowering. It seems talking to him will be a good thing.

“Thank you. I have been debating on how to deal with my father and death seemed to be the safest option if I want my nation to flourish.” This seems to be the right thing to say as Eli nods, his eyes scanning the wolves lazing about in the clearing. The Run took a lot out of everyone and these wolves deserve a relaxing day before we all are to head to our respective packs.

“I came to the Run in order to make a peace treaty with your father, but the man was adamant on not co-operating. I was wondering if after your coronation, I can come to you and we can come to an alliance. Vampires and wolves have been at odds with one another for years. I’d like to see us getting along now that change is around the corner. You and that silver wolf will being a new era to your kind as King and Queen and I want to be there with you two as a friend.” I follow his gaze to see Grace padding towards the Lodge, her silver fur shining in the sun and I smile. She is the definition of beauty and grace. The perfect woman to bring about change for all. Eli is right, Grace will make a perfect Queen with the compassion and strength she has.

“I’d like that. I will have an invitation sent to you and your coven to come be part of my coronation. We can take this time to come up with what we expect from one another then finalize the alliance treaty when we meet again.” An alliance with the Ancient will be perfect. We can stop many minor conflicts between our races and even open up trades with them.

“I look forward to that Caden. Till then I believe you have some things to take care of.” With that, Eli walks away, his steady gait reminding me of a King. I wonder if through our alliance Eli can become a mentor to me as I learn how to be a just King.

“We should get things ready for the banquet tonight.” Celeb suggests, pulling me from my thoughts. I nod, my friends and I heading inside the lodge and greeted by a chaotic scene. Co-ordinators ran about, some carrying trays of food up the stairs where visiting Alphas and Betas stay, some rushing out to the cabins behind the lodge with clean linen, others coming to me asking questions about the meals for the banquet and how to prepare the outside for the final farewell to end The Run this year. I sigh, looking at Zander who seems equally frazzled as I am and conclude that we are in for one hell of a night. With a sigh, I ask the co-ordinators preparing for the event to step forward and to follow me to the Alpha King’s office with Caleb, Cody, Zander and I. Once inside with the three wolves start suggesting ideas all at once, giving me a slight head ache.

“Make it a buffet style dinner.” I shout out, silencing the three wolves. The look at me in shock as the banquet has always been a sit down dinner but it was time for a change, one I would like to start tonight.

“If we make it a buffet style dinner, we can give the wolves here a chance to mingle about and get to know their new pack mates as well as form alliances. It will also be easier to create larger portions of food quicker than individual meals and with the lodge being full of wolves, more food means less angry quick to temper wolvers.” I explain, the three co-ordinators taking my words to heart. The female, Leah if I remember correctly, nods, her eyes glazing over as she mind links someone.

“The chefs like this idea. We can get the rest of the banquet planners to help decorate the outside patio for the buffet.” Leah states with an excited grin.

“Sounds good. Leah, you are in charge. Make sure to spread the buffet tables out around the patio so that it is easier to get to the food without long lines.”

“Yes Alpha!” With the banquet problems now settled, the three co-ordinators leave the office prepared to make the banquet a success. I look to Caleb who seems to be watching me with amusement all over his face and decide that he needs a job as well.

“Caleb, since you are just standing there, why not go help Leah with moving tables.” I command, watching the amusement from my friend’s face fall.

“What?! Come on Caden, that’s not fare!” He protests and I wave him off, taking a seat behind the desk. It seems my father brought work with him, work I will need to organize and go through.

“Zander, can you tell my sister to help Grace get ready for the banquet. I plan to bring her as my date.” I ask my friend, watching as he smirks and grabs Caleb’s arm.

“On it Alpha. I will bring Caleb to Leah while I am on my way to the medical ward.” I nod, happy to have my best friend’s support as Zander drags Caleb our of the office. Looking to Cody, I motion for him to take a seat across from me and hand him a few files.

“You went to law school so I need your help going through some of these. It seems my work as Alpha King has just begun.”