Chapter 59 Chapter Fifty-Nine
\-Leilani's POV-
The second Malakai walked out the door I went into a full blown spiral. I can't believe I am hours away from becoming alpha. I have been trying to hold myself together, but I am terrified. What if I mess everything up? The pack will never respect me.
I take a deep breath, letting it out slowly. I just need to focus on something else, anything else. Malakai said I should practice my gifts. So, that's what I'm going to do.
I go to the back yard, trying to practice, but I can't. I literally can't focus on anything. Frustrated I go back inside and turn on the TV. I text Malakai.
Me: I miss you!
Malakai's response is almost immediate.
Malakai: I miss you too Angel. Are you okay?
How does he do that? All I said was I miss you.
Me: I'm okay, just miss you. Hope you are having a good day.
Malakai: It will be better when I'm with you again.
I smile. He is so sweet, I don't know how I got so lucky.
I spend the rest of the day attempting to watch movies. I had hoped it would distract me, but it didn't help. The day drags by so slowly without Malakai. I hope we never have to be away from each other this long ever again
My phone starts screeching and I almost jump off the couch, screaming bloody murder. Holy fucking shit. I forgot I had set an alarm to remind me it's time to get ready to the ceremony.
I make my way up to my bedroom. Taking a look around my room I try to figure out what I should do first. I guess I better do my hair and makeup before I put my dress on. I don't want to mess up my dress before the ceremony.
I put in a little extra effort with my makeup today, I don't know why though. It's not like wearing a little bit of red lipstick is going to change anyone's mind about me. Everyone has already decided I shouldn't be the alpha. I haven't heard anyone say it, but I can feel it.
I decide to do my hair in spiral curls, wearing it half up, half down. I look at the time again, not wanting to wear the dress longer than I have to. Five thirty. Shit. It took an hour to do my hair and makeup, it only felt like ten minutes.
The ceremony starts at six, I guess I better put my dress on. Malakai will be here any minute to pick me up. Grabbing the red knee length fitted dress off the back of the door, I throw my clothes on the floor and slip the dress on.
Heels come last. They are way to high for me, but I will make them work. Taking a look at myself in the mirror I gasp. I don't even really look like myself. I look so, I don't know. Grown up?
I take a deep breath and make my way downstairs, very slowly. Right as my foot hits the bottom step the front door opens and I stop, holding my breath as I wait for Malakai's reaction. He hasn't seen me in my ceremony dress yet.
The second Malakai sees me his eyes turn dark with hunger. "Fuck baby. You look so beautiful."
I let out the breath I was holding. "Really? Are you sure? Is this okay for the ceremony?" I ramble nervously asking question after question.
Malakai chuckles, walking over to me. "You look perfect baby. That dress is absolutely gorgeous on you."
"Thank you Malakai." I whisper and he takes my hand, helping me down the last couple of steps.
"Are you ready for the ceremony baby?" He asks and I nod my head.
"Yeah. I guess so."
Malakai gives me a reassuring smile, leading me towards the door. "Let's go baby. Everyone is there waiting for you."
The drive to the ceremony is short, way to short. The pull into the parking lot and I take a shaky breath. It's really happening, like really really happening. I look out the window, trying not to panic. A panic attack in front of the pack definitely won't earn me any respect.
Malakai puts his hand on my thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Just relax baby. I am going to be there with you the whole time. Anything you need, just ask me okay?"
I smile at him. "Thank you Malakai."
"Of course Angel. Let's get you inside, before everyone thinks you ran away." He winks at me and I laugh.
"I'm ready." I whisper and he smiles, getting out and coming around to my side. He opens my door and gives me his hand.
We walk hand in hand to the front door, and he gives me a kiss on the cheek. He lets go of my hand and opens the door. I know we can't exactly walk in holding hands, but it kind of sucks.
The door opens and everyone in the community center turns to face me and Malakai. They just stare at me, nobody says anything. Malakai puts his hand on the small of my back. It's just a small gesture, but it reassures me that I'm not doing this alone.
"Let's give our new Alpha a proper welcome." He announces in his authoritative voice.
The younger pack members closest to my age are the first to start clapping, followed by the rest of the pack. I look up at Malakai and he smiles. "Alright Alpha Leilani, it is time for you to mingle with the pack. The offical swearing in will happen here in just a little while. Get to know your pack from a leader's perspective. Address their concerns, let them get to know you." He tells me.
I nod my head, making my way towards a group of elderly she wolves I have known since I was a child. "Good evening ladies. How are you doing tonight?" I ask.
They smile at me. Samina one of the oldest she wolves left in our pack puts her hand on my shoulder. "Leilani you have grown into such a beautiful young lady. I am sure you will make a great Alpha. I know your dad is very proud of you. Your mom would be too."
"Thank you Samina. That means the world to me. I am so glad you are here." I tell her as I pull her into a hug. In some ways she is like a pack grandma, always there for anyone that needs her.
"Good luck Alpha Leilani." She whispers, kissing my cheek before I pull back.
I nod my head and make my way over to a group of the council members. "Good evening gentlemen."
They turn to look at me and go right back to talking, completely ignoring my attempt at being polite. I take a deep breath to control my growing irritation and try again. "I said good evening gentlemen." This time I use the most stern voice I have reminding myself of my father.