Blood Moon's Rightful Alpha (Part I)

Blood Moon's Rightful Alpha (Part I)
Day of the Coronation

Kano stood alone in his room, mentally preparing himself for his coronation. Giving himself a once over for the last time, he scrunched his nose and spun around. Grabbing Essence in his arms, he swung her around as she laughed. “No go, Belle,” he said in amusement at the playful scowl on her face.

Pouting, she pushed from his arms and stomped her foot. “One day, I’m going to surprise you!” Seeing Kano tilt his head, she looked away. “Stop looking at me like that,” she said.

“Can’t help it, you look beautiful,” he replied earnestly, making her face him again. Kissing the ring on her finger, he folded his arms to his chest. “How long must I wait for you to be my wife?” he asked.

“Six months,” she said, laughing at him now wearing a scowl. “Sorry. It was funny.”

“Har-har-har.”

Smirking, she reached out and fixed his robes. “You look very handsome,” she said, and Kano found himself unable to stop looking at her. In just a few days she seemed to come back to life right in front of his eyes. Ericka’s words replayed in his mind, and he realized it wasn’t just her who’d changed. Since she’d returned, his wolf felt lighter, happier, and stronger in a lot of ways. Sensing his pensive mood, Essence patted his chest. “Hey? Communicate,” she said.

Kano breathed in deep. “I’m thrilled you’re home.”

“But…”

Before he could say another word, his wolf raged against his chest. Matching its intensity, Essence felt hers push her forward, and they both stared at each other wide-eyed. Kano pointed to his chest. “That. At least I know I’m not the only one,” he said.

“Nope.” She bit the side of her lip. “You know, Ericka said something—”

“Our wolves are so intensely linked, they can’t completely survive without one another,” he interjected.

“Yeah,”

He looked at her, and the lines of his face deepened. “Does that scare you?” he asked.

She thought about his question for a moment before shaking her head. Nervously, she rubbed her hand up and down her arm. “I think in a lot of ways, we’re intensely linked outside of our wolves. Just as two people who understand the pain of the other. So much of our childhood and lives were shaped by people who wanted nothing more than to destroy us because we’re different. I look around at the love we’re surrounded by now; the diversity and differences in Blood Moon. and I am constantly reminded that being different isn’t a bad thing.”

Her eyes blued, and she forced herself to look at him. “Different was made to do great things—so much so, he was accepted as alpha, making his coronation only a formality. Different changes lives, and cares so deeply about others that whether or not he speaks, everyone around him falls in love with him… his mate, and his daughter the most.” Kano stood slightly stunned for a moment as Essence wrapped her arms around his waist and burrowed under him. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that us being linked the way we are is just another thing that makes us different. Just one more thing to add to the list of reasons I adore you and am not scared.”

Pulling her from him, Kano raised her head with his finger. “How is it you knew just what I needed to hear?” he asked.

Smiling brightly, she shrugged her shoulders. “Who knows? Maybe because I’m dif—” He leaned down and kissed her passionately, interrupting her words.



The entire Blood Moon sat patiently in the square as they awaited their soon-to-be alpha and luna. Without a second thought, they’d accepted the transition, knowing they’d be out of sync with their wolves if they didn’t. Not one objection filled the space, nor a single sense of uncertainty. Deep down, they all somehow knew that this was how it was meant to be. Hand in hand, Kano and Essence walked onto the stage.

“Let the coronation begin,” the officiant said. Looking behind him, he beckoned for the official crown to be brought forward. As it arrived, he looked at Kano. “Let this crown serve as a reminder of the commitment that you have made to Blood Moon upon the eyes of these witnesses whom of which have accepted you as their alpha.” Taking the crown off its red pillow, he motioned for Kano to bend down. When he did, the officiant placed the crown inches from his head. “The one who wears this crown bears the responsibility of not only protecting this pack, but of leading it with righteousness, respect and honor. Kano Adam Tudor, do you accept this responsibility?”

“Yes, I accept this responsibility,” Kano said.

Nodding, the officiant placed the crown on his head, and Kano stood. Reaching for another crown, the officiant walked over to Essence. “Let this crown serve as a reminder of the commitment that you have made to Blood Moon upon the eyes of these witnesses whom of which have accepted you as their luna.” She bent down, and he placed the crown inches from her head. “The one who wears this crown bears the responsibility of ruling alongside the alpha of Blood Moon—not as lesser, but as a force that aids him in protecting and nurturing this pack. Her strength and guidance shall combine with his, and further push the leading of Blood Moon with righteousness, respect, and honor. Essence Belle Monroe, do you accept this responsibility?”

Essence locked eyes with Kano, and she watched as the paleness in them seemed to illuminate. The pride that stretched across his face towards her matched the same she wore for him. Inhaling deep, she spoke. “Yes, I accept this responsibility.”

Nodding, the officiant placed the crown on her head, and she stood. “I officiate the placements as Blood Moon’s new alpha and luna from this day out. Alpha Kano and Luna Essence, it is truly an honor.” Loud howls flowed around the square as the wolves of Blood Moon showed themselves on each of the member’s faces.

Kano grabbed her hand, and the two looked out at their pack. He saw Cayden’s eyes tear in happiness, and he smiled at him. “It is my first decree that I ask my brother, Cayden Lumiere Tudor, to take his rightful place at Blood Moon’s beta,” he said. His smile widened. “I cannot do this without him. I wish to rule with him by my side.”

Walking forward, Cayden and Anastasia joined them on the stage. Cayden embraced his brother. “I accept. It would be an honor to be by your side,” he said. A second wave of howls filled the space as the wolves accepted their beta. Looking outward, the four felt a new sense of peace at the new beginning that they would bring to Blood Moon.



After the coronation

“They’re really yours, Kano. You can stop stalking them with your eyes,” Cayden said, chuckling as he approached Kano, who was watching Essence and Kanon dance.

Kano rubbed the back of his neck. “Yes, admittedly, I’ve been creepy about this entire thing. I’ve even stared at you a few times.”

“Well, I mean of course, that’s a given. I illuminate a room just with my presence. How could you not?”

Kano rolled his eyes. “From the death stare you’re getting from Anastasia, I don’t think that’s completely true.”

“Shit! Has she spotted me?!” Cayden asked, ducking behind him. “I positively adore her, but she’s driving me mad!”

“How so?” Kano asked with his brow raised.

“You remember when you couldn’t stand next to Essence without attempting to sully her virtue?” Seeing Kano cut his eyes, he threw up his hands. “Just attempting to provide context. Anyway, it’s like that, but way more intense. Before, she smelled like freshly baked bread and let’s be honest with one another, I am a bit of a bread whore. Savina would hide it from me as it goes straight to my thighs—”

“Cayden, please land your fucking plane before I let you crash and burn alone,” Kano retorted through a clenched smile as he waved to the members of Blood Moon. “We are at my coronation, remember? We’re supposed to be mingling, and I’d like to dance with my fiancée and daughter. ”

“Let’s not be rude. I’ve endured your massively spacious face for a century as you stared down at me with silent tales of—ouch!” Cayden grimaced as Kano grabbed him hard on the back of the neck. “Alright! Alright!” he said, and sighed in relief when Kano let him go. “Be glad this is your coronation or I’d kick you right in the temple.” Seeing Anastasia let out a sigh, he shook his head. “The woman smells like an entire bakery now, and by God, if it doesn’t turn me into Lionel Poilâne every time I walk past her, especially tonight.”

Kano arched his brow. “Not following how that’s a problem? Tonight, of all nights you should feel a bit more inclined to allow your wild side to show.”

Cayden cocked his head back. “It’s a problem, Adam, because I keep almost attacking her!”

“Still not getting what’s the problem, and from her expression it looks like she doesn’t either.”

Cayden folded his arms to his chest and looked at his wife. Feeling a tap on his back, he turned and found Ericka behind him. He arched his brow. “Is everything alright?”

Ericka laughed. “Fine with me, though I think you’re clearly missing a signal.” She pointed to Anastasia, whose eyes burned gold as she looked at Cayden before she quickly closed them. “You won’t hurt the baby, Beta, though I think you’re going about this the wrong way,” she said.

“Y-you do?”

“Yes. It’s normal to worry at this stage, but if you can’t tell already, your wife is clearly interested in whatever you’re interested in dishing out.”

“She is?!” Cayden responded a little too loudly. Seeing Ericka’s head nudge towards Anastasia again, he realized that like him, his wife couldn’t keep her eyes from turning. Straightening his tie, he patted his brother on the back. “You’re the alpha, I’m the beta—we’re good here, right?” he asked.

Kano chuckled. “Yeah, we’re good here, go.” His laughter continued as Cayden darted to Anastasia, picked her up, and shuffled with her out the door. Looking down at Ericka, he nodded. “Thank you for helping him.”

“That’s what I’m here for, to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Kano arched his brow. “How so?”

Ericka folded her arms to her chest and squared her shoulders. “Look around, red wolf. Look at what communication and proper education can do to those who still wish to remain teachable.” She twisted her lips. “It’s an amazing thing and makes this place really feel like home.”

He gave her a genuine smile. “Well, thank goodness this is your home then, huh?”
Absentmindedly, she looked at all the new friends she made, then at Phil, who stood talking to Fontaine and Stephan. A lump formed in her throat when she locked eyes with Brenda, who bore the same expression of sadness and fear as she did. Inhaling sharply, she put on her best smile. “Yeah, this is home, and I’ll forever be grateful for it,” she said.