Chapter 172 172
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-TWO
AURON'S P.O.V
They nodded and took them off in one clean move, I nodded appreciatively at them. They had good physical proportions, though a few scars decorated their arms, it only served to show how brave they were in battle and survival.
Once everyone had taken off all theyir cloaks, hoods and masks, they filled the ground with them, looking like the ground had suddenly been covered in black dye. I stared at all the men, they for once were looking like normal people in normal dresses. Some had shy smiles on their faces as the greeted each other, some had large grins while comparing how they looked to when they first met each other. But the common thing was that thry were all happy to be rid of the bondage that served as a necessary means of survival in this pack. I can't believe I deprived my men from enjoying this, I deprived them from having this innocent and happy smiles on their faces. Well, today marks the end of that mistake.
I opened my mouth to speak again.
"Today marks the day you say goodbye to these outfits, so look at them very well for the last time. Remember what you had gone through with them, the discomfort, the frustration and the helpless that came with the fact that you could do nothing about it. The only thing I can say is that I am truly, deeply and sincerely sorry for putting you all through this all because of my selfishness and cowardice. If you can give me another chance, I promise to do my best as the alphabet make you all happy and comfortable. Though, of course I won't also get angry if any one of you choose to leave. You deserve your freedom, I promise I won't hold you back."
I stayed silent and waited for anyone that had decided to leave, but toy shock, no one stepped forward. Maybe they didn't believe me? I was serious, I'm not going to hold anyone to stay here by force. Just as I was about to speak again, I heard Derek's voice behind me.
"I choose to stay Alpha Auron." He came to stand in front of me be lowered his head in a bow. When he looked back at me again, resolve and determination filled my eyes. "You took me in without hesitation when my own pack threw me out. You clothed me, fed me and taught me everything I knew." He shook his head, his eyes trembling. "Only an ungrateful fool will leave you after all that. So I choose to stay by your side until you are tired of me, if you will let me."
"I choose to stay too. Auron." Gail ran and stood in front of me. He did a quick bowl and placed his right hand over his chest, his face having the same resolve and looked of determination. "I wish to stay by your side for as long as you will let me."
I felt overwhelmed and didn't know what you say, but I was spared from having to speak when loud shouts began to ring out among the men.
"I wish to stay too."
"I'm staying here Alpha."
"Alpha Auron, you can't get rid of me that easily."
"I'm staying here."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"This is my home and will always be."
"I wish to stay too."
Before I knew it, the whole ground was filled with the chants of wanting to stay in my pack. I stared at them in silence, my chest so full with love, gratitude and admiration for my men. Who could have thought that a day would come like this when they would scream to stay with me.
I swallowed to clear my throat from the tears that were trying to choke up my words.
"Thank you all." I bowed my head low to thank them, when I raised my head up, I saw that they had also bowed their heads to me. The highest form of respect given to an alpha is your bow your head to him and they all just did that.
"Thank you all for your loyalty to me. Trust me, I will never forget that, not in a million years. I am proud to be your alpha."
Booming cheers in my honor rang put from them once again. I raised my hands and stopped them.
"As for the outfits, you can take them and burn them, get rid of them, I don't care what you do with them as long as you do not have to see them ever again. For they out remind us of the dark times in this pack and right now we want to face the future and light of this pack."
"That's our alpha!" Someone roared and started another round of loud cheering for me.
"And lest I forget...Derek, Gail..." I called them out and looked at the crowd of men. "They were known as my second in command but now, their official titles as like other pack, are my Betas. From now on, this is Beta Derek and this is Beta Gail. Remember to address them whenever I'm not here."
Loud shoulders and cheer accompanied with applause filled the area. The two men grinned at each other before coming to hold me in a tight hug, I was stuff for a few seconds. Frozen like a statue at the sudden hug, but I slowly relaxed into it and pat their backs.
"Thank you, Auron." Gail's voice came out muffled, like he was trying to hold back tears.
"I never knew this day would ever come. Thank you." Derek was already crying, how shoulders shaking slight as he sobbed. Great, he can be so serious but he's actually a cry baby. Ironic and interesting at the same time.
"Its alright you two, you are welcome and it is my pleasure having you two beside me."
We separated and I gave them a stern look.
"Remember, you can no longer walk behind me again, you have to walk beside me, is that clear?"
"Crystal." Derek smiled.
Gail snapped his fingers after thinking for a while.
"Oh, diamond." When I gave him a blank look, he answered with a grin. "Because diamonds are also clear." I sighed and gave Derek a look that says "how have you been dealing with him?"
He rolled his eyes and mouthed the words "a lot." I nodded in understanding.
"Alright men, you are all dismissed..."
"And what is going on here!!?" A loud voice suddenly roared.