Chapter 65 The First Shift pt 1
Seren
Tristan tipped his head back for a moment, closing his eyes. His throat worked as he swallowed. After a moment, he met my eyes, then Duncan's, then Gideon's. "I'm sorry, I just need to clarify. I'm having a little bit of trouble absorbing this, I guess. You want to place me in Princess Seren's personal guard, despite the fact that I'm a warrior for Blood Moon and have been quietly trying to subvert the authority of my Alpha in that pack by helping omegas escape and despite the fact that I came here with the team that was meant to retrieve the princess for Alpha James. I would join Crescent Moon Pack, protect Princess Seren, and all that you want from me is for me to be loyal to her and to assist in your attack on my current—former—on Blood Moon Pack?"
"Yes, frankly, we could use your knowledge about the pack to add to our preparations for tomorrow's attack and about the rescue operation so that we can provide any aid that we can while we work to destroy this trafficking network. Ideally, we'd initiate you into Crescent Moon today, and you could review the plans for the team you'll be assigned to. I would require an oath of loyalty to Seren as your future Luna." Duncan's voice was all business as he answered Tristan.
Gideon was still standing behind me, watching Tristan as he processed Duncan's response. "If you don't feel that you can give your loyalty or aid in the attack, you'll have an option to leave here after we're finished with our business at Blood Moon. You'd be packless, and a rogue as a result, as neither Duncan nor I would want you in our pack if you're not willing to offer your loyalty. We won't stop you from joining another pack if you have another one that you'd like to join, though. Your value to those you've aided can't be discounted, and you don't deserve to die simply because of the pack that you were stuck with. We'll be offering similar options to those at Blood Moon that are worthy," Gideon said.
His hands lay palm-down on the table, fingers tapping lightly against the stainless steel. Tristan looked at me then, head tilting slightly. "And you, Princess Seren? Do you feel the same as Prince Gideon and Alpha Duncan, and are you willing to take me on as one of your guards? I do not want to agree to this if it is something that you are uncomfortable with."
His consideration is exactly why I agreed with Julian's plan. There is so much more to Tristan than a simple warrior. There seems to be a core of kindness and valor that shows in his quiet actions. "I do agree with them, Tristan. You've been open and honest with us since you began speaking to us. You've even acknowledged the part that you had to play when you weren't able to help the omegas escape. As you know, we did not get any training at Blood Moon. I did not get any training. While that will change now, I will still need people that I can trust to be a part of my personal guard. I think that should start with you."
He nodded, a determined glint in his eyes as he straightened in his chair, pulling his shoulders back. "If you're sure, then I'd be honored to be one of your sworn guard and offer you my loyalty, Princess. I have no problem joining your war party to attack Blood Moon tomorrow, and will happily share any information I have on potential allies that we may have in the pack there before we go. I'll break the pack link and join Crescent Moon at any time that you wish, though if I may make a suggestion?"
"Go on," Duncan said.
"Wait until after the attack on Blood Moon to initiate me into this pack. With my connection to Blood Moon Pack, I will be able to link with any of the warriors and omegas who are on our side and help get them clear or fighting with us, whichever you prefer. They trust me already, so there will not be any hesitation in obeying any orders you issue through me."
Gideon and Duncan nodded at each other. Julian, still standing in the corner, spoke up. "That would certainly be helpful, and I realize that this is probably going backward a bit when we've been pretty clear that we're willing to trust you, but…how do we know you won't take advantage of that opportunity to betray us with others from that pack? Once you've sworn loyalty to Seren and our pack, there's significantly less risk of you breaking that trust."
"I would be more than willing to take a blood oath on the matter, Beta Julian." There was no deception in Tristan's gaze, nor offense. "I understand we are all on fairly new, shaky ground at the moment. I don't want to waste the chance at redemption that you're offering me, and I will do whatever it takes to prove that to you."
Gideon had subtly shifted as Julian asked his question, placing his hand on my back as Tristan answered. His words carried the zip of truth. While I was sure that we could trust Tristan, having that confirmation from our new powers was a relief.
"If you're going to pledge an oath of loyalty to Seren, then I believe we can settle that today while still allowing you to keep your connection to Blood Moon for the battle to come. Then you can be initiated into Alpha Duncan's pack when we return," my father said. "We would be getting the best of both situations in that case."
"Of course, King Cian. As I said, whatever it takes."
"Alpha Duncan, if you don't mind, I think this is something I should officiate, given the circumstances," Dad said to Duncan.
"Of course, King Cian."
Dad stood, then moved to the cart discreetly placed behind the door. He picked up a small knife, then approached Tristan. "Please stand."
Tristan rose, standing directly in front of my father. He held out his hand as Dad sliced into Tristan's palm and then made a matching cut on his own, then gripped hands with him. "Repeat after me. I, Tristan Reed, hereby vow my full loyalty to the Princess Seren. I will protect her with my life and will act in accordance with her wishes. This I swear upon pain of death."
He followed Dad's instructions, his voice strong and sure. There was no hesitation, no wavering—nothing but pure confidence as he pledged. When he'd finished speaking, a warm glow enveloped their clasped hands, sealing the vow.
"Well, then. That settles that. Now, let's get out of this place and get you set up in the packhouse. Conn tells me that Kara is itching to run, so we've got places to be now that this is done." Duncan winked at me.
I laughed, nodding. "Let's go, mate."