Chapter 26 ~Full moon banquet~
(Xander's POV)
I woke up to noise within the pack; it sounded like they were preparing for something.
I groaned. I hoped to sleep in today as it was a weekend.
What could it be this early?
I mindlinked Calvin. Can I not get a few hours of sleep in this pack? What's all the noise about?
Oh, they're preparing for the banquet. Calvin responded.
What banquet?
The full moon banquet. It's Silvereign’s turn to host. I told you, remember?
Fuck! How did I forget? I can't sit it out?
I could almost see Calvin shaking his head.
Of course not, and Luna has to be there as well.
Well, it was a tradition that a pack would hold the banquet two days after a full moon. It was usually rotational and today apparently, it was Silvereign’s turn.
It was a pretty big deal, as other Alphas and their pack members would be in attendance.
I drove to the pack hall which was within the estate; we got there in a few minutes when it was time for the full moon banquet.
I linked my hands with Fiona's as we entered the hall; hers were clammy.
“Are you nervous?” I asked her.
“Of course I am.”
“Well, you do not need to be. You look absolutely beautiful.” I said, kissing her hands.
And she did. She wore a long, flowing blue gown that complimented her eyes, and her hair was held up in some intricate designs and diamond thingies… I don't know, women's stuff, but she looked gorgeous.
“Thanks. But it's not about that.” She chuckled nervously.
We walked in. The hall was almost filled.
I spotted Calvin and Yara first, then Loki, alongside the elders, who were dressed with silver wolf insignias pinned onto their official cloak. But my father was absent.
“Wow. Everywhere looks very fancy and intimidating.” Fiona was mesmerized.
I nodded in approval.
Other Alphas and their Lunas were present, while omegas were serving at the banquet table.
I pulled out a seat for Fiona, and caught some disapproving looks, while others looked with quiet admiration.
The Betas were settled on the right, and Loki stood behind my table.
I exchanged pleasantries with a few people seated around and then sat at the head of the table.
Elder Cyrus turned to Fiona. “Luna, yesterday’s training must have acquainted you with proper etiquette.”
Fiona ignored him.
In a short while, the guests had all arrived, and I stood up to give my speech.
“Alphas and Lunas, Gammas, Omegas, children of the moon goddess, we gather here once again to witness another full moon banquet. Eat. Drink. Make merry.” I raised up my wineglass in a toast.
“Let the Luna address us,” Alpha Otto of Wolfen pack spoke.
I nudged Fiona, and she stood up.
“Once again, welcome to Silvereign pack. May your steps be guided by the moon and may your purpose here be honored.” She spoke confidently.
There were smiles and nods of approval from the guests.
The banquet was going smoothly. I was introducing Fiona and honestly; she was doing great.
“The Luna looks exquisite. I'm sure with your combined genes, you'll have many pups running about the packhouse in a few moons.” Alpha Cosmo teased.
I glanced at Fiona. She looked both flattered and embarrassed. I winked at her.
How many pups? I teased her through the mindlink.
Stop. She rolled her eyes, coloring red.
I turned, noticing someone had walked in.
I almost choked on the wine I was drinking. It was Alpha Varon. Of Nightfang Pack. A.K.A Nova's father… all the way from another region.
I stood up, letting my alpha essence take over as I headed towards him.
“Alexander,” he said, bringing out his hand for a handshake. “It's been a long time.
He looked far too neutral, in an unsettling way. I shook his extended hand. “Welcome Alpha Varon,”
I walked him to a seat. He spoke. “Sorry I'm late. My jet had some delayed maintenance check.”
I nodded. “That's not a problem.”
The real question is why are you here, mister? What must your daughter have told you?
He gestured towards Fiona. “Is that the new Luna?”
“Yes, Fiona.”
He nodded quietly.
“It's time to pour the ceremonial wine.” Elder Apollo gestured to me.
The Luna usually pours the ceremonial wine to symbolize fertility.
I gestured to Fiona, who stood up and held the goblet in hand. This would be the first time a Silvereign Luna would pour wine since my mother. It was highly significant.
“Under the moon's eye, may our pack thrive. May our bonds never be broken.” She raised the goblet.
“So be it.” The room responded in one voice.
She then poured the wine into her glass.
No…
Murmurs rose in the room.
Elder Cyrus stood immediately. “What are you doing? The Alpha and Elders are served first, and then the others. You're meant to serve yourself last.”
Fiona paled instantly. Curious glances went round the room.
I needed to do something.
I stood up and walked up to her, taking her wineglass as mine. “No names are written on the glasses, are they?”
She looked at me with relief washing over her face.
As the banquet went on, food and wine flowed plentifully.
We were at the table talking about alliances.
Alpha Otto wiped some stains on his mouth corners with the table napkin. “The rogue activities have spiked near the river. This is a consequence of loose borders!”
Alpha Lucien shook his head disapprovingly. “Even if it means renewing the territorial peace treaty, there must be border patrol support! Our pups are dying by the rivers in numbers every day.”
“We have to do something,” I added. “Just yesterday, we had a rogue attack here in Silvereign.”
The room went quiet in thought.
Fiona spoke up, her tone levelled. “I suggest training camps for warriors designated from each pack, and then they can take turns to patrol the borders.”
Wait… this actually made sense. “Like taking shifts.”
“Exactly.” Fiona nodded.
I could see I wasn't the only one impressed. Most of the Alphas and their subordinates were too.
“Or there could be a marriage union to secure the borders.” Alpha Varon, Nova's dad added. “Oh! Would you look at that, Alpha Xander and his Luna, Fiona. Can't her father provide able warriors? Except, of course… if she's not an Alpha's daughter.”
I was very sure he knew the answer to his question.
“What pack is your father's, Fiona, dear?” Luna Marggot asked.
I turned to look at Fiona, not knowing what to say.
“Don't you know?” Elder Julius snickered.
“She's just an omega from Ashridge.” Cyrus scoffed in mockery.
A soft gasp escaped from the room. Ashridge. Everyone knew Ashridge to be a troublesome pack.
Alpha Varon gave a loud laugh. Fiona's cheeks were hot. I watched to see how she would react.
“She's just an omega? Come on, Elder Cyrus, I'm Luna. Get your facts right.” She retorted.
I nodded proudly as Cyrus reclined in his chair.
The conversation continued like there was no interruption. At some point, someone mentioned about a pack that lost almost half their territory. This piqued my interest.
“What pack?” I asked.
“Bloodfang pack. Have you not heard, Alpha?” Elder Apollo answered.
Bloodfang, wow… I actually was friendly with Alpha Xerxes, but now that his territory was being overtaken, does this mean that there'll be a new Alpha?
“But they actually deserved it,” someone added. “Their young wolves are always spotted shifting in broad daylight, causing problems among humans.
Fiona shook her head. “Shifting during sch-”
Someone whispered, cutting her off, but I heard it clearly. Elder Cyrus muttered. “But you can't even shift.”
I stood up, fury taking over me. “Elder Cyrus, care to speak up and tell us all what you're muttering under your breath?”
Elder Cyrus stood up, his eyes met mine unflinching. “Oh, nothing, alpha… just that the new Luna is inexperienced. She knows nothing,”
“...about pack politics.” Elder Julius added.
I needed to put an end to this bullshit. What was I even doing here?
I walked up to Fiona and put out my hands to aid her up.
“Since you both know so much about pack politics, ensure everyone has a lovely night.” I glared at the two elders and walked off with Fiona.