Chapter TWENTYSEVEN- THE NEW ALPHA OF LOTUS SHADOW
Rachel POV
Ace and I entered the castle, and I noticed a man standing beside Ace's Father, conversing.
"Who is that?" I asked Ace as we walked to where they were standing.
I saw Staci hug the man and heard Antonio growl as Staci smacked his chest.
"That's my Uncle Adriel."
"He's the youngest of my Dad's siblings," Ace said. When we approached, I got a good look at him.
Adriel was 6'4, lightly tanned skinned, with jet-black messy curly hair, green eyes, and solid muscles. He looked more like Evelyn than Antonio and Acilio did.
"Wow," I thought the Silva family genes were strong. All the men resembled each other. The only difference was Ace's Dad had wavey hair and greenish-blue eyes.
When Ace's other Uncle, Acilio, entered the room with his mate, and I got a look at the brothers, you would think they were triplets with different colored eyes and hairstyles. I also noticed Adriel was the shortest of the three, with Antonio being the tallest. I watched as Adriel approached us and greeted his nephew with a hug, and then his green eyes focused on me.
"Luna Rachel," he smiled and kissed my hand.
I giggled as Ace growled at his Uncle. Adriel let out a hearty laugh.
"She's all your nephew. I'm just politely meeting the Luna of the pack," Adriel winked and turned back to his brothers.
"Always the jokester, huh, little brother," Antonio said to Adriel as a broad smile appeared.
"Are we ready, Dad?" I heard Ace ask his Father as he turned and stared at his son.
"Yeah, you should bring Rachel."
"I think this might pique her interest," Antonio said as he smiled at me.
My eyes widened like saucers as Ace led the way with me at his side. I noticed everyone following us.
"What's going on?" I asked Ace. He turned to face me with a broad smile.
"You will see in a bit," he said as he led us to the larger conference room.
Once we entered, I saw my Mother and elder Gerard seated at the long table, and she smiled at me.
"Hey, Mom," I said, and she came over and hugged me tight.
"How are you? The twins?" she asked as I smiled at her.
"Growing," I said as she patted my back. We walked over to the table with Ace behind us.
"Ah, Alpha Ace and Luna Rachel."
"Good to see you again," elder Gerard said as we took our seats at the head of the table, and my Mom sat beside me.
I noticed our Betas and Gammas, Patrick and Carissa, Ace's parents, Samson, Spencer, and his parents were present. After everyone took their seats, I heard the door creak open, and Aquila and Evelyn walked in with an older woman who resembled the man. She had long, jet-black curly hair with gray streaks and was shorter than Staci. She had the most alluring ocean-blue eyes.
"Grandfather! Grandmother!" I heard Ace shout as the couple took their seats. I listened to the older lady chuckle.
"Hello, my handsome grandson," she said as the older gentleman nodded. I spoke to Aquila and Evelyn as she squealed and came over to touch my belly. Evelyn smiled, kissed my temple, and talked to my Mother.
I stared at the other older lady who came with Aquila and Evelyn. Wondering who she was.
"Little flower, this is my great-Grandmother. Daniela Silva."
"She doesn't speak English, so my Grandfather or Father has to translate everything for her," Ace said as I stared at his great-Grandmother.
"Shall we proceed?" elder Gerard asked as Ace nodded.
As elder Gerard spoke, I listened with great intent, and my Mom started filling in the blanks.
"We are here because we will be transferring power from one Alpha to another," Elder Gerard said.
"What do you mean?" I asked as I looked at my Mother.
"To put this in better terms, Luna Rachel."
"After reviewing the documents and deeds, I see that your Mother is the sole heir to the Lotus Shadow pack."
"She has every right to take over the pack or choose a worthy Alpha that benefits the pack. Even though your Father took over and was made Alpha of the pack, he holds no power of the Lotus Shadow," Elder Gerard said. Rayne howled with joy as I stared at my Mother in utter shock.
"So, this whole time, you could've kicked Dad to the curb and become the Alpha?"
"Why did you wait so long?" I asked her as she stared at me.
"Back then, Rachel women were prohibited from being Alphas of their packs."
"Daughters born to Alphas have always been mated off to the sons of other Alphas or more high-ranked wolves."
"Your Father was abusing his power and trying to attack another pack without cause. The elders made an exception for me."
"Seeing as you're mated and the Luna to another pack, I get to decide what to do with Lotus Shadow," Mom said as I was stunned to silence.
"Your Grandfather was set in his ways, Rachel."
"He had planned to have me mated off to some Alpha's son from another pack and merge our pack with theirs."
"When I told him I found my mate, he made an exception for Blake since he was born a warrior and blessed our mating," I stared at my Mother wide-eyed.
"So... who did you decide to make the Alpha of Lotus Shadow?" I asked as my Mother smiled at me.
Ace POV
Watching Rachel and her Mother converse about their pack was interesting. I knew Sarah didn't want the headache of being the Alpha of her pack. I can't blame her for what she witnessed and went through with Blake. I had been planning this meeting for a while. I even pulled my Dad, Grandfather, Uncles, and Sarah in because I wanted their input.
Sarah met my Uncle Adriel. She immediately said yes to him taking over as Alpha. Sarah said our family has more class and prestige than any other Alpha family she knew. She also mentioned that with Adriel as the Alpha, she knew he would help the pack prosper and grow, with the help of Roger as his Beta and Gamma Victor's son Valan.
Before the meeting, my Uncle Adriel and Sarah discussed the pack and what he planned to do to improve it. Adriel asked if it was okay to change the pack's name, and Sarah was totally on board with his ideas, so she gave him her blessings. Now, it was up to see how Rachel would feel about the situation.
"So... who did you decide to make the Alpha of Lotus Shadow?" Rachel asked her Mother, pulling me out of my thoughts as I watched a broad smile appear on Sarah's face.
"Well, my daughter, this took a lot of thinking, and I know this young man will be a great Alpha and bring Lotus Shadow back into its glory."
"So, Adriel Silva will be the new Alpha of the Lotus Shadow pack," Sarah said, staring at Rachel.
I watched with bated breath as Rachel's head turned, and her eyes focused on my Uncle as he smiled and waved at her. I saw tears flood Rachel's eyes as she smiled joyfully and nodded her approval.
"Are you okay, little flower?" I asked as she turned and looked at me.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I would've howled with joy if you had said something," she said as I hugged her.
"This was kind of a surprise for you."
"Your family's pack has been through a lot under your Dad's guidance, but my Uncle is from Alpha blood and has been trained by the best."
"I wouldn't have picked a much better man myself for the Alpha title other than my Uncle," I heard Rachel sniffle and kiss my cheek.
"Thank you," she said as she wiped her eyes. My Mom cleared her throat and handed me a tissue for Rachel.
"Thanks, Mom," I said, handing the tissue to Rachel as she wiped her eyes and blew her nose.
"So, with the naming of the new Alpha, shall we proceed with the passing of the Alpha title?" elder Gerard asked as the room fell silent.
"Doesn't my Father need to be here for that?" Rachel said as she eyed the elder.
"No, Luna Rachel, your Mother is of Alpha blood and holds the power of the pack in her bloodline so that she can pass the title without your Father's need," Elder Gerard said.
I saw Rachel nod in approval as my Uncle got up from his seat, walked around the long table, and stood beside the elder as Sarah stood on the other side.
"Once the passing of the Alpha title has been complete, Adriel and Sarah will sign a document stating that Adriel is the new Alpha of the Lotus Shadow pack, and Sarah gave her blessing."
"Adriel will also hold the deeds and business titles, while Sarah remains the co-partner. Sarah will also receive a monthly stipend from Adriel and report to her on the business quarter each month," Elder Gerard announced.
I watched Adriel and Sarah nod in agreement as the elder pulled out a golden sacred dagger. Elder Gerard proceeded to pass the Alpha title.
"So, what's the pack's new name?" I asked my Uncle as Rachel looked at me.
"The Golden Moon pack," Uncle Adriel said.
I heard gasps around the room and looked at Rachel. Her hand covered her mouth, and Sarah was smiling proudly. It was the perfect name for the pack. I knew my Uncle was going to do great things in time.
"Why are you changing the name?" Rachel asked. Sarah looked at her daughter as Adriel smiled.
"The pack is getting a whole new outlook in time before it was Lotus Shadow named by your Father. It was called Gold Star pack," Sarah told Rachel.
Rachel gasped as she stared at her Mother in utter shock. This was a lot of information, but Sarah assured Rachel the pack was in good hands. Plus, the pack has a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, so I understand the meaning behind the pack's new name.
Once everything was complete, everyone present signed their names on the document as witnesses, and Uncle Adriel had everyone sign a renewed alliance agreement between our packs.
I had sent Roger a mind link and told him to bring the girls so he could meet his new Alpha and take his rightful position as the Beta of the Golden Moon pack.
I heard a knock and told everyone to come in.
"Mine!" I listened to my Uncle growl as he rushed Yvette and stuck his nose in the crook of her neck.
"What the..." I started to say as Yvette froze in her spot.
"Uh...Uncle Adriel," I said as he growled and held Yvette close as she whimpered and tried pushing him away.
"Uncle, ease off a bit."
"She's a bit scared," I told him as he eyed me and turned to see Yvette's scared face.
"What's wrong?" he asked as she stepped away and moved closer to her sisters.
"That's a story; you two should discuss when Yvette is ready," I said, and he sighed.
I watched my Uncle take a seat as Yvette sat with her sisters and their mates. I occasionally saw Yvette glance over at my Uncle.
"First order of business."
"Roger, I called you all here because I have great news."
"My Uncle Adriel Silva is the new Alpha of the Golden Moon pack," I said as he stared at me, confused.
"I also want to congratulate you because starting today, Roger, you will officially be the pack's Beta, helping and guiding beside my Uncle," I said.
I watched a broad smile appear on his face as he howled delightfully. I heard claps and cheers from everyone present and smiled with pride.
Adriel POV
While Ace told my Beta the excellent news, I occasionally felt my mate with her eyes on me. She would turn away when I looked at her, making my wolf Atlas purr with satisfaction, and her scent of mint and chocolate had us drooling.
"Say something to her," he said as I caught her eyeing me again.
"What would I say?" I asked him as he huffed.
"I don't know, genius, tell her a joke," he grumbled and stuck his tongue out.
"Such a grumpy old wolf," I smirked as he growled at me again.
Atlas was an old soul, but we got along well. Like all the Silva Alphas, except for Ace, I inherited a massive all-black wolf with green eyes. While I was having a conversation with Atlas, I felt a presence beside me. I turned to see Yvette taking a seat beside me. She held her head down and fiddled with her hands, deciding what to say.
"Hello," I said as her head tilted up, and she looked me in the eyes.
"Hi..." she said, moving a strand of jet-black hair behind her ear.
"My name is Yvette Stone," she said, and my eyes widened.
"Simon is your Father?" I asked, and she nodded.
I shifted in my seat a bit as Yvette stared at me, and I cleared my throat.
"I'm nothing like my Father and my last mate..." Atlas growled as Yvette flinched away, and I grabbed her hand.
"I'm sorry my wolf is very possessive of you," I felt the sparks as Yvette gasped and slowly pulled her hand away.
"Would you mind if we went somewhere and talked?" I asked as she looked at me and nodded her head.
I held my hand out as Yvette grabbed it, and we left the conference room.
"Be back in a bit," I told everyone in the room as I led Yvette toward the patio door.
I prompted Yvette toward the garden conservatory, and she gasped and sat on the bench.
"This place is beautiful," she said as I smiled.
"When my Mom was the Luna, she planted flowers."
"When Staci took over, she kept the tradition going, and now I see Rachel is doing the same," I said, looking at Yvette. We fell silent for a few minutes before Yvette cleared her throat.
"So..." she started to say as I looked at her.
"I'll go first," I gently smiled as she nodded.
"My name is Adriel Luiz Silva, the youngest of the Silva brothers."
"I'm 27 and officially the Alpha of the Golden Moon pack."
"My wolf's name is Atlas, and he's all-black with the same green eyes."
"My favorite color is green, like my eyes," I said as Yvette smiled.
I couldn't help but admire how gorgeous Yvette was, 5'6 with long jet-black hair, blue eyes, sun-kissed skin, and curves in all the right places. I didn't care that her Dad was our enemy. I was taught that no matter who our mate is, we cherish and love them unconditionally. I waited as Yvette began to speak.
Yvette POV
Oh, dear goddess, every time Adriel spoke, my panties would get wet, and Yaz would howl with glee. His accent was deep, rich, and powerful.
"What accent is that?" I asked as Adriel chuckled, and I saw his pearly white teeth.
"My family is from Manaus, Brazil."
"We can speak Portuguese and English."
"I hope you weren't trying to tell me about yourself," he chuckled, and my face flushed. Adriel was different from Silas in every aspect.
"Well... My name is Yvette Marisa Stone. I'm 19, the oldest daughter of Simon and Janette Stone."
"My favorite color is light pink, my wolf's name is Yazmin, and I had a mate before you," I heard Adriel growl and saw that his wolf had pushed forward.
"Who was he?" he growled, his eyes changing from green to black.
"Silas Cartier," I said as Atlas let out a vicious growl.
I grabbed his hand and rubbed my thumb on the back to help calm his wolf. I saw his eyes turn back to those gorgeous green orbs. I instantly sighed with relief.
"I'm sorry," Adriel said as I looked into his eyes.
"Don't be. I feel safe around you."
"But unfortunately, I didn't have that luxury with Silas," I watched as Adriel eyed me curiously and sighed.
"Tell me what happened," he said cautiously, as if he knew something terrible had happened.
I sighed and proceeded to tell Adriel about the time that Silas Cartier became the bane of my existence, to an incident of him raping me and me ending up in a coma for almost three weeks.
When I told Adriel my story, I looked into his eyes. I saw he was experiencing many different emotions simultaneously: anger, pain, and sadness. Adriel fought hard with his wolf. I knew he wanted to shift and run to the Red River pack and rip off Silas's head, but I knew then that I needed to calm my mate.
So, I did everything I could to help tame his wolf. I grabbed Adriel's face and kissed his lips with a fiery passion.
"Oh, my goddess," I thought as I tasted his lips, and his scent flooded my nostrils.
He smelled of eucalyptus, making Yaz howl with need as our lips danced together. I pulled back from Adriel as my lungs started screaming for air. I looked into his eyes.
"Sorry," I said, blushing as he chuckled. I felt the sparks when his hand caressed my face, and I looked up.
"Don't apologize for what you want," he said, kissing my lips softly.
Adriel and I spent most of the afternoon talking and getting to know each other better. He was a true gentleman. He made me laugh, holding my hand or caressing my cheek every chance he got. The sparks made me swoon, and I thanked the goddess for blessing me with Adriel as my second chance mate.
I knew I wasn't perfect, but he made me feel perfect for him. I heard the conservatory door open as Alpha Ace stuck his head out.
"Are you guys hungry? Dinner is about to be served," he said with a broad smile as I looked back at Adriel.
"Sure, we could eat," I said, grabbing Adriel's hand and walking inside the castle to have dinner.