Alone

Chapter 21

*Jacob's POV*

I hesitate to go on stage. What if they don't like me? What if they don't want a guy as their Luna? I mean, I wouldn't blame them.

Helene pushes me onto the stage, just as she did to the new Alphas. I had to try very hard not to stumble, feigning an elegance that all close to me knew was fake. I stand up straight and slowly walk toward Luna Donna. I seem confident, but ln the inside I'm freaking out. Right now, an entire crowd of people stand between me and being with Damien and Ryder forever.

I stand at the podium, boys on either side of me, my nerves going haywire. I try to speak, but my brain refuses to function. I stand there for what seems like forever, staring awkwardly at the pack.

Suddenly, I feel a hand placed softly on the small of my back. Damien smiles down at me, silently telling me I can do this. A wave of confidence rushes through me. The boys will help me be Luna. Even if I'm an awful leader, they'll be there to catch me should I fall. 

I take a deep breath to calm myself, and begin to speak. 

"I understand that none of you know me. I am simply an outsider, wishing to assume a position of power over you. I understand that it is scary to face drastic change such as the implementation of a new Alpha and Luna. Even worse, this case is even more unusual due to there now being two Alphas instead of one, and a male Luna in the place of a female one."

"Despite this uncomfortable situation, I assure you that I will do everything in my power to keep the Rising Sun pack safe. I also want to get to know all of you. I'll start by sharing a few personal details. My name is Jacob Steven Rose. I am 18 years old. I am extremely shy, and I stutter constantly. Perhaps the biggest issue of my personal life is that I've spent the last 16 years of my life being severely abused by my old Alpha." 

I pause as the crowd gasps. I don't know why I shared that detail, but some part of me felt that it was important for them to know.

"I assure all of you that, thanks to the help of our new Alphas, I am slowly getting better. I will use my past experience to fuel my work as Luna, should you all be willing to accept me. Thank you for hearing me speak, and I hope you'll allow me to lead you as your Luna."

My confidence disappears immediately after I finish my speech. Was that ok? No one is speaking...

"You need to specifically ask if they accept you," Kyle thankfully helps me along with the process.

I clear my throat. "D-Do you accept me as L-Luna?" 

THERE we go! The entire banquet room erupts in cheers so loud that I almost cover my ears from the noise. Donna had to clap pretty loudly, kindly telling them to be quiet.

"I shall now complete the Alpha ceremony by passing on my powers as your Luna." She looks at me, happiness apparent in her eyes. She lays her hands on my shoulders and stares directly into my soul, seemingly taking all of my secrets.

A warm feeling starts in my chest, slowly spreading through my entire body. I feel the heat make a beeline to my marks, making itself even stronger. I close my eyes against the brightness of the transfer of power.

My brain is pretty much shut off. I feel a million different links connected to my soul, connecting me to my new pack. I feel their hearts beating, their emotions, their thoughts, their hopes, and their dreams. 

Just as suddenly as it came, the heat disappeared, bringing those insights into the packs' minds with it. I am left feeling more powerful than ever, that connection to the pack still lingering. A new urge to protect Rising Sun from any force that may dare oppose us overwhelms me.

Donna takes my hand and brings us to the podium. "I, Donna Elizabeth Black, am no longer your Luna, and this man beside me is no longer Jacob Steven Rose. Please help me welcome Luna Jacob Steven Black!"

My heart swells again as they cheer. I hadn't known I would be taking their last name tonight, but I'm definitely not opposed to it. All it means is that I'm more connected to them than ever before. 

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A while later, after everything's calmed down, I am sitting at the banquet table reserved for family. Damien is on my left, Ryder is on my right. I have a steak and potatoes in front of me, but I've barely eaten any of it.

"Love, you did so well! Where the hell did that confidence come from?!" Damien asks. 

I just shrug. I honestly don't know where it came from. I hadn't received the Luna title yet so not even that makes sense.

"I wish it would come back. You didn't stutter once in that entire speech of yours!" Ryders smiles before taking a large bite of his New York strip.

I look around the room, kind of ignoring them. My mind is still reeling from the Alpha ceremony. 

I felt all of these people's innermost thoughts and ideas. Most interestingly, I saw their thoughts and ideas about me as Luna. 

Every single one of them was excited to have me as their new Luna, save for that one chick who started beating me on my second day here and some other random person. They all accepted me. They all wanted me for who I am.

I take another bite of steak and lean back in my seat. 

Life is good.

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Hey! 

Oh my God, I can't believe I posted this so late. I swear that I meant to post it earlier but I got sidetracked by some history videos and kind of forgot that, in order to post a chapter, I have to WRITE said chapter.

Please forgive me for my lateness!

See Y'all Monday!