Life After the Storm novel Chapter 81

I am shocked, I don't even know what to do. I stand as I'm watching everyone clapping. They named me their alpha. As the crowd grips hold of me and pushes me forward, my feet are moving, but it feels like I'm floating. I am trying to register what is happening, But I don't know how.

I have never seen myself much as a leader. I have always just followed those who are in charge. Not knowing what to say or do at the most important times. I become nervous, what if I'm not cut out for this. They chose me to lead them, but what if I lead them to their death.

As I make it up the steps to the stage. I look over at the crowd of people and I become terrified. Wondering why the elders of the pack feel that I am capable of being their leader. As I raise my hand for those to be silent. I begin to feel different. My doubt is leaving and confidence is taking over. Shocked as It becomes quite so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Just for a moment, I take in the silence and just enjoy it, loving the noise of the birds tripping and the leaves blowing in the wind.

I take a deep breath and I begin to move my lips. “I am surprised, probably as much as some of you are. In the recent events of the attack and Jayden's disappearance. These events have been challenging, and I am just trying to keep it together. I am grateful that the elders chose me to lead this pack.”

Landon's mom cuts in, what is she doing. I wasn't done speaking. “Applaud your new alpha. The next great leader of your time.”

As the crowd is applauding, I'm angry with Landon's mother. I go to give her a piece of my mind, but then she begins to whisper in my ear. “My sweet child I know that you did not ask for this, but this is your destiny, do not deny them for they will be alone and become a target build this pack until it becomes unstoppable.”

I calm myself as I watch all those that are cheering for me, the children who are jumping up-and-down clapping their hands. Their parents gripping on to their other little hand praying That the battle that is coming won't be their end, that I will lead them to the victory that we all deserve.

I have no other choice but to accept the honor that has been given to me. I cannot let any more pain come to this pack. I stand on the stage with my feet firm on the ground As I raise my right hand to the sky as I accept the role as their new alpha. Believe it or not, no one is more shocked than me. 

As I'm glancing over the crowd, that's when I see Landon, I can feel the anger radiating from him. I try not to let it show that it's bothering me. It's not like I was second best. They didn't choose me because he was not here. They choose me because I am the best leader for this pack. I look away from him trying To not let it bother me, but when I go to look back to see him he is gone.

The crowd begins cheering. I want to be happy, but a feeling of guilt is overcoming me. I would like to leave and go find him to make sure he's OK. But I'm aware that My duty is to this pack, not to him. The pull that I had to him is no longer there, it has disappeared. I once followed him, but now it is gone and my loyalty to him has faded. My loyalty now lies in my pack.