CHAPTER 2

The small town hall was filled up already and as Jane stepped out of her car, she was approached by one of her father's cabinet members and right hand man. 

"Morning, Casey." Jane greeted as soon as she stepped out of her car. 

"Good morning, Jane." He replied. "How are you doing today?"

Jane locked her car doors and turned to give him a smile; a forced smile. And that was because she did not like the man standing before her a bit. 

"Pumped." She replied drily. She wasn't going to let this man see her fear and use it against her. She was sure that was the reason he was here. "Where's Rock?" She asked as they took the steps that led up to the hall.

"He's waiting for you by the podium as you instructed." He replied. "Are you excited for the announcement?"

"Of course I am." Jane replied excitedly. "I am really excited." 

Casey nodded. "I just hope they take the news about your place as the Alpha of the pack well." He added.

Jane smiled at him, but she said nothing. She knew what Casey was about to do. Make her nervous and not at rest and maybe spoil her mood for the rest of the day.

But as soon as she saw Rock standing on the podium and talking to a few other men while smiling, her spirits were raised. 

She totally forgot that she was walking with Casey and immediately walked straight through the carpeted isles onto the podium. 

Rock saw her immediately and amidst the noise from the hall, he smiled and pulled her into a bear hug. Jane closed her eyes and savored the moment.

"Jane." He said calmly after they had been released from each other's hold. "You look… different this morning."

Jane blushed. "Thank you. You do not look bad yourself."

Rock folded his eyes. "You know that's not what I mean, right?"

Jane shrugged. "What do you mean, then?" 

Rock sighed and held her by the elbow. He pulled her away from the podium while taking excuse from the men who were staring at Jane weirdly. 

They were backstage now and Rock was giving her a stern look. "Can you stop selling yourself short?" 

Jane was suddenly confused. "What do you mean?"

"I can see it rolling off you. You're scared and nervous and you think you can't do this." Rock said. "Why are you dressed in a dull outfit? Why didn't you wear something bright like red? Look more intimidating and powerful."

"I want to show everyone that even with my position as a female Alpha, I can lead the pack. I can take them on. I do not have to look it to be it. Yes, I am nervous as hell, but that could be solved." Her tone died down.

Rock was smiling at her, impressed. He touched her cheek and she closed her eyes at the contact. It was obvious that she was smitten by the older man.

"You'll do great out there." He replied. Then, he checked his wrist watch for the time and straightened. "It's time already. Let's go out before everyone starts getting impatient."

Rock, standing on the podium, cleared his throat. Everybody became silent immediately. 

"Good morning to you all." He began in a loud and firm voice and everyone listened. He was well respected amongst all. "I want to start by thanking you all for making out time from your busy schedule to attend today's meeting. It is a thing of great importance to me and it shows how ready we are to forger ahead."

Jane was standing at the end of the podium and she was staring at everyone in the room at the same time. They all seemed to have their attention on the speaker. Who wouldn't?

"Today, this meeting has been called because aj important announcement has to be made. A very important announcement I want you all to take with gladness. Today, we are finally announcing the progeny of the late Alpha."

Once again, people began to murmur amongst one another and soon, the hall was noisy again. This made Jane more nervous. What if they didn't accept her?

"Silence, everyone." Rock commanded. Slowly, everywhere became still and once again, there was order. "It is going to be one of the rarest and most amazing cases that a woman takes the place of an Alpha—"

Rock was cut short by someone in the crowd. "We don't want a woman!"

Rock closed his eyes in frustration. "You will be thrown out of this hall if you do not maintain decorum." 

Jane gave him a long look and Rock turned to give her a look of assurance. He mouthed, "Don't worry, it's all under control." to her and she nodded once in understanding.

"And today, the gods have chosen who they want to lead the Blue Creek Pack. With all joy and gladness, I want you to welcome Jane Shumpert this beautiful morning as the new Alpha!"

Only a few claps and excited voices was heard and this wasn't going to deter Jane from speaking to them. Suddenly, she felt a new wave of confidence and uncommon power. Whatever the people in the hall were saying had no effect on her. 

Jane stepped onto the podium and smiled in appreciation at Rock who gave her a pat on her shoulder.

She stared at each and every one of them while smiling. They were going to be surprised and she was out to give it to them, so she began, without greetings and acknowledgments.

"As you can see, I am the new Alpha of Blue Creek and I can see on your faces that you are surprised. A lot of you are quite not happy with the idea of a female leading Blue Creek." Then she stared deep into the eyes of the man who had made a vocal protest while Rock spoke. She stared at him till he turned his face away.

"But you know what? I am less concerned about what you all think and more concerned about carrying you all along while maintaining peace and harmony in this pack. I am not going to implore you to see me as a male. I am female. I am a woman and I am leading Blue Creek as the new Alpha. I have pledged loyalty and service to this pack and whatever you all think about me is none of my business."

Rock was surprised at the way she spoke. Casey, too. Everybody in the hall began talking and they didn't sound as judgemental as they had been while Rock spoke. 

Jane smiled in accomplishment as she watched everyone nod in approval. Then she turned to Rock who gave her a thumb up.

It was her time to take over.

As soon as everyone dispersed, Rock walked up to her and wrapped her in a hug for the second time today. Jane was really happy at the way she pulled it off. It was really amazing and she was sure that wherever her father was, he would be happy.

"Damn! You did great out there." Rock spoke in admiration. "Minutes before I spoke, you were all nervous and scared but then, you got to the podium and shocked us all. You were amazing, sweetheart."

"Thank you." Jane replied. All the attention and endearments she was getting from Rock today was surprising. And she was going to admit that she liked it. Maybe someday, he was going to notice her feelings for him. 

Casey walked up to the podium. He was smiling also. He clapped Rock on his shoulders and turned to Jane.

"You amazed everyone." 

"Thanks, Casey." 

"I hope you are ready for the task ahead of you?" He asked. Jane nodded. "It's not going to be an easy one, but I am rest assured that you are capable."

From where she stood, Jane saw Mathilde waving and jumping. Jane's eyes widened in surprise and immediately, she excused herself before running down the aisle to meet Mathilde who wrapped her in a bone crushing hug.

"You were really amazing out there!" Mathilde cried out. "So regal, you sounded like a woman in power. A rare woman. Jeez! I nearly teared up."

Jane was all smiles. She was beaming with happiness and fulfillment. "I was surprised. Did not know I could pull such an act. I felt what I was saying back there and it was amazing."

"Mathilde, what are you doing here? Aren't you meant to be making preparations for this evening's large dinner?" 

Jane turned to see Rock staring sternly at Mathilde. "Don't worry, it's fine. We both would be leaving right away."

Rock calmed down. "Alright, then. I'll be there in an hour's time. I have to take care of something." 

Jane smiled and watched him go back to meet Casey. A throat cleared and Jane turned to see Mathilde smiling with a knowing look.

"What?" Jane asked.

Mathilde laughed. "Nothing."