Chapter 3_The strategy

It's the day of initiation and the Graysons manor was nothing but lively and bubbly with activities; servants carried large trays of assorted foods and drinks to large tables fully decorated in the great manor hall, where special ocassions as this, takes place.

Grayson had the chief servant instruct the maidens to make sure no table lacked.

Invited guests from other packs and their alphas trooped in, arm in arm with their lunas.

Grayson decided since Alec has no luna yet, the ceremony was going to be as brief as possible.

After the guests were settled and comfortable, the ceremony began as Grayson emerged on the podium.

"Today, we mark the important occasion of a new alpha initiation" announced Grayson

"Over the years, this pack has seen several victorious moments, made series of successful expeditions and domination of enemies under my leadership, it is with this motive that I will initiate a new leader who will carry on in my steps" he said, gesturing towards Alec.

Alec stepped forward.

I, alpha Williams Grayson, of Dark Hind pack bequeath my title and authority on you as the new alpha

"Henceforth, you shall be addressed and recognized as alpha Alec Grayson" he said and held his hand up.

"You all, your new alpha!" He boomed, holding Alec's hand up high.

The pack and guests growled in excitement.

**************

A Day Before the Initiation...

"I am here as you ordered, alpha" greeted Devon, bowing his head slightly to Grayson

He studied Grayson. He looked restless.

"I have asked him to find his mate before the initiation tomorrow, yet I haven't heard from him ever since" Grayson said once Devon was seated.

A servant brought a trayful of wild fruits, placed it before them and left quietly after exchanging looks with Devon.

"Worry not, I believe he won't dare to defer his position for such a task" said Devon pretentiously trying to pacify Grayson.

Grayson sighed deeply "I hope so" he said

"Although you may have pushed it too far but not as far as not making him alpha as threatened, right? Devon dare to ask.

Grayson looked at him, he dropped the coffee cup in his hand and fell far back into the sofa."What are you hinting at, Devon" he asked with a raised brow

"I know how rigid Alec can be. I'm sorry to say this but have you thought about what you would do if he failed to get a mate before tomorrow?" He asked calmly. He looked extra cool and collected now.

Grayson studied him. Devon must have something on his mind. He thought quickly

"Speak up! I have no time for small talks at this point" he barked, annoyed at the painfully suspenseful way Devon talked.

"Alec won't get a mate at the end of today, will you still make him alpha?" He asked, now sitting up with his hands resting on his thigh.

"What do you mean, of course I will. Wait, what were you expecting, Devon?" Grayson asked surprised at the sudden question.

"What if the pack finds out about this" Devon continued with his questions

Grayson laughed, "How will they find out? They can never know" he said in between laughter.

Devon frowned "You can't be too relaxed about it alpha, the pack already knows how concerned you are about your son becoming the next alpha without his mate. How can they trust an alpha whose father does not have full confidence in" he asked quickly in hushed tone, though they were alone.

Grayson's expression changed, he looked deep in thought now. He remembered his own history and that of his luna.

"So what?!" He growled suddenly.

Devon cleared his throat and spoke quickly "Lets give the pack something, something that will make them forget they ever doubted even for once that Alec may not be fit for the position" he said, smiling deviously.

Grayson squeezed his face and asked " What could that be?"

"A contest. Give them a ruthless fight contest" he said.

Grayson was greatly amused by this.

He asked "Now what are you suggesting Devon?"

"Let Alec fight with an opponent before the pack and let him defeat, then announce his unquestionable competence even without a luna" Devon replied, happy with the progress he is making.

This only made Grayson laughed more "And who is that befitting opponent for him, if I may ask?"

"Myself" Devon said firmly.

Grayson was now intrigued by Devon's approach. He nodded "Okay, if that is the case, I will announce the contest on the day of initiation"

"Remember, if Alec lose, chances that he remains the alpa is very slim" Devon declared.

Grayson sneered at this statement

"Alec has never lost a fight anywhere, anytime, Devon. I will remove him if he does. Which can never happen anyway." Grayson finalized

Devon almost collapsed with excitement as he stood up to leave.

"The witch's plan is not bad after all" he thought to himself as he exited the manor.