Chapter 38

Jaxon's POV

Melanie and Ameer stand up and walk down the aisle to the front of the pack. They both kneel in before me, showing their allegiance. I place a hand on her shoulder, trying to ignore the sparks dancing along my fingertips. “I appoint you, Melanie Stokes, as the Beta of the Nightshade Shadows.”

Her expression is neutral, but I catch a glint of pride as she blinks back the tears forming in her eyes.

I do the same to my best friend. “I appoint you, Ameer Carter, as the Gamma of the Nightshade Shadows.” Ameer smiles broadly, just happy to be a part of my team.

The murmurs in the crowd continue, and I can feel their skepticism. I know choosing Melanie was going to be controversial, but this was the only way to protect her. They’ll just have to shut the fuck up and respect her.

I immediately feel their auras shift to match the authority of their new ranks. As Melanie and Ameer stand up, I turn to the pack, all eyes on me as they await my command. “As your new Alpha, I will now le