Marley’s p.o.v. When Meadow had called all of us to the Gamma floor to explain her plan for tonight, I figured that she had been exaggerating. I know that with my background, I should expect the worst in Shifters, but I had thought that any Pack that was invited to the Alpha Ceremony would know how to behave themselves. Guess I was wrong on that assumption. Acadia has been on high alert ever since Amelinda opened her mouth. She has kept an eye on every woman in the room and, on a few occasions, pushed forward to try to scare them off. Emphasize the try, because they didn’t seem to be impressed. “We won’t allow any woman near us that isn’t you, Baby.” I hear Mauro say through the mind-link, while both my Mates run their hands up and down my back. Every guest has returned to their seat and Alpha Lincoln walks up to the stage, while Luna Leona sits down at our table. Because Madden hasn’t found his Mate yet, Luna Leona will remain the Luna of Black Valley Pack. Only the Beta position will be turned over to the next generation tonight and Beta Lilith takes her place next to her Mate for the Ceremony. The Ceremony starts with Alpha Lincoln and Madden because their positions are always the first to be exchanged. Alpha Lincoln needs to decline his position as the Alpha before Madden can accept the position from his Father.Alpha Lincoln asks the questions of the oath that Madden has to take as he accepts the title, the Pack and his new responsibilities. The entire process gets repeated with Miaha and River as they take over the Beta position and then it is Matheus’ turn to take over the position from his Father. It will take at least three more years before we have to take over, but now I will be prepared for the Ceremony. This was the first time for me to witness a Ceremony of any kind and I am glad to know what the future will hold. “Thank the Goddess that is over.” I hear Luna Leona mumble under her breath and I see the Elite Warriors near the stage relax. They were placed near the stage to prevent anyone from trying to take Black Valley Pack during the short time it was without an Alpha. According to Alpha Lincon, it has only happened twice in our history, but that was two times too many. “Ladies and Gentlemen, in less than two hours, it will be midnight. As the new Alpha of Black Valley Pack, I want to speak out about the hope that many of us will find our fated Mate tonight. Enjoy the refreshments and I hope to see all of you here at midnight.” Madden says before he gets off the stage. Mauro and Malek have already guided their Brother to the table and now Meadow and I are waiting for Madden to walk down the steps of the stage. “Let’s see how many women will try to get close to you.” Meadow says with a smirk on her face and I giggle as Madden growls softly.While we walk out of the ballroom to the patio, Omegas and Warriors start rearranging the table setup. Most Shifters follow us out of the ballroom to get some fresh air or to avoid the little noise that comes with moving the tables and chairs. “Alpha Madden, I would like you to arrange a few rooms for me and my family. I want to talk about our alliance in the morning.” Alpha Corbett says. I feel Madden stiffen beside me, but Meadow seems to know a little more about these things than I do. “Alpha Corbett, by law, you have to wait two weeks before making such a request.” Meadow says before she guides Madden away from Alpha Corbett. “My Brother can request a meeting for their alliance whenever he wants, little girl.” Amelinda says. “I will inform your Omegas to prepare some rooms for us and then we can have a talk till midnight, Madden.” Luna Leona growls while Alpha Lincoln holds her tightly, while I slowly turn toward Amelinda to give her a piece of my mind. “Amelinda, you have no say in this. You are a guest here and are really close to being tossed out on your ass. Stay away from us and you might get to stay until the end of the party.” I say as I step in between Madden and Amelinda. Mauro and Malek step on either side of me, forming a wall between Amelinda and her target. “Madden is not allowed to wander around alone. She plans to trap him, but I haven’t figured out the how.” Meadow says through the mind-link.I hear everyone confirm her order and most of our Pack-members move closer to us. Some look innocent enough as they look out over the gardens, while others make it clear why they are moving closer to us. It doesn’t sink in with Amelinda that she needs to stay away from Madden and that we will do everything to prevent her from getting anywhere near him. She tries to start a conversation with him a few times, but when she offers him a drink after being turned away again and again, Madden has had enough. “Alpha Corbett, the two of you have been warned too many times already. My warriors will escort you and your family out of my territory and we will not be negotiating a new alliance agreement.” Madden says before he turns his back on them. “You can’t do this. You need a Luna to lead this Pack and I am the best choice.” Amelinda calls out as Elite Warriors surround her and her Brother. “You are not the best choice, my fated Mate is and I will wait for her as long as I have to. Our Pack deserves to have a strong leadership and only with our fated Mates by our sides will we remain as strong as our former leadership.” Madden counters, but he doesn’t look at her. Madden keeps looking toward the forest while Alpha Corbett and his Sister are escorted to their car and out of the territory. The rest of the guests are whispering about Madden’s statement concerning the alliance between Madden and Alpha Corbett. “It won’t affect Black Valley Pack. However, it will affect Alpha Corbett. None of them knows that his Pack lacks the strength to fight off an attack.” Madden informs us when some guests discuss how it will affect Black Valley Pack. I think I need to have a talk with Madden to find out what that comment is about. There are only a few reasons why a Pack would lack the strength to rely on alliances with other Packs to survive.