Vindicator

Chapter 66

The King and Queen were standing on the main balcony, overlooking the entire Royal pack who had gathered for their announcement. Behind them, their son waited anxiously for Karma's arrival, wearing a matching navy blue suit to his father's. He had to stop himself from tugging at the light blue tie that felt like it was strangling him with all of his anxiety.

Receiving word that Karma had arrived, and was ready for the announcement, the King stepped forward to signal he was ready to speak. Behind him, the Queen prepared to mindlink his same announcement to the world, as was tradition.

"Royal pack, thank you for gathering with us on this momentous occasion! You are gathered here today to bear witness to a historical moment" the King began in his booming voice, pausing to motion for Chance to come forward.

Once his son stood by his side, he continued. "I stand before you today to announce that my son, your Prince, has found his mate" he declared. Instantly, the majority of the crowd erupted into cheers and celebrations. Reggie and Chance both noted that not all were celebrating, though. As was typical, there were she-wolves her were disappointed with the news, always hoping to become the next Queen. In addition to that, though, they noted that there were more than a few who seemed to be reserved, or downright angry about this announcement.

They exchanged glances, sharing the same thought between their link. "Make note of those faces. We need to investigate them further" the King commanded of his son.

Seamlessly, he returned to the proud, beaming father as he motioned for the crowd to settle. "Thank you for sharing in my pride, and joy. Without further ado, I would like to introduce you to your future Queen, and my future daughter-in-law...Karma Hemming" he announced, stepping back to give a better view as the doors behind him opened to reveal Karma.

Walking out with her shoulders back and head held high, Karma had to steel her nerves at the sight of the entire pack before her. She moved forward gracefully, having opted for silver shoes that would have been a beautiful pump, but barely had a heel to allow her to walk properly. She was wearing a navy dress that paired well with Chance's suit, it had a boatneck-shaped neckline with cute cold-shoulder sleeve caps that were mostly hidden under the soft curls of her auburn hair that fell over her shoulders. The skirt of the dress was knee-length, with a handkerchief waterfall to the side of it for a little flare. It was simple but elegant.

Glancing to Chance for strength, she saw him beaming at her and it made her stomach flutter with butterflies. He mouthed "you're beautiful" to her, and she couldn't help but give him a shy smile before focusing back on the pack before her. Once reaching the King, she bowed her head respectfully. Afterwards, Chance moved to her side and took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

Unsurprisingly, the crowd had gone from cheers to whispers and gossiping. In all of history, there had never been a future-Queen named who at least one person in the crowd didn't recognize. Since Hemming was an Alpha name, everyone knew it; however, they had no idea who Karma was,

The King once more stepped forward to silence the crowd, and spoke again. "I know that this may be confusing for you, given that Karma is unknown to all of you. Her tale is a long one, full of many fantastical things that I would not have believed had I not witnessed them firsthand. She is not only my son's mate, but she is blessed by the Moon Goddess herself. While you may not know her as Karma, another name you may recognize her by...Is the Spectre."

There was silence; deafening silence. Karma and Chance each squeezed the others' hand for comfort at the same time, on the same level of thought. Whatever happened next was going to shape the future.

Suddenly, the silence broke, and there was shouting, talking, confusion, anger, and happiness. The waves of emotions were smattered throughout the wall of people, but there were cries of the Spectre being the enemy, demands she be arrested, and shouts of disbelief.

Frowning, the king shouted above them all with a command of "Silence!"

Each and every wolf present submitted to his command, and showed their necks. Everyone but Karma.

"You have been mislead of the Spectre's deeds. She is not who the rumours would have you believe. We have investigated this most thoroughly, and I can assure you that she and the Forsaken pack are not our enemies. In fact, she has been rescuing those in abusive situations, and spiriting them away to the Forsaken pack for their protection. In other words, where their own Alphas and Royalty have failed these wolves, the Spectre has stepped in to save them!" He roared passionately.

Once again, a silence overtook the crowd. This one of shock, and awe. A lone, brave soul spoke up and cried "it's true! She saved me!"

And that started a wave of cries, confirming what the King had said. Voice after voice, confirming they had been saved, or knew of someone she had rescued. With each voice added to the cry, the crowd shifted to Karma's side, and a cheer was taken up once more for their future Queen.

Until one voice shouted above them all.

"And what of the Prince's true mate, his pre-destined mate, the Alpha heir of the Red Moon pack? Theo!"

The crowd gasped, and everyone shifted to try to get a look at who had spoken. The voice had come from the rear of the crowd, and those who could see were shocked at who they found.

Standing with a collection of warriors from his pack, his new Alpha, and several other Elders, the former Elder of the Red Moon pack. Patrick Duko.