Hunter's Secret

Hunter's POV

The next two years passed by uneventfully. I learned how to communicate with River (and worked on my poker face). I also continued to attend meetings with the elders and even led a few of the meetings myself. My parents are so proud of the man that I was turning into and even though there were some bittersweet moments, they knew that the little boy that had raised would succeed in his role. I was finally feeling comfortable in my own skin, and I was even beginning to feel proud of myself too.

I was sitting on my bed, lost in my thoughts when a panicked Cameron ran into my room.

“Hunter, I look like you!”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I look like you looked on your eighteenth birthday!” Cameron replied, cracking a smile while the sarcastic panic went out of his eyes.

“Haha very funny,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“I’m just teasing. Mostly. I am actually a teensy bit nervous.”

“Well, that is understandable. You will be just fine though,” I encouraged him with a pat on the back, “You were straight up made for this.”

Cameron smiled, “I know. It is just good to hear it from you.”

“You have been by my side since day one, Locks. I can’t imagine a more perfect person to be my Beta,” I sincerely replied. My eyes met Cameron’s and we both smiled.

“You ready to go?” I asked, turning to leave my room.

“Yep. Just one more thing,” Cameron said, and I turned back to face him. “You got me?”

Smiling, I replied, “Always.”

Cameron’s coronation was much like mine. Blue and purple flowers lined the ceremonial gardens, and everyone was already there, waiting in excitement for this event. The main difference is that this time, I stood at the podium instead of my father. I tapped the microphone a few times and cleared my throat. The crowd bowed before me.

“Thank you,” I said, pausing to let everyone take their seats. Continuing, I said, “Today is a very special day. I am officially declaring my Beta to not just be my second-in-command but also to serve this pack. As many of you probably assume, that person is Cameron Pierce. Ryan and Cameron please join me.”

Ryan and Cameron rose from their seats and walked over to me. They both bowed and then shook my hand. Cameron’s hand lingered in mine, slightly longer as if he was seeking something, and our eyes met. Looking into his eyes, I could see Cameron’s nerves finally coming up to the surface. Winking with encouragement, I let go and moved over to the side so Ryan could give his speech.

While Ryan talked with pride about his son, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride too. Sure, Cameron was two years younger than me but that never deterred Cameron from keeping up. Thinking back to all of the fun memories we had as children, to the much-needed encouragement during my teenage years, to now, watching Cameron accept his new role in the pack, I realized that my friend was growing up too. I took a minute to admire Cameron as he stood by the podium, tall, handsome, and confident. Realizing that my friend was no longer going to be just my friend, gave me a sense of peace I didn’t know I needed. Feeling my eyes on him, Cameron glanced over and offered me a small smile which I quickly returned.

When Ryan was finished, I walked back over to the podium and began my own speech.

“This man standing beside me today has been the same person to stand by me throughout my life. I could not have asked the Moon Goddess herself for a better friend. I know with complete confidence that Cameron will be an excellent addition to this pack’s top leaders.” Turning to Cameron, I continued, “Do you, Cameron Pierce, accept the title of Beta over the Blue Flame pack?”

“I, Cameron Pierce, accept my title as Beta over the Blue Flame pack.”

“Do you promise to stand with your Alpha to help him lead your pack in servitude to those who have come before you? Do you promise to guide your pack and support your Alpha, placing their lives, as well as his, above your own? Do you understand the weight of the responsibility that comes with being an Beta?” I firmly asked.

“I do.” Cameron replied with confidence. Cameron then reached out his hand, open and ready to accept the title. I removed a small knife from my pocket and swiftly cut Cameron’s palm and then Ryan’s. They shook hands and a small purple bracelet appeared around Ryan’s wrist, moved down to Cameron’s wrist and stopped before it turned to smoke. Ryan released his son’s hand with tears in his eyes. Cameron turned back to face me, and I again cut his palm and then my own, grabbing my friend, now Beta’s hand and shaking it. Green smoke rose from our connected hands. I turned back to the podium and proudly said, “Let us welcome the new Beta of Blue Flame!” and gave Cameron a beaming smile.

Emery jumped from her seat and ran to give her son a hug, which he gratefully accepted. Ryan joined her, placing a gentle hand on Cameron’s shoulder. Everyone started clapping in celebration. I held my head high and walked down from the stage, my parents following behind me. Cameron went next and his parents followed behind him.

Everyone made their way to the party and Cameron was announced to the pack again. While it may not be traditional for Betas to receive such a celebration, in Blue Flame, the recognition of how important a Beta’s role is, not just for the pack but also for the Alpha, is a matter to be greatly celebrated. Cameron was always one to have fun and didn’t mind being the center of attention. In fact, he actually enjoyed it. Using the charisma he knew he had, he easily got a dance partner. Well, quite a few dance partners. I watched with joy as Cameron got to enjoy a few hours of play. When he headed over to the drinks, I met up with him.

“H, this is the most fun I have had in a long time. We should have more parties,” Cameron said, slightly out of breath.

“Noted, Beta,” I responded, smiling as I used Cameron’s new title.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Cameron replied, sarcastically bowing, “On a more serious note, I am ready for my first shift.”

“Understood,” I said before mind-linking Ryan.

‘Ryan, Cameron says it is time. Please meet us outside.’

‘Of course, Alpha. I will be right there.’

I ended that mind-link and started another with my father this time.

‘Dad, Ryan and Cameron are going outside for Cameron’s first shift. I am going with them. Can you manage things here for a little bit?’

‘Of course. Thanks for the heads up, Hunter.’

Looking back over at Cameron, “You got this. Your dad is waiting for you outside. Let’s go.”

Cameron took a deep breath in, and we walked outside to where his father was standing. We all walked in silence to a clearing a little farther away from the party. He looked at me and I gave him a small smile. Cameron then looked over at his dad, who did not return his glance. Ryan was a man of few words and when he did speak, his words should be listened to. Ryan was undeniably obedient to his Alpha and never questioned any of the orders he was given. However, being submissive to his Alpha did not mean he was submissive to everyone else.

Ryan held quite the status in the pack as the head trainer for all the wolves interested in becoming a warrior. He was known for pushing the wolves to their limits and then farther because he knew they could handle it. He had trained hundreds of wolves, both male and female, to become extremely skilled warriors. There was no doubt he was powerful but when I looked at him, I saw a small tear run down his cheek. We reached the clearing, and I hung back some to give Ryan and Cameron some privacy. Ryan faced his son.

“Dad? What is wrong?”

“Nothing. I am just extremely proud of the man you have grown up to be. You have stood by Hunter, encouraging, and supporting him along the way. You were the first person he told about River and I know he trusts you completely. Watching you grow up from the scrawny blonde headed boy into the Beta of this pack has been the single most rewarding thing I have ever been privileged enough to witness. Your mother and I are proud of you. I know I don’t say it very often, but I love you very much Cameron,” Ryan said with emotion, and I smiled at his sincerity.

I could tell Cameron was taken aback by his father’s emotional words but only for a second. I watched as Cameron hugged him and quietly said, “I love you too, Dad.”

“Okay,” his father said, his voice stoic again, “Are you ready to meet your wolf?”

Cameron nodded eagerly, looked at me and I nodded as well, so he followed his father’s instructions. He steadied his breathing and tried to connect with his wolf. His wolf was just as eager to meet him, and Cameron started shifting immediately. His blonde hair turned into a more golden color as it grew and covered his body. His blue eyes lightened in color. His bones snapped with a sickening sound as they reorganized themselves, causing Cameron to cry out in pain. His canines elongated and his now sandy colored paws grew their claws. Still squeezing his eyes from the pain, Cameron let out a breath. He slowly opened his now icy blue eyes, and I mind-linked him so I could hear his conversation.

‘Hello Cameron, I am your wolf. My name is Bert.’

‘Really, you can name yourself and you chose Bert?’

‘Nah, I am just messing with you. My real name is Xavier, and I am very glad to finally meet you.’