Sophia’s POV

Knox, the kids and I were making our way back to the house after our picnic. Since we have been back I have spent most of my time with them. My wolf had an urgent need to be near them. She insisted that they were safe, but needed their presence to calm her. I didn’t question it because I loved my kids and couldn’t wait until we had more.

Alex appeared on the steps as we approached. “My King and Queen. A call has just come through for you. It is the Council.”

Handing the kids off to Jane, we made our way to Knox’s office.

As Knox pushed the speaker phone button Vlad closed the door behind him.

“Congratulations King Knox and Queen Sophia. You have accomplished what those before you have not.”

“Thank you we are honored to have been chosen”

“Yes chosen...interesting way of looking at it…since your full pack has not arrived yet, we will be there two days after they do.”

With a click the line went dead. “Well I guess he is not one for conversation.”

“Yes that was Maximus. Vampire. Not much of a talker and has no patience for things he deems below him, which according to him is about everything. He is very powerful, not as powerful as I am, but still powerful.”

Vlad went on explaining each member of the Council. Giving us the details he knew.

Maximus – Vampire. One of the oldest, next to Vlad. He also had the ability to read a person, but only have he had consumed their blood. He could transform into any animal. Telepathic mind control and was an earth elemental.

Edgar – Werewolf – due to being the oldest living werewolf alive, he was super strong and fast. He could also mid-shift – apparently keeping the form of a human but the features of a wolf. In that form he was considered his strongest.

Alice – Phoenix-shifter – can sprout wings and fly. When in this form she can shoot balls of fire from her eyes. Extremely fast and strong.

Helen – Witch – Considered to be the strongest witch alive, even more so that Mae. Can control all the elements.

James – Warlock – Considered to be the strongest warlock alive, much like his mate Helen. Also can control all elements.

Since Vlad has kept his distance from the Council over the years his information was only what he observed. Vlad suggested it was now time to address the pack and let them know what was transpiring. Knox had some concern letting the wolf out of the bag, but we had no choice.

I just hoped once they learned of the impending arrival of the Council they would still support us…

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

The next day we gathered the pack for our announcement. It always warmed my heart looking out at my extended family. I cared for each and every one of them. Grabbing my hand, Knox and I took the stage.

“Hello my family!”

Taking a knee they all responded Hello King Knox and Queen Sophia.

“We are here today to inform you that your new pack members will arrive in 5 days. Two days later the Grand Council will arrive in order to hold the ancient ceremony to accept my new title.”

You could feel the fear as it trickled through the crowd at the mention of the Council. Many witnessed firsthand their brutal power. Some woman began to cry and some dove into their mate’s arms.

“Please have no fear. The Council is only arriving to uphold the ancient laws. They are not here to harm us.”

They will slaughter us all!

You don’t know that!

They cannot be trusted!

Please save us my King!

The crowd’s panic continued to rise. No matter what Knox said, the fear still grew. Squeezing his hand I stepped forward.

“ENOUGH!”

The noise ceased immediately. Silence

“You do not need to fear the Council any longer. We are a strong and powerful pack. If for some reason they do decide to attack us I know we can win as long as we unite together.”

You don’t know that!

They cannot be trusted!

We don’t have enough magic to beat them.

We need to leave, protect our children.

Okay things were getting out of hand. Sophia if I may present myself now…

Yeah I guess we have no choice…we are about to have a riot on our hands. They are all yours Gaea.

Dropping Knox’s hand, he stepped back after giving me a kiss on the temple. Closing my eyes I allowed Gaea to come forward.

As I shifted I could hear the gasps as they took in my purple fur. Those who knew of the legend began to cry…

“Silence please. What you are about to hear will never leave this pack! I decree as a new law all knowledge of what my mate is will never be discovered. Those who try to reveal this secret will find themselves dead before they utter a word.”

As I paced the stage back and forth Knox explained the legend of the purple wolf and the Goddess Gaea. And that is why many have joined our pack over the last few months…the goddess called to them. I would protect them and care for them. All I asked in return in their everlasting loyalty.

As Knox finished with his speech I made my way to him and shifted.

“What my mate has said is true. I am Gaea, mother of all species. I am the purple wolf, chosen to protect all. All I ask in return is your oath to stand beside me. Those who agree will be bound to me by magic, those who do not will be released to join another pack, your memory of this erased. Be warned that once you make this oath only death can break it. If you accept please take a knee.”

Knox and I stood there as every member of our pack knelt before us as well as Vlad and his men. With their heads bowed, they pledged me their loyalty. Raising my hands I released the bond that would forever tie me to each of them. A thin purple line circled their right wrists as a symbol of that bond.

As each bond sealed it was brought back to me. At that moment I knew we would be okay.

Well…I prayed we would be…