Garcia' POV
This was definitely not how I pictured my promotion ceremony going down. Nobody in our Squad saw this curveball coming, and honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.
Captain Knox dropped his retirement bombshell right in the middle of what was supposed to be my official Squad membership ceremony. But then things took an even wilder turn when Elder Dwayne stepped up and named me the new Squad Captain. The cheers erupted around me, but I stood there speechless like an idiot.
Such a short time. That's all the time I've been here, and now I'm running my own Squad.
Sure, I've heard stories of other people making Captain within their early months, but that doesn't mean I'm ready for this responsibility. The honor feels surreal, knowing they trust me with this kind of authority. But there's a nasty catch that's making my stomach twist into knots. This position might drag me back to Stone Hollow Pack, and I'm nowhere near prepared to face that nightmare again.
"Captain, Elder Dwayne is asking for you. He's waiting in your office." Herbert, my newly appointed second in command, appears at my door. I wonder why the Elder didn't just mind-link me directly. "Your mental block is still up, Captain."
I flash Herbert a quick smile as I step out of my quarters. The promotion didn't just give me a new title; I inherited Knox's entire living space on the opposite end of the top floor. Herbert trails behind me as we head down to my first-floor office, and every person we pass offers a respectful nod that makes my skin crawl.
"I hate when they do that. It makes me feel like a fraud. I'm the same person I was yesterday, but suddenly these people who used to pretend I didn't exist are treating me like royalty." I mutter to Herbert as another Squad member bows her head in my direction.
"Oh, it gets worse. Pretty soon they'll actually start conversations with you." He shoots back with a smirk, and I can feel Nancy practically rolling on the floor laughing in my head.
I let out a low warning growl, and Herbert wisely puts some distance between us. He's one of the few people who knows about the vicious rumors other Squad members have been spreading about me. Every single one of them implied I was sleeping my way to the top with Knox.
Everything changed when some jackass suggested I should go find my real mate instead of playing house with the Captain. That's when I completely lost my temper and let Nancy loose. That moron is still recovering in the medical wing, and once he's cleared for discharge, he's getting shipped back home with his tail between his legs.
Nobody's been stupid enough to make similar comments since then, but the death glares I get are almost preferable. At least my Squad members understand that I earned this position through blood, sweat, and determination. They don't question whether I can lead them.
"Elder Dwayne, I apologize for the mental block. I was cramming for my final exam and couldn't afford any distractions." I settle into the chair behind my desk, trying to look more confident than I feel.
"Kain't worry about it. I knew you were studying. I wanted to handle this face-to-face and privately. I realize this situation will be challenging for you, though it might not be." Elder Dwayne's cryptic response makes my eye twitch.
Herbert and I exchange confused glances. This man is speaking in riddles, and my patience is already wearing thin after today's surprises.
Elder Dwayne extends an envelope toward me. After a moment's hesitation, I accept it, immediately recognizing the Pack emblem that makes my blood run cold. My first impulse is to fling it back at him, but curiosity wins out.
The formal invitation reads: "We are proud to announce the Alpha Ceremony for our Son, Thane, and the Luna Ceremony for his Mate, Julia."
I don't bother reading another word. I slam the card shut, shove it back in the envelope, and try to hand it to Elder Dwayne.
"We're both aware that Thane and Julia lack a true mate bond, which creates problems for the Elder Council. However, we need to send a clear message to every Pack in the Kingdom. We'll wait until their ceremony, and you'll have the privilege of announcing that the Alpha Ceremony is canceled." Elder Dwayne explains.
Herbert stares at me for several seconds before understanding dawns on his face. From his expression, I can see he understands exactly why I'm being given this particular honor.
"How much time do we have?" I ask Elder Dwayne. I need every second I can get to prepare myself mentally for this disaster.
"You have plenty of time to get ready. You know the protocol for Alpha or Luna ceremony cancellations. Also, schedule a trial date for Alpha Frost, just in case he decides to challenge our decision before the King." Elder Dwayne responds.
"Alright, Herbert. Let's get this disaster organized. I want those cancellation forms completed immediately. Alpha Frost will demand them, and he'll definitely request a trial to overturn their Pack law." I say, escorting Elder Dwayne to the door.
As I open the door, I spot my third in command, Philip, waiting in the hallway.
"Get in here, Philip. We've got a mountain of work ahead of us, but fortunately plenty of time to handle it. I need some answers though, and maybe you can provide them." I gesture for Philip to enter my office.
Herbert hands him the envelope, and I can't suppress a growl at the sight of that Pack emblem.
My office falls silent for several moments before Philip bursts into uncontrollable laughter.
"Let me guess, we get to crash their little party?" He asks between fits of laughter.
Someone's clearly enjoying the prospect of ruining their celebration, and I find myself giggling despite everything.
I decide to explain why I'm getting this special assignment, and both men respond with furious growls.
Philip survived a similar situation, and Herbert had his connection severed before a bond could form.
Why Thane chose Julia over me remains a mystery. Philip and Herbert both understand their rejections perfectly. Neither had sufficient rank; both women wanted Alphas.
Well, good luck with that. Most Alphas are arrogant, insufferable, and cruel. They genuinely believe they're the Goddess' gift to women.