Shadows of the Ancients by Christine M. Butler

dad’s moment now.”
    “Marcus Dupris, I challenge you!” My dad shouted above the small roar of conversation that had begun to fill the meeting area. I looked around, trying to find Marcus. “Come forth and answer your challenger.”
    Marcus came forth alright, head hung low. If he’d been in wolf form his tail would have been between his legs. Audible sighs rippled through the crowd. Marcus was a man defeated. The stench of fear clung to him like a second skin, and the sheen of sweat gracing his brow was just one more physical manifestation of it. When Marcus got all the way to the stage my dad started again, as was the way of things.
    “Marcus Dupris, I challenge you for the title of Alpha, and the leadership of this pack. What say you?”
    “You can have it.” It was nothing more than a whisper, but he knew we all heard it. There were gasps among those present. Zach looked like he wanted to punch my dad in the throat, but he wouldn’t dare attempt it.
    My mother jumped up and stood in front of the stage, “Unless any others bring challenge, let the pack recognize its new master, Jameson St. Marks.” Everyone went down on one knee before my father, paying him the respect he was due as their new leader. There would be no other challengers.
    “I have offered mercy, in not making Marcus fight this battle, but he has dishonored himself, his family, and this pack with his cowardly display. Marcus Dupris, I shun thee.” My father turned his back to Marcus.
    “We shun thee.” The pack replied in unison. Every one of them turned their backs on him. Marcus shifted into his wolf form and took off at a dead run into the forest beyond the meeting area. He would not be welcomed back. This was the first shunning I had ever seen or taken part in. It was a very rare occurrence.
    My father turned to face the crowd again, calling them back to attention once more. “One more point of business now that I am pack leader. Zachariah Brighton, come forth.”
    Zach looked shocked, but he moved forward to the stage and stood tall by my father. I gave him a point for that, at least he hadn’t run off behind his shamed uncle.
    “Zachariah Brighton, you are hereby charged with trying to bend a potential mate to your will. Our pack law states our females are free to choose without influence of power. This morning, before witnesses, you attempted to make Jessica Marie St. Marks submit to your will, to be your mate, by use of power.” He looked out over the shocked faces in the crowd. “Do you admit to the charges brought against you?”
    Zach said nothing he simply nodded and hung his head.
    “You will speak when spoken to. Do you admit to the charges brought against you before this pack?”
    “I am in agreement.” Zach finally answered.
    “Since you met this inquiry with honesty, you shall not be shunned with your Uncle. If you choose to stay you will follow these rules. You may not request or seek out another mate for a full year from this date. You may not leave pack territory without escort for the next year, from this date. And you will do your best to steer clear of Jessica St. Marks when she is in residence with the pack.” My father looked out at the rest of the people gathered, to make sure everyone heard and understood the conditions. “Are these terms agreeable to you?”
    “We are in agreement.” The pack said as one.
    “Zachariah Brighton, are these terms agreeable to you?”
    “I am in agreement.” He offered, before bending to one knee in front of my father, and then the pack.
    “You are dismissed, Zach.” My father said, some of the edge in his voice now relaxing. “As I’ve already alluded to, we have guests amongst the pack. Prince Evan is here with his second, Asriel. You will treat them with respect, and while they are within our territory, they have agreed to adhere to our pack rules.”
    “There will be a bonding ceremony for my daughter, Jess, and her chosen mate during the full moon. Anyone not