CHAPTER 8: CHALLENGE

"I would burn bridges just to hold your hand."

"Do you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng promise to fight for the werewolves, regardless of their caste, religion, or country?" The elder asked.

"I do."

"By the power vested in me, I, Alexander Black, now pronounce you the Luna of Lunas, the queen of werewolves!"

Marinette slowly faced the crowd with a small smile, highlighting her features. Marinette's smile grew even more when she saw everyone kneel, respecting her power and her position as their queen.

At the end of the aisle, she glimpsed the love of her life - the only one who was not kneeling - with a proud smile on his face.

"I now beseech you all to rise and enjoy the presence of our almighty queen," Alexander declared.

"Your Majesty, I would like you to say a few words," Alexander whispered in her ear.

Marinette hesitantly nodded. Sure she had given speeches before at her old pack, but this was completely different. Not only, but the people of this pack also did not know her, she was giving a speech as their queen. She did make mistakes while giving speeches earlier, but the people of her previous pack knew her since childhood and mostly laughed off the mistakes over. Now, she is not only giving a speech as their Luna, but she is also giving a speech as their queen, as their leader.

She took the mic handed by the elder, "I am glad that you all have accepted me as your queen, I pledge to fight for the werewolves, especially now since the wars that are raging between the vampires and werewolves are increasing. Once again, I would like to thank all of you."

With that, she handed the mic back to Alexander, "This is the last time to challenge Marinette for the position of Queen."

"I, Ariel Black, challenge Marinette Dupain-Cheng for the position of Queen, and the mate of Damain Wayne," a red-haired beauty stepped in front of them, as the crowd made a path for her.

"Honey, are you sure you want to do this? Are you sure you want to fight a fully trained Alpha?" Alexander asked his daughter.

"Yes father, I am sure," Ariel glared at Marinette.

Alexander sighed, "Fine, the challenge will be held tomorrow evening, under the full moon."