Omega's Truth - Nora Phoenix Page 0,44

loyalty ceremony for the second pack, which will be officially called the Hightower pack. This not only honors Rhene, the new alpha of that pack, and his family, but it also feels right, considering the past. In my research, I’ve come across multiple mentions of a Hightower pack, which had always been a close ally of the Hayes pack. As we rediscover the value and importance of the old ways, it only seems fitting we restore the old packs as well.”

How about that? Maz hadn’t known that little tidbit, and judging by the reactions from the others, neither had they. Grayson was right. It was fitting. They were returning to the old ways in many aspects, and hopefully, the earth and the moon would bless them for it.

“Rhene, will you come forward, please? Palani and Kean, will you stand up for your brother?”

“Yes,” both Hightower brothers answered, and they took up position behind Rhene.

“Do you swear your brother to be worthy of the honor of leading a pack? Do you swear that he’s able, willing, and honorable?”

“I swear by the earth and the moon,” Kean and Palani said, their hands on their brother’s shoulder.

God, they were something else, those three. Maz knew that both Lucan and Sando had struggled with Palani’s actions, or lack thereof, as faith would have it. But Maz’s opinion of him hadn’t changed, maybe because he understood and empathized with what Palani had done. He’d fucked up royally as well. How could he judge Palani for something he’d failed at himself?

“Kneel,” Grayson said to Rhene, and Kean and Palani took a step back. Rhene sank gracefully to his knees.

“Alpha,” Grayson said, and Lidon came forward. As always, his power rippled through the pack. Maz’s heart sped up, and his blood pumped faster.

“Rhene Hightower, do you swear to lead your pack with honor and justice, protecting your pack as long as you shall live?”

A hush had fallen over the pack. “I swear.” Rhene’s voice was strong and clear.

“And do you swear allegiance and loyalty to Lidon Hayes, the one True Alpha of this generation?”

“I swear on the earth and the moon.” Rhene bent low and pressed his lips to Lidon’s feet, then straightened again, still on his knees.

Lidon placed his hand on Rhene’s head. “Rhene Hightower, I entrust you with the lives of those members of my pack willing to join you. I relinquish their oath to my pack and transfer it to yours. I swear to assist you and come to your aid and defense in your time of need. The Hayes pack and the Hightower pack shall be forever allies, standing together for justice and peace, for now and for eternity. I swear on the earth and the moon.”

Maz’s throat got tight, and his eyes grew moist. These vows spoke to him on a level that was impossible to put into words. Like his soul connected with it somehow. A joining of his wolf and his human self like never before. This was his family, his pack.

“Sivney, please come forward.”

There he stood, the little omega. Standing next to the three alphas—Grayson, Rhene, and Lidon—he looked tiny, but his face showed no fear or intimidation.

“Kneel for your alpha.”

Sivney kneeled, which in itself was a rather unusual sight. It didn’t fit this proud and strong omega who never backed down from anyone or anything.

“Do you swear to serve your alpha and his pack with loyalty and honor, protecting him and the pack as long as you shall live?”

“I swear on the earth and the moon,” Sivney said, loud and unwavering.

“All those willing to join Rhene’s pack, please come forward.”

Maz got to his feet, then pulled up Lucan. Sando shot him an apologetic look, but Maz smiled at him. “It’s okay, kitten,” he said quietly. “No pressure.”

“You mean that?” Sando’s voice was barely more than a whisper.

“We do,” Lucan answered for them both. “Take your time to make up your mind. We’ll be here.”

“Okay.”

Maz and Lucan hurried forward, the last to arrive, but Grayson sent them a warm smile, so Maz didn’t feel bad about it.

“Hightower pack, kneel for your alpha.”

They sank to their knees in front of Rhene, who was more serious than Maz had ever seen him, his face sharp and strong. He was young, but Maz didn’t doubt he had what it took to become a great leader. If he’d had even a sliver of doubt, he wouldn’t have joined the pack.

“Do you swear allegiance to your alpha and promise to serve him with honor