Census and Ceremony

Teddy’s POV

Melody reached out her hand and squeezed mine as I stood next to her on the podium, smelling her and kissing her gently before turning to the gathered wolves. My beautiful little baker smells like icing again. I purred to myself as I took a big breath before speaking.

“Fellow Wolfkin, leaders, and friends. I have invited you all here today to share some news about our race. As of today, the old order is abolished and Black Haven influences are all but eliminated, their taint almost gone completely. With the help of allies and packs across the country, we have secured a victory for our king in the way of securing our futures.”

The crowed murmured as I paused, taking in another breath before continuing. “So, it is with a great pleasure that I can be the first to declare that the United States for our kind has now formed our own Constitution Monarchy. It is all thanks to the hard work of every pack that we are able to do this, giving us a say on a fall scale.”

A cheer went up, wolves starting to ask questions. I held up my hand to stop them, the crowd settling down again as I continued on. “Also, we are coming into a new age; one where we use technology alongside our kind to help us better ourselves and prepare for future events. The first thing we will be doing is issuing a census for our kind, allowing us to properly document our numbers and keep track of ourselves better. We will have our own identification cards as well, to better see where our people need help the most.”

“When will this happen?” A reporter called out, Canada’s flashing at the news.

“We will be doing the census February first to June first. We expect every Pack, Rogue, Exile, and Loner to take part in this. We will require a hair sample along with this to help determine linage lines and possibly help wolves from around the world find their mates faster.”

“Do you think the Rogue and Exile population will agree to such measures?” Another called as they raised their hand.

“We will be giving a one thousand dollar incentive to those who get it done and register within the four month period. Packs will be give one hundred thousand, no matter the size. All those who ignore the registry and are found without one will either be set with prison time or a fine of two thousand dollars for singles, or two hundred thousand per pack. Jail time will only be used for those deemed as a flight risk or a danger to our species.” Another murmur broke out when I finished, looks and glances being passed around. “Yes, you in the red.” I pointed to one wolf off to the side, a small camera and recorder in his hand.

“What is the length of jail time that you plan for said wolves?” He received nods of approval from the wolves around him, apprehension and tension started to fill the air as I took a breath.

“Fifty years.” The wolves went silent for a moment before they scrambled to talk over each other, the cacophony almost too loud to bear. “Settle down! This will only be for violent offenders. Those who are arrested can be released as soon as they pay the two thousand dollars or submit to be registered. We are not setting up camps to round wolves up against their will; we are more civilized than that.”

The strings of questions kept on coming in after that, the whole interview lasting about an hour. “Now then;” I stopped them, turning to Melody and my baby. “We have a wedding to get to, and a baby that needs feeding. I thank you all for coming, and will see you at the next holiday gathering.” I toon Melody’s hand as I ignored the questions still called out, leading her and my entourage back to the house.

Melody leaned against me as we walked, the cool air and the snow around us making her huddle closer to me. She was still holding my hand, squeezing it every now and then as we got closer to the door. “Axel and Jude are getting married tonight, love, and all of our friends will be here tonight as well. You don’t have to come, but I’d love for you to be my date along with both of our children.” I asked her, watching her eyes go vacant for a moment as she thought.

“Yah… I think a party sounds nice.” She smiled at me a little, her rosy cheeks making me smile at her in turn.

*****

Axel’s POV

“How the fuck are ya supposed to tie a tie?!” I held up the long pink silk fabric and stared at it like it was a snake, the glitter from it making me want to gag a little.

“Language!” Ada chided as she skipped around the bedroom. Her and Grace were helping me get ready as Addison and Abby helped their mom. “And Grace knows how, don’t you?”

“Here, daddy!” Grace held up her little hand, making me hesitate before handing it over. I watched her little fingers fly over the fabric, the intimidating pink nightmare becoming an intricately knotted tie in mere minutes.

“How the hell did you know how to do that?” I asked her as she and Ada pulled me down to my knees so they could slip it over my head.

“Grandma says that we can’t trust men to do things on their own, so we need to learn how to do things all by ourselves; just like momma did.” Grace said it flatly, casting a glance at her sister.

“Fucking old hag.” I growled, both girls shouting at me about cussing again. “Sorry! Sorry…” I grumbled. As soon as they were done, I picked up the ring box from the nightstand and went to the door, the girls following.

“Where are ya going daddy? You can’t see mommy yet.” Ada warned me.

“I’m not gonna sneak a peak at your mom! I promise. Why don’t you go and help her too? That way all my girls are together at the same time.”

“Where are you going then?” Grace tugged on my hand, casting another glance at her sister that I couldn’t quite place.

“I’m going to go and talk to my mother in-law.” I grumbled, holding the ring box tightly as I let the bedroom in search of the old hag.