CHAPTER 2

Shey's POV

"Are you sure you want the Legion present in that very important event?"

An immense level of concern could be heard from Uncle Stan's voice. More lines could be seen in his already wrinkled forehead. 

As my father's right-hand man, he had all the rights to worry. Earlier today, we had received an intel from one of our organizers that the Legion of the North was pressuring the owner of the venue to gatecrash the event. Of course, Uncle Stan was not happy about it. 

"Let them be, Uncle Stan," I said confidently, as I put down the pile of folders I was busy with. 

I posed a confident grin trying to reassure my father's younger brother that I am still one step ahead of our enemies. "I want them to know who we really are as a group and what we can do," I responded.

My middle-aged uncle held a deep sigh. In the end, he surrendered. He knew very well that once I had made my decision, no one could talk me out of it. Not even him nor my father. 

Tomorrow, the Scarlet Union would name me as my father's successor after the members of the union had voted for me. Contrary to a normal werewolf pack, our leader had been determined by the rule of the majorities. We were electing our heads instead of following the regular rule of alpha ascension. In our ways, everybody had rights to express their opinions on leadership. We would make sure every single voice in the community would be heard. 

The journey I had taken until this very moment was not easy. There were a lot of tears shed. Sleepless nights were a common thing. Anxiety and doubt were my constant companions. But I wouldn't want it any other way.  I am who I was today because of these trials. These made me the she wolf  everybody would know about. 

My name's Shey Collins, the only child of the famed Maximilian Collins. He was the notable leader of an organization called the Scarlet Union and I am his protegé and successor. 

Being a woman in a world dominated by strong and aggressive masculine wolf pride, I was not expected to do anything other than submit to a man. Thank the goddess my father was different from other stereotype alphas. Moreover, a not so typical werewolf parent. Although I did not have a motherly figure to look up to, my father had ensured I would be molded into somebody that every werewolf parents, especially the mothers, would be proud of.

My father had an extremely radical approach to being a father and a leader. Some called him an extremist and a revolutionary wolf man. But in my eyes, he was just a simple being with a vision of a more progressive society for us werewolves. And that was something I would forever be in awe of.

He had dreamed of a world that had equal opportunities for everyone. A world that wasn't controlled by the powerful alone. A world that looked after the weak and powerless. A world designed for every wolf man and she would be proud of.

A world where choices were more important than traditions. 

And through his vision, the Scarlet Union was born. And I am glad to say that in the span of 10 years, our philosophies had reached hundreds of werewolf packs which  decided to take a stand against the gruesome effects of social rankings. And there were more.

"Does your father knows about this, Shey?" Uncle Stan asked. "I think it is best to let him know about what is going on."

"No need to bother him with this stuff, Uncle Stan. You know very well that these things might trigger another threat to his health."

I bit my lower lip as I had said this. The only reason my father was passing on the scepter was because of his declining fettle. Being a 75 year-old werewolf, he had done so much for our world. And now, the effects of his dedication and hard work to the cause had taken its toll on his physicality. 

Uncle Stan held a deep sigh. "I trust your judgment, Shey. If this is what you want, then you have my full support."

"Thanks, Uncle Stan. I know I can count on you." I got up from my seat, extended my hands and asked for a hug. Uncle Stan smiled and inched himself towards me.

"Why wouldn't I? You are the pride and joy of our family. We are confident you will do well as the organization's new leader just like your father."

I was deeply touched by his kind words and became overwhelmed by my emotions. A tear had fallen into my right cheek out of utmost gratitude as I gave him a tighter hug. I am so lucky to be part of a family that could see the things I could do outside my gender. Outside my weakness as a female werewolf. But not everyone was as lucky as me. 

There were still a lot of lower-ranking wolves who were subjected to violence and abuse because of their status. There were still female wolves who were deprived of opportunities and had not been given a chance to explore their potentials because they were bound with overbearing traditions. 

They were the reasons why the Scarlet Union would continue to flourish. They were my goaded to keep on going. They were my inspiration to keep on striving.

As long as the Scarlet Union was here, no werewolf would be left alone to battle their own beast. 

I would do everything in my power to reach out to them. Nothing could stand between me and my duties to the union.

"Hush now, my darling Shey. No need to be emotional." Uncle Stan caressed my back lovingly. This gesture gave me a warm feeling. "Always remember that me and your father will always be here for you no matter what. Be it as the queen of our family or as the new head of the union. Whatever you embark on with your life, you will always have our backs."

"I know you both are, Uncle Stan. That's why I am ready to make you, my father and the whole Scarlet Union proud. I promise to be at least half of what my father was as a leader." My eyes were filled with hope and determination as I looked at him. This made Uncle Stan nod with eagerness and conviction.

"That's our girl," he uttered as he tapped my right shoulder displaying his full confidence with my words. "Go and show the world what you can do."