Tony was anxious about this development. He knew that his father will be difficult, but he didn't think he will be outright disrespectful. Tony was shocked to hear Talia talk back, but the biggest surprise was that Alpha Magnus didn't throw a fit, and Talia was not in the dungeon or missing a limb, or in the dungeon without limbs.
Since they came to the study, it was one surprise after another, and now his father was just sitting there without moving, and Tony had no idea what to expect.
"Anthony", Talia called his full name, making him jolt in place. "Are you alright with this?"
Tony had no idea what Talia was talking about. The last few minutes were a complete shit-show and Tony wondered if they will start a war now. Ah, if that happens, Kalina will blame him because Kalina really likes Talia and Maya and he will be sandwiched between his father's wishes and everything else, like many times before.
"Am I alright, with what?", Tony asked cautiously.
"Are you alright with letting your father hurt his people and his family?"
Tony glanced nervously at Alpha Magnus, confirming that his father didn't move a muscle at this provocation, even though his eyes were flaring with anger and… was that fear?
"What can I do?", Tony asked dejectedly. "He is the Alpha. His word is the law in this pack and unless we plan a mutiny, a murder, or a war, it will stay that way."
"What if that's not the case?", Talia continued probing. "What if you could fix it? What if you could take over without spilling blood or angering anyone? Would you do it?"
Tony's eyes widened in shock. What did she say? Did he hear her right? "How is that possible?"
"Anything is possible if you want it badly enough. So, let me ask you, do you want to take over as the Alpha of the Lightclaw pack and lead your people toward a future where females are not oppressed?"
Seeing that Tony was hesitating, Talia kept on talking.
"I know you can do it. You and Kalina are strong, and people will follow you. Damon and I will support you until you are confident enough to tackle things on your own."
"We will support you as well.", Axel chimed in, and Talia smiled in approval.
"You heard Axel.", Talia said. "The Midnight Guardians pack will be your ally as well, and I'm confident that Alpha Maddox also will join. You can rely on three Alphas for guidance and support. You spoke about a future where you and Kalina will make changes for the better. This is your opportunity to make the future into right now. Tell me, Tony, are you willing?"
Tony blinked once, twice, and after a few endless seconds, his gaze firmed as he decided, "Yes."
Talia was pleased that Tony agreed, otherwise she would need to issue an Alpha challenge and perform a hostile takeover. That was her backup plan.
With Tony's agreement, Talia spoke to Axel through the mind-link, 'You know what to do. The old guy can't move a muscle.'
Axel got from his inner pocket a syringe and went to Alpha Magnus.
"What…?"
Tony's question was cut short when Talia raised her arm. "This won't harm him."
Tony frowned when he saw Axel injecting Alpha Magnus with an unknown concoction, but he didn't stop it from happening.
When Axel nodded at Talia that it was done, Talia stood in front of Alpha Magnus, and said, "Alpha Magnus, you gave so much for the Lightclaw pack, and you decided to retire. You will go with Luna Alicia on a long journey and travel the world. But before that, you will hand over your Alpha position to Anthony. Tony was working hard, and he has good ideas that will bring prosperity to your pack. Call your Beta and the Shaman. The ceremony for the new Alpha will be conducted in one hour. Until then, you will tell Tony what he needs to know about the Council of the Alphas."
Talia stepped away from Alpha Magnus, and Tony's eyes darted from Talia to his father.
Tony expected that Talia will use a suppressive aura or a weapon or magic or something, anything. But she just spoke and… "Do you think it will be that easy?"
The door of the study opened, and Beta Cage came in.
Beta Cage was a tall man with a head full of gray hair, and the sun-kissed skin of a man in his late forties. His impressive physique was not hidden under the well-fitted suit he wore. Just by looking at his prideful posture that demanded respect, one would know that Beta Cage was a high-ranking member of a pack.
"You called for me, Alpha?"
"Yes.", Alpha Magnus confirmed. "I decided to hand over my Alpha position to Tony. Shaman is on his way. Get things set up and summon our people, the ceremony will be done in one hour."
Tony gaped at his father, unable to believe that this was really happening.
Another person who stared blankly at Alpha Magnus was Beta Cage. Until just a few minutes ago they were discussing strategies to get as much as possible from Alpha Edward and now he was stepping down? Something didn't sound right. And what was with the rush?
"Did they blackmail you?"
Alpha Magnus shook his head. "The younger generation has good ideas and it's time for us to enjoy our retirement. There is no point in waiting until we are too old to appreciate life. I want to travel the world with my mate."
Beta Cage was still suspicious. Sure, it all sounded fine, but that was not how Alpha Magnus would talk. They would plan big parties for every occasion worth celebrating, using that as an opportunity to strengthen their connections, and something major as the new Alpha ceremony was done on such a short notice? Didn't he say that he will remain the Alpha until he can, with Tony being a powerless pawn to bridge the gap between him and the younger generation that was emerging? And another problem was that Beta's position was tied to the Alpha he served.
Alphas are made by bloodline, while Betas and Gammas are regular pack members who get a power boost after the ceremony where their Alpha and the pack accept them. Sure, some are born with more potential, but without getting the position that potential would remain unused.
What will happen to him after this unexpected retirement? With Beta Cage not being a Beta anymore, they will need to move into one of the regular dwellings, and that will be a downgrade.
Beta Cage remembered his son, Paul. They knew that Tony was not willing to make Paul his Beta. But if Paul becomes a Beta, they can keep their current villa. That would be good. How can he ensure that his son gets that position?
Seeing that Beta Cage was not responsive, Alpha Magnus asked sternly, "Are you disobeying your Alpha?"
Beta Cage was startled. This was Alpha Magnus he knew. He quickly bowed. "I wouldn't dare. I will get everything ready." Beta Cage gritted his teeth and then his eyes lost focus.
Tony couldn't wrap his head around the current situation.
Did Talia make him an Alpha? Just like that? What sorcery was that?
