"Are there any alliances that are dissolving with no interest in renewal?" Alpha Storsant asks from the front of the room. A few alphas stand up and walk to the front near Alpha Storsant to discuss their pack matters.
"You should accept that proposal with Alpha Thorne. It's a wise move, and you’ll need it now, more than ever." I ignore Lincoln's question.
“And why do I need it, little sister?” I hate it when he calls me little sister. He only does it when he thinks I’m being bossy, or when he knows I’m right. In this case, I’m both.
“Because your beta made you look weak in the eyes of every alpha who don’t have an alliance with us. The fact that you dismissed him in front of everyone only bolsters that opinion. They will look for any and every opportunity to come at us. But not if Thorne is on our side. Not if he’s backing us.” I explain.
"I know. I am. We came to terms last night after dinner," If Lincoln thinks I am being evasive, he doesn't say anything. My leg is bouncing, with what, nerves? Excitement? I couldn't be sure. I just want this whole entire ordeal to be over. And this is all before even telling Lincoln that I'm leaving.
Thorne calmly sits beside me, not quite hovering but I can feel the temperature from his body and it acts as a reminder that he is right there. Always right there. Of course, he had to have known that I was conversing with my brother through our mind link, so at least he was continuing to give me space.
Breathe. I tell myself. Just breathe.
“Now that that order of business is complete, are there any new alliances that will need to be registered?” Lincoln and Thorne do a silent nod towards one another and stand up. The entire room gasps at the prospect of Thorne joining forces with anyone. No one outside of my brother and myself, know the details of the business arrangement that accompanies the alliance. Well, the two guards that were with us in the Navigator would have an inkling. Only Thorne and I know that the alliance would soon be a permanent fixture.
A few other alphas stand up behind my brother and Thorne to register their alliances and I am forced to sit by my lonesome. At least until Thorne’s chair scraped back and I look up into the face of Evony.
“Are you okay?” I’m grateful that she took the first opportunity she had to check up on me. I didn’t have a relationship with any of the alphas or their mates except Reed and Evony. I know who they are and know of them, however, because of school, I wasn’t able to cultivate many outside relationships. I guess that would have to change once I become Thorne’s mate.
But for now, I know that if any of them had come to me it would only be for gossip. Evony is family, she was here for me.
“Yeah. I am. Now at least.” I chuckle lightly as not to bring a lot of attention on us. Though judging from the looks of everyone I can see in my peripheral, the spotlight was placed on me when Evony shuffled over here. And there is the uncomfortable thought that the spotlight never left me. “But it’s all good. I promise.”
“Okay. Call me if you need anything. We’ll talk later.” Evony rubs my arm in a few comforting and soothing strokes and then rises from her seat when Thorne and Linc return.
“Everything all set?” I ask Linc when he pulls his chair closer to the table. He nods and smiles and I hope that his smile would stay for the rest of the way home. But I know I’m asking for too much. “Good. We need to have a meeting back at the cabin before we leave.”
Linc hesitantly nods, his forehead scrunches up in consternation. I know there are probably a million and one things going through his mind right now. One of which was what exactly I wanted to talk about. I can’t even lie, part of me is hoping that he’s feeling bad about how he facilitated the bad treatment of me in favor of his best friend. I can’t help it. I’m petty this way.
The meeting is soon adjourned, maybe twenty minutes later. Alpha Storsant stands from his chair and invites everyone to stay another evening in the accommodations for us. However, the general consensus from the alphas that are comparatively local, like Lincoln and Thorne, they're eager to be pack with their pack.
I start packing up my laptop when my brother tells me that he’ll meet me at the cabin. I nod even though I’m somewhat annoyed with him. Like, is it that hard to wait for me? It’s not like we have anything to discuss on the way back.
Reed and Evony come up to me and give me more hugs than I know what to do with. "Are you guys heading back tonight?" I ask.
“No,” Evony pouts. “The drive back to Massachusetts is too much to start this afternoon. So, we’re leaving in the morning. What about ya’ll?”
"Umm, Linc wants to head back now. So, I should probably head on back and get my belongings.” There’s another round of hugs and kisses and I follow them out the doors and to the front yard. “Our cabin is back this way,” I say pointing in the general direction of where we were located.
"Oh, we were one of the first packs here, so we’re towards the front of the camp.” Reed points in the direction opposite of where I was going. “But we’ll walk you. It’s no big deal.”
“No, you’re like right here. Don’t be silly, I’ll be fine.” I offer a wave and start walking towards Thorne’s cabin before Reed or Evony can protest anymore. Though offering my back to them didn’t deter them at all as I heard Reed start to speak up again.
“It’s alright Reed, I’ll walk her. You go on and tend to your mate.” I stop upon hearing Thorne’s voice and turn around. We had walked out, and I never once noticed that he was leaning against the brick wall of the auditorium. My stomach flipped when he pushed off the wall and started walking my way. What is happening to me?
A silent nod passes from Reed’s head and he begins to pull Evony away from me. She looks like she wants to say more and looks to Reed to have some sort of conversation through the mind link. Almost too subtly, I see Reed nod his head and Evony quickly made her way back over to us.
“Listen, we were sworn to secrecy a few years back by the counsel and by a witch we’ve come to trust. And by we, I mean my entire pack, not just me and Reed. I’m not sure you know, but some witches have the ability to see into the future, but they can’t see other witches in their premonitions. If there are holes in the premonition, they can assume that a witch is involved somehow, but they’ll never see the extent of their involvement. Our witch has that ability and all she could tell us was something big was coming for us. At the time, we thought whatever ominous thing was coming for Blood Moon. But, after what Storsant mentioned with the European packs, I think what she saw is related and I think that every single wolf will be affected. Just be aware, and make sure your packs are protected. I don’t know what this witch is planning or if she’ll even turn her sights here. But just be prepared. I’ll call you and Linc if we find out anything more.”
Evony makes her way back to Reed and I watched until they started to make their way to their cabin. Reed’s eyes had softened when he saw Evony walk back to him and as soon as she was within grabbing distance, he pulled her close to him. A soft kiss was planted on her forehead and was accompanied by a soft whisper from Evony. She opened her eyes and it looked like she felt relief to be back in his arms. I briefly wonder if a love like that is ever going to be in the cards for me. Could I grow to love Alpha Wesley Thorne in a way that we’ll look at each other with so much tenderness?
Beside me, Thorne snorts back a laugh and gently pushes me to turn around and begin walking. He realizes that I have my laptop bag and he leans over to take the bag from me and starts walking again.
“You didn’t have to stay with me, you know.” I insipidly hiss.
“No. But your things are at my place and I simply wanted to. Is that a crime?” He retorts, and I know I can’t fault him. I shouldn’t even think of being rude to the man. He’s helping me out in such a major way. Sure, he might see it as I’m helping him, but my gain feels so much bigger than his. The last thing I want to do is be rude to him.
“Thank you. And not just for right now, but umm, for everything. It truly means a lot.
”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Listen,” he starts, “I’m sure that you want to go back to Willowhaven to get your clothes and any other belongings that you would like to bring with you. Well, I was wondering if I could accompany you?” Thorne, for the second time since I’ve met him, again sounds so unsure of what he’s asking of me.
“Why are you talking so formally? ‘I would like to accompany you,’” I smile and mock him in my best impression of his deep voice. My attempt to lighten the mood and to let him know that I was only joking with him, works and he offers me a smile in return. I swallow back a gasp at how beautiful his face is when he smiles. Not that he’s always serious. I’ve seen him with smirks and small smiles. But they have nothing on how his face lights up when he has a genuine, care-free smile.
“Ok, ok,” He starts, “I get it. Is it alright if I come with you back to your pack?”
I stop walking and turn to face him. “You know it’s not really my call, right? I don’t have the authority to invite another alpha on to pack lands. I may be quote unquote Luna of Willowhaven, but there are certain things that I can’t do.”
“Kai, I’m not asking you to sneak me in. I’m asking if it’s alright if I come with you. I’ll go through the proper channels and ask your brother. I’m asking you, as my future Luna, if you want me there?”
Do I? Do I want him with me? Does it even matter? Though I can’t deny that there’s something that excites me about the way he asked me. Not for my permission, but for my opinion. It was new, different, and just…endearing.
“Yes. I want you with me?”
“Is that a question? Or are you telling me?” He chuckles, and I can’t say that I blame him. I go blank around him and his charm.
“Yes. You are invited to Willowhaven.” I pause and look up at the cabin. It’s still a way off but I can’t put this conversation off any longer. Especially, if Thorne was visiting us. Well, it wasn’t even really a visit. He was just coming with me to help move my things. Ugh this is the type of mess I get myself into simply because I don’t want to reach out to anyone for help.
“Just, umm, could you give me a few minutes before coming by our cabin? I have to tell Lincoln what’s going on.”
“Sure, I’ll make sure all of your stuff is ready, and get mine as well. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Thorne gives me a half smile before walking the rest of the way towards his cabin. I take a fortifying breath as I watch his retreating figure move farther away from me.
I am actually doing this. Okay.
I jog the distance and run into the front room of the cabin. Everyone is already waiting for me and look at the door when I walk in. For someone like me who really hates attention, I sure seem to command it whenever I enter a room lately.
“Kairi, where is all of your stuff? Ryan went into the room to get your bags, but the room was empty. In fact, your scent was barely in the room.”
“Okay, I didn’t want to have this conversation with everyone Lincoln. So, if I can speak to you privately that would be great.” I plead.
“No, we need to hurry up and get back to Willowhaven. So, if we have to talk, we do it all here or on the way in the truck.” I want to get angry, but I can see the tension is thick and hovering between Julien and Lincoln. Linc is just taking his frustrations on me. Not that this is an excuse, but I get it. Julien is especially frustrating.
I can’t put this off much longer. Thorne is going to be here any minute, I tell myself.
“Okay. Well. When we get back, you’re not staying.” I look to Lincoln and hold up my hand when he starts to dispute me. “You need to find your mate. Willowhaven needs a Luna, and it can’t be put off any longer.”
“I have you for now.”
“But you don’t. The elders are already breathing down your necks to have a Luna in place. And,” I walk closer to Lincoln and grab ahold of his hand. “I’m not staying at Willowhaven. As soon as I get everything packed up, I’m leaving.”
A knock at the door signals, and I’m the only one who doesn’t look at it briefly. I already know it’s Thorne. Lincoln’s eyes return to mine and he’s shaking his head. Natasha is the one who gets out of the chair to answer the door.
"Linc, you know I can’t stay at Willowhaven. I just can’t. Please don’t ask me to.” Lincoln looks down and away when he knows he can’t. Call it cruel and unusual punishment for someone who was the innocent party.
“Where will you go? You gotta give me that.”
Natasha came in the living room first, looking pissed off about something. And Thorne enters, looking annoyed, maybe. I can’t even imagine what their interaction was about to invoke those emotions for the both of them.
“Alpha Samuels, I actually offered your sister a place in my pack. I promise she will be well cared for.” I roll my eyes with annoyance of my own because I wanted to be the one to tell Lincoln.
“A place in your bed, you mean?” Julien perks up despite the fact that Natasha is clinging to his arm. “You’re not going anywhere near him, Kairi.” Julien stood up in his anger and accidentally pulled Natasha from her seated position on the couch. Unfortunately for her, the surprise motion made her lose balance and she let go of Julien’s arm, causing her to fall on the floor.
“Excuse me?” There are some moments when I can act with the grace and poise that is expected of me, as an alpha’s child and as a Luna. But moments like this one? I had an alpha’s temper, and what he is going to do is feel every ounce of my wrath.
“You don’t get to dictate or even have a valid opinion over who I fuck or don’t. Especially when you chose someone else over me. In fact, maybe you should tend to the mother of your child.” Julien still hadn’t acknowledged that Natasha was sitting on the floor. When he finally does look at her, I see a split moment of regret. But I know if I saw it, Natasha had to of seen it as well.
Julien sidesteps around her and the coffee table to stand before me. “Kai, please don’t go. I need to see you every day.” Natasha starts crying, seeing the effect of the mate bond trying to put Julien back with his true mate must be painful for her. But if anyone asked me if I cared about her feelings, I’d laugh in their face.
My nose flares in anger with every word he begs. Just being in his personal space is revolting to me. “Reject me, now,” the alpha command is evident in my voice. And I register an angry growl coming from Lincoln.
“You never once said the rejection oath? So, my sister has felt every single time you were intimate with Natasha?” I try my best to hold Lincoln back from punching Julien flat on his ass. Getting in between an angry alpha and his target is not only not fun, but it’s extremely dangerous. But I take that chance and once my hand comes in contact with Linc’s skin, he turns to me, not really expecting an answer from Julien. “You suffered in silence all this time and didn’t say anything?”
“Yes, but that’s not important right now. I think you should take a moment to go around this compound and feel out which packs will allow you on their land to find your mate. Actually I, think it's best if you leave from here.”
Lincoln’s frustration with me is so evident right now that he doesn’t even try to hide it with the huge sigh he releases. “Even if I agree to this tour, I can’t leave now. And you can’t leave either. Not yet anyway.” I take it as a consolation that Lincoln knows I am really leaving.
“I’ve demoted Julien and I plan on announcing their banishment in front of the pack.”
“What? Why?”
“I can’t have a beta who can’t shift. And his demotion affects the whole pack. They will need to know why I will be looking for a new beta.”
“But the banishment? What’s the purpose in that? You might as well label them rogue and be done with it.”
“Reed’s pack is like a sanctuary for rogues. They’re more than welcome to join him there.” I’ve had enough of my brother’s cavalier attitude.
“So, you want them killed? Natasha can’t fight, and like you
said Julien can’t shift. They’ll never make it up to Massachusetts. You set them loose and any rogue or pack that comes across them will tear them apart. They’ll be as good as dead on their own. And Natasha’s pregnant, you want that innocent pup’s blood on your hands as well?”
“You’re advocating awfully hard for two people who betrayed you. You sure about this?” Lincoln whispers to me. The sharp contrast to his voice makes me wonder why we didn’t have this conversation through the mind link.
“I have an idea.” Both my brother and I turn our attention to Thorne. “Alpha Samuels, I was going to ask you for your permission to accompany your sister to help her move her things. If it’s alright with you, we all return to Willowhaven, you conduct your trial or whatever for your former Beta, find your replacement beta. That way you can go on this mate tour while your sister oversees a crash course in training your new beta. In the meantime, the two of us will be able to get to know each other better.” It is a solid plan. I like it. I’m not sure if my brother would go for it. He would essentially be giving control of his pack to me without the proper hierarchal support. It’s not ideal but it honestly feels like the best solution for the situation we are in.
The Rejection (Luna of the Pack Series) Page 10