Chapter 44

**Winter**



So, Charlotte is out of her comma. That didn’t take too long. But she was totally in the wrong pulling a stunt like that. Who crawls into a mated couple's bed? And naked none the less. I still can't believe she either tried to seduce Cole or trick me. Regardless it is just unacceptable.

I honestly have no idea what her punishment should be. I mean I did put her in the hospital. I usually would think that was punishment enough. However, if she doesn't receive a more formal punishment, I am not sure she will stop disrespecting us. Disrespecting me as Luna. Cole as Alpha and the mate bond.

“What are you thinking as punishment? Because I do not think death is justifiable for her crime.” I say.

Cole isn’t saying anything. He is just staring at me. I think he is mulling things over. “I agree with you.” he says finally. “I have an idea for her punishment, but I don’t know how you will feel about it?”

“Well spit it out Cole.”

Why is he beating around the bush? Come on.

“Ok... I was thinking we turn her out as a rogue.”

I do not know how I feel about making a wolf a rogue. I kind of feel like death is a better option.

“Couldn’t we let her choose? You know, either death or being a rogue?”

He looks shocked. “Why would we let her choose? We are the leaders of this pack. We need to be decisive. We are not going to allow the guilty one have a say in how they should be punished. That is not a thing, Winter.”

Oh, my Goddess! I was just suggesting something. He has no idea how hard it is to be a rogue. I can't imagine being the person to cause someone else to be a rogue wolf. Even if it is someone as difficult as Charlotte. How can I do that to someone. If I could go back and choose between being a rogue and dying with my family, I would choose the fire.

“Cole how can we do that to someone. I cannot just subject someone else to that. Besides, Charlotte does not know how to fight, hunt, or forage. It would be a death sentence. If you won't let her choose maybe death is a better sentence after all.”

“No, I do not think so Winter. I really believe that exile is the best option. I only brought it up because I didn’t want you to be surprised by her sentence. I would like you to be more comfortable with the idea. I really think this is the appropriate responses to this kind of behavior.”

Oh, my Goddess! Why did he even pretend to want my opinion?

“Cole if you have already made your decision then why the Hell did you even bring it up? I don’t even know why I need to go to the meeting. Why do I even have to be part of the council if my opinion means nothing.”

“Come on Winter. It is not like that. You have to be there. You are the Luna. And you know your opinion matters.”

I roll my eyes. Why am I feeling so snippy right now. Maybe something is wrong with me. Everything has been annoying me. I am feeling overly defensive and edgy.

“Fine.” I say.

I get it. It is not as if we have a better punishment, I guess. At least as a rogue she has a chance to live, all be it a very slim one. I also agree with what he said. It would not be right to let Charlotte have a choice in her punishment.

“I see what you mean. I really do. I guess I agree that making her a rogue is the only option. Is there anything else we need to talk about?”

“Yea, are you really ok?”

I nod.

“Then the last thing is I have been having beta female, Shelly, make you up an office. I figured you will be helping with pack business. You have told me about how you want to help the other she-wolfs. Now you will have a place to organize things and conduct business. You know, meet with people.”

“Thankyou.”

That is really sweet of him. I am so happy he wants me to take part in being a leader of the pack. I mean that is my new role. I am Luna and the Luna is there for the Alpha to lean on. I’m very happy about this.

“I think I will show you to your new office and then we can head to the council meeting.” Cole says. Then he kisses the top of my head as he stands up. I get up to follow him to my new office. He can be truly sweet.

We walk into my new office, and it is beautiful. The walls are all white and covered with art depicting the moon in its different phases. There is also a large picture of the forest. At one end of the office there is a glass desk with a dainty leather chair behind it. On one side of the office there is a bookcase that is built into the wall.

I walk around to sit in the chair. It is extremely comfy. I notice there are a few pics on the desk. One of me and Cole at my Luna ceremony. Then I see one of the New Moon Packhouse with my parents hugging in front of it.

I can feel my eyes starting to tear up. I haven't seen my parents in a such a long time. I don’t even have a picture of them. All my mementos from my childhood were burnt in the fire.

“Cole how did you get a picture of my parents at the packhouse?”

“I got it from Byron. He took that picture. He has some more if you want them. I could have them put in a book for you?”

This is the most wonderful thing he has done yet. I look at the picture again, scanning their faces. They look so young in this photograph. It must have been taken before I was born. Still, seeing their faces is making me cry. I miss them so much. Also seeing the packhouse. It looks just the same as I remember. Although the rose bushes near the front of the packhouse are much smaller in the picture than I remember them.

I sniff back my tears as I continue to look at the items on the desk. My eyes come to rest on a sleek looking laptop. Oh boy! I have no idea how to use that I am embarrassed to say. I think I will just see if I can get Female Beta Shelly to show me how it works. That way I won’t have to feel stupid in front of Cole.

“Hey Winter, it is about time for the council meeting. We should get going. Afterwords you can explore the office more. I'm glad you like it.”

I smile at him “I do not like it....” I pause for dramatic effect. “I love it! Thankyou!”