#55

Evander

As we made our way through the food line, I noticed her piling more food onto her plate than in recent days. I tried to control the smirk on my face, as I was sure that if she realized I noticed, she would change the behavior. Human girls thought they shouldn’t be seen feeding themselves well. I’d even seen urban she-wolves falling into the practice. Typically, wolves, on the other hand, were encouraged to eat well and healthy as the beast in us and our shifting ability burned a lot of energy. She would need that reserve for her first shift. I needed to do better at keeping her fed. It was my duty as her mate to care for her above anyone else.

As we headed over towards the benched tables, eyes followed us. She sat next to Blake and across from Millie and Whinnie, who were speaking in quiet tones and jotting things down in one of Whinnie’s notepads. Blake nudged Aurora, who looked back up at him with a smile. “How was town today?” he asked, scooping a pile of mashed potatoes into his mouth. “Good, I guess. I found what I needed. Oh! Evander found me a bow!” she gushed excitedly. He smiled at her before looking over at me with a nod of approval. Apparently, I had done something right.

Aurora began playing with her food as the faint buzz that was the bond hushed a little. I saw her glancing up at her brother. As he stilled, looking back at her. I was reminded they had a bond greater than my beta had with me. I couldn’t fault him. She was his blood, a uniquely blessed individual, let alone his little sister. As I got to know her more, I understood his position better. The bond had an insurmountable need to fuse. To be with your mate. At the same time, he was right about not bringing a 12 to 13-year-old girl into the wilds out from under the coven’s noses. Her aunt had a wealth of information but lacked power to use it. Her studies were needed, no matter how much I despised some of what went on there.

Their conversation ended with him giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and a nod. She blew a haughty breath out, and I felt her centering herself. ‘Everything ok love?’ I asked as she met my gaze just after she shoved a large scoop of macaroni and cheese in her mouth. She nodded, breathing out a ‘yes’ in my mind. ‘The thing today with the waitress and the fact you're about to make me, the social moth, the center of attention in a few moments, just has my anxiety on high alert.’ she explained. ‘You will be fine. I'm right here by your side.’I offered in an attempt to comfort her.

I had asked that the pack, even those usually busy, all meet today the only exception with those watching the border. As the benches filled and new faces to Aurora sought their seats. I began to feel the anxiety that was building within her. I slid my arm around her pulling her flush against me. She continued to play with her food taking small infrequent bites. Her fingernails tapped nervously on the table and I could tell her mind was racing. As I saw Shelly and Vanessa come out of the kitchen following Dunn, who was a rare commodity at any meal of the day. I knew it was time to get this over with before my mate over-thought herself into a heart attack.

I stood, and the conversations died almost instantly as I let a hint of my Alpha aura wash over the pack. When I had their full attention, I addressed them. “As you all probably know by now, I have found my mate.” cheers and murmurs of excitement ran through the small crowd. Elijah and Evan hooted and hollered from the far corner and smiles beamed across each member's face. As I gave Aurora my hand and pulled her up beside me, I noted her sweaty palms. Her flickering eyes met mine before steeling and gazing out at the people excited to see her. She had only truly met a few of them, and that was before the change. She was allowing herself to be seen now by our people. Whatever doubts she had, I was sure they would accept her regardless of her ‘extraness’. “This is Aurora, your future Luna. She is also, as I’m sure, you are aware, Diablo’s sister. Who we can now call by his true name, Blake.” Their eyes shifted to Blake. Holding to his Beta nature, he met their questioning stares and did not cower at the accusations there. “Now rest assured our Beta had his reasons, and as we have all wondered why, he could not join in our mind link, the true reason was not that he was a witch, but also because his loyalties are split.” Gasps and murmurs started, and I let my aura push out a little more to silence them. “Those loyalties were split between us and his devotion to his sister.” Eyes once more found my mate, and she did not falter.

Instead, she seemed to grow taller. She glanced down briefly and nodded with a smile. Energy I had never experienced flooded the space. It was warm and peaceful, but undoubtedly had the ability if needed to control, as mine did. Stunned faces looked between us. “I have been blessed to be mated to your Alpha. It would be my pleasure to be Luna of this pack. However, I will not ascend to that title unless all of you unanimously agree upon it.” Her voice was firm yet sweet. “From the youngest to the oldest of you, you will have a say. I will tell you I am more than I seem. We have a lot to learn about each other and very little time. As our meeting was unforeseen, Evander and I have been taking time to get to know each other and have already claimed each other.” Gasps came and one of the women said under her breath” impossible” but in a crowd of werewolves it was easily heard.

Now it was my turn to back up my mate. I let go of her hand and unbuttoned my shirt enough to pull the collar back and display my mark for all to see. “It seems our pairing awakened the soul of the wolf, predetermined to be Aurora’s. I can assure you her fangs are sharp,” the pack attempted to absorb the information. Stunned looks and awed gazes took her in with reverence. “As we have come to realize we have taken a roundabout way to get here, we will be making up our mating announcement on Friday,” Evan and Elijah cheered and the confused faces were replaced with excited ones. “The following week we will be preparing for the Luna ceremony. Please take this time to truly get to know my mate. As she has expressed, getting to know you all and allowing you to voice your acceptance during the ceremony means a lot to her.”

On that note, Amy ran over wrapping her arms around my mate. Aurora’s genuine smile graced the natural beauty of her face as she looked down at the girl stroking her hair. Undoubtedly, Amy, in wolf terms, was claiming her vouch for her Luna in front of everyone for a second time. My eyes sought out Silas who was calculating the events before him while tugging on his beard. He was the one I was most worried about. The rest of them would be happy for me and let fate rule the decision of their Luna. The moon goddess was rarely cruel.

Mispairs, in truth, were a rarity. Millie, unfortunately, was paired with someone too stubborn to know what was good for him. My eyes found her misty ones. She gave me a reassuring smile, and I hoped the future would right all the wrongs created in the world and that we could all find our own sense of peace. She didn’t deserve her cards. I was created in the knowledge that my mate would accept me entirely and I would follow suit. No matter the promises I would have to keep if the pack chooses differently. The fact that we agreed to be one together soothed the inner workings of my being, and should it take me away from all the rest? I would willingly follow her. Before meeting her, I had given it little thought. Never went out of my way searching. I couldn’t imagine knowing her, and then just letting her go. It would kill me.

“As I am sure you will all learn, my mate has more than adequate credentials for her predestined rank. Your vote will take place at the ceremony.” More cheering and clapping commenced, and I released my aura, and Aurora’s energy retreated from wherever it came. We sat and Aurora let out a long, cleansing breath and proceeded to continue with her meal. Amy had squeezed herself between her and Blake. She was munching on an apple.

A few members came up to congratulate me. Aurora expecting nothing from people simply continued eating unless she was addressed. She remained polite. Giving them a warm smile and a thank you with the promise she would be more available now for the pack to get to know. I was in for a very jealous week of sharing her with all members of the pack. ‘Remember my beloved,’ she cooed into my mind. ‘We are going hunting alone. I still have time for your attention’ she reminded me. I had a different kind of hunt in mind, as I wondered what her wolf looked like and how the Alpha chasing the Luna would go. This would be an endless week until we got to that point. Something inside me snaked with anticipation.