Page 58 of Blood Pearl
“Second, as to the pack leadership, it will be my honor to serve as your Alpha. Future Luna Aurora,” this gets both gasps and giggles from the assembled pack, “will be showing me how the pack works both practically and administratively before I take the reins fully in the next few days. If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to approach me. I will answer them as honestly and fully as I can.
“Finally, I will be organizing a celebratory feast for all to attend.”
The pack erupts at Gerry’s promise of a feast, and he gets no chance to add any further to his speech. As we walk back to the packhouse, a great number of the pack congratulate us. I notice a few sour faces among the crowd, but you can’t please all of them, all of the time.
Once at the packhouse, Gerry leads me to the dining area where we enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Having finished my modest helping, I watch as Gerry demolishes enough for three hungry warriors.
“You should be as fat as a pig with the amount of food you put away at every meal. I’ve never seen you eat what would be a standard portion for a grown shifter. And Asher is as bad with his rabbits. We could feed three wolves with what he eats, too.”
Looking at me with what I suppose is his ‘hurt’ expression, “I have a good metabolism, as does Asher. It’s why we’re both always so full of energy when we need to be,” waggling his eyebrows at me, I grin.
“Two hours does not count as stamina. That has yet to be fully tested. Perhaps we’ll put you to the test later this evening, if you’re not so full of food that you can’t move.”
“Never going to happen, my love. Not a chance.”
Seeing warrior Crispin approaching, I wonder what has happened now. We’ve had no issues with the rogues or their ‘wannabe’ king. Could this be a new skirmish?
“Taria has called and asked if you could return her call at your convenience, Alpha Aurora.”
Gerry nods at me to make the call. “I’ll be awhile finishing my breakfast. I’ll join you when I’m done.”
Giving him a peck on the lips as I take my tray to be emptied, I make my way to the office and place the call to Taria.
“Hi, Momma. That was quick.”
“Hi, Super Luna. How are things with you?”
Hearing Taria’s laugh echo down the phone has me smiling. It’s been a while since I heard her so happy.
“Super Luna? I’m not sure about that yet. You sound cheerful, Momma. That’s good. I had a great journey here. Bronze was very complimentary and attentive. We didn’t discuss me being a Luna, but we talked the whole time. He wants a large family, lots of pups. I like the sound of it, just not sure about the physical aspect. We’ll have to see after the first couple. I told him I expect some freedom in my thinking and actions. He said he’d expect nothing less.”
“It sounds like you’ve made quite an impression on each other.”
“Oh Momma, you would think we’d grown up together. There wasn’t an awkward moment during the entire trip. And when we arrived, Luna Tatiana and Alpha Gabriel were waiting for us. They treated us like royalty. We had such a lovely lunch, and you’d think they were entertaining VIPs. It was all so overwhelming. And then after Bronze left, Tati, Luna Tatiana asked me to call her that, took me on a tour of everything and everywhere. I met so many people my mind just blew at all the names and faces.
“You’re very quiet, Momma. Is everything okay? Do I need to come home? Has something happened? What are you not telling me?”
“Taria… Stop… There is nothing wrong. I’m fine. In fact, I’m finer than I have been in a long time. You’re talking so fast I can’t get a word in, but it’s lovely hearing all your news.”
“Maya says things have changed. She senses it. What aren’t you telling me, Momma?”
“Stop talking, just for a moment. I’m better than I have been for a long time because I have taken a chosen mate. I’m very relaxed and extremely happy.”
“A mate? Oh, my Goddess! I turn my back for just a moment and you find a mate? Who? When? Where? Tell me everything.”
“You know him as Council Warrior Gerry. He’s been helping with the rogue situation. That’s my chosen mate.”
“Oooooh, I like him. We got on really well. He eats so damn much, though. You’ll have to make the kitchen garden twice its current size, and maybe start breeding a deer herd. You’ll never be able to hunt enough meat. Cook Ivy is going to be beside herself trying to outdo his appetite.” Taria is excited and her voice is rising with each outburst.
“Well, I’m glad you like him. He likes you, too. He said he would be proud to be a father to you.”
“Oh, my Goddess! A Father! I wouldn’t know what to do to be a daughter to a father. You were always there for me as both, but to have a father? Oh, my Goddess! This is just the most awesome thing, ever,” her squeals of delight are going to hurt my ears soon.
“You’re going to wear the Goddess out if you keep calling her name. I’m glad you’re excited about this. I was worried about how you’d take the news.”
“Worried? Why would you be worried? I’m so happy for you. Momma, this is the best news you could ever give me. You’ll both be so happy, I’m sure.”
“There’s more to it, as well. I’ll get to spend more time helping you become a Luna. When you get back from Blackshadow pack and Luna Hope, we can see everything you’ve learned and maybe refine a few things to suit your personality better.”