Page 54 of Claiming Her Alpha

“A little, but I think next moon–when I’m officially luna–it will be more present.”

It was tradition in her pack for the next alpha to guide at least one wolf through his first shift before he–or she–became official. It was to showcase their true strength and ensure they were the proper fit for the pack. Even though she would guide the wolf through his transition, her father as alpha would welcome him into the pack. It was the first official step she would take to become luna.

“Well, your father is there right by your side,” her mom tried to reassure her.

“I don’t think she’ll need me.”

Just as they got the ice cream out, Lorena started to stir and Kendra was more than willing to skip dessert so she could give her a bottle. Though Jenevea was trying, she wasn’t fully breastfeeding, which had been weighing heavily on her. Kendra and everyone else had tried to ease her guilt and made sure that Jenevea didn’t blame herself.

Kendra held tight to Lorena even after her feed. It felt that the babies were the only thing to keep her mind off her broken heart. She sat down in the quiet living room and watched the peacefully sleeping girl.

Jenevea’s timid voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “I never thanked you.”

Kendra looked up, unsure of what Jenevea was talking about.

“When I came here, I had nothing. Your pack was my last hope. I had no money to my name, hitchhiked, and walked most of the way, even stole food when I had to. When Kent denied us, I broke. Everything around me was pitch black. Everything but you.”

“I’m sorry he made you feel that way.”

“You risked so much for me. I didn’t understand then, but I do now. You showed your true self to help me, a girl you didn’t know. You risked losing your family, losing your pack. Your father could’ve denied you your right and could’ve made you rogue just like me.”

“And then we would’ve figured it out together.”

“But you didn’t know me. I chose to be with Kent. I brought this on myself, and you just selflessly threw yourself over me like a shield.”

Kendra sighed, her eyes resting on Jenevea. “Please don’t say that. My wolf was itching for a long time to show my true self. Sooner or later, I would’ve done so anyway.”

“I still want to thank you. You didn’t have to share her then. You could’ve waited till I was gone.”

Kendra could feel that Jenevea wouldn’t relent, so she said, “I would do it again in a heartbeat, because I now have a wonderful sister and beautiful niece.”

After a while, Kendra returned to her office so she could be alone. Alpha Vallerian’s letter was still on her desk, and she couldn’t help but stare at it in fear and excitement.

It was only after everyone had long gone to sleep that she retreated to her room. Her mom had wanted to help her clear it out and prepare for her move to the master bedroom, but Kendra’s bleeding soul couldn’t stand that thought. The alpha and luna were supposed to sleep there. Only, Kendra’s mate was being kept from her. She didn’t need a big bed to remind her of that every night.

The next morning was filled with excitement, organizing, and of course anxiety. Kendra knew what she wanted to tell her new wolf, how she would guide him through his shift. Ryker’s words were clear as day, branded into her mind helping her shift each time. Though her father had told her how he guided the new wolves, she’d decided to use her mate’s words, wanting him, as their true alpha, to have some kind of meaning in her pack.

That afternoon she helped her mom prepare a few of the meals and baked her famous chocolate cake. It reminded her of the afternoon just over a year ago. The Moondances didn’t always fall on the same day, as the moon didn’t move to the human calendar. Sometimes their celebrations were less then a year apart, other times it was well over that.

As they carried their dishes to the clearing, her father gently tugged her arm to slow her down. “How are you feeling?”

“Good.” His gaze rested on her, so she added, “A little sad because you’re all moving out–and nervous to stand before the pack.”

“But you feel ready to guide your first pup?”

“Yes,” she answered without hesitation.

“I won’t interfere–not unless you ask me to.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m very proud of you, Kendra.”

She looked up at her father, tears blurring her vision. “You are?”

“Of course, I am.”

“That means the world to me.”