Page 47 of My Shy Alpha

With Noah’s grip on my ankles, we’re lifted by the Alpha. As Yasmine predicted, dirt spills around us, forcing me to hold my breath as poor Colin coughs. Noah yanks faster, anxiety spiking our bond. I open my eyes just in time to watch the hole collapsing around us, threatening to swallow Colin’s ankles. Multiple wolves help hoist the boy from the ground after me, allowing my strained muscles to relax when Colin finally touches solid ground.

Noah sets me on my knees, dropping into the brush with me to kiss my dirty cheeks. “Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, I fucking hated that–”

But before Noah can finish cussing his brains out, Colin darts for me. He crashes against my chest, grips me with all four limbs, and bawls.

My heart tears as every instinct in my body yearns to soothe him. I gather him into my arms, tethering him to the earth with a soft squeeze. “You did it, buddy! You made it!”

His chin quivers as he rubs his head against my shoulder, immersing himself in my scent. “Luna...”

My eyes water on their own. I tuck his head under my chin as I rock him. “I know, it was really scary, wasn’t it? It’s all over now, okay? We have you.”

Noah wraps his arms around us, his protective scent loosening my tense muscles. The boy stops crying.

“Your mom is on her way, little Omega.” Noah’s deep voice softens for Colin in a way that stirs a deep nerve in my tender heart. “Is she linking you?”

“Yeah.” Colin wipes his eyes, a shaky smile returning.

I can’t relax until he’s finally reunited with his mom. The poor woman breaks into tears like she almost died, herself. As we sit in the brush, watching her vigorously scrub and lick the dirt from his body, I lean into Noah, closing my eyes. “Thank God. I was terrified he’d wedge himself even deeper before I could get him out.”

He sighs. “You scared the shit out of me. But I loved it.”

I laugh. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. You’re clearly a fucking badass, so I better get used to it.”

I giggle until another voice appears above us.

“Alpha, Luna.”

My eyes pop open, revealing Elder Alpha Aaron towering over us. Realization dawns on me all at once; everyone is calling me “Luna.”

17

Elder Alpha Aaron wrings his hands, struggling to look Noah in the eyes for more than a second or two. “I sincerely apologize for my words earlier. I can’t say I understand the lifestyle choices you’ve both made, but–”

Noah huffs out a subtle growl, and the Elder winces.

“That was a poor choice of words. What I mean to say is that this is all new to me. But you are our trustworthy Alpha and Luna, nonetheless – that much is clear.” Aaron smiles at me in particular, and my heart flips. “I have high hopes for you, future Luna. You have our protection for life, but maybe you won’t need it. I have a feeling you’ll be our most resilient Luna to date.”

I’m stunned silent as Noah kisses my head - a subtle signal of agreement that sends my head spinning.

But there’s no time to question it. Wolves flock to the commotion outside the pack meeting center, flooding Noah with attention. As my mate is pulled away from me to support his pack, I’m left all alone, uncertain where I fit in. If there’s even space for me.

Amy catches my eye, giving me a sad smile as she approaches. “You okay?”

I huddle closer, softening to a whisper. “A., what does it mean to be Luna? I don’t understand. Am I just supposed to be Noah’s glorified housewife? A princess to tote around for looks? Or am I going to have to do what Noah does and get yelled at by Elders all day?”

Amy snorts. “Okay, if you were in another pack, I’d have to agree with the glorified housewife thing. But Greenfield is different.”

She links our arms, walking me to a quieter spot. The forest welcomes us with a cool breeze, laced with humidity to suggest the incoming rain. But Greenfield wouldn’t be green without rain, so we slip on our waterproof jackets by the time the light sprinkling shifts into a soft shower. We settle between a circle of thin, tall trees, spring flowers budding with bursts of color in every corner of the clearing despite the gray sky.

Amy lets out a heaving sigh. “Do you remember when we’d sneak away into the forest to play house, and I’d always ask you to be the mom?”

I grin. “Yeah. I figured you just liked having an excuse to call another girl your wife.”

Amy laughs, smacking my arm. “Well, that’s a fair point. But do you remember what else I used to say about your maternal side?”

My cheeks flush. I do remember, but I didn’t think Amy did. I loved what she said so much that I’ve secretly held onto her words for decades.

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