Page 37 of Freeing My Alpha

My stomach flips. She’s right; all I have to do is tell Noah I’m ready, and I’ll be committed to nurturing Greenfield’s safety for life. “If time and circumstances permit, yes. But I want you to have your time to adjust first before we even consider moving forward.”

“Oh.” Lilian’s eyes widen for a fleeting moment before returning to their usual cool. “Well, thank you for that.” There's an awkward pause as Lilian prepares to speak, stopping herself a few times between deep breaths. “What do you say if I take my time to teach you what I know? Before handing off my title to you.”

I swallow hard, struggling to steady my breath. I can't believe it. She’s not only agreeing to hand over her title for the first time since we met, but also wants to be involved in my transition to Luna.

I’m beaming. “Luna, I’d love that.”

She softens into a smile, dropping her stare.

But she doesn’t know I have more to say. My heart leaps with every beat; it’s the second time today I’ll have to share a vulnerable dream. But Lilian seems open. Hopeful, and maybe even a little timid.

I hope this means she truly wants to repair things. I know if she lets me share my thoughts, it could do wonders for our rocky relationship.

“About the Luna title, I do have another idea for our situation, actually,” I say.

Lilian’s frown creases her brows, forcing her long forehead scar to ripple. I swallow hard.

When she lets go of me, crossing her arms, I struggle to keep my composure. What if she doesn’t understand me again and I make it worse? What if—

Okay, wait— I can do this. I can do hard things.

I face her, clasping my hands before she can see them shaking. “I know I’m not as traditional of a Luna as expected... Which is probably why Noah and I work so well together.”

Lilian doesn’t chuckle with me. Her mouth hardens into a tight line. “Go on.”

I drop my stare. Lilian doesn’t like anything about this, I can smell it, but I can’t back down. “While I don’t want to stray from tradition entirely, I feel like it’s wrong to suddenly strip you of your title.”

“But that's how it works. Noah even said that to me the day I met you.”

I dare to face her scowl. “I know this idea isn't a current tradition, but bear with me for a second, okay? I’m suggesting this because I think your feelings matter too.”

Lilian sighs, chewing her bottom lip.

“When I become Luna—” I grip my skirt as her shoulders tense. But Lilian doesn’t protest aloud, so I take what progress I can get. “How would you feel about becoming the Elder Luna, and continuing your title?”

Her eyebrows shoot all the way up, but she doesn’t say a word.

Spurred on by nerves, I just talk.

“I personally don’t feel it’s right to have all those Elder Alphas and one Elder Beta reigning without at least one Elder Omega's perspective. Omegas represent over half the pack now, so you’re more vital to us than ever, Luna. After everything you've done for the pack, why isn't there an Elder Luna title waiting for you? You don't suddenly stop being important to us when you're done birthing pups and raising the next leader. I feel like you should be involved where you want to be. Your work is important, and I want to make sure our pack acknowledges that from now on.”

Lilian bites her lip, dropping her chin. My heart aches for her, a nurturing pull gnawing at me from her somber pheromones.

I think she’s struggling not to cry. But by how desperately she’s determined to keep a stoic, strong face, it shatters me. When was the last time this grieving woman was comforted or acknowledged, rather than only comforting everyone else?

Following my instincts, I pull Lilian into a gentle hug. She lets out a soft gasp.

But as I hold her tighter, extending past the casual-hug range of time, her shoulders soften.

“You’re—” She swallows her shaking voice, starting anew with her stoic confidence. “You’ll be a good Luna.”

My eyebrows warp with emotion, but I'm too afraid to thank her. She could barely whisper that as it was. I don’t want to push her too far when things are finally going well.

And I can tell she needs this badly. Her scent emits a potent longing, urging more pheromones from my thudding heart.

I rub her back softly, resting my chin deeper against her shoulder. Her shaky breath gives her tears away, but she pats my back as if she’s comforting me.

Until Lilian jerks away, turning her back.

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