Page 23 of Rejecting the Future Moon Goddess

"Technically, it is my fault the Alpha and Luna were killed.”

“But you were kidnapped and believed you were a Blake.” Lace cuts in, taking my hand and staring at me. I give a small smile as tears fill my eyes. It’s been years since she and I had a conversation, and the emotions welling inside me are bittersweet.

“I know that now. But had I not been kidnapped, Alpha Sorus and Luna Reena - your parents - would still be here.” I rebut.

“It’s the Blakes’ fault. After they took over, the pack changed. Omegas were treated as nothing but slaves during their rule. Favoured wolves rarely trained, while those who were not close to the pair were trained mercilessly. I watched as pack members left one by one and the power declined. When you rejected my brother, it got worse. I wanted to leave with you and Alex, but I couldn’t let my family’s pack break down.” My heart breaks as Lace explains the things she had to do short of selling her body to keep this pack together, how she had to make money through creating herbal medicines and cosmetics that soon became the business Lacey Face with how popular the products became.

I listen as the she-wolf I once considered a sister releases her pent-up worries and resentment one by one, sometimes chiming in with my own memories of an event or handing her a tissue when she cries. By the time our talk ends, an hour has passed.

“You should be Alpha, Lace.” I state, feeling the love for her pack radiating off of Lace in waves and her Alpha power slowly growing. I have a feeling that Jasmine tried to suppress her in order to make Mika their puppet, but this she-wolf persevered and came out stronger instead.

“I don’t know if I can do it though.” Lace voices and I smile, pulling her in for a hug as our bond slowly rebuilds itself.

“You can. You’ve done it for years already and just need a little more training.” A voice cuts in before I can say anything, causing Lace and I to turn to the doorway, where Mika and Ariven stand. Mika walks towards us, coming to stand before his sister as he lets out a deep sigh.

“You held this pack together, while Bastian and I nearly destroyed it. You made a business through high school, and instead of going to college, grew that business to support the pack needs. You are a better Alpha than I am.” Mika admits, shocking both Lace and me. The room is left in silence as I watch Lace’s eyes glaze over then Mika’s, the two having a conversation through their link—a conversation I wished to be apart of.

[You think he will give up being Alpha?] Ariven asks and I smile, turning to look at him as he saunters over to me to play with my hair. I swat his hand away, still upset with Ariven for tricking me. He lets out a sigh and takes a seat opposite me. I am not ready to deal with Ariven as I still feel betrayed.

[Yes. He will do what’s right for his pack. But Lace would make him her Beta. She won't give up on the only familyshe has left.] I answer. We wait patiently for the siblings to talk until Mika lets out a sigh and walks to his seat.

“We will announce to the pack that I am stepping down for Lace to become Alpha. Then, we can start training the wolves the right way.” Mika exclaims and I smile at him, the first friendly smile I have given my ex-mate in years.

“You’re doing the right thing, Mika.” I state before we continue the meeting. Lace’s Alpha power radiates off of her as a new found confidence shines in her eyes. Hidden Claws will grow again, and maybe an alliance with this pack will be beneficial for my own.

???

“When will you announce stepping down as Alpha?” I ask Mika as the four of us end our meeting. With the plan for Lace to become Alpha in a week, there is a lot to do with Hidden Claws, Starting with mass training today in three hours.

“Tonight, during the welcome banquet for your pack. It’s only fair.” Mika answers, sighing as he runs a hand through his hair.

“I had no idea the amount of damage to this pack caused between the Blakes and I. They all deserve better.” I hum in agreement, my own torment in the pack coming to mind at how horrible this pack became during the reign of the Blakes. With the way the twins from Hidden Claws behaved on their patrol, this pack needs a large restructuring.

“Both of you will be at training, correct?” I ask as I stand from my chair and stretch, catching Mika staring a little too long at me.

“Of course, Gemie, and thank you for coming to help.Your wolves agreed to patrol for us, right?” Lace answers, giving me a bright smile that I return with my own.

“Yes, they did.” I answer then take my leave with Ariven hot on my heels, intending to use the next three hours to prepare for the training session and prep the four wolves fortheir patrol.

?Chapter 22 – Sharpening the Hidden Claws?

As I stand on the side of the familiar outdoors training ground, I watch as wolves pile in, some whispering about my wolves stationed at equal intervals around the grounds, some questioning why I’m here when I left the pack three years ago. I just keep a stoic smile on my face, Ariven chuckling as he watches the wolves stretch, each breaking into their own cliques.

I spy the Hunters that used to make my life a living nightmare, wolves I am itching to destroy in a fight.

Then I see the trackers that ignored my existence, their excuse always being their job is more important than a “Lowly Omega”. I am neutral towards them as they neither joined in my abuse nor stepped into help me.

My eyes wander to the Omegas, their malnourished bodies still a sight to see, one which I know will change under Lace’s rule with time. Seeing Misbah and Lilly again, their skinny bodies still the same as usual but the two hold their heads high with pride.

“See those two wolves over there?” I ask Ariven, pointing out my two friends whom I missed these last few years.

“Yes, why?” He asks and I smile.

“I plan to take them and their families back to Silver Crystal Crescent with us. They helped me when I became an Omega, and I have a feeling they would agree to moving.” I answer happily, already planning the two empty cabins that the ladies would adore. Ariven chuckles as Mika and Lace finallyappears on the training ground, making their way towards us with apologetic looks.

“Sorry, Mika was placing all the pack assets into my name and we lost track of time.” Lace explains as soon as she reaches my side. I understand and just motion for her to stand beside me as I turn my attention to Mika.

“For now, you are still the Alpha. This means today, you lead the training. I want to see where every wolf is at and how they are trained to be able to restructure your training procedures.” I state, watching as he bristles at my command. I take a deep breath, waiting for Mika to argue back with me as Lace walks away towards the Omegas to what I hopefully assume is explain the training today.

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