Page 80 of Red's Beast

"You were grandfather's Luna, so don't preach to me about not being able to shine when you cowered behind your mate." As the words leave my mouth, I instantly regret them. Her face may not say hurt, but her eyes tell all.

"You weren't even alive when he was alpha. How would you know how our dynamics worked? He was proud of me, and we ruled together, just as it should be done. A female is not a weakness, but a gift to balance their more feral sides. You would do well to learn that."

My jaw drops open as I process her words, but words escape me. I sit there dumbfounded as she waits for me to say something. "Well, aren't you going to speak, child?"

"Grandmother, what am I supposed to say? That we agree to disagree? I'm trying to save the pack and you insult me. I just want to put things the way they were and save what is left of my grandfather’s legacy. Your legacy.”

Grandmother breaks out into laughter. "Insult? Lillian, look around you. Suddenly, they're being nice to you, and everything is peachy. Do you not smell the trickery afoot? At this point, who cares about our legacy? Save yourself and choose your destiny."

As our gazes meet, I know she's trying to help, but all I see is I can't be who she wants me to be. "I'm sorry, Grandmother, but this is my choice. The decision has been made, and I will step up into my role as Luna for the pack."

She scoffs. "What about the beast and your destiny? What about them?"

The beast. I miss him so much and I know the truth of what we are, but how can I go blindly into it without knowing everything? They both told me it was my decision and once I made it, it's like they scream at me at every turn that I'm wrong.

"It's done, Grandmother. The ceremony is tonight."

The rest of breakfast is quiet as Grandmother refuses to eat and stares at me like it'll change my mind. Sighing, I finish my food quickly and lay the fork down. "I've got to get ready. If you'll excuse me, I must prepare."

I slide the chair back and leave the table. Grandmother never says a word as she also gets up and heads through the house toward the front door.

You should be ashamed of yourself.

"Put a sock in it, wolf." I shove her back down to where she belongs and pick up the dishes from the table. After placing them in the kitchen, I wander around the house in search of Corbin or Alana. We still have some time before theceremony festivities begin, and they may need some help with preparations.

Alana steps out of the office and looks perplexed. "Is breakfast over already? Where is your grandmother? I figured you two would spend the day together."

"She left for home. So, I'm free for the day and wondered if you need help with anything."

Alana smiles and thinks for a moment. "Everything is being prepared by the pack. They are excited about the ceremony tonight. Corbin is off hunting a deer for the feast."

That's right. I forgot that the males normally go hunting on the morning of their ceremonies. I look around, feeling lost. "Well, I guess I can go take a nap in my room."

"Yes, that sounds like a wonderful idea. You won't be getting any sleep tonight." She chuckles and clutches something leather tightly against her chest. I hadn't even noticed it until now.

"What do you have? It looks like an old book."

She smiles and laughs, dismissing it. "Oh, it's nothing, my dear. It's just the book we use for all ceremonies. If you'll excuse me, I have to go talk with Samson since he will deliver the mating vows."

I watch as she brushes past me without another word. Shaking my head, I realize my grandmother has made me paranoid. "It's just a book for the vows. Been used hundreds of times through the years and probably didn't want to get a new one. That's all that is."

Keep telling yourself that. Maybe one day you will truly believe it. Has Grandmother ever mentioned your Grandfather keeping a book of vows?

With a huff, I shove my wolf back down again. She truly is annoying and should learn to just go with it. Of course, after tonight she will get on board with all of this. She rises to the surface again.

This isn't you. Why would you shove me away like this and punish me for speaking the truth? We are one, Lillian, and you know where we belong. Please snap out of this madness.

Shaking my head, I walk down the hall and clear my thoughts. Now is not the time for this. I can't have doubts going into this ceremony. Tonight, I will take my place and save this pack.

I head for the stairs and to my room, collapsing on the bed. It doesn’t take me long to fall fast asleep again.

Sometime later, Alana touches my arm and wakes me.

“It’s time. You need to get dressed for tonight.”

Slowly, I come to my senses and rise from the bed. "Oh, that was quick."

I eye the dress, still hanging in the garment bag on the door. A smile spreads across my face as I think about wearing it tonight. Next to it is my red cloak, looking as if it has been recently cleaned.

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