Page 79 of Red's Beast

She comes to the door and cracks it open, but doesn't come any further. "I thought I would come and check on you. Corbin mentioned you were crying."

"I just miss my Grandmother and was grieving a little for my parents, since they won't get to see my big day." It's not a full lie because I am sad they won't ever see it and I miss my grandmother, but it's not the only reason I have been crying.

"Your parents would be so proud of you for being the new Luna and leading the pack. Corbin needs someone like you to help lead this pack. His father tried to train him right, but I didn't always agree with his methods. It’s only right, though. The new and old line should meld together and make something new."

I bite at my bottom lip, unsure of how to respond to such an admission. It's not like it was well known that she didn't agree with him.

“I will take your silence as you are surprised by my admission. There are things I never agreed with him on, but out of respect, I did not argue with him in front of the pack. I kept it behind closed doors, as you should with Corbin. If he sees that you won’t correct him in public, he won’t be as aggressive behind doors, and you will keep him like he is now. All he wants is your obedience.

Nodding, I slowly turn to face the door. "I understand. Thank you for your advice. I will do my best to lead this pack beside Corbin."

"I know you will."

With a soft click, the door shuts and I'm left to my bath in peace. As I turn around to soak, something strikes me as odd. Why is it that she is suddenly helpful and giving me advice on how to handle him?

What changed over the course of the last few weeks?

My mind begins to wander, and I run my fingers through my long hair in annoyance. Something doesn't add up, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth? She was telling me everything I needed to know to keep him happy and keep me out of the firing line.

With a huff, I dismiss my thoughts as rubbish and go back to my soaking. She's just being nice, and there is nothing else going on.

Slowly, I finish washing and ease out of the tub. After a few minutes of drying myself, I open the door, only to find a pair of pajamas I’ve never seen before on the bed. They are cute and silky, something that I have never owned in my life.

I quickly slip them and throw the towel near the bathroom door before crashing on the bed. My eyes are so heavy that I fall asleep instantly.

Upon waking hours later, I notice how relaxed I feel. The bath must have helped, but nausea sets in as my nerves take a mind of their own. My eyes roam the room until they land on the window and notice daylight.

Tonight is the full moon, and all I can do is dread it with a smile on my face.

I rise from the bed, quickly making my way out the bedroom door and dash downstairs. Corbin spots me immediately with a curious gaze. “As promised, your grandmother is on her way here now for breakfast. You will have the entire day together.”

“Really?”

Why would he afford me such a thing? It’s out of his character, but then again, the last few days have been for him as well. Even his mother is acting differently. I keep expecting the other shoe to fall, but nothing has come yet and I’m so thankful.

"Yes, and there she is now." He nods toward the door with a smile curling up on his lips.

A soft knock at the front door makes me jump with joy as I rush toward the door. As it swings open, my grandmother stands on the other side with a smile on her face, though her eyes never lie. She isn't sure what is going on, but came anyway. "Hello, child. I'm so glad to see you."

I throw my arms around her and enclose her in a warm hug. "I'm so happy you're here."

She chuckles low and wraps her arms tightly around me. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

As she comes inside, Corbin looks around and then dismisses himself. I notice Alana is nowhere to be found, but the smell of food is prominent in the house. "I guess we are having breakfast alone."

Leading her to the dining room, I can tell she has something on her mind. Once we are seated, she listens for them and then sighs with relief. "Now, will you tell me what the heck you are doing?"

"I'm not sure what you mean." I feel confused, though my wolf knows exactly what she means.Are you dense? She means this weird behavior of yours and just accepting what is happening. "Oh. That."

"I'm guessing your wolf filled you in." She looks at the food and snarls her nose in disgust. "How can you sit here like this and just forget all they've done to you?"

"I'm putting my past behind me and moving forward for the pack. It is my duty as Luna." I take the fork beside my plate and dig into the bacon and eggs.

"Luna. Lillian, you are an alpha and no good man would push you into this level of submission. He would let your abilities shine even if they were stronger than his because he would be proud to have a mate like you. Corbin must have masculinity issues to have you hide behind him like this as a mere Luna."

My fork drops to the table, food splattering everywhere. "Grandmother, how could you say such a thing?"

"I only speak the truth, and you know it." There is venom in her voice as she speaks. I know she is disappointed, but this is what is best.

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