Page 118 of Luna: Posy 2

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Posy

The combined alpha installation-luna ceremony went smoothly, and the Tall Pines shifters welcomed their new leaders with hope and cheerfulness. I had a good feeling about the pack's future, especially with Ranger and Junia at the helm.

We left soon afterward because we all just wanted to be home. The king and queen had decided to stay a few days and see Ranger and Junia settled in. That meant Luke and Gisela stayed, too.

As for the betas, they and their mates had left before I got out of bed this morning, and my cheeks flushed red as I thought of why I started the day so late.

Lost in my delicious memories, I was startled when Ash brought the SUV to a halt. Raising my head, I looked out the window and saw we were home. Contentment and peace settled around me like a blanket, and I sighed with happiness.

At least until I saw two strangers sitting in the rocking chairs on the front porch.

After the five-hour drive home, all I wanted to do was shower and crawl into bed.

One of the men, who was built like Cole and sported more tattoos than Mason, came down the porch steps with a broad grin, and I felt my boys' excitement. Whoever he was, they were glad to see him.

The dark-haired man also came down the stairs, but stood off to the side as Cole, Wyatt, and Ash swarmed over to the tattooed man with happy shouts of, "Dad!"

Jayden stayed and opened my door for me, giving me a hand out, then Mason came around and the two of them looked at each other for a second. Jayden gave a short, sharp nod, then joined my other mates.

"Come, Posy," Mason muttered. "Let's get this over with."

I was confused and concerned, but I took his hand when he held it out, and he led me toward the dark-haired stranger.

"So you're finally home." The man's tone was sharp and he looked angry.

I glanced up at Mason to see his face had closed up and his eyes were gray ice. I didn't know who this guy was, but it was clear Mason didn't like him.

"I can't believe you left the gammas in charge!" hissed the black-haired man.

Wow. Who is this guy and why is talking to his alpha in such a disrespectful way?

And why was Mason letting him get away with it?

"It was for less than twenty-four hours, and what would you have had me do?" Mason bit back. "You and Dad were out of town, and we needed the betas at Tall Pines for a short time while we helped the king."

"Always touting your relationship with the king!" sneered the man. "And who is this girl? A stray you brought home to entertain you until you find your mate?

As the man's gray eyes fixed on me, I cowered behind Mason, wadding up the back of his t-shirt in my fists.

"Sheisour mate," Mason said and squared his shoulders. "Posy, this is—"

"Your mate? A scrawny, weak runt of a girl? Tell me you're joking."

Tears slipped from my eyes as I buried my face in Mason's back. Is this how everyone would feel about me? If this one pack member already hated me, how would the rest feel?

"She is our mate and your luna, and you will show respect!" Mason thundered, Garnet rich in his voice.

He's mad, he's mad, he's mad, I chanted in my head and clenched my fists tighter.Someone's going to get hurt!

He not mad at you,Lark reassured me,and this shifter deserve some hurt! How dare he insult alpha and luna?!

"Ha!" the man scoffed. "I could accept her more easily as your whore than your mate!"

At those words, Mason Price lost his temper.

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