Page 15 of Alpha's Choice
“What was that show was all about? You and I both know you spoke to Alpha Thomas just before I went to Red Moon. And you received a copy of the new treaty right after we signed it.”
“Would you like a drink?” He poured himself a wolf-strength whiskey. I declined, crossing the room to sit on a chair in front of his desk.
“Your mother and I are concerned.” He took a sip of his drink and faced me. “I’m sure Emma is a lovely girl, but she’s human, and does not know what running a werewolf pack entails.”
“Most Lunas don’t until they discover they’re mated to an Alpha.” I leaned forward in my seat, keeping tight control over my wolf, who was already snarling at the implied insult to our mate.
“But they at least understand pack life.”
“Emma can learn. She’s doing well in the summer program so far and wants to continue her studies there, even though I offered her the option to stop going. Mom will train her on what being Luna entails after that.”
Dad stared into his drink for a moment before responding. “Have you considered how the pack will react to a human Luna? Or other packs? There has never been an Alpha with a human mate.”
“Someone has to be first.” I stood, anger flowing through me. “What exactly are you suggesting I do? Reject her? My mate?”
“I’m asking if you’ve thought about the difficulties this will create.”
I took a step toward my father, letting my wolf out enough to darken my eyes. “The Goddess chose her for me and, by extension, this pack. That’s enough for me.”
Dad raised his hand in a placating gesture, baring his throat to calm my wolf. “I understand your need to defend the bond. I don’t mean to attack it.”
“What’s the point of this intervention?”
“To point out that you may find yourself in a position of having to defend it.” He put down his drink. “Some Alphas won’t associate with a pack that has a human Luna.”
“We don’t need them.”
“The Council will also keep a close eye on you and her. Can you handle that without losing control of your wolf?” He didn’t hold back. “You’re an Alpha. Can you handle the questions you will face?”
“She’s worth it.”
“You don’t know her yet.” His words were blunt, his jaw stubborn. “Right now, you have a choice. You can decide what you want for yourself and Gray Rock.”
* * *
Emma
Something was wrong. Tobias’s parents were all smiles as they greeted me, and there was nothing overt to point to when his mother showed me around their home, directing my attention to the pictures of Tobias at various ages.
I often picked up the emotions of others around me, but I couldn’t quite name what I was sensing, other than to know it didn’t match the facade.
And now I could sense a tension between Tobias and his father after they joined us in the dining room. I smiled at their Omega helper, who Louisa had introduced me to on the tour, as she poured water into my glass. “Thank you, Joan.”
She gave me a tight smile in return and escaped to the kitchen. I didn’t blame her. The atmosphere in the room was thick, despite the pleasant expressions on everyone’s faces.
I noticed an empty place set at the table. “Is someone else joining us?”
“Our daughter, Megan. You may have met her at the summer program.” Louisa took a sip of her wine. “She’s running a little behind. Physical training went late today.”
“I have to admit, I’m grateful for the reprieve from training today. My high school gym class didn’t at all prepare me for this program.” I crumpled my napkin in my lap. “I’m looking forward to having the weekend to recover a little.”
“Don’t take too many days off. You’ll lose the progress you’ve made.” James cleared his throat. “How are they handling your fight training? They’re not putting you in with the rest of the class, are they?”
I was relieved to be able to say no. “Beta Matthew arranged for Roger Winters to train me. He’s hoping to get me caught up with everyone by the end of the program, though it’s hard to believe. Everyone is so impressive.”
“Matthew said you’re doing very well.” Tobias was matter of fact in his praise. “The one-on-one attention will help you progress faster than you think. Although we may need to switch trainers.”
“Why?” I didn’t want to change. Training was hard, but at least I knew what to expect.
