Page 27 of Alpha's Choice
The rest of the leadership team stood and added their acceptance by raising their glasses. My cheeks warmed as they toasted me. Greg and my mom joined in, Tobias’s family slowly following suit, Megan only after her mother nudged her.
The room was silent as the head table stood with their glasses raised. Then Kylie sprang up and raised her glass. “Emma is awesome. This pack will be in excellent hands.”
The rest of her table stood, adding their agreement in a chorus. I also saw Lora and Clarissa stand up to support me.
A staggered wave swept across the dining hall as the rest of the pack stood, though I could sense reluctance from many. I could identify with the ones who hesitated. They weren’t going to have blind trust in the Goddess’s choice. They were the ones who needed proof that I could do the job. Proof I needed for myself.
CHAPTER14
Emma
I approached Tobias’s mother after the pack meeting and greeted her. “I’d like to ask a favor if that’s okay.”
“Of course, dear.” Her smile skimmed across her eyes but still felt just shy of genuine. “What can I do for you?”
“Teach me about being Luna.” I twisted my hands. “If I’m going to do the job, I need to prepare.”
“That’s not a favor. Part of my job is preparing the next Luna.” She gave me a mild, critical look and reached out to stop my hands. “First lesson. Don’t let the pack see you nervous or unsure. If you are, they will be too.”
I took a deep breath and tried to match her appearance of calm. “Not going to lie. That might be difficult. I’m in a near-constant state of uncertainty right now.”
She hesitated before confessing. “I was very uncertain when I first mated with James.”
“Really? But you’re a wolf. You knew what to expect.”
Louisa shook her head. “Alphas train their entire lives, but Lunas are thrust into it at the last minute. It’s a demanding job, and I had to go through an intense crash course from the former Luna.”
She paused, as if debating her next words. “The former Luna was extremely formal, and very exacting in her standards. The training was difficult.”
She gave me an apologetic look. “I always promised myself I would do better when Tobias brought his mate home. I haven’t lived up to that promise.”
“It’s okay. I know I’m not what you expected.” I gave her a gentle smile and touched her arm lightly. “I don’t blame you for being cautious.”
“This is a significant part of being Luna.” She elaborated when she saw my confused look. “Providing comfort to pack members. You have a Luna’s instincts. Tobias was right, of course. The Moon Goddess knows what she’s doing.”
I blushed at her compliment, the start of a smile tugging gently at the corners of my mouth. “It’s hard for me to accept. The Moon Goddess is a new concept to me.”
“I suppose so.” She considered my words. “Our acceptance of mates hinges greatly on our belief in the Goddess.”
“I don’t have Tobias’s faith. He just accepts without a doubt. My heart wants to do the same, but my head is resisting.”
“It may be helpful to meet more humans who have mated with wolves. You have your mother, but talking to those who have been mated longer may be helpful.”
“That would be great.”
“I’ll arrange it. Perhaps we could have a tea party. We’ll invite your mother, too, so I can get to know her better.”
“Thank you, Luna Louisa. I appreciate it.”
“Please, dear, call me Louisa.” Her smile was genuine now, and she gave me a hug that lacked the stiffness from our last parting. “Now, return to my son, who has been watching us like a hawk.”
My laugh came with an eye roll. “He’s a little overprotective. He offered to speak to you for me, but I declined.”
“That was very brave of you.” Her tone was approving. “You’ll do well.”
I thanked her again and crossed the room to take Tobias’s arm in mine, flashing him a big grin. “I think your mother is starting to like me.”
“I take it things went well, then.”
