Page 34 of Alpha's Choice
I brought the pack’s attention back to me. “The Council is investigating a series of similar attacks on human hikers. Neil is the first werewolf victim. He was responding to the screams of a female hiker just outside our border. The Council is unsure who or what is causing the attacks.”
I surveyed the crowd. There was a mix of fear, anger, and grief in the pack. “Patrols will increase along our western border, and we will host reinforcements from the Council to assist with the new schedule. We ask that everyone avoids the western side of pack lands until further notice. We will hold a memorial for Neil later this week.”
I dismissed the pack, but no one left. Clusters of wolves gathered around the room, some in silence, others in frantic whispers, making guesses about what happened. I knew most would assume it was rogues.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jenny rush toward the stage, making a beeline for Emma. My wolf moved to protect our mate, but I stopped when Jenny threw her arms around her.
“I’ve got you.” Emma returned the embrace. “Whenever you need me, just call.”
“Thank you, Luna.” Jenny’s voice was low and hoarse from crying, but I knew those closest to the stage still heard it. This caused more whispers, as people realized Jenny and her wolf were acknowledging Emma as Luna.
I felt a burst of pride for my mate. I know she was hesitant about going with me to inform Jenny, and had my mother been available, I wouldn’t have taken Emma. But she stepped up, and it was obvious Jenny had bonded with her.
She really is lovely.My mother stepped up beside me and sent a mind link.She’s handling a difficult situation exactly how a Luna should.
“Thank you, Mom.” I knew her words were an apology for how she had treated Emma at dinner. She squeezed my hand and walked over to my father, who was observing Emma. My mother touched his shoulder, and I saw the two mind link.
Dad turned toward me and gave me a nod of approval, the only acknowledgment from him I’d get. Alphas sometimes struggled to admit they were wrong and seldom had to, as we were at the top of the pack.
Emma joined me, leaning into my side. I slid my arm around her waist and led her away from the dining hall. When we reached our apartment, she turned into me, her arms around my waist, her head against my chest. We held each other in silence, her tears wetting my shirt.
It wasn’t always easy being the Alpha and Luna. We had to be calm and strong for the pack, no matter what emotions raged inside of us, and Emma was getting a crash course.
* * *
Emma
It was weird sitting in werewolf studies after everything that happened the last few days. Lora was far more focused in her lectures now, trying to bring me up to speed even quicker.
I kept my cell phone on just in case Jenny needed me. I refused to fail her. It was an unhealthy amount of pressure on myself, but my actions could lead to either life or death for her.
I was starting to understand the power of a pack. Jenny and her mother were the first to acknowledge me as their Luna, and I wasn’t even a pack member yet. But we formed a sub-pack of three people.
Jenny’s mother had updated me over the phone this morning on how Jenny was. I wished I could mind link.
“Emma?”
I startled, glancing at Lora, who had a look of expectation on her face. “Sorry, Lora. I’m a little distracted.”
“Understandable.” She squeezed my shoulder. “If you have questions, we can go over them.”
I grabbed my notebook where I kept track of things that came up. I had several pages of questions written out.
“Oh, my.”
I explained, in a half-apology. “I try not to bother everyone around me when something new to me comes up unless it’s important. And a lot of new things have been happening.”
We reviewed the first page of questions before the rest of the students started arriving. Lisa shot me a dirty look but said nothing as she made her way to her seat. A few people nodded at me, baring their necks. I had learned it showed respect by submitting to those in a position of authority.
It made me uncomfortable, but I made sure to acknowledge each of them. It wasn’t their fault I wasn’t used to it. Kylie threw herself into the seat next to me and bent over her phone.
My cell dinged, and I looked down to see she had texted me.Lunch in the teacher’s lounge today.
?I texted back.
Her fingers flew over her keys.We’ll have more privacy to talk there. I cleared it with Clarissa.
Lora started class, and I turned my attention to her. “Today, in memory of Neil, we’ll be talking about how important patrol wolves are to a pack. Gamma Patrick will be here soon to address everyone.”
