Alpha Gregory

a's

ing, my entire body throbbed

ht curled up on the cold, hard floor,

out of his room was still fresh, a bit

e, left me aching for my mate, b

, but without his acceptance, it was as if I was clawing at the walls

me. Her presence was

out the night before, but

ved sluggishly, or the defeated l

press me for details, an

e kitchen, setting the table f

other packs, who were coming to congrat

bond that was far from complete, a connection that existed only

nd, fit for the powerful Al

movements precise and deliberate, tho

was the only sound that broke the heavy silence be

ace and poise a stark contrast t

spoke, her voice so

d, looking up from the

h a steady gaze. "The Moon has a plan for all of us.

take comfort in her words. But all I could feel was th

...

with?" I asked as I finished setting the last pl

er lips. "Emma, you don't have to call me Luna

rise. I froze, my hand lin

ready to wear. Without completing the mate bo

d, but I didn't dare voice it. Instead, I

t hollow. My thoughts were a tangled mess, but I force

I couldn't help but notice the w

e they wanted to approach me but weren't

drained, and far from the image o

even that felt forced, as if my face had fo

as quietly departed, leaving me and

before speaking. "Luna Ess

awning in her eyes. "You'll stay i

ents soon and I would talk to my son because you ar

o say something to stop the tears that were threatening

ny Luna," I finally admitted, the words barely

nd on my shoulder. "Come with me, Emm

owing her as sh

s, Luna Essa-no, Essa-turned to m

e began, her voice gentl

art sank, and I felt my face fall into

back the wave of emotions th

Essa asked, though her tone sugge

hroat tightened, and all I could do was l

n us grew heavy as

ly taking my hands in hers,

g, even a hint of sympathy. "See, E

it some time, alright? The mate's pull i

eassuring, but they only made

n if it felt like I was only

et's go find something to make their heads turn

nt to lift my spirits, and

a bit more conviction, and follo

door. Essa-paused for a moment before pushing it open,

e said warmly, stepping inside

ou need anything, you can just wal

n whenever and however

mile that reached her eyes, bu

nease that gnawed at me. Essa's frie

out having some ulterior motive, and that

I found myself instinctively

se mechanism born from years of being on guard, a consequence of the

and now, even the smallest gestures of ki

ner turmoil, moved to a large war

iced ease, revealing an a

led out a stunning red gown, its fabric s

with a satisfied nod, her e

ing myself to take th