#4 Moonlight on the Water

Navy

“Are you being earnest, Mom?” I sighed, not sure if I should take my mother seriously or not.

“Yes, I am, dear. I cannot say that I agree nor understand your arrangement or your adventurous spirit, but I do not wish to harbor any ill will against you any longer. I want to be a part of your life and your children’s lives. I want you to want to visit home.” Mother looked away from me, almost like she was afraid of her own emotions.

“I want to visit home, Mom, I don’t want to be a stranger. And I want you to be here for my children. Honestly, I was terrified I would have to go through this alone.” I sighed. She looked at me with wide eyes then,

“You have your grandmother.”

“She’s not my Mom.” I argued.

“Navy….” My mother was always one to shy away from her own feelings and the feelings of others, they made her feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

“I want you to be here when the baby is born.” I said.

“Oh, well, I am very busy as the queen,” she sighed, looking away from me. When her eyes finally rested on mine again, her face softened,

“But, I will do my best.”

“Thank you.” I smiled widely and gave my mother an unexpected hug.

“I love you, my dear.” She whispered so quietly in my ear that I was afraid I hadn’t heard her correctly. When I pulled back, her face regained composure.

“You’ll stay for the Luna ceremony?” I asked her and she nodded sheepishly,

“Yes, I’ll stay for your big moment, of course.” She nodded.

“Thank you, Mom.” I smiled.

“Has your grandmother been helpful with your pregnancy? I assume it’s much different than a normal siren one.” She looked at my stomach, concern flashing in her eyes.

“She has been. She thinks I’ll be due in about four months.” I said.

“Lovely then. I’m glad you have her to lean on, someone who has experienced a similar affliction.” Mother nodded, showing as much affection as she was capable of. I smirked at her,

“Yes, I’m glad she’s decided to stay with Quinton, Harper and Henry.” I nodded.

“Your father was quite shocked by the revelation of it all. I think he’s apprehensive about meeting his half siblings.” Mother said, trying to change the subject.

“It’s his choice, of course, but they are just a few miles away setting up their own pack.” I said.

“Quite gratuitous of your Alpha Knox to give them some of his land. As a leader, that could be seen as a weakness.” My mother said, ever the diplomat.

“It’s not a weakness when you gain another strong Alpha bloodline and more members to defend the pack.” I argued. Mother laughed,

“You’ll make a good leader, a strong mate to your Alpha.”

“And to Cameron. Everything we do we do together.” I said.

“I like to think I taught you something about being a Queen.” She looked at me with a watchful gaze.

“Of course, Mother.” I nodded.

“Luna!” Dover stormed the room and stumbled up beside me.

“Yes, Dover?” I eyed him curiously.

“Oh, nothing.” He shrugged, standing stiffly next to me.

“Knox and Cam sent you in here in case the queen and I were less than cordial, didn’t they?” I narrowed my gaze at him and he just shrugged again.

“And this is?” My mother asked.

“Gamma Dover, my protector.” I chuckled.

“An eager protector.” She clicked her tongue.

“Come on, let’s go find the others before they send in the warriors.” I laughed, motining for Dover to lead the way to the sunroom where everyone was gathered.

“No need to send the army, my loves, all is well.” I smiled at my mates, kissing them both before taking my spot between them.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Knox smirked at me and I just rolled my eyes.

“Are all the questions done?” I asked the room,

“No more accusations? Or outbursts?”

“No, sister.” Hudson ducked his head, hiding a shameful expression.

“I have one!” Nadia said, stepping forward. I sighed at her,

“Yes, Nadia?”

“I want to be in the wedding!” I blinked at her in shock,

“Excuse me?”

“She means the Luna ceremony. She’s confused about our traditions.” Knox spoke up but I didn’t miss the glare he shot at my sister.

“Is that right?” I looked at Nadia who nodded quickly.

“Yes, yes, that’s right.”

“Oh, well, I’m not sure there’s anything left for you to do.” I looked between her and Knox.

“You can place the Luna crown on your sister, how about that?” Knox asked.

“Okay!” Nadia agreed but I could tell they were hiding something.

“Knox also asked us to walk you down the aisle, since father will be escorting mother.” Hudson said.

“Of course the queen cannot be unescorted, so we’re happy to do it, sister.” Lachlan agreed.

“Absolutely, that would be great.” I smiled eagerly.

“Cameron and I are going for our suit fittings this afternoon, I thought they could come along so we all are fit for your beauty.” Knox purred at me.

“Smooth, my wolf, very smooth.” I rolled my eyes at him but kissed his cheek nonetheless.

“I can bring Nadia to our dress fittings which are today as well.” I added.

“Perfect, my angel.” Cameron pushed forward, wanting a kiss of his own.

“But, please, take it easy.” He added, rubbing my stomach.

“Of course.” I kissed both my mates again before waving Nadia towards me,

“Let’s go find the others. Mother, do you want to come along?” I asked.

“Go along, dear, I’ll go with the boys.” My father nudged her forward.

“Alright, if you’d like.” My mom nodded and followed my lead.

“Dover? Don’t you need to go with the boys for your suit fitting?” I paused at the doorway when I noticed the Gamma following me.

“You need your guard, Navy.” Knox shook his head at me.

“He’ll do his fitting this evening once we get back and stay with you.” Cameron added.

“You two are ridiculous.” I huffed but knew better than to argue,

“Let’s go, Dover, you’re in for a treat.” I laughed at him.