Mates Conquer Everything, Right?

It was like a bomb had hit the canteen. Everyone was talking and whispering. I was seated next to Igétas at the front. Oliver was informed yesterday, as Gamma he needed to be in the know. Tharros didn’t ease into the news. He just said it how it is.

“How will it work, the split up, I mean, will my family be divided if we choose differently?” One of the women who helps in the kitchen asks in concern.

“Like Tharros said,” Igétas answers, not using the Alpha title, “The pack land will be divided, but there will be free access between pack grounds. You can always visit and use the facilities on both pack grounds.”

The woman nods and relaxes a little. More questions come up and the Alphas answer them all. After a lot of questions, the pack members become quieter.

“We need to make this happen fast,” Tharros tells them. “There will be a lot of things we need to take care of. Whoever follows me will need housing and facilities on the land. That’s why you can decide tonight to which Alpha you will swear your allegiance. We’ll both tell you why we will be the best leader, and you and your wolf should talk with your partner or household to make the decision.”

I look over at Igétas who is looking fiercely into the crowd. Will he give a speech? Should I also say something? I need to prepare something quickly. Most pack members leave to talk among themselves.

Igétas stays behind as I walk down from the little podium. I haven’t made it far when Ela and Amanda stop me in my tracks.

“That was intense.” Ela tells me.

“It sure was.” I reply, “Join me in my old room?”

“Yes!” Ela is excited, but Amanda isn’t answering.

“What is wrong?” I ask, my mind going on instant alert.

“Nothing is wrong, I just can’t come” I stare at her when she looks over her shoulder to Tharros. Their eyes meet.

“Tell me, what is it?” Did Tharros do something to her, say something?

“I can’t give people ideas as to which pack I will be going to. I am the power of the pack, I can’t have them be influenced by me instead of doing what they feel is more suitable for them.”

I give her a small smile. “Amanda, that man over there almost gave you away as if you were a whore with no value. Do you really think pack members aren’t smart enough to see that you won’t pick him?”

She looks horrified at me, because of my cruel but truthful words. “I saw a glimpse of his rescue plan in the canteen. He was coming after me. When he decided to give me up, I saw the vow he took at that moment to come after me. My powers now only give me little glimpses and feelings, but that vow was so powerful, I know for sure. But that isn’t the issue now. I need to be ‘Switzerland’ and make my decision last. I can’t go and talk to you in private. I hope you understand.”

I am speechless. Yes, I knew Tharros had a plan, but his plan sucked. But that isn’t the point. Is Amanda really going to choose Tharros over Igétas and me? She is my best friend and I’ll need her so much when I become Luna; Or is she only taking a step back from me so people make a decision on their own and not follow her choice?

I sigh and nod and Amanda gives me a quick hug. Ela follows me to my room and we talk a little. The moment I slam the door shut, she tells me that she will pick me and Igétas and hopes that Welton will join us too. I agree and we part ways when she tells me that Igétas is looking for me. The mind-link went to her and some other pack members I spend time with. I roll my eyes. Igétas should have his cell phone on him so he can call me.

I’m making my way through the hall when I am stopped by a warrior. I don’t know his name.

“Beta Female,” he tells me politely, “can I ask you a question?”

I want to tell him that I am not a Beta Female anymore, seeing he is the first warrior to approach me, I decide to focus on him instead of technicalities.

I nod and he asks: “How do you think you will do as a Luna? We all need to make a life-changing choice, so I need to ask, how will you rule over us? You don’t even know our ways.”

I sigh, of course I’ve thought about it, so I repeat what Igétas and Yolanda told me.

“That is a fair question. I am not from your world and I ask myself even more questions. I do believe I will be a good Luna. I have Luna-courage and have saved the pack multiple times, so I do have it in me. I don’t think I can rule over you though...”

“Why not?” Asks the young warrior.

“I see now that a pack is like a family, no one will be ruling over another family member. Of course, there is a hierarchy and if you pick me as your Luna, I will respect it. Igétas is my mate and we can’t live without each other. I am not going anywhere, and I will learn to be a good Luna from Yolanda. She will teach me and I promise you one thing. I will be my own person. It doesn’t matter which label you want to give me, I will still be the same Violet who wants the best for everyone.”

“Did I answer your question?” I ask the warrior and he just looks at me. “It is not the answer that you wanted?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “You made my choice a lot harder now.”

I chuckle and tell him that he should wait until tonight and let his wolf and heart decide. He agrees, and I am off to see my lovely mate.