The Assassin’s Mate

The next morning I woke up in Tanner's cozy bed alone. I knew he was leaving early to check the borders and he even kissed me before he left but waking up without him wasn't a good feeling. I dragged myself out of bed and took a shower. After two weeks of making everything secure and keeping watch for any threats, the pack was finally moving back in. I was extremely nervous just because I didn't know who liked me and who didn't. I grabbed some clothes from my closet and tried to gather my courage but it was hard when you weren't really good at talking to new people in the first place let alone your future pack members.

I walked downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed some things from the fridge to make my signature breakfast then opened up the cabinet for ingredients for muffins. I wanted to make them something so they knew I was genuine and committed to this role. I grabbed some strawberries, blueberries, bananas and walnuts then got to work. Five hours later I had made almost 300 muffins and was just finished loading them in the containers when I heard the front door close. I was still cleaning the counter when Olivia walked into the kitchen.

"Oh my goddess what smells so good?" Her eyes were wide and she was practically drooling.

I laughed as I pointed to the cupcake containers with the muffins sitting inside, then walked over to the stove and picked up the pan and placed it on the counter. I grabbed two plates and sliced up the bacon and cheese frittata.

"Coffee?"

She sat there smelling her plate and shook her head before diving straight in. "Mmmmmmm oh my goddess this is the best thing I've ever eaten!"

"Well get used to it because I plan on cooking for you all as much as I can." I grabbed the mug of hot coffee and placed it in front of her.

"As great as it smells wild one we have staff that do all the cooking around here." Tanner said as he walked around the counter and pulled me into a hug.

"Get a room you two!" Olivia said as she shoveled the remnants of her food into her mouth.

He growled at her and she immediately apologized. I slapped his arm as he kissed me cheek and grabbed another plate out the cabinet and served himself.

"This really is amazing Li. You can cook for me anytime." I smiled but I still couldn't shake the nerves that were doing summersalts in my belly.

"The members are in their way. Li I'll be right by your side so calm down."

I closed my eyes and took a few breaths and soon my worries were floating away and my body was burning with fire. I peeked at Tanner who had a cocky smirk on his face. He was using his emotions to push dirty thoughts into my mind. I rolled my eyes and headed upstairs to freshen up.

After I took a shower I put on some leggings and a loose tee then slipped on some chucks. I threw my hair in a high pony tail and walked back downstairs to meet everyone. Tanner pulled me aside and explained who I would be meeting first, since I already knew Rory. Thankfully I had already looked through his directory and knew all the names of the highest ranking and eldest members of the pack. To me those were the most in need to impress. He grabbed my hand and we walked out the door onto the front porch.

The crowd went silent except for a few gasps and whispers. I stood to his left and Rory stood on his right. He addressed the crowd and introduced me. I stood with my head held high until a burly man with a long white beard stepped forward and voiced his concerns.

"How are we supposed to take this woman seriously? Where was she when we were fighting to save our land? What was she doing while we were defending our brothers and families?"

I could feel Tanner's rage coming through and I needed to do something before he tore every last person apart, who asked a question. I placed my hand on his bicep and grabbed his face making him look at me. His anger simmered but he was still furious. I nodded and walked forward to address the man.

"Bruce, I understand your concern but I assure you I was fighting right along side you all in that battle. I am fully capable of defending not only myself but this pack as well. Now I know we haven't formally met until now but I have been here for weeks, just under direct supervision." I felt a pang of guilt hit me and I knew it was coming from Tanner.

"Well excuse me, Luna but I did not see you amongst the bloodshed or see you bringing anyone down as your friends were attacked by those worthless dogs."

"She was there and she saved your King!" Said Olivia, snarling as she ran to my side.

I pushed her behind me as I tried to keep this as peaceful as possible but my wolf was snapping at me in my head to let him see just one ounce of our power. I may have not known much about my bloodline but I knew to keep hidden as much as possible and to avoid calling any attention myself.

"Look little girl..."

"ENOUGH!" I growled loudly enough to make him know I was slowly losing my patience for his disrespect. "I am your Luna, your soon to be Queen and I will not tolerate any insolence from you or any member of this pack. If you don't think I can handle this role then I have no problem showing you exactly how wrong you are. And that goes for anyone here, do I make myself clear?"

My wolf was on edge and seconds from shifting if he didn't back down right now and just like the arrogant warrior he was, he scoffed at my response.

Tanner stepped forward and grabbed him by his throat "You will not challenge my mate, do I make myself clear? Because I can promise, you will end up dead." He released him and stood their daring him to speak.

He was trembling from Tanner's threat and you could tell he instantly regretted his slip up with me. But that didn't stop others in the crowd from getting upset with Tanner for his quick retaliation. Some were whispering that he was being unreasonable because a concerned member asked the questions that they were all thinking others were voicing their opinions of how he handled things when he was announced as King and whether or not he would be able to still run the pack once he was crowned.

My head was hurting from all the arguments that had ensued and it was none of our fault but I was tired of being blamed and I was tired of people claiming that I was weak. I quickly pulled back and let my wolf control things when the cracking of bones silenced the entire crowd. She was still a little skittish being around so many people but I knew how to control her better this time and I forced her to walk in between Tanner and Bruce. She turned her head to look into her mates eyes and flashed mine for him to see who was in control then she turned and curled her lip at the crowd.

Without a word the entire pack fell to their knees and howled then shouted "Our Queen!"

Whoa! How did Li learn how to cook?

Wow did anyone think that Li would unleash her wolf to prove who she was?

As my second story comes to an end, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and given me advice. I want to thank everyone who read it and I hope that you continue reading The Bad Ass Luna series.

Stay tuned for The Big Bad Wolf Mate coming out in the next two weeks!! Love you guys!