As I'm explaining my idea both Lucian and the Alpha are nodding along. Lucian's eyes gleam with pride as I wrap up my idea. The Alpha rubs his chin thoughtfully,
"Well Ella, that just might work," he ponders over my plan some more before nodding in finality, "she'll make a fine Luna Lucian." my wolf stands taller in pride. I feel my cheeks flush at his words and Lucian grins an ear splitting smile that warms my heart.
"Lucian gather the pack and we will tell them the plan." The Alpha says and Lucian dips out of the room I turn to follow but the Alpha's voice stops me.
"Ella? May I have a word?" I turn my attention back to him as my heart rate increases slightly, afraid of what he wants to say.
"Of course Alpha." I say softly, lowering my eyes to his chin so I don't seem like he's being challenged.
"Please, call me Ajax. Lucian told me bits and pieces of your story of how you ended up here. Do you mind telling me the story?" Ajax motions to the chair across from his desk, I slip into the chair taking a deep breath. Fiddling with my scar out of habit before explaining the horrors I went through.
"...and that's why Mary, my best friend, calls me Cinderella." I wrap up the story managing to keep my emotions in check as I run through it.
"And the scar?" Ajax asks softly, I could see in his face the pity, sympathy, anger, and hatred? Flashing through his facial expressions.
"I didn't get my little sister ready for school fast enough and my stepmother chained in the garage with pure silver for a whole day." I murmur slowly, raising my eyes briefly. I can see the horrified expression in his face that quickly changes to pure rage.
"She was never punished?" he wonders looking at me, his eyes soften as his gaze lands on me. I shrug.
"If people know they turned away. I had people ask about the scar when I got it, but when I'd try to explain Riley would be right there glaring me down. Daring me to say something. So I just stopped trying to tell my story." I explain, he rubs his chin thoughtfully at that statement.
"And your dad?" he asks.
"Was never around. He got called to fight the war. The day I fled he was supposed to come home for the night. I left him a letter explaining everything and that I would be okay, but if he believes it I don't know. I doubt he'd leave his mate if he doesn't believe my story." I explain shrugging nonchalantly, at this point I don't care if he believes me or not. He nods his head slowly before looking at me again.
"We will make sure they answer for their crimes. Now then, what I really wanted to discuss with you. You do plan on accepting my son as your mate, yes?" he asks, masking his face with any emotion now. I knew now I had to make my decision, I didn't know Lucian very well, but I knew the Moon Goddess knows what she's doing. I want to get to know Lucian, I knew though if I accepted him when the mating ceremony was complete I'd be the next Luna of this pack. Could I carry that burden? I was beaten, broken, and not liked by anyone in my previous pack except one member. Could I help run a pack I didn't know?
Yes, you can. It's in your blood. You're very dominant. You can do this. Rhea's voice is reassuring and matter of fact that it makes my decision for me.
"I plan on accepting your son as my mate, yes. I have no intentions of rejecting him. I know what that does to a wolf. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. Especially since my entire family wanted mine to reject me. I do not plan on hurting Lucian in that way ever. If anything I'd be afraid of him rejecting me. Since I'm beaten, broken, and not well... wanted by my own family." I raise my chin defiantly and puff out my chest slightly in pride. Ajax smiles warmly at me.
"I don't think my son plans on rejecting you. He put up a really strong fight for you. He wouldn't let anyone near you, he barely let the doctor near you." he smiles to himself like seeing his son do that was a proud father moment. A smile pulls at my lips and I'm about to answer when his scent wafts to my nose through the door.
"Come in son." Ajax calls, Lucian saunters in with a cocky grin on his face.
"How much did you hear?" his father asks, cocking an eyebrow at him suspiciously, Lucian chuckles with a blush playing at his cheeks.
"All of it." he grins broadly stepping behind my chair.
"The scouts are ready and the defense is getting into position." Lucian says, his voice dropping into a serious tone.
"Perfect. Thank you son. Ella one more thing before you head out with the scouts," I look at him curiously as he steps around his large oak desk, "Come here hon it's okay." he reaches a hand out to me. I slowly stand and step up to Ajax. He takes my hand in his, turning my hand palm up.
"Son, you may want to leave the room. I don't want your wolf taking over and causing an unintentional challenge." fear spikes up my spine at his words as Lucian's smile falters, he dips his head and steps just outside the doorway.
"Don't worry I'm not going to hurt you. It's just gonna sting for a second, but I had Lucian leave the room because his wolf is sure to take over when I do this." I look at him not sure what he meant as I see his teeth elongate and he quickly nips my wrist. I whimper softly at the sudden pinch on my wrist as crimson droplets rise to the surface.
"I, Ajax Hendrix alpha of the Silver Moon Pack accept you, Ella May as a member of this pack." Ajax says in a voice that wasn't fully human still, I can feel the bonds of the pack connecting to me slowly as I pick up on the rest of the pack. Names filter through my mind with images of their faces, the nurse from before filters in, Sylvia as her cute pixie cut bobs through my mind. Then the doctor, Drake comes through followed by more and more members of the pack. Arthur was the boy who answered the door, his chocolate brown hair just around his ears and sparkling green eyes playing through my head. Lucian comes into my mind and I can feel his pride through the bond as his face runs through my head.
Pack
Pack
Pack
Pack, all the voices chant as the last of the pack connects with me. I smile with true genuine happiness for the first time since I was a child. I felt wanted, and actually part of a giant family that truly looked out for each other.