Copyright VedaPettigrew

Dominic called everyone to attention while we were still in the foyer and introduced me, announcing my rules for the second time. He had made them public knowledge when I was on the training post but after his father's blatant disregard he felt the need to clarify them once more. When he was satisfied they were properly understood he led half the men to eat while the other half went to have drinks in the meeting room.

The women all went to the dining hall and stood around the edge in the routine I despised but could do nothing about yet. When the omegas ran to the kitchen to start bringing through the food, I followed them.

"Luna, what are you doing?" Lana asked in surprise as she saw me picking up one of the tureens.

"Bringing this through," I answered as I started carrying it. All the women looked at me in surprise as I entered the room and put the dish on a table, turning and heading back to the kitchen to gather another.

Once the dishes were all set on the tables I went to Dominic's side and served him a large portion. My hands shook with nerves as I felt every eye upon me but I tried to appear confident, I didn't want to give a bad first impression. He waited a beat then murmured his thanks as I backed against the wall but my attention was taken up by the way everyone watched me in disappointed silence. My heart sank, what had I done wrong? I must have missed something.

After a brief pause, clattering spoons and plates broke the moment as the omegas moved in to serve the other men. I frowned as I looked to Joan, "Any idea what that was about?"

"I think the women were expecting to see your box routine. You know, where you'd bow and he'd kiss your hand. Everyone I've spoken with has asked me about it. Apparently all the warrior's mates couldn't stop talking about it."

I flicked my gaze to Dominic, did he feel that way too? Surely he couldn't expect me to bow to him now? He must know I did it out of respect, a respect that had sadly faded. I made sure my mind was closed and vowed to myself that if I ever bowed to him again, it would only be after he had truly earned it.

Once his plate was empty Dominic looked hopeful for another course but when he realised nothing else was forthcoming he stood and looked over to me, waiting. I gave him an imperceptible nod and his eyes warmed as he strode to me with a loving smile. "My thanks for the meal Luna," he caressed me with his eyes.

"I shall pass on your gratitude to the cooks," I smiled back, wondering if I looked constipated with the effort. Next to him I felt so clumsy and awkward, he always seemed at ease and in control. He stood in front of me for a moment longer, inhaling my scent deeply as he scanned my face before a final nod and turning and striding away.

The next sitting went quickly as I was lost in thought. I loved the way he looked at me as if I was the only person in the room, I couldn't deny it was a compliment. He was trying, it was easy to see, but I still felt resentment swirling through my body. Right now it was impossible to imagine getting past it, but I knew I had to. For us to work, I had to put it behind me, I wanted to be happy. I gave him the chance, but I had no idea how to empty the vortex of anger and irritation.

Please help me Ori. I can't do it on my own.

When it came time for the females to eat I looked around the room critically. By my calculations we were forty seats short of the one-hundred and ninety females present. There were enough tables though, two spare ones sat at the edge of the room, but no chairs. Suddenly I remembered that the meeting room had long benches all around the edges.

I flicked my gaze to Joan who stood by the wall, a resigned look on her face. As an omega she wouldn't be sitting until the next session. Anger spurted through me, this wasn't good enough. Despite thinking I wouldn't be making any changes straight away, I couldn't let one more meal go by with the poor lower females consigned to standing longer than was necessary. My back was aching already, theirs would be worse by the time they got to eat.

"Excuse me ladies," I announced before anyone had a chance to sit. They all stopped and looked my way. "I need seven of you to come with me to gather some benches from next door. While we are gone, I would like those two tables," I pointed to the wall, "to be pulled out with enough room for sitting on both sides. Someone also needs to get extra silverware."

I took a deep breath as they all looked at me like I was crazy. "We are eating together. There is enough room and I refuse to make anyone wait uselessly by the side of the wall any longer."

Nobody moved.

I stared them all down, this was happening. Finally Hestia came to me and whispered, "This isn't how things are done. You don't want to get into trouble." Her eyes flicked to my two protectors neither of whom were taking any notice of my declarations. To be honest, they were probably expecting it judging by Jasper's amused expression.

I smiled at her and answered in a loud enough voice for all to hear, "Alpha has given me leave to make small changes involving us females. You will face no repercussions for this, if any arise I will take sole responsibility. Now do as I have instructed. You, you..."

I started pointing at random women to help me and we went to gather the benches. I hoped the other changes would be made by the time we came back, but I would happily oversee them if necessary. Change had come to the mountain and they better get used to the idea.

"They were right about you Luna." I turned to see one of the females looking at me with respect.

"Who were right about what?" I asked.

"The warrior's mates said you were different and that we should expect changes. They told us that Alpha seemed to actually like and respect you, and tonight we saw that too," she glanced over her shoulder as she spoke in a hushed tone.

"Well..."

"Arwen," she filled in.

"Arwen, I just like things to be fair for everyone. We're all wolves, made by the same creator, Ori, and I hate that some of us get treated so badly just because of what we were born." I watched her face carefully, she looked confused.

"Who is Ori?"

"The Original."

Still nothing. I knew it! Despite the fact that Dominic knew of her existence, he never thought to tell his pack about her. It confirmed my theory that even though he met her, her existence didn't mean much more to him than the few instructions she had given.

To take care of all wolves and to expect me.

Well, to thoroughly love me the way he wanted he would have to know and care for her. Knowing her was vital to understanding my point of view. Ori was a part of me, the most important part of my life, she grounded me, especially since my parents' deaths.

"She's the one that created everything," I said as we entered the meeting room but stopped quickly, startled to see men milling about. I hadn't considered that they would still be here. Fortunately Dominic was among them so I braved an explanation. "Sorry gentlemen, we have come to borrow a few benches. There will still be enough seats for you."

All the males looked to Dominic and waited. He narrowed his eyes in contemplation. "This would be because of what we discussed earlier?" he said aloud, adding "Small changes for the women?"

"Yes," I nodded. "We're all going to eat together if you have no objection."

"No I don't. As long as these benches are replaced back in this room. Though you may not find everyone feels the same."

I shrugged, "As long as you're okay with it, that's what matters. Do you consider this to be a decision I can make?"

"I do." He waved his hand, "Carry on Luna."

A couple of minutes were taken up choosing benches but I continued my explanation once we reached the foyer. "Ori made the forests and the stars. The moon, waters and sky. All of us are here because she made us. Our wolves too. She made this world for us, and she loves us all equally. She doesn't like any of her creation being treated badly, so I just follow her lead. I want us all to see the value in others."

We entered the dining room just as I said my last sentence, pleased to note the tables had been pulled out and laid with silverware. We took the benches over and put them into place. I stood and looked to the room of women watching me.

"If you want to know what we were talking about," I smiled, "Ask these ladies." I indicated the ones who had gone with me. "But now, let's all share our meal together, as one."

"It's ridiculous if you ask me." I heard a piercing grumble coming from the crowd. "Eating with the omegas," she sneered.

I answered the rhetorical complaint. "I didn't ask you. You are welcome to wait until we are finished if you do not wish to share the meal together," I advised calmly. "But we will eat like this from now on. It is bad enough to make people wait through two sittings, I will not allow a third unless it is by your own choice."

I walked to the head table and sat down. Some people eagerly found seats as others hung back, eying each other warily. The remaining food was brought through and I stirred trouble again by insisting that each table had equal portions of meat and vegetable dishes. Ignoring the rumbling complaints I started serving myself.

"So you expect me, a Pi to wait until after an omega has finished?" the piercing voice came again. I looked to find a young woman glaring at me, surrounded by a few others with disgruntled and pinched expressions.

"No, I don't expect that at all. I would love for you to sit with us. I want these meals to be a joyful time together, I don't mind rubbing shoulders to fit us all in. I know that it isn't everybody's favourite thing, but we only have these meals together twice a week."

"How can it be joyful when you expect me to sit with those women," she sneered and jutted her chin towards the omegas.

"Are you on their table?" I asked pointedly. She frowned. "Exactly. Though I should warn you, I don't take it well when people insult my friends."

"Oh yes, we heard about your pathetic act when you came."

A growl came from behind me and I turned to an angry Jasper, shaking my head. I'd deal with the women.

"It wasn't pathetic Iona." A woman I didn't know took the opportunity and leapt to her feet. "It was wonderful. I would have loved someone to stay with me during my time on the post."

"That makes you just as pathetic June," Iona sneered.

"June isn't pathetic," another woman jumped up. "You are."

Before a full-out war could erupt I stood and called sharply, "Enough." It worked, they all looked my way again. "This is meant to be a time of togetherness. Unity among women. If you do not wish to eat together then I'm sorry, but this is how it will be from now on. There's enough room for all of us. I invite everyone to sit, but I won't force you. Any female who wishes to wait may use the meeting room once the men have vacated. Otherwise you will have to stand around the edges."

I sat down again and continued ladling my food. A few more women sat down but Iona and those around her still stood looking at me with fury. I ignored them and waited for everyone who was seated to serve themselves. Once they all had food on their plates, I started eating.

The women stuck in the middle didn't know what to do. They were frozen with indecision between eating with an omega or waiting for them. Joan started tucking into her food happily, ignoring the situation and giving courage to the other omegas who slowly followed her lead.

A few minutes passed and the dining hall filled with chatter. I turned to Hestia who was looking blank as ever, it was obviously her coping mechanism. "Mrs Griffin," I started.

"Luna, please call me Hestia," she offered.

"Then you must call me Greta, we are family after all."

"Greta then," she nodded slowly. "My son was right, you are quite different from most women."

"I'm glad he noticed," I said teasingly, ignoring the uncomfortable blaze in my chest. "What exactly did he say about me?"

"Nothing bad I assure you," she frowned. "He said you connected immediately, that you were wonderful but untrained and unused to our ways because you weren't born in a pack. He didn't want to make that public knowledge though, he thought it might cause friction."

"I seem to have done that anyway," I grimaced.

"They've decided to sit now," Hestia said looking over the hall. I followed her gaze to see the resisters had indeed chosen to eat. She continued pensively, "You're certainly very confident in your decisions."

"Isn't that a good thing?" She didn't sound like it was.

Her lip curled down, "Yes and no. I worry for you, Dominic has a temper like his father." She started rubbing her upper arm unconsciously, a faraway sadness in her eye. I looked at her long sleeves and wondered what they were hiding.

"He's never lashed out at me, even when he's angry he just talks at me," I admitted. "I seem to be immune from his fury."

She smiled soulfully, "That's good then. He's a good mate?"

I swallowed, I didn't want to lie but neither did I want to tell the whole truth. "He's been very different from a lot of mates I believe. It's hard for me to judge because I came from such a free place, my father was nothing like pack men. But he has been patient with me, explaining things I don't understand. We've got the same sense of humour and laugh at the same things..."

"You've heard him laugh?" she asked in shock, following with a more wistful tone, "I've never heard that."

My heart broke for her, I had a feeling that her separation from her son was not her decision. "Dominic led me to understand you didn't visit him much when he was young?" I prodded.

She sighed, "No, his father liked to have time alone with his boys." I nodded, I was right. Alarm overtook her features and she quickly added, "Which is only right of course."

"No it isn't," I said bluntly, "Children need both parents. He was wrong to stop you, he stole something from all of you that way."

She twisted her ear. "You shouldn't say such things," she whispered.

"I won't if it causes you distress, but I don't disagree with what I said." I put another forkful in my mouth and chewed slowly. I gave her some thinking space and continued eating in silence for a while. I gazed around the room, satisfied to see that the majority of females were happy enough with the new arrangements.

"I heard he allowed you to share a picnic blanket with him," Hestia interrupted my reverie.

I turned and nodded, "Yes. I hadn't realised what a big deal it was."

"Oh yes," she said seriously. "It caused quite the flurry of gossip back here when we heard. His father wasn't happy. He thinks Dominic should behave like every other Alpha Alpha. He worries that we stick out for the wrong reasons, because we're not warriors."

"Yes, I could see that."

"What do you mean?" she asked sharply.

"Just that he behaves like a man who," I thought over my words carefully. "Well, he seems to push his weight around deliberately. Like he's trying to seem bigger than he is. I imagine it's because he doesn't want to damage Dominic's position or reputation."

"He feels the weight of being the father of the Alpha Alpha, the greatest warrior of our time, when he is only a doctor. A worthy profession of course, but very different. We knew very early on that Dominic was different to us. That's when Max started to change, he felt so much pressure."

"What was he like before?"

She pulled her ear again, "We were never really close, certainly not a love match like you and Dominic. H-CAP 2 arranged our mating to solidify a deal he made with my home pack."

"Where was that?" I ignored the pang in my chest at her words.

"Broad Oak, it's a lot further south than here. Max has always been a traditional man, he likes the distinction between the ranks."

"Yes, he seemed keen on your title, he didn't like it when Hammer called you Doctor's Mate."

"He felt it added weight to our position. He wasn't happy when he heard about you I'm afraid. It wouldn't matter what you were like, your very existence took something from us," she suddenly clapped her hand over her mouth with a look of fear in her eyes. "I shouldn't have said anything, you just make it so easy to talk. Please don't tell on me."

I covered her free hand with my own, "Your secrets are safe with me, I will never betray your trust. I like that you find me easy to talk to. I hope we shall become good friends." Relief filled her features at my reassurance but our easy conversation was over. She withdrew and I contented myself with the fact that at least she would be joining us in the office on Monday.

The meal was finished quickly and once I stood, everyone fled the scene, with a few nasty looks thrown my way. I shrugged them off and started clearing the table.

"Luna," Hilary came running, "You don't have to do that."

"I know, I'm choosing to though. Thank you for a lovely meal, Dominic passed on his compliments."

She blushed, "I think those were meant for you. He's never done that before."

"I was merely the reason he felt able. The food was the object of praise, and you were the ones who made it," I insisted. She looked flustered and smoothed her apron before turning to the tables with a smile on her lips.

We started the process of clearing away, friendly chatter filling the open spaces. Soon after, a few women shuffled back in, "Luna, we thought we'd meet you outside but you're still here."

"Yes, I'm helping Hilary and the others so we can all get out at a reasonable time."

"We wanted to say thank you for including us in your meal sitting. I enjoyed it much more than waiting around. But don't get yourself into trouble on our behalf. We're used to waiting," the spokeswoman declared in a stilting explanation.

"Alpha is aware of my actions and approved them as my decision," I lifted my eyebrows lightheartedly, "And I can't get into trouble with anyone else."

They smiled and looked around, "That's good, we didn't know that he knew. Ummm, do you need help?"

"We never say no to help," I said, just as Hilary was about to refuse. "Many hands make light work and all that."

With the added women we made short work of clearing away. When we left the hall the moon was shining in the dusky sky, the last vestiges of sunlight casting a glow over the stunning pinks and oranges.

"Wow, I could get used to this," I said in awe.

"It's beautiful," Joan agreed.

Silver bounced around, eager to get out. I looked at the women surrounding me, it seemed like perfect timing to ask. "Anyone up for a run?"

Everyone agreed and I saw Jasper get out his phone as we made our way towards a twisty path on the edge of the paved area. It led us through a lush meadow to a large wooden cabin. We went in and I saw it was slightly different from Stone Mountain, the privacy cubicles were more like small rooms and instead of curtains there were swinging doors.

Once we were back outside Silver came to the fore and stretched out her legs, bottom in the air as Jasper and Ned watched. When Kibou, Wade and Warren, the other protectors, came out in wolf form, they went in to shift.

The women all trotted out soon enough and we raced to the open field, chasing the last of the sun's rays. I didn't take the lead, opting to follow Jasper as I hadn't a clue where anything was. He led us to through a series of meadows and fields, filled with wildflowers and hedgerows. It was an explosion of beautiful colours and the scent was nothing less than delightful. Silver ran with her nose either high in the air to catch all she could, or pressed low to the ground to gather something specific that caught her fancy.

We didn't go near the lake to my relief. Although I wanted to see it, a memory of Dominic's promise clung to me, making me feel like it was something I should discover with him only. I wanted to wait.

It didn't make the exploration any less incredible, Black Lake Mountain was challenging as well as beautiful. The land was spacious and varied, wide horizons called to us with plenty of flat pastures - grass so high we nearly lost each other, interspersed with steep hillsides to battle on the way. Some of them were exhaustingly difficult but Silver welcomed them, using all her muscles as she ascended a few that the other females couldn't seem to manage.

Once we were up, Silver took her nose to the air, testing the surroundings with a howl of triumph before we challenged ourselves to descend as well.

By the time we came back to the cabin a few hours later it was dark and we were covered in flower petals, seeds, mud and feathers. The other wolves looked as tired as us, but an air of contentment reigned among us.

After we changed and said our goodbyes, Joan and I headed towards the Alpha House, protectors in tow. I linked our arms and we wandered happily in silence, unwilling to disturb the calm of the night. As we reached the house I heard Hammer calling out for us and turned to see him jogging our way.

"Luna, Joan." Joan's breath caught when she heard her name on his lips.

"Hammer, is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yes, of course. I just wanted to invite you both to meet Beth and the rest of my family. Tomorrow is family day and we usually have a big dinner at my house, I would be honoured if you would both come?"

Joan twitched by my side and I squeezed her arm. This meeting was inevitable, in my opinion it would be better to get it over with, but I left it to her to decide. "I certainly can make it, but I'm not sure about Joan."

He looked to her hopefully.

"Yes Hammer, that would be nice," she stammered.

"Thanks for asking," I grinned.

"Jasper knows the way, he can bring you. I'll let your other protectors know when to collect you."

"Of course, you're not working tomorrow. Are you sure you want us to come?" I worried.

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't want you," he said bluntly.

"Okay then, see you tomorrow around...?"

"Twelve, we'll have a big meal midday. See you then," he looked pleased as he jogged away and we watched him for a while until Jasper prodded us onwards, hinting that Dominic was agitated that I was out so late. I rolled my eyes but happily headed towards the house. At least he cared, it wasn't like he actually ordered me back.

Once we were in her rooms we discussed the invitation late into the night, coming up with a few ways to get her away early if she found it too hard to be around Beth. I hoped for her sake that she wouldn't, I wanted her to be happy.

Long after Joan had fallen into a fitful sleep, I found myself speculating what Beth was like. If she was mated to Hammer, I had to hope she was friendly and caring like he was. She was certainly lucky to have a mate like him and I wondered if she appreciated it.

I looked at the ceiling and thought about my mate. Despite how much I liked Hammer, there was never a moment that I wished I was mated to him instead. The idea made me shudder in fact. He was family.

Dominic was complicated but I didn't want anyone but him, even though I wasn't nearly ready to sleep in the room he had prepared for me. Sleeping alone on the same floor as him would take some time. I needed to feel safe in his presence before I made that step.

I thought over the little things he did that showed me he was taking my feelings seriously and acknowledged the little bounce of joy in my heart as I did. He was making an effort for my sake and I was glad. He could have behaved anyway he wanted, nobody would stop him, or probably even challenge him.

But instead, he was showing me that I mattered and despite his massive error in judgement, it meant a lot to me that he did.