"I can't believe she's really gone," my mother says as she fights back tears. I pull her into a hug in an attempt to comfort her. Part of me feels the same way as my mother, I only just got Claire back in my life and now she's gone, but for the most part, I am super excited for her as I know this is something she is going to enjoy and benefit from.

We had spent the morning hanging out with Claire which had been really lovely. She hadn't fought with our parents and they seemed to have warmed up a little more to the idea of her taking the job in the first place. In their defence, it did all happen quite quickly. Our morning with her, although wonderful, had been brief. I just hope she can come home to visit sometime soon.

"Yeah, but it's for the best" I sign, with a small smile. "And as she said, maybe she'll come around to the idea of being Alpha one day."

"I know. I'm just upset because I only just got you back, only for her to leave. I just want our family to be complete once again."

"And it is! Just because she's taken this job, doesn't mean our family is incomplete. Plus, you'll be seeing Grayson and I so much more now. Dad and Grayson are talking as we speak to try and sort things out for the short term and I'm sure Claire will come and visit as often as she can too."

"I know, sweetheart. I'm sorry" she signs, before pulling me back into another hug.

God, I had missed my mother. Just a few months ago, I didn't even begin to let myself imagine the idea of seeing my family again, and yet, now I'm here and my life is the most amazing thing I could ever ask for.

Eventually, we break apart and she gives me a rather watery smile. I look around the clearing in front of the house for a moment, an uneasy feeling running down my spine. Grayson and my father seem to have disappeared inside, and yet I almost feel like I'm being watched.

I shake off the feeling, chalking it up to the lingering effects of being held captive for so long, my mother's voice drawing my attention back to her.

"Come on, love. Let's go find Grayson and your father" she says quietly, before looping my arm in hers and leading me into the house.

"Hey Princess," Grayson says gently as he walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. A smile creeps onto my mother's face as she watches us. 

We had been standing in the kitchen making up for lost time after having found Grayson and my father in conversation in my father's study. We had decided to leave them be as it was an alliance discussion and my mother said she would much rather spend time with me than talking logistics. So we had decided to do some baking and even though it had been a rather mundane choice of activity considering we are both werewolves, it had actually been really lovely.

"H-he-ey, y-you" I reply with a grin, spinning around in his arms to face him. He grins back before planting a gentle kiss on my lips. My knees weaken and I melt into him and I feel a smirk against my lips.

'Careful now' he mind-links in a smug tone. 'Your mother is watching.'

Instantly, I break away from Grayson as reality takes hold, embarrassment flooding my cheeks. He grins back at me for a moment before his face falls slightly.

"Acacia, I'm really sorry but we are going to have to cut our trip short" he starts, with a slight frown.

"O-oh. H-h-ho-ow c-com-me?" I ask, my expression falling to match his.

"I just got a call from Levi and Noah... Unfortunately, there are some security issues that need our immediate attention, amongst other things..."

"O-our?"

"Yeah, you're my Luna. You and I run the pack together now, so you get a say in every decision that is made."

"R-rea-eally?" 

"Yeah." 

Somewhat confused, I turn around to look at my mother who gives me a nod of confirmation in return. 

Wow. I knew I would have duties as Luna, but I didn't realise that I would get to help Grayson make decisions. Granted, we hadn't exactly gotten into any Luna training considering everything that has happened the past couple of months. 

"O-oh, o-ok-kay. U-umm-"

"Don't worry, I've already spoken to your mother and my mother and they are both happy to help you with some Luna training so you can settle into your new role," Grayson starts with a smile, as if having read my mind.

"And I'll also teach you about how my job works and how the pack runs and how our jobs work together."

"Th-tha-ank y-you, b-bo-o-th o-of y-you" I stutter, smiling at both my mother and Grayson.

"That's okay sweetie," my mother starts with a warm smile. "It was what I had planned for the rest of the afternoon, but it can wait till next time. You two need to head off so that you don't get home too late."

"A-are yo-ou s-sure?"

"Of course. Your father and I have some stuff we need to sort out in the meantime anyways. Plus, Rosaleen will have things planned for you for when you get back too. Her and I have been talking and planning for what the best way to fill in all your knowledge gaps will be."

"B-but h-how did-d-"

"Grayson gave me her number. Don't worry Acacia, everything is going to be okay, we promise. We will get you up to speed in no time, especially because you're learning from the best" she finishes, winking at me.

I giggle, the bundle of nerves in my stomach lessening at her reassurance.

"Come on Princess, we should head off" Grayson says gently as he unwraps himself from around my waist and slides his hand into mine.

"O-o-okay. B-but w-whe-en w-will w-we-e b-be c-com-ming b-a-a-ack?"

"Soon, I promise. What did we decide in the end?" he asks, looking at my mother.

"If I remember correctly, I think we said you would come back two weeks from now and then stay for a week?"

"Ah, yes, that's right," he says with a smile.

"That's assuming nothing comes up in the meantime though," my mother adds. "We'll be sure to keep everyone updated to make sure everything stays on track."

"O-ok-kay" I reply with a small smile before walking over to her and pulling her into a hug.

"I-I'll m-mi-s-ss y-yo-ou," I stutter quietly, squeezing her tight. A wave of tears fill my eyes and I have to bite my lip in order to hold them back. I know nothing will happen to them, but that doesn't stop the fear of losing them from gripping at my heart.

"I'll miss you too sweetie, but you'll be back before you know it and I'll message you everyday until then" my mother says gently, returning my squeeze.

"O-o-okay." 

I eventually pull away and she smiles down at me for a moment, her eyes filled with emotion. I smile back a she kisses me on the forehead before jutting her chin out towards Grayson.

"Go, you've got business to attend to" she says, winking at me. I nod and make my way over to Grayson, who swiftly slips his hand into mine and leads me towards the front door.

Time to go became Luna.

_________________________________

Hey Guys,

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I'm sorry it's not the longest, I've been super busy recently and had a bit of writer's block, but I'm hoping to get back on track. Consider this a bridging chapter for what's coming next!

As always, if you've made it this far, thanks for sticking around! It means so much to me! Please vote and leave me a comment letting me know that you're still around and please also check out my other books including my new romance novel, Passengers.

If you feel so inclined, go follow my personal Instagram account @amy_duffell for a look into my life outside of writing! I also have a writing and book-related Instagram too (a bookstagram if you will) @amyduffell_author, if you would like to check that out also!

Thanks,

Allamy xx