After working the pigs and cows for over two months, sleeping in is a special treat. When I returned from the celebration last night, Dante was snoring, granting me a brief respite of unwanted intimacy. How long his abstinence will last is yet to be seen. Sex with him again is something I could do without, but it will need to be addressed eventually if we want to make this relationship work.

I take a long shower and venture downstairs where I'm greeted with the mouthwatering scent of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. Jos's lips curl to a goofy smile to my cheerful "good morning," earning him a raised brow from Marco. Bay is nowhere to be seen; the injuries he sustained last night will likely require a few days of healing in his wolf form.

"When will you hold your claiming ceremony with Savannah?" Jos asks between sips from his coffee.

"During the summer solstice."

Hailey can't even look at Marco. "That's still three months. Don't you think it might be easier on Savannah if you did it quicker?"

"I'm not trying to make it easier on anyone. Choosing a mate is a male's prerogative and she will have to get over it. My brother lost fair and square."

I badly want to remind him that there's nothing fair about fighting a younger and much less experienced wolf but hold my tongue. Marco won't give a damn about my opinion.

I pour myself a coffee and smile at the Luna. "Do you need any help?"

"No, thanks. We are just waiting for my mate and Lance. They went hunting and promised fresh kill for breakfast."

My stomach rumbles with unrest. Lately, my wolf has been craving the taste of fresh blood, a sign that my body is reaching the next level of maturity. In my old pack, I would turn into a teacher for the younger females, showing them basic defense moves and taking them on runs in the woods. Fat chance I will get to do anything of that sort here.

"Will Dante be able to join the hunting party this afternoon?"

Marco's gaze rests on me even if the question is clearly directed at Harla. Animosity pours out by the buckets and I turn my back on him as my canines descend. Showing open aggression toward the future Beta could ruin the thrives I made over the last few weeks.

"Dante will have to finish his chores and take his mate for a run in the woods. I doubt he'll be able to hunt for the next few months." The sudden tension in the air is choking. "Are you okay, Raelyn?"

I turn back to the group and smile without teeth. "Yes, of course."

The door swings back, drawing everyone's attention to the rabbits the Alpha has expertly strung up to a cane that rests on his shoulder. He already skinned and gutted them, and the growls and snarls suggest that I'm not the only one starving. My knee bends automatically to bow in respect until I get the nod of approval to rise; it's a routine that has become second nature to me. The rest of the table is quickly prepared as everyone gathers around the food. The scent of the fresh kill overpowers the rest of my senses.

As soon as the Alpha takes his first bite, I tear into a rabbit flank. An approving growl rumbles in my chest. This is so good. Choking down the meat, I'm unable to keep my claws in when I snatch up the next piece of rabbit.

"Someone is hungry," the Luna remarks with a smile.

"The privilege of a pup." For the first time since my arrival, a certain fondness reflects in the Alpha's eyes. "Dante needs to provide better for Raelyn. That will cut down on her greediness."

Heat blossoms in my cheeks. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to take someone else's food."

"Don't be. As Alpha born, you require a certain diet, something my son will need to learn. When I first claimed Harla, she ate for two, even before she was carrying Dante. It's nature's way to prepare you for your Luna role."

"Thank you, Alpha."

He pushes the platter with the kill in my direction. "Here, have more. We caught enough since so many females got pregnant this year."

A subtle stab that I'm not one of them. The rabbit all of a sudden has a sour aftertaste and I have to force myself to clean my plate.

"Well, I'm off." Jos flicks his long fringe out of his eyes and rises to his feet. Leaning over, he pecks the Luna's cheek.

"When will you be back?" she asks.

Jos locks eyes with the Alpha. "I'm not sure yet but probably not before the summer solstice." His smile can't hide the exile-like feeling, triggered by his disobedience toward his father. At the door, he picks up his duffel. "Take care."

The door clicks closed behind him.

Eyes on the Alpha, the Luna frowns. "Did I miss something?"

"Jos needs time to clear his head."

"I still believe that you should've put your foot down," Lance interjects. "It sends the wrong signal if he so openly defies you. Everyone was expecting him to claim Lara last night."

"It was his choice."

"A choice you didn't afford your oldest son. Dante was forced to mate with Raelyn."

Wood groans under the Alpha's fist. "Enough pack business discussed at the breakfast table."

"Of course. I'm sorry, Nigel." Lance's remorseful smile mirrors Jos's, though his eyes betray him. He doesn't appreciate at all being scolded like a pup.

The rest of the meal is spent in silence and Marco is fast to excuse himself after the Alpha and Lance have disappeared in the study.

"Why don't you fix Dante a plate with leftovers and we'll take it to him. I'm sure he could use a break by now."

I grimace behind the Luna's back. Not once did he bring me food when I was working my chores, so why should I? I nevertheless scoop a huge piece of rabbit on a separate plate, adding potato tots and a bread roll. The Luna pours a glass of ice tea and sets everything on a tray together with a chocolate chip muffin.

"Dante has a sweet tooth."

Though I know she's only trying to set the relationship on the right course, I don't appreciate the pampering. Dante was dead wrong carrying on that affair with Lara and doesn't deserve a special treat.

It's a cool morning with a slight drizzle in the air and I shiver in my sleeveless blouse and the ankle long, loose skirt. We walk across the courtyard that is filled with chattering pack members. Marco has joined a group of fighters who are about to leave for the woods while most females are busy with little seed pots to plant in the garden. The masses part as we pass through, some curious gazes fixed on the tray in my hands. When Dante's soft voice drifts over from a corner behind the cow enclosure, I freeze on the threshold to the barn.

"I promise I'll talk to my dad, but for now, there's nothing I can do."

"It wasn't supposed to be like this. You said your parents would come around, but now I'm the outcast. You swore we would be together, Dante."

The slight tremble in Lara's voice could be despair or anger, but my wolf doesn't care either way. A loud growl vibrates deep within my throat, my joints popping as they dislodge. When bones break through my skin, the tray drops to the ground with a clank. My wolf pushes to the surface and the build-up, raging anger that's choking her very existence makes her uncontrollable. Teeth showing, claws scraping over the cobblestone, I crouch low to wait for my enemy's next move. My wolf is out for blood.

"Mom, make her stop."

"I can't, Dante. As your mate, Raelyn has the right to challenge Lara. You guys took it too far."

I growl again—what's the bitch waiting for? Lara folds her arms across her chest, her lip pushed out in the most stubborn way. "I'm not going to fight you, Raelyn. You can't make me."

Coward. My bloodlust takes over and with one leap, I'm on her. My teeth get a hold of her calf. Over her screaming, I drag her behind me, out in the open for the whole pack to see.

"Shift, Lara," shouts an older fighter wolf.

Her bones and joints crack as her nature breaks through, her wolf favoring the hurt leg from the get-go. Her tawny brown coat is as glossy as her brunette hair, her stance graceful with a hint of superiority. My teeth exposed with a snarl, I'm disgusted that even in her wolf form, she is absolutely stunning.

She shakes her fur before she lowers herself down with a whimper. Belly up with her throat exposed, wolf etiquette dictates to accept her surrender. Sickened by her weakness, I approach her with snapping teeth. When the morning breeze carries with it the sharp scent of Dante's essence still clinging to the insides of her thighs, my vision blurs. The blood pounds in my ears and rage seethes. The mate bond brings out the worst in me; my teeth cut deep into the offending flesh.

Ripping. Shaking. Snarling.

Her blood is warm and stings on my tongue. His scent is so strong that I can't let go, my wolf demanding the justice she deserves. Lara's howls are like music to my ears. Just as I tore into the rabbit during breakfast, I yank the meat off her bones. Rage, jealousy, defiance boost my carnal need to punish.

A large wolf finally tosses me off her. One growl and I bend down low to the Alpha before exposing my throat. Whimpering, I allow him to sniff me, prod me, lick the blood off my muzzle. He turns to Lara. Head lowered with my tail curled between my legs, I trot back to the barn to shift and retrieve my clothes. There I sit with the protective wooden walls around me, my face buried against my knees. I screwed up. Attacking Lara in a vulnerable state will certainly bring some sort of reprimand.

Harla is the one who comes and checks on me. Lowering herself on the ground, her gaze is searching. "Tell me what happened."

"Dante's essence." I choke on the words. "I could smell it on her and my wolf lost it. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have attacked her after she surrendered."

"You reached your breaking point. That's understandable after everything that happened. If you were a regular wolf, we could let it slide, but as future Luna, you will have to pay your respects."

"What do I have to do?"

"You will have to apologize to Lara in front of the pack and accept five lashes of the whip in retribution."

"But her and Dante had sex. And now I'm the one who should apologize?"

"I know it's difficult to understand, but being a Luna requires great strength. You can never allow yourself to get lost in the moment. It's the sacrifice of leadership."

Tears burn behind my eyelids, but I'm determined to not let them slip. "Where is Dante?"

"Consoling Lara. My mate gave him an hour to settle her down. It'll take a few days for her to heal. If I were you, I'd tell my mate that you're taking responsibility for your actions by accepting your punishment. It will show the type of strength required of a Luna."

I nod. What other choice do I have? "I'll do it."

"Then go and speak to him. He's in his study."

Shoulders squared with my chin up as high as I can muster, I step back into the courtyard. Conversations fall quiet as gawking eyes follow my every step. Mumbled words behind raised hands force my chin up even higher. Even if my fight with Lara didn't turn out ideal, I finally showed my teeth. A warning not to mess with an Alpha born and future Luna.

When I step into the packhouse, it's quiet. Reaching the door to the study, I hesitate before I knock.

"Come on in." The Alpha's glare drills into me.

"I want to apologize for my behavior. Attacking Lara after she had surrendered was unacceptable and I will take responsibility for my mistake."

"That's good to hear." His chin juts to the chair across from his desk. "Sit down."

I lower myself on the edge of the chair, not really sure what else is there to say.

"Did my mate tell you what will be expected of you?"

"She said that you will be seeking a formal apology and that I will receive five lashes with the whip."

"That's right. And are you willing to do that?"

"Yes." The word leaves the stalest taste on my tongue.

"Then that's all. You may leave."

Dismissed like the little pup I am in his eyes. The bitterness manifests itself in bile I barely manage to keep down. About to rise to my feet, rushing steps in the hallway keep me frozen in place. Jos appears in the doorway. Anger has flushed his pale face red.

The Alpha's brows quirk. "What's wrong?"

"I stopped in town to get a coffee and ran into the sheriff. He served me with court papers. I think they are trying to forcefully take the land north of the lake." Jos holds up an envelope in his hand.

"How is that even possible?"

"What do I know? I'm no lawyer."

"We should just ignore it. They don't have a leg to stand on."

I clear my throat and the Alpha's frowny face turns to me. "My old pack was sued once by a neighbor who claimed we built our picket fence too close to the road. My dad hired a human lawyer who took care of it. The lawyer stressed back then that responding timely is key; otherwise, the person who sues you wins by default."

Both sets of pale blue eyes slice into me like daggers and I fidget in my seat. Speaking out of turn when they were discussing pack business made matters worse for me.

Jos finally breaks the pressing silence. "Maybe we should talk to a lawyer. What do you think, Dad?"

"It certainly won't harm. But who would we pick? I don't want someone from Longthorne Ridge. They are likely all in cahoots with the town."

I chew my lip, not sure if I should intervene again. "The father of one of my high school friends is a lawyer. I could probably get you in for a consultation on short notice." I omit that the friend happens to be the guy who took my virginity. Eric is away at college, so the chance they'll accidentally bump into him at his father's office is slim to none.

"Okay. I'll get my phone and you can schedule an appointment for this afternoon." The Alpha's focus shifts to Jos. "You go and tell Lance and Dante. I want to leave within the hour."

"Sure thing, Dad."

"And since Raelyn knows the lawyer, she'll be coming as well."

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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