***Clarissa's POV***

All day Aubrey has been tending to me like a coddling mother. She cooked us breakfast, and of course it just had to be the most mouth watering and sinful breakfast I had ever eaten.

Then we went on a tour of the territory. She chatted the whole time, including me in all the conversation.

When we were finished, she offered to send someone for a bag of my clothes. She wanted me to feel comfortable during my stay.

She raved over me, complimenting every single detail that made who I am. I don't know her ploy, but I'm not falling for it. I have friends, and believe me when I tell you, they will turn on you to save themselves.

Aubrey was so playful and continuously bantered with Jackson, Bryan and Ethan. She even had given them nicknames. Then she called me Claire. Whatever!

That is my nickname, but she doesn't get to use it. I don't want her pretending to like me. I don't trust her.

Jackson was a sweetheart. I was so enthralled by him. Every need I could have had, he supplied in an instant. I really want his friends to like me. Except Aubrey, I don't want her to do anything.

You might think I'm a bitch, but I have my reasons. Every time I find a best friend, they hurt me. They steal my boyfriends, use me or find new friends and forget I exist.

And, Aubrey, she is too perfect. It's sickening. Her act is not fooling me. I see that she has everything I could ever desire. She just flaunts it in my face.

Must be nice to just have everything you ever wanted, without lifting a single finger.

Her doting is unwelcomed.

I will get Aubrey to show her true colors, sooner rather than later.

"What's wrong?" Aubrey asks.

"Nothing's wrong" I said thru gritted teeth.

"Okay, if you need or want anything, just let us know. You are one of us now. We want you to be happy." Aubrey or Luna continued.

Can she get anymore annoying?

"Sweetie, I will be right back. Alpha needs me." Jackson excused himself.

"Hurry back babe" I replied.

The sooner the better!

"Is there anything you want to do?" Aubrey offers.

Yeah, get away from YOU! I thought.

"Not in particular" I rolled my eyes.

"We can go make lunch for the boys." She suggested.

"I don't cook." I spit.

"You can just watch. I will cook. You just relax and enjoy yourself." Aubrey promised.

See what I mean. Fake!!!

No one wants to wait hand over foot on other's. It's unnatural.

We went to the kitchen of the pack house and Aubrey, not me, cooked a huge meal for all the pack members. She had slaves everywhere just falling at her feet, happy to do whatever she asked.

She made fried chicken, fried pork chops, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, cole slaw, hand cut biscuits. She even made them banana cream pie, chocolate cake, brownies and cookies.

I just sat there, pretending to listen to all her bogus stories, while picking my fingernails.

Aubrey brought me a cold glass of milk and a brownie. I checked it for spit.

The brownie was the best I had ever eaten. It was firm but gooey and warm. It melted in my mouth and had my tastebuds singing for joy. I just took it from her. No need in thanking someone who is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

I can't wait to burst everyone's bubble. They are in for a rude awakening!

Apparently, Jackson is the Beta of this pack. Therefore, I will be the Beta Female.

It's about time someone around here recognizes my proper position in life.

My whole existence everyone just treats me normal, as if I don't have Alpha blood running thru my veins.

My parents worship the ground my brother walks on. They fall all over themselves for him, just because he will be Alpha one day.

I'm not jealous. It would just be nice to finally feel important.

Aubrey was going on and on and ON about the Beta ceremony where I will be introduced to the pack. She even suggested we do it on the same day of her Luna ceremony.

I'm not sharing a stage with her.

"Wouldn't that be lovely, we can get our hair and makeup done at the shop and then we can come back here and get ready in our new gowns for the ball." Aubrey announced.

What is she going on about?

"Sounds perfect." I rolled my eyes.

"Parvulus, it looks amazing." Darius swooned while taking his seat at the dining table.

"I hope it tastes as good as it looks" Bryan commented.

"Aubrey is a goddess" Jackson cooed as he hugged her neck and kissed the top of her head.

"Yeah, she's really something" I sighed.

How dare she cook for my mate!

Aubrey thinks she is so special. The guys look at her like she hung the moon. It's disgusting.

I will fix this!

***Jackson's POV***

"Hey my beautiful mate" I said as I kissed Claire's lips.

"Jackson, you are too cute!" Claire replied.

Thank you heavens for giving me this woman! I thought.

"Aubrey did you girls have fun today?" I asked.

"Yes, so much fun. Claire is a gem. She talked with me all day and even kept me company while I cooked. I'm so glad you found her. She's the best." Aubrey cooed.

I'm so happy that Aubrey and Claire get along so well. If they didn't, it would be awkward. I had no doubt tho, Aubrey is too adorable not to love.

"Have you started looking for a dress for your Luna Ceremony?" Darius questioned.

"I haven't yet. What should I go with? Is this formal or what?" Aubrey asked for details.

"It is less formal than your coronation ceremony will be, but more formal than a cocktail party. Just look for something like you wore to prom." Darius explained.

"I never went to prom." Aubrey confessed.

"Then we shall make your ceremony even more memorable." I promised.

Aubrey deserves everything this life can offer her.

"Baby, have you decided when you want to be introduced as my Beta Female?" I asked Claire.

"I offered Claire to have it in conjunction with the Luna ceremony." Aubrey beamed.

"That's perfect" Bryan chimed.

"No, I don't want to take from your BIG day." Claire confessed.

Claire is so thoughtful.

"I would love to share the night with you Claire. You will be the Beta and that makes you important." Aubrey explains.

"It's settled, we will work Claire's ceremony in with Aubrey's." Darius announced.

I couldn't be more pleased.

***Darius POV***

The Warriors and I headed back to my office to get plans going on the Luna/Beta ceremony. We want this night to be perfect. Aubrey and Clarissa deserve nothing but the best.

"We need to let the coordinators know about the Beta ceremony." Ethan insisted.

"Yes, make sure they include all the details. I don't want any issues." I demanded.

"It's so wonderful that Aubrey is making this a joint ceremony." Bryan offered.

"I didn't expect anything less." Ethan professed.

"Aubrey's coronation will be soon as well, she can have that ceremony all to herself." Jackson announced.

"I'm positive Aubrey will find a way to make her coronation about everybody else." I chimed.

"Our Luna is a gift." Jackson beamed.

"Yes she is!" I confirmed.

We spent hours making sure the agenda was perfect. Every detail would be handled and every expense would be afforded.

"Set up a hair appointment for the girls and a visit to the seamstress, please." I ordered.

"For both girls" I corrected.

"Alpha?" Jackson asked.

"Yes Jackson." I replied.

"Thank you!" He belted.

He didn't have to thank me. Clarissa is our Beta Female, the second ranked female in our pack. She was gonna feel special, she deserved that.

***Persephone's POV***

"Oh dear" I whispered.

"What is it?" Mekhal asked.

"Jackson's mate" I sighed.

"What's wrong with Clarissa?" Serriphina questioned.

"She thinks unkindly of Aubrey." I explained.

"How is that possible?" Alejandro wondered.

I showed the Deities what I had witnessed in the Great Fountain.

"She thinks Aubrey is pretending to be someone she is not." Serriphina stated.

"She will come to realize how very wrong she is!" Mekhal comforted.

"But, at what price to Aubrey?" I asked.

"Perse, you know our Angel will come thru with grace and dignity. She is not going to be offended." Alejandro declared.

"I know. I'm just disappointed." I whispered.

"Never fail to remember who Aubrey is." Mekhal demanded.

"You are right! This should be interesting to say the least." Serriphina laughed.

"Very!" I confirmed.

***Bryan's POV***

I have been watching Claire all day. She seems to be frustrated. Aubrey keeps trying to make Claire happy, but Claire keeps snapping at her.

I wonder what's wrong.

Claire couldn't find a friend better than Aubrey.

Aubrey just needs a female friend. Sure, she's easily excited, but honestly it's completely endearing.

Maybe, it's not what I think.

Hopefully, it's not what I think.

I won't let anybody hurt Aubrey.

Not Claire! Not anyone!

I would reject my own mate for such an act!

Oh, moon goddess, what is going on?

***Jackson's POV***

We are sitting in the game room playing monopoly.

I hate monopoly. I always lose.

Aubrey is losing this time. She refuses to allow anyone to pay rent. This is ridiculous.

"Aubear! Take the money." I exclaimed.

"I can't. You won't be able to play if I take all your money." Aubrey explains.

"OMG Aubrey, it's just a game." Claire huffs.

"Baby, it's okay to take money in a game." Darius comforts.

"Shhhh, I will win at this rate" Bryan laughs.

"It's not winning if someone is cheating." Ethan deadpanned.

"Who's cheating?" Aubrey asks.

"You!" We all shout while laughing.

"How?" Aubrey pouts.

"By not taking the money." Darius tells her.

"Fine!" Aubrey gives in.

"Fucking Finally." Clair whined.

I have been worried all day. Claire seems to be agitated with Aubrey. You can feel the tension. Thank goddess Aubrey seems oblivious.

"Alpha, can you help me refill the snacks?" I ask.

"Sure!" Darius agrees.

We walked into the kitchen to get more snacks and some more sodas.

"What's wrong Jackson?" Darius hums.

"Can you feel the tension in the room?" I ask.

"Yeah, but I can't figure it out." He admits.

"Claire asked me something last night, and I'm getting a bad vibe." I confessed.

"What?" He quickly snapped.

Oh boy, maybe I shouldn't have started this conversation. Darius rarely gets angry. But, believe me, when he does, the whole kingdom can hear it.

"She asked me how we know Aubrey." I started.

"That's a logical question." He commented.

"It's the way she asked, like she didn't trust her." I continued.

"Well, don't be to quick to judge. Feel her out. She is just overwhelmed, maybe." Darius coddled.

"Well she said one other thing that made me uncomfortable." I added.

"And." He quipped.

"She said (Aubrey is nice. A little too nice. If you know what I mean.) but I didn't know what she meant by that." I replied.

"That is definitely not a compliment. Look Jackson, she's your mate. Talk to her. But, if she upsets Aubrey, I will intervene. So, it's best if you try first." Darius warned.

"Alpha, I promise, I would never let anyone hurt Aubrey. I don't give a damn who it is, mate or not! Aubrey is genuine and she is our Luna. She is our Queen. Claire will respect her and treat her as such." I declared.

"You're a good man, Jackson. Thank you." Darius patted me on the back.

He didn't have to thank me. Aubrey is like a little sister. And, she's one of my best friends.

We went back to the game. Apparently, Aubrey figured out she likes winning. Suddenly, she is rolling in the dough and kicking all our asses.

I should have let her lose!