Like almost everyone in the pack, Jenezel disliked Michelle, and she never bothered to hide it. The woman had sandy blonde hair and the perfect face. She was middle aged, around forty but still looked like she was in her early thirties. Her skin was soft and smooth, almost wrinkle free. She was wearing a blue suit and talking on phone by the window while Michelle waited. Michelle had arrived ten minutes prior and Jenezel had made her sit on the bench while she chatted with whoever had called her.
When Jenezel finally finished, she turned with a smirk on her face. She smiled widely as she approached Michelle, looking highly pleased with herself.
“I was wondering when they were going to send you over,” she began.
“Good morning, miss Miller.” Michelle said, trying to be respectful. She knew that although she was the Luna, Jenezel had the power to make her life a living hell. Jenezel was that hot older unmarried woman that all the older men seemed to want. At first, Michelle had wondered if Jenezel had had a hand in getting her to come for her lessons.
“Let’s cut the formalities. I’m just happy that I can finally teach you the lessons you desperately need. You’re a mess, Michelle and no one wants a messy luna.”
Michelle nodded. “I know.”
Michelle knew she was a mess. Although she liked to behave as if she was unemotional, she was facing a lot of turmoil on the inside. Sometimes, she wondered if having the luna position was even worth it, considering that the pack didn’t respect her. All the respect they showed her was fake, and she knew that it would never feel the same as respect from the heart, the kind they felt for their alpha.
“So, what’s going on with you? Why did they send you here?”
“I went crazy because of that woman,” Michelle said. “I think Lucius is in love with her and its killing me.”
“Why? You don’t seem to love him either. You can pretend but most people can see deeper than you think.”
“There are two reasons. First, I just don’t understand how this is possible. Lucius and I are mates. Although we have not mated, we’re supposed to have fairly strong feelings for each other. Physically, I do feel something for him sometimes but emotionally, I just don’t feel it. I wonder if it’s because he hates me. We argue all the time and I guess we started resenting each other. Regardless of that, I thought the mate bond would still be trying harder to bring us together. I feel like it would never work out.”
“That’s unfortunate, but there are a few cases of this nature. When you don’t mate for long and don’t try to get closer after meeting each other, the mate bond can weaken. When you have some negative feelings for each other, the process can speed up.”
“Wow, I didn’t know about that.” Michelle said. “When I got married to Lucius, I thought he would soon start to feel more love for me and I could just use that to manipulate him. I also thought I’d have more power as a luna than I do. Reality is different from I imagined. There are lots of people who have to check the alpha and luna’s power.”
Jenezel nodded. “Anyway, what was the other reason?”
“I feel like he might replace me with her.”
Jenezel’s brows furrowed. “You don’t love him so why should that be a problem for you.”
“I love my position as luna,” Michelle said. “Most people here hate me. When I was a ‘nobody’, they didn’t care showing it to me. But when I publically confessed that I was the alpha’s mate and they realised I was going to be a luna, things changed. Now that I’m their luna, it has even been better. At least they fear me more than they hate me. I can’t go back to being a ‘nobody’.
If I let Lucius proceed with that woman, he may divorce me and decided to be with her and then she will be the new luna. I cannot let that happen so you have to do everything in your power to turn me into the best luna possible. Maybe even Lucius will change his mind and decide to work on our relationship.”
“Oh, I see. You want to retain the title. Do you also want to work on your relationship with him and the pack at large?”
“Him, yes. Other people? No, I don’t really care what most people think as long as they don’t disrespect me. Besides, why should I be nice to everyone?”
“Because these people are your family. As a luna, you’re supposed to feel one with them or it beats the whole purpose. Being a leader and a boss are two different things. You want to be a boss, not a leader.”
Michelle raised her brow. “Yes. I’m naturally not a very social person and I don’t want to force it.”
Jenezel sighed. “So, you don’t care that much about everyone.”
Michelle groaned. “What the hell is wrong with you, Jenezel? Why are you talking like some goody two shoes? I’ve heard the rumours. You’ve slept with some married men so you’re not a saint.”
“First of all rumours are not always true. Anyway, my private life is not the one up for discussion right now. The fact is that I want the best for my pack and I’m not going to support a luna who does not love her people. If you don’t plan to change, that woman is not the only person you’ll have to worry about.”
Michelle chuckled. “What? Are you serious right now?”
Jenezel nodded. “I’m very serious. I’m not going to let you mess up this pack. For a pack or any community to thrive, everybody in it needs to be making effort to improve things. One thing we need is unity and if you can’t work with the people, there won’t be any unity.”
Michelle laughed. “If you think I’m going to change, you’re more-
“Well, thanks for making things clear. Now I know what to do.”
“Okay, Jenezel. Please calm down. I…”
“Shut up,” the woman said and stood up. “Follow me.”