David watched Lily talk amongst her newfound friends, Mitch stuck close, never leaving my side just like Reid had told him. When the bell finally rang signalling the start of class, kids ran in all different directions to their classrooms and lined up. Lily took her place next to Amber in line and waited patiently.
A woman walked over to us. She eyed David warily before relaxing when she spotted Mitch and myself standing with him.
“Hi, you must be Luna Aria,” she stated, giving me her hand to shake. Her handshake was gentle. She had soft features and caramel coloured skin and bright brown eyes with curly black shoulder length hair.
“I don’t think I have met you yet. I’m Mrs. Tatt, but you can call me Nadia.” She spoke softly. I said a quick hello before her gaze looked over my shoulder to the Alpha standing behind me.
“Ah, I’m David, Lily’s father,” he said, offering his hand to her. She quickly nodded and shook his hand. I could tell she was slightly confused. David Alpha Aura was strong, not as strong as Reid’s but definitely strong. I was shocked he didn’t introduce himself as an Alpha, instead just giving his first name like he was any normal person. I could tell she thought it was weird that a non-Pack member and Alpha was on Pack territory and that his daughter wasn’t a part of his own Pack. I didn’t have time to explain the very strange situation right now. So, for now, Nadia will just have to wait until I explain the unusual family situation to her.
Lily raced into class and put her bag at her desk. I watched her run back and wrap her tiny arms around me and give me a hug. She pulled away, and Mitch ruffled her hair while she swatted his hand away. She looked up at her father, not knowing whether to just walk away or shake his hand. I saw her raise her hand like she was going to wave when Alpha David placed a hand on her shoulder and lightly squeezed. I could tell he was just as unsure as she was. “Have a good day, Lily,” he told her with a gentle voice.
She smiled and nodded her head before walking off to go back to her desk.
Walking out, I heard Mrs. Tatt calling out “Luna, Luna.” I stopped quickly remembering I was, in fact, the Luna. That was still going to take some getting used to.
Turning around, I faced her. “School finishes at three as I’m sure you are aware but if you don’t mind would you be able to stop by the class at 2:30 the kids would love to meet and get to know you,”
“Of course, I will see you then.” She smiled excitedly, and I could see many faces pressed against the glass peering out at us. I waved at them before following Mitch back to the car. Alpha David walking beside me.
“I would like to speak to the principal here one day if that’s okay. I like the idea of this whole werewolf populated school. The kids look a lot more relaxed when they aren’t surrounded by humans,” I raised an eyebrow, that had to be the most Alpha thing I have heard come out of his mouth. He did seem quite interested when Mitch was explaining the way the school was set up. Mitch answered for me.
” You will have to discuss that with the Alpha assuming Luna Aria is okay with that, I don’t think Alpha Reid will have a problem”: It was weird hearing Mitch address me so formally. I knew he was only doing it out of respect, and because Alpha David was with us. I really hope it doesn’t stick though; I like being myself around everyone back home. But I feel it might change if everyone keeps calling me Luna. I didn’t mind the title, but I also liked just being Aria.
“That’s fine with me, we can discuss it later, now where did you want to have this talk at?”
“We can head back to your Pack house if you would be more comfortable there” Mitches mind-link pushed through to me. “Luna I would prefer if it was done at home, it is a lot safer there with the warriors, and I don’t think Reid would like it very much if we left the territory.”
I nodded in Mitch’s direction. “Yes, we can head back to the Pack house and discuss things.” I told David. Getting back to the car we made the short trip back to the Pack house.
Aria’s POV
Once back at the house, we headed straight towards the kitchen. I brewed coffee while David went and took a seat at the table. Mitch just lingered in the kitchen watching, keeping a watchful eye. David’s whole demeanour changed once I sat across from him. He suddenly became extremely nervous like he didn’t know how to start. I sipped my coffee and watched as he did the same. He kept glancing towards Mitch like he didn’t want to speak in front of him.
“Does your friend need to stay?” he asked. I looked towards Mitch who was sitting at the counter reading the newspaper, having heard David speak, he looked up.
“I’m not going anywhere, so pretend I’m not here,” he confirmed what I already knew. Reid had given him strict orders that under no circumstances I was to be left alone with Alpha David.
David realising this turned back to me while Mitch turned back to his newspaper and coffee.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” I asked, breaking the silence that seemed to be drawing on. I just wanted to get this over with.
“Well first, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to try and form a relationship with Lily, I know it must be hard considering the past,” I scoffed at his use of words, he was really trying not to mention any details, but at least he was attempting to apologise. Seeing my reaction, he put his head down. “Look Aria, I wasn’t all bad. Before your mother died, I was a good stepfather, a good husband. It was just difficult after your mother died. I couldn’t cope with losing her. I loved your mother, Aria.”
“I know that, David, I do. I understand to a certain point now. I spoke to Reid; his father never recovered from losing his mate either. Now having Reid, I can’t imagine life without him. That’s not my problem though. I know who you are capable of being. I also know what you’re capable of doing. I won’t allow Lily to be put through that again. I know she is your daughter, but I am the one who raised her.”