CAELLUM’S POV
“Today marks the end of the partnership between our two packs, and the beginning of a new season of life and partnership between us moving forward.” I started, commanding the attention of all.
“As you all know, for the past week, we have worked in unity to facilitate the new trade in gold and thanks to the efforts of the joint packs and all of those seated here, we can reap the fruits of our hard work.”
My father wore a proud look, while Alek looked like he had something to say but I continued nonetheless.
“As the head of the Cosa Nostra, it is important that I carry everyone with the new order of things as pertains to our pack and family. For the longest time, I and the Alpha of the Bravta pack have been at odds, for personal reasons, but today, thanks to the wisdom of the former Alpha – My father – we can move past that.”
“In addition to the fact that we are now business partners, we are about to become much more than that.” I connected my eyes with Donna who sat by my side with a small smile. “Not so long ago, I found out that the late queen and Former Luna of this pack had betrothed me to a woman.”
“A woman born by the queen’s best friend who is still alive and bears witness to everything till this day.” I swallowed, struggling to speak. “For the longest time, I’d waited for my mate, a woman who would join me to lead the Cosa Nostra to greater heights, but I guess that was too much for me to ask.”
“With my inability to present a woman who would serve as a mate and partner, I have decided to honour the promise the late queen made to her friend and honourably take my betrothed as my chosen mate and Luna of this pack.”
“This woman I have worked with for a while and whose intelligence and intellect have helped not only the Cosa Nostra but the Bravta pack where she lives with her mother.”
I met Naledi’s eyes. “That woman is Donna Brataville.” I ended my speech and a moment of silence followed before claps ensued, celebrating the announcement I had just made.
“I have spoken to her in length about it and she is also willing to honour the promise made years ago while we were pups.” I turned to Alek who looked amused. “As a result of that, I have decided to formally ask your permission as her Alpha to keep Donna by my side until we can finish the rites to make her my future queen.”
“And what happens to Naledi?” Alek asked, somehow managing to hold a smirk as he spoke. “You marked a woman, who I believe to be your mate, and now you sit here and ask for permission to make another your Luna?”
“Whatever relationship between me and Naledi is not your business. Keep yourself out of it.”
“A few minutes ago you were asking my permission to get mated with another woman and now I ask some questions you want me to keep myself out of it?” He said in an incredulous tone.
Naledi picked up her spoon and resumed eating. Stuffing her mouth full and barely managing to chew or swallow. Was she trying to kill herself?
“I think we should respect the Alpha’s privacy.” Arturo said, looking at Alek, “And if you are too concerned about the welfare of a member of your pack, then you should rest assured that no harm will come to her. It is not unheard of an alpha to choose a better another to be his mate.”
“Not when the said Alpha marked another woman as his.” Alek gritted, more pissed than he should be.
“You don’t see the said Alpha carrying the said woman’s mark now, do you?” I didn’t know when the words flew out of my mouth, I bared my neck for good measure. “Have you thought of why that fucking Alpha who dared to mark his mate has not received a mark in return?!”
“Will you or will you not permit to her stay in my pack?” I growled, done with the shit.
He chuckled. It didn’t reach his eyes. “Whatever floats your boat. I don’t care anyway.”
“Then that settles it,” My father looked like the happiest man alive. “Donna would remain here until the next mating ceremony when she will officially become the next Luna of the Cosa Nostra pack. In the absence of anything else.”
Alek picked up his phone, Matteo nodded, and Naledi continued eating like she didn’t hear a word that was said. Her face bereft of emotion. Eating like one without a single care in the world.
“Congratulations, son.” He said but I was already up on my seat as I made my way out of the dining room. It was enough for one night. I retired to my room, placing a firm order against anyone visiting me at all.
The next morning, I came out of my room and spotted Naledi down the hall. Our eyes connected but not a word was said. She looked a shadow of herself and the dark circles around her eyes were visible.
Was she having trouble sleeping? Did the nightmares return?
I strode down the hall and downstairs as I contemplated why my mate was looking like that. Was it a result of my announcement? Was she finally regretting her decision?
My thoughts were interrupted by Donna who greeted me at the end of the stairs, looking all dressed and chic. Last time I checked, we didn’t have any more engagements or meetings.
“Good morning, Alpha.” She said in a small voice and I nodded in acknowledgement.
My eyes drifted towards the kitchen, where I saw her go.
“I’d like to be absorbed into the workforce.” She suddenly said, and it sounded like a whine.
I met her eyes, “What?”
“I do not wish to remain in my room without contributing to the well-being of the pack. I’d like to use my skills for the movement of this pack.” Her tone portrayed her seriousness.
For some reason, I wasn’t comfortable with showing her the ropes just yet. And that was crazy, seeing I had a whole plan of making her my Luna should Naledi refuse to wake up to what she was losing by refusing to mark me.
It was my final shot at getting her to reconsider, even if she didn’t know it.
“You are a guest in this pack, and will be treated as such,” Donna’s face lost its colour. “Time will come when you will have a lot on your hands, taking care of this pack. Just not yet.”
I hoped we never got to that point.