Jade’s pov:
As I went to bed that night, I recalled everything that had happened, and couldn’t help but frown.
I was a born healer, and I was inclined to believe it was a blessing… And yet, the elders acted as if I was cursed, and maybe even spreading maledictions everywhere I went.
They didn’t know of all the efforts, of the sweat, of the blood, of the tears or maybe they knew but weren’t willing to acknowledge me. Indeed, I did my absolute best to become a she-wolf whose title of Luna wasn’t lost on her. And while Alex loved me enough to overlook my flaws, it seemed like the elders only saw me as a nuisance.
I wasn’t nearly as strong as I should be just yet, but I shall prove to them that I wouldn’t be a hindrance, that was the vow of a lifetime.
Alex, who had just gotten in bed, looked at me, his gaze tender and loving, and at once, he said, “Why the long face, love?”
“I…” I was at a loss for words, not because I didn’t expect him to read me so well, but because I didn’t know how to formulate my thoughts without upsetting him again.
“Wolf ate your tongue?” He then teased, a smirk stretching his lips, to which I giggled.
I ended up saying in a woeful tone of voice, “I am doing my best to be able to stand next to you, as your luna, as your partner and equal.”
“Oh, Jade,” he let out lovingly. “Don’t let the elders’ words get to you. I’ll make them eat their contempt.”
That had the knack to make me smile for a moment.
“All I had ever wished for, for quite some time, was just being like my peers a wolf,” I went on, tears stinging my eyes at the mere admission. “Up until I met you, and we got entangled in our web of love and our games, I had never even contemplated being a Luna. I only ever saw myself as a warrior, like my parents. I understand that the elders and maybe even the pack think I am not worthy but I am doing everything I can.”
“Jade,” Alex then said seriously as he gently caressed my face, “You were always meant to be a Luna, my Luna. You’re fierce but also loving, and have all the qualities needed to make a great leader. You also bring out the best in me, and make me a better man everyday. Besides, today, you handled the situation better than I could have ever hoped while I let you down.”
I didn’t allow him to finish and glared at him at once, “You didn’t let me down! Stop that…”
He nodded at me vehemently, “I promise to stop thinking badly of my reaction if you stop belittling yourself.”
My only reply was a big smile before I nuzzled his neck lovingly.
“I love you,” I whispered, against his neck still.
“I love you more, gorgeous,” he let out before he caressed my back soothingly, which soon enough lulled me into a blissful sleep.
The day had been tiring alright, and I should be allowed some slack.
** ** ** ** ** ** **
Alex’s pov:
The bonfire was yesterday but I was still furious. Not only did the elders treat Jade with contempt, but they also made a fuss of what awaited the Stevens brat aka Jessica.
Jessica, who used to be my partner for a while, had still not gotten over me, it would seem. Indeed, she rejoiced at the idea that I cared about who she slept with, but also dared to speak ill of my luna out of jealousy.
Born healers were a blessing but also often reason for war to break.
And with that thought in mind, as I called for a meeting with the neighboring pack’s alpha, I knew I needed to bag at least an alliance or two.
He and I went long back, and I had his personal phone number, but I still used the landline, since this was pack business.
When he was put through, his greeting was as jovial as ever, “Alpha Xander, how have you been my friend?”
“Alpha Kade, it’s been a long time, huh?” I greeted him back with the same amount of enthusiasm. “I have been well. What about you?”
“I am doing well,” he said for starters before adding, “Great even. My Luna is pregnant, and we’re expecting twins.”
“Oh, congratulations are in order then,” I told him, a smile stretching my lips even though he couldn’t see me.
“I hear you found your Luna too,” he said. “To be honest, I knew that the she-wolf you kept dancing with the last time we met was the one.”
The moon ball had indeed been sensational this year, and I had made quite the show with Jade.
“She’s wonderful,” I said simply.
“Indeed she is, for having you wrapped around her little finger in so little time,” he chuckled.
Oh, you don’t know the half of it, I wanted to say but refrained from doing so at the last moment.
“You’re one to talk,” I retorted jokingly, to which his chuckles doubled.
“I don’t think you’re calling for mere pleasantries,” he then said in earnest.
“You’ve heard?” I sighed heavily.
“Well, the rumor has definitely reached my ears,” he told me sincerely. “And should it come to be true, you should know that you will find an ally in me.”
My smile broadened at once.
“Would you care for a meeting?” I asked as I pivoted in my chair.
“Sure, my pack or yours?” He let out readily.
It was almost too good to be true, and because I had learned to be cautious of such a situation, I couldn’t help but say, “A no man’s land would be better, everything considered.”
“Agreed,” he said at once.
“Three days from now at Lilian’s cafe. How does that sound?”
“Deal.”