My Say

24

The month has been wonderful. I'd been fully accepted by this wonderful pack. The lessons and legends had been magical. But now I had to make a decision, to stay and await my Alpha mate or flee. This thought circling my head led me to the one person, other than Elizabeth, that made me feel fully accepted. Elder Agnes was an ancient wolf who'd never met her mate. She'd mated and loved many males, the stories she tells could melt steel and freeze the sun. She never bemoaned her fate but when she spoke of mates her eyes sheened and her voice got soft. The moment she saw me I became her pup, and I once again sought out her wisdom and kindness.

"So you want to know whether to run or stay?" One of the greatest things about her was her ability to cut to the chase.

"Both sides have pros and cons." I have debated them time and again.

"This is not natural. You are an Alpha Female, your pack needs you. You should need him. Does your wolf not cry out for him?"

"Of course she does. But then she feels guilty for doing it because it is his skin side that abuses us, that ignores us, who is a failure at being our Alpha mate. He has left the scars upon us." I thump my head onto the table. "Why me? Why can't this one thing be easy?" Picking my head up I rub my face with my hands. "Why couldn't he have just talked to me? Instead he scared me so bad I went into default mode stubborn."

"Pup, life is not about easy it's about what we do in these hard times. You were brought here to heal and you have, the Goddess works in mysterious ways. You were born to be the Alpha Female of the Blue Lake Pack. Those wolves need you as does that Alpha Male. You and I both know that you could run for the rest of your days but you wouldn't be happy." She draws me close for a hug, "At least you're going back with more than you showed up with."

We both smile. Remembering me getting off the plane wrapped in a blanket and only a pair of undies to my name. "Yeah, those Irish Linen shirts, Maggie gifted me are worth the trip over. Do you think..."

I had just noticed how quiet it had gotten. Looking up, Elder Agnes is staring at the door. Slowly turning around there he stands, "I shouldn't have to explain myself. I give the orders, you obey." Putting out his hand he motions for me to come, "We have a plane to catch. There are clothes on board you may change into." We stare at each other, "I didn't come alone. If you aren't on that plane in 10 minutes I'll wipe out your brother and his mate." His arm drops. "I'll await you in the car." Without another word he's gone.

"Oh my poor child." She gathers me up. "Remember the Goddess has a plan. Be strong, you have family. I'll send you your things."

"Tell them I love them. And not to follow. I'll contact them when it's safe." Swallowing hard I exit her cottage. Looking around I say goodbye to my life, the wishes, the dreams, the what might have beens. With my head held high and my backbone straight I step into the car.

"It took you long enough. What nothing to say for yourself?" My silence seems to piss him off. "Don't worry you can explain yourself to the Elders." My wolf cries as she tries to get to me, it's as if a wall has been placed between us. "You will not be able to contact your wolf until we get home, just think of it as the first of your consequences."

I stayed awake for the entire flight. He ordered me to change clothes but I never moved, just sat and looked out the window. In the end he simply ignored me. Touchdown was perfect, I mourned the fact the plane hadn't crashed.

The pack was waiting for us as we drove in. He "assists" me out as if I am his beloved mate and not the female he hates. "My mate, your Luna, is HOME!" The crowd erupts as if he just announced he won a National Championship. He keeps me in the crook of his arm as the pack pushes in to welcome me back. Upon entering the house I break away, "I'll return to Elizabeth's."