Moonlight Ridge

10

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Surprisingly, the dinner wasn't all too stressful. She took a seat next to Brandon and had been introduced to two betas and four gammas. The betas were more proper and didn't speak to her much. The gammas were a little more friendly and involved her in their conversations. All the mates of the betas and gammas were nice, but only Walter's mate, Emma, made an extra effort to speak to her. She tried to remember all their names but had trouble keeping up.

"Leonna? Can I call you Lee?" Emma asked.

Leo smiled.

"Only if I can call you Em." She responded.

Emma smiled and nodded.

"So, Leonna. What do you think of Alpha Reece?" Another gamma's mate, Clara, asked.

"I think he's a fine sheriff and a gentleman." She said as she glanced from the corner of her eye at him.

She was sure that even though he was engrossed in conversation with the men, he could hear what she was saying. The fact that they all knew that Brandon wanted to make her his mate was nerve-racking and a bit embarrassing. Emma thankfully picked up that she was feeling awkward and changed the subject.

"Clara, how is your newborn pup?" Emma asked, then shot a quick wink at Leo.

Clara, in turn, went into a long story of how she adored him and how her labor was, as this baby was her first. This set off a chain of reaction to the other women, and they, in turn, told their labor stories. Leo sat quietly and listened in awe. Shifter women or not, giving birth was still a tiring affair, and she admired these women for it.

"I thank you for serving us dinner, Alpha Reece. I believe it is time to ready for the Moon Shift." One of the betas said.

Everyone except Leo nodded in agreement.

"That was Beta Mitchell. The Moon Shift happens on a full moon. We feel the call to shift and run together as a pack." Emma whispered in Leo's ear.

Now that Emma had explained it, Leo felt even more like the odd person out. She could see how anxious they all were to get out to the forest. Leo rose from the table.

"I thank you as well, Alpha Reece. And it was nice to make your acquaintance." She directed to the betas, gammas, and their mates. "It has been a rather long day and I shall retire to my room, if you don't mind."

Brandon stood and everyone else followed suit immediately. It would have been comical if Leo didn't feel so awkward. She left and was halfway up the stairs when someone caught up to her. She turned and saw a teary-eyed Emma next to her.

"Pardon me, Lee. My mate told me not to make a big fuss but I'd like to thank you for convincing Alpha Reece to spare my husband any punishment. I'm sorry for your loss and I just wanted to let you know that you always have a friend in the Reece Pack." Emma said sincerely.

Leo gave her a kind smile and put a hand on her shoulder. Sadness and Joy hit her like a jolt. Leo carefully removed her hand.

"Thank you, Emma."

Emma smiled back and left to join the others. Leo hurriedly made her way back to her room. She was getting ready to change into a sleeping gown just as a knock came. She had an idea who it might be by the scent. She opened the door to Brandon.

"Just wanted to check on you. The pack won't be far. I've ordered them to stay close but I wouldn't worry if I was you. I had the pack grounds put under a protection spell, so nothin' that means you harm will get in." He said.

"Do not worry, Sheriff. I am sure I will be fine." Leo reassured him.

He looked a bit reluctant to leave but he tipped his head in affirmation.

"See ya soon, Leo." He promised.

Leo watched him leave down the hall before closing her door. That night she did indeed hear many wolves howling but she knew who they were this time and wasn't afraid.

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The next day she took Rem with her to find Emma. She spent much of her time with Emma that first day, who introduced her to a lot more pack members.  All of them were polite but most avoided her. 

After a week spent around the pack, she was able to discern that no one here wanted a war. Moreover, they spoke of her prophecy with reverence. It gave her joy to know that she could indeed trust the Reece Pack.

One thing she didn't enjoy, however, was the whispers behind her back. Unfortunately, she was able to hear most of what some shifters thought about her. Some were jealous that Brandon wanted her as his mate. Others simply disliked her presence there. Outsider, they called her.

She did her best to ignore it and avoided areas with those shifters. Although, she was rarely alone to have to deal with others. Usually Emma or Brandon accompanied her.

She likewise began accompanying him to all pack meetings and quietly sitting by his side. She never spoke, but she was grateful that Brandon had given her the opportunity to be updated with any news of the vampires. 

Despite her having felt angry with him before, she found herself warming up to Brandon. In front of others, she addressed him as Alpha Reece, but in private, she called him Brand. He, in turn, made an effort to be with her whenever he could. Slowly, they became closer, which in turn led to them being more liberal with affection towards each other.

It started by her looping her arm with his when they walked together. Then hugs when they greeted each other. Leo rationalized it by convincing herself that touching him helped her control the feelings she absorbed. And in a way, it did. She was able to block out what he was feeling and allow the emotions through at will after practicing.

After she had completed her assessment of his pack, came the strong conviction that she needed to tell Brandon the truth about who she was.

One particular night, they had just finished dinner and Brandon was walking her to her room. She chewed her bottom lip nervously as they neared her door. They reached her door and she turned to speak.

Scarcely had her lips parted. The words never left her mouth. Because Brandon kissed her. His lips met hers like a gentle question. She was stunned as his lips moved against hers. His lips were exceedingly warm and soft. Her mind almost lost its place when she remembered what she needed to tell him. She pulled back from him. He opened his eyes. They had flecks of yellow. 

"Was that alright?" He asked with furrowed brows.

He thought her pulling away meant she did not want his kiss. Her cheeks had a slight blush.

"It was more than alright, Brand. But before we continue, there is something I need to tell you." She stated nervously.

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