Healing Hearts

T H A N K S G I V I N G | 1

"My dad wants me to take the Alpha position soon," Marley mumbled, taking a deep breath. She didn't open her eyes as Layla sat down beside her. "I don't know if me being an Alpha would be best for the pack," she voiced, tapping her fingers to her arm.

Layla hummed, "What makes you say that?"

"Hannah mentioned something about a different path," Marley answered, "and I realize there might be more for me elsewhere."

"Has your wolf spoke on the matter?" Layla asked, leaning her head into Marley's shoulder. She stared up with her mate, smiling softly. Technically, both her and Marley were members of the Healing Moon Pack, so Layla really had no ties at her birth pack — well, maybe expect for Gabby and her parents.

Marley sighed, "She was born for the tittle, but even she feels like Annabel was supposed to lead. She feels like in debt since she saves our life, but I don't know if she wants to leave because of that or because she doesn't want to be an Alpha.

"I felt a lot of pride being an Alpha, but nothing compares to what we've been doing, at least for me."

Layla agreed, "Traveling and healing was amazing, but you aren't responsible for everyone's health."

"What do you want?" Marley asked, "Do you want to be a Luna?"

Layla shrugged her shoulders, "When I first found you, I never wanted to leave your side. You healed me without even using your powers.

"Of course, I imagine us not getting caught up in a devastating war," Layla chuckled, "when we first meet. I wouldn't mind leaving pack politics for a while, but definitely not forever. I wouldn't mind traveling like we have been, maybe doing some research and field work. I could imagine a life as a Luna, with you as an Alpha.

"All these possibilities are good with me because you're there."

Marley snapped her eyes opened, debating on how she wanted to react. Should she be amazed by her mate's words because they made her feel wanted inside and she felt the same way or did she want to mention to Layla how that didn't help her make a decision at all?

"I'm happy that out of all the pack's I could have ran to, I found you," Marley gushed, gently setting her head on top of Layla's.

As the two sat there, with no deadlines, no responsibility to anyone else but themselves, Marley realized she knew what her answer was. All she needed to do was ask one more person for their opinion.

"Come on," Marley moved to get up, and Layla sighed and moved. With her mate's sad face, Marley chuckled before she planted a small kiss to her mate's lips. The shocks zapped across their skin, both of them melting into the heat before Marley pulled away. "It's time for some family traditions."

*•*•*•*•*•*

"Hello Luna Layla," Luna Denice greeted, smiling softly.

Layla nodded her head back in politeness, "Luna Denice."

The two stared at each other as Anthony carry a little girl past them. He paused at the two women, tearing up, "Sometimes, they can be so young. Oh Mother, must you really take her tainted soul away."

The little girl cried, "Dear Mother." She paused before glancing at the Alpha's son, clearing her throat, "It is an honor to be assistance of your purity!"

She looked down at Anthony, "Was that good?"

He nodded his head, "Yes, it was terrific. However, don't look at me when you say your line." He pointed up, "Look at the sky. Remember, you are speaking to Her — not anyone else."

The little girl smiled, quiet pleased with herself.

Anthony bowed his head, "Lunas. I hope we can keep this meeting a secret."

"I'm quiet amused," Layla laughed. "We'll keep quiet if you put on a good show."

"We will put on a great show!" The little girl examined. "The best on you will ever seen!"

Denice nodded her head agreeing, "How exactly is your going to help the Moon Goddess with her purity?"

The little girl crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head, "Tourist."

Anthony bit back a laugh as Layla covered her mouth.

*•*•*•*•*•*•*

"What exactly did you tell Joey?" Marley asked as she entered her sister's room.

Annabel waved her hand, "Oh, some harmless lies. You didn't ruin it, did you?"

Marley shook her head, "No, I think he believes  this tradition more." She cracked a smile as she moved to sit down on the bed. "I actually have something I wanted to talk to you about," Marley mentioned, staring at Annabel.

"If this is about me being more mature, you can save it."

The older sister rolled her eyes, "No, at least not directly I guess. Why exactly do you want to do in the pack?"

Annabel turned to face her sister, analyzing her older sister's behavior. When she could find anything she was looking for, she sighed, "I enjoyed being in charge of the garden. Apparently, dad got some message from the Moon Goddess when mom left me in charge of it — saying that I was the right wolf for the job."

"She isn't wrong, you know. You take good care of things when your in charge," Marley agreed. "You have a lot of great leadership qualities."

"Ah," Annabel smirked, "you've come to be for wise information. Clearly, I'm the smartest of the Alpha children."

Marley shook her head, "I came here because I wanted to ask you if you wanted to Alpha position. I'm questioning if I really want it, and it would help knowing that no matter what I choose I know the pack will be in good hands."

She didn't exactly mean to blurt it out, but Marley was happy she did.

Her little sister blinked a couple times. "I... I wasn't expecting to be Alpha — like ever. You've always trained to be an Alpha; you saved our pack. Why don't you want it?"

"It's not that I don't want it," Marley spoke honestly, "I think my journey lies elsewhere."

"Have you told dad?"

Marley shook her head, "I'm not exactly a hundred percent certain."

Annabel though for a moment, "Give it a trail run. Ask dad to be more involved in the Alpha business. Give it a chance then make your decision."