Athena's Human Mate

Chapter 54

The games ended quietly for the first time anyone could remember.  After Athena won against her father, the final match ups didn't seem to matter.  She had earned enough points to enter but declined and most didn't think less of her for it.  The rest didn't think much of her anyway.

As they packed up, Roman brought up the touchy subject.  "Are we going home or heading to Crescent Moon?  I think we should go to Crescent, your mom and Nick shouldn't have to face everyone alone.  I'm sure they all know what happened by now, but you're now the Alpha.  We're the last ones to leave, we need a destination."

She hasn't said much since the fight, silently coming to terms with the events.  She knew but at the same time wanted to drag it out.  "I can't avoid it forever.  I can feel their unease in the new bond.  I'm sure you can too."

"Yes, but I haven't reached out to anyone yet, I've been waiting on you.  I'm here for you first.  I won't force you to do anything.  At least I've gotten used to Starlight so it's not as strange.  I did block out the mind-links, they were asking questions I had no answers to.  It's time to face the world my love."  His gentle eyes took in her worried and strained features, helpless to do more than he already has.

"I know."  She placed the last of her belongings in the bag and sighed.  "Call the Starlight members here."

He kissed her lips, "yes sweetheart," he said before sending out the link.  For some reason he always liked doing that.

"You all know what happened so I don't need to explain.  Roman and I are going to Crescent Moon instead of Starlight.  The pack needs reassurance that I'm not abandoning them.  Anyone is welcome to come with us, but no one is required to join us.  Roman will let everyone else know the plan.  I don't know how long we will stay, nor do I know how we are going forward.  Right now, it's one day at a time."

She nodded to Roman who relayed the message to the rest of Starlight.  The guys who left mates behind went back to Starlight, as did most of the others.

"I never want to go back," Emma said, holding Kyle's hand for support while he carried the baby.  "Will we still the Betas?"

"I understand why you wouldn't.  As of now, yes, you and Kyle are the Betas of both Starlight and Crescent Moon.  Jared and Carol are the Gammas, I won't be making any changes soon.  There's a lot to decide."  She nodded and hugged Athena tight.

"Stay safe Alpha, and thank you.  You and Luna are a blessing directly from the Moon Goddess."

"I'll go with you Alpha," Kyle spoke up, "after I take Emma and Roman home.  If that's alright?  I'd like to see the pack."

"Of course, and if anyone wants to come with you, please encourage them."

"Yes Alpha," he hugged her, it took him months to get used to it but she forced him to.  "Take care of her Luna," he shook hands with Roman.

"With my life," he responded.  "What about you Jared?" He asked.

"I already talked to Carol about this possibility and I'm going with you but she's going to stay and help Emma."

"Very good, let's get this show on the road."  Now that a plan was in motion, Athena didn't want to delay.  For some reason she also didn't want to say goodbye to her family.

The long ride to her old pack was quiet, Roman could feel her jumbled emotions and wisely let her work them out.  He held her hand most of the way, lending his touch to the soothing effects of their bond.

Athena was pleased to discover wolves patrolling the border, they were stopped before entering the pack's territory.  "This is a private road, you'll have to turn back."  A stern warrior told Roman.