Triple Alpha's Threat

Ch. 53 - What is Mine

Kiera POV

"You seem sincere?" I gave Maggie a quizzical look. She was staring at me like some otherworldly creature.

"I am Kiera... Luna. I can feel your power, and it's amazing, comforting, just."

"You can feel my power?" Now, this is getting weird.

"I thought you were some spoiled Luna bathed in luxury your whole life, but you're not that at all. I think I know what pack you belong to."

"I don't understand what is happening. You hated me from day one, and yesterday I almost killed you. I don't believe you suddenly changed your mind and now want to be at my service."

"Becky said you were a bit naive, very stubborn, and extremely hard-headed," Maggie laughed. "I was confused about how she admired you so much, but I get it now. Kiera, I'm not your enemy, and I don't hate you. You're meant to lead us."

"You know Becky from the Nightmare pack?" I couldn't address what she said about me being meant to lead them. I was a mess inside and out, but of course, Athena stood tall inside me, her annoyance at Maggie simmering away.

"Yes, and I know where they all are. Compel me to tell you the truth. I give you permission."

"I... I don't know how. I only do it when I'm mad, and Athena takes over."

"Then let her have control and compel me. Nurse Beth too. She knows of you, and we are loyal." Maggie glanced at the nurse, and she nodded to me.

I took a deep breath, asking Athena if she could do it. Athena simply laughed at me. I guess that was a stupid question to ask my wolf who thought herself a goddess. I felt complete with her, but she was still a damn princess.

"Do you wish me any harm?" The words slithered out of my lips, a wave of compulsion riding on every word.

"Never!" They both answered. My face scrunched in confusion. The unexpected loyalty mirrored in their eyes left me questioning the nature of my abilities.

"Why are you loyal to me?"

"Because you are the strongest of Lunas, one held with great dignity and respect. One that saved her people when attacked and kept her pack safe. One who sacrificed herself for the good of her people." Maggie answered with a smile, admiring my presence before her.

"What the hell did Becky tell you?" I half-shouted. I didn't speak often with her. There was no way she felt this highly of me. The dissonance between my self-perception and Maggie's admiration left me perplexed.

"That you were tricked, manipulated, used for your power. She watched you beaten and tormented in the town square by your sister and the pack's new Luna. Becky, Sandra, Karen, even omegas in your service, all spoke of your greatness." Nurse Beth answered, and tears filled my eyes.

The names she spoke witnessed the horror I went through, yet they did nothing. I thought it was because they saw me as a traitor. Is it possible they wanted to help, still believed in me, but were too weak to do anything? I glanced at my wrist, bearing a scar of unimaginable pain. I knew what it meant to be powerless in the face of injustices.

I shook my head in disbelief. I needed to find them, sort out what all this meant.

"Will you protect Ruby against all others? Swear to me she won't be taken, and she won't be harmed, even if you have to guard her with your own life."