Abused

Thirty One

We arrived at the pack late in the afternoon and I would be telling a lie if I said I wasn't glad to be home. Although Alpha Carlos and his pack were very nice, it didn't compare to being back in my own pack. I liked to have control in situations I could have control over and I was very protective of people I cared about and I soon realised that this is probably why the Moon Goddess decided to make me Luna. I was a good leader when I needed to be and I could carry a lot of mental weight.

When we arrived at the pack, Brad took our bags because he didn't want me to strain myself, even though I could easily carry them, I wasn't mad though because he was only caring for me.  I was engulfed in a hug by my father as soon as I had stepped inside of the house. "Are you alright, darling? Brad called us and told us what happened. We were all so worried."He pulled back and held me gently by my shoulders looking me over to see if I was hurt. I smiled slightly, it was nice to have my dad back and I found his over protectiveness comforting, although, it was slightly excessive sometimes. 

"I'm fine dad don't worry" I laughed slightly. My eyes flickered over to my mother who was stood back slightly. 

"Hey Mom" I smiled. I was slowly forgiving her for what she did to me. She was truly sorry and I could see that now. She gave me all the space I needed and she hadn't touched a drop of drink or any drugs since Ian had gone and she came back here. Of course I was still hurting though. The cuts and bruises may have healed now but the scars would not fade for a long time. 

She smiled softly at me. "Hello Winter. How are you feeling?" she came forward slightly but didn't make a move to touch me. I appreciated her patience. Since she had found her mate again it was like she was a completely new person, well she wasn't new she was her other self. The mother I remembered from my childhood. 

"I feel great" Weirdly it was true. Only hours ago I felt like I had lava running through my veins rather than blood and I had a visit to the hospital but somehow I felt great and as if nothing had happened. 

"I am starving!" I complained walking past my family and into the kitchen. 

I frowned noticing the house seemed eerily empty. "Where is everyone?"

"Training" Jackson shrugged walking in through the glass doors. 

I shrugged. Made sense. Jackson smiled and pulled me into a hug. "I'm glad you're okay, pumpkin"

I smiled and hugged him back before pulling away and deciding that I was going to make some food. 

I pulled out some ingredients for macaroni cheese and struggled trying to reach the top shelf. I sighed. Brad chuckled and passed me the bowl I was trying to reach and made us some herbal tea. "How are you feeling Winter?" He asked after a short silence. 

I raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you hear me when my Mom asked that?" 

He nodded. " I know but I want you to be honest with me. I want to know if you're okay mentally. You've been through a lot these past few months" 

I wasn't expecting him to ask that. I had just been getting on with everything and not taking the time to think about how I felt. I sighed and stopped stirring the sauce, taking it off the heat. I leaned against the counter to face Brad. 

"Honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed at the start. I was having a bad day when I shot those rouges, but I don't regret that and I'm starting to understand this lifestyle. No one who is innocent gets killed, therefore I don't feel as bad taking their life. Of course I still feel bad but I can accept it. I've just learned to accept this life and just enjoy this second chance that the moon goddess gave to me. Especially when otherwise, I would have been sold to that pig and gosh knows what would've happened to me" I shivered. 

Brad pulled me into a hug, resting his chin on my head. " I will never let anything like that happen too you, my love. Even if it means loosing my life. I will always protect you no matter what" He promised.

"Me too, Brad. I'd give up my life for you without hesitation," I looked up at him so he could see the truth in my eyes. 

"Well I won't let it get to that point" He chuckled. 

We finished making the food and we sat down amongst our family eating in the living room while we watched a movie. I smiled to myself as I looked at my family. My parents were sat huddled together on one of the sofas. Brittney had her legs on Drakes lap on another, Jackson was playing with Sophia and her dolls on the floor and me and Brad were snuggled up under a blanket on another sofa. This was the family I had always wanted and I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Brad kissed my forehead. "I love you" He grinned. 

I chuckled. "I love you too"

"So Brad. The pack still need to be officially introduced to their luna. We need to hold the acceptance ceremony," Julian, his dad, said casually while eating his food.

I was suddenly put off of mine at the mention of this and put it to the side.

"I know dad. It's just been very hectic recently. I didn't think it was appropriate to have the ceremony" Brad sighed.

Julian nodded. "I agree it was inappropriate. But now there's nothing going on, I thought we could hold it on Saturday."

I chocked on the water I was drinking. "Saturday?! " I gasped when I could finally breathe again. "That's two days away. Surely that's not long enough to plan and set up an entire ceremony?"

Julian chuckled. "I understand that you are very nervous about this Winter, but you know we can't keep putting it off because of your nerves. You'll be alright. There's nothing to be afraid of"

Brad sighed. "He's right Win. If we keep putting it off, the chance of the pack rejecting you will only become greater"

I gaped at him. "Reject me?! You never mentioned that before!"

Brad grimaced. "Sorry, I didn't want to scare you"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Fine," I sighed. "You're right. I can't put it off any longer. Saturday it is then."

Julian grinned as did my father. "Great!" they said in unison.

Great indeed. Note my sarcasm.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*