-Ember-
I wake with a start, my hand automatically reaching across the bed only to find cold sheets where Adrian should be. The emptiness sends a brief jolt of panic through me before I force myself to take a deep breath.
"Annnd he's gone," Ivy mutters, her voice thick with sleep. "Should we start panicking now or give it five minutes?"
"We're not panicking," I snap, though I can't quite quiet the flutter of anxiety in my chest. "And aren't you supposed to be the logical one? Where was that yesterday when I was having a complete meltdown over some scent in his office?"
"Excuse me?" Ivy sounds genuinely offended. "I was emotional too! We're connected, remember? When you spiral, I spiral. I can't be the voice of reason when you're broadcasting 'he's-just-like-Tanner' vibes at full volume."
"Well, that's inconvenient," I grumble, running my hands through my tangled hair. "I was counting on you to talk me off the ledge next time."
"Sorry to disappoint," she replies, not sounding sorry at all. "But I'll try to keep it together if you promise to take a breath before jumping to worst-case scenarios."
"Deal," I agree, sitting up fully. "Besides, Adrian made it clear last night that he wants us—only us. He wouldn't just disappear."
I laugh at myself, shaking my head at how quickly my mind jumps to the worst conclusions. Adrian has made it abundantly clear that he wants me—only me. The memory of his fierce declarations last night sends warmth spreading through my body, chasing away the lingering chill of doubt.
"You're right," Ivy concedes with surprising reasonableness. "The man would literally chew off his own arm before betraying us. His words, not mine. Though I wouldn't mind seeing those teeth in action for... other activities."
"Can you go five minutes without turning everything sexual?" I ask, though there's no real heat behind it.
"I'll let you know if I ever try," she retorts smugly.
As I swing my legs over the side of the bed, a thought strikes me. Maybe what I need to fully move forward with Adrian is to confront the source of my trust issues head-on. Tanner is locked in the cells somewhere in this packhouse, and I haven't seen him since that night in Silver Moon.
I shower and dress quickly, deciding to ask Oaklynn to accompany me to breakfast. Together, we can figure out how to approach Adrian about seeing Tanner.
"Are you sure confronting Tanner is a good idea?" Ivy asks, uncharacteristically cautious. "That jackass knows exactly which buttons to push. What if he says something that sets us back to square one with Adrian?"
"That's the point," I explain as I finish brushing my hair with more force than necessary. "I need to face him and show myself that he doesn't have power over me anymore. I can't let him keep living rent-free in my head, especially when it's affecting my relationship with Adrian."
"Fine," Ivy concedes reluctantly, "but if he says anything remotely sleazy, I reserve the right to take over and verbally eviscerate him. And I mean it, Ember. I will make him regret the day his father's sperm met his mother's egg."
"Graphic, but fair," I mutter, unable to suppress a small smile at my wolf's protectiveness.
I make my way to Oaklynn's room, but when I knock, there's no answer. I wait a few minutes, shifting my weight from foot to foot before deciding to head to breakfast alone.
"Guess Dr. Sunshine might be with her grumpy wolf and his adorable mini-me," Ivy comments. "Ten bucks says Carter's slowly weakening to her charms. The man never stood a chance."
I start down what I think is the hallway to the main staircase, but after several turns, I realize I have absolutely no idea where I am. The packhouse is a labyrinth of corridors that all look frustratingly similar.
"Left. No, right. Wait, have we passed that ugly vase before?" Ivy is no help at all. "This place needs a GPS system. Or at least some 'You Are Here' maps like at the mall."
I turn down yet another unfamiliar hallway and let out a frustrated huff. I should have asked Adrian or Jax for a map yesterday. This is ridiculous.
The sound of approaching footsteps floods me with relief. I straighten my posture, not wanting to look completely helpless on my second day as Luna. Laura rounds the corner, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise before she arranges her features into a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Luna, what a pleasant surprise," she says, her voice dripping with a sweetness so exaggerated it feels performative.
"About as pleasant as finding a spider in your shoe," Ivy mutters.
Now that I think about it, Laura's excitement yesterday at the pup center had seemed a bit forced too. The way she'd gushed about Adrian finding a Luna had felt almost theatrical, like she was playing a part rather than genuinely pleased.
"Hi, Laura," I reply, trying not to sound as sheepish as I feel. "I uh...seem to have gotten myself lost."
Laura waves her hand dismissively, eyes scanning me from head to toe. "That happens to all the newcomers their first few weeks. Where were you supposed to be heading?"
I bite my lip, embarrassment warming my cheeks. "The dining hall."
"Then how did you end up here?" Laura's eyes widen dramatically as she lowers her voice to a loud whisper. "This is the third floor. The restricted area."
"Honestly, I have no idea," I admit, glancing around the hallway. Unlike the warm, inviting corridors of the main living areas, this hallway is darker, with sparse decoration and an air of formality that feels almost oppressive. "What exactly is up here that makes it so... restricted?"
"Well," Laura says, drawing out the word like she's speaking to a child, "the Elder meeting chambers, the Archives, and the restricted library—that only Alpha, Beta, and a few elders have access to. Not many people come up here without... permission."
The emphasis on the last word isn't lost on me.
"Then why is she up here?" Ivy asks suspiciously.
I eye Laura with growing suspicion. "So...what are you doing here then? Are you one of the Elders?"
Laura lets out a tinkling laugh that sounds as artificial as her smile. "Oh, Goddess no."
"Notice she didn't actually answer the question," Ivy points out.
Before I can press further, Laura's phone rings. She glances at the screen, her face draining of color so quickly that even I notice the change. She answers with a trembling hand.
"Hello?" She listens for a moment, her eyes darting to me nervously. "Yes, sir." More listening. "I promise you won't be disappointed." Another pause. "I understand completely."
She turns slightly away from me, lowering her voice to a harsh whisper. "I'm sorry, I'm not really in a situation where I can discuss this openly right now." Final pause. "Yes, sir. I will call you back later. Everything is proceeding as planned."
"Well that wasn't suspicious AT ALL," Ivy drawls sarcastically. "Nothing screams 'totally innocent conversation' like 'I can't talk openly right now' and 'proceeding as planned.' Who the hell is she talking to?"
Laura hangs up and offers me a tight smile. "Sorry about that. Pack business never stops."
"Is everything okay?" I ask, unable to mask both my concern and curiosity. "That sounded... intense."
"Yes, that was just my son's mentor," Laura says rapidly, the words tumbling out too quickly to be convincing. "He's very strict about schedules and progress reports."
Something about this whole situation feels wrong. I don't trust Laura to be up here alone, especially not after that cryptic phone call.
"Can you be so kind and show me the way to the dining hall?" I ask, plastering on my most innocent smile.
"Yes, of course," Laura agrees, seemingly relieved by the change of subject.
We walk side by side through the maze of corridors, Laura casting frequent glances my way when she thinks I'm not looking. After several minutes and dozens of turns that I'll never remember, we finally arrive at the dining hall.
"Thank you, Laura," I say as she gives a slight bow and turns to leave. On impulse, I add, "Laura, would you like to join me for breakfast?"
Her steps falter. "No, I would hate to intrude."
"I insist," I press, my smile unwavering. "I would love to get to know all the pack members."
Laura shifts uncomfortably. "I guess I could stay a few minutes."
As we enter the dining hall, we nearly collide with Callie, who's on her way out. Her face brightens when she spots me.
"Luna! Good morning!" she greets cheerfully. "And to you, Ms. Laura."
My smile becomes genuine as I return her greeting. "Good morning, Callie! How was Iris yesterday evening? I feel bad I didn't say goodbye to her."
After my emotional breakdown, I'd completely forgotten about the little girl who'd become so attached to me and Oaklynn.
"Oaklynn explained to her that you needed some quiet play time and would see her today," Callie assures me.
"I'll make sure to," I promise, relieved. "She'll be at the pup center all day?"
"Yeah," Callie confirms before turning to Laura with a hopeful expression. "I wanted to talk to you about claiming a spot as a den-mother this summer. I know all the girls fight over the openings once school lets out."
Laura's expression cools noticeably. "I don't know, Callie. I'll have to think about each application carefully."
"What's her deal?" Ivy wonders. "The girl's great with kids."
"I think Callie does wonderfully with the pups," I interject, backing up the teenager. "She seems to have a natural way with them."
Laura's lips thin into a tight line. "With all due respect, Luna, you've been here one day. I've been managing the pup center for fifteen years. There are... considerations beyond just being 'good with children.'"
"Such as?" I challenge, feeling my hackles rise at her condescending tone.
"Loyalty. Dedication. Understanding of pack hierarchy," Laura lists off, each word pointed. "Some things that only come with time and... proper upbringing."
"Are you suggesting Callie lacks these qualities?" I ask, my voice dropping dangerously low.
"I'm suggesting that I need to evaluate all candidates carefully," Laura replies smoothly. "As I've always done."
"Are you in charge of the pup center?" I ask Laura, though I already suspect the answer.
Her expression shifts to something almost smug. "Yes, I am. The late Luna used to be until the tragic event. Now it's my domain."
"Her domain? Who does she think she is, the Queen of England?" Ivy snarks. "Time to knock her down a peg, Em."
I cross my arms, feeling my spine straighten as irritation builds. "So the pup center is usually run by the Luna of the pack?"
Laura's smugness falters. "Yes..."
"So it should be one of my jobs?" I ask, cocking an eyebrow and channeling some of Stella's attitude.
"Luna, you just got here," Laura sputters, backpedaling quickly. "You shouldn't have to worry about these kinds of things yet. There's so much for you to learn about our pack traditions first."
I glance around, noticing several pack members watching our exchange with undisguised interest. Perfect. An audience might help establish my authority.
"How many of the late Luna's jobs did you take over?" I ask pointedly, not missing the way her eyes narrow at my question.
Laura's cheeks flush with color. "Only the ones to do with pack relations. The event planning was taken over by a different pack member. I stepped in because someone had to maintain order."
"So let me get this straight," I say, my voice carrying across the now-silent dining hall, "you've been doing Luna duties by necessity, and now that there's a real Luna, you're telling her not to worry about it? That she needs to learn more before taking on her rightful responsibilities?"
"That isn't what I was saying," Laura protests weakly. "I'm only thinking of what's best for the pack—"
"No," I cut her off, surprising myself with my firmness. "You're thinking of what's best for you. There's a difference."
I turn to Callie, decision made. "You have a spot in the pup center this summer." Then I look back at Laura, channeling every ounce of authority I can muster. "Gamma Jax told me yesterday that as Luna, my word is practically law. The only person who can veto my decision is my mate, and I doubt Adrian will go against me in this."
Laura's face turns an impressive shade of red. "You have no idea what you're doing," she hisses, low enough that only I can hear. "This pack has survived just fine without you for years. Don't think you can waltz in here and change everything overnight."
Without another word, she turns on her heel and stomps out of the dining hall.
"Damn!" Callie lets out a surprised laugh once Laura is gone. "No one has ever gone against her like that. You just became my personal hero."
"Really?" I ask, surprised by the strength of Laura's reaction.
"Well, just her daughter, but no one else has dared," Callie explains. "She's been doing Luna duties for so long no one questions it anymore."
A sense of foreboding creeps up my spine. "Her daughter?"
"Yeah, Jasmine."
The color drains from my face so quickly I feel momentarily lightheaded. Of course it would be Jasmine. Carter mentioned yesterday that Jasmine was starting to act like the Luna before Adrian broke things off with her. Like mother, like daughter.
"Holy mother of wolves," Ivy breathes. "It's a whole family of crazy! The apple didn't fall far from the tree—it hit every branch on the way down and landed right in the same delusional soil."
"That explains a lot," I murmur, more to myself than to Callie.
"You've met Jasmine already?" Callie asks, looking surprised.
"Not exactly," I say carefully, not wanting to get into the details of finding Jasmine in Adrian's bed my first night here.
"Between us," Callie leans in, lowering her voice, "Laura's been telling everyone who'll listen that Jasmine and Adrian were practically engaged before you showed up. She's been... less than thrilled about your arrival."
"Great," I mutter. "Just what I needed. More enemies."
"Hey," Callie touches my arm gently, "for what it's worth, most of us are really happy you're here. Adrian's been different since he met you—in a good way. Less broody, more... I don't know, alive?"
I scan the dining hall for any familiar face. No Oaklynn. No Adrian. Not even Jax or Carter. I turn back to Callie, suddenly not wanting to be alone with my thoughts.
"Callie, will you sit with me?" I ask, trying not to sound as desperate as I feel. "I really don't want to be alone right now, and I can't seem to find anyone." A thought occurs to me. "Unless you have to get to school."
Callie's smile brightens as she links her arm through mine, leading me toward the breakfast buffet. "I think I'm allowed to be late as long as I have the excuse 'dining with the Luna.' Besides, I have so much pack gossip to fill you in on—starting with why you should never, ever eat the Tuesday meatloaf."
"I like her," Ivy declares. "And if Laura and Jasmine are teaming up against us, we need all the allies we can get."
As Callie starts filling me in on all the packhouse gossip, I can't help but wonder what Laura was really doing on the third floor—and who was on the other end of that phone call. Something tells me I've stumbled onto something much bigger than a territorial den mother upset about losing her authority.
And somehow, I doubt Adrian is going to be thrilled about me making enemies on only my second day in Dark Pine.
But if there's one thing Tanner inadvertently taught me, it's how to recognize when someone is hiding something. And Laura? She's definitely hiding something big.
"Welcome to day two of being Luna," Ivy quips. "Breakfast with a side of drama. At least we're not bored!"
No, definitely not bored. But possibly in way over my head.