For The Love of An Alpha

Luna Matters

Jay's eyes fluttered open slowly, the feeling of the down comforter over her body bringing the pleasure of warmth and weight. Warm maple and oak filling her nostrils, rolling over woke her quickly. She was alone. Looking around the room she noticed the lights were out and the curtains drawn, giving the room a soft dusk feel to it. Looking to the clock on the nightstand she realized it was still evening. 

Either we slept for more then a day or it's evening. She spoke to Scarlet, who only chuckled back in response. The two were so alike anymore, Jay could barely remember a time they didn't act the same. She knew every had to have it, that moment that their wolf was completely different than them. Jay smiled as she felt Scarlet's adoration for her wash her soul.

She rose from the bed and looked about the dimly lit room. She slept on the side opposite the window, facing the bathroom. There was a tall mirror that hung on a door, opening it she discovered a walk in closet with only one side filled. Suits, jackets and slacks filled the hangers. Further down there were watches, shoes, cuff links and dress socks. It seemed he had an outfit for everything. Stepping out she walked to the dresser to her right, opening the drawers she discovered they were full of sweats, tanks, t-shirts and underwear. Several pairs of cotton socks were tucked away in a large drawer with jeans and flannel shirts. She closed them up and moved to the other dresser. The drawers slid easier and as she opened them she noticed the small drawers were empty. She looked at the long white dresser, with three vertical small drawers at each end and three large drawers in the center. It was much larger then the six drawer dresser she had walked away from. 

Walking over, Jay gripped the round side of the half moon handle and pulled it open. Inside was a neatly folded hooded sweater, a pair of jeans and sneakers. On top was a note. Jay removed the objects, noticing they still had their tags and packaging on them. She opened the envelope and pulled the paper out.

-Dear Future Luna-

It is with great honor I welcome you into our family. While I am sure you will have plenty of your own clothes, please accept these as a gift. The sweatshirt is of the sports team that our teens tend to root for in football. It doesn't seem like much, but it means a lot to them. The jeans are a pair that Mama Jones had made, they have patches on the pockets with her custom embroidery. Again, I know it may not seem like much, but Mama is precious to all of us and it would do her a great honor to see you wear something she made. Lastly, the necklace is a gift from me. Withing the silver moon pendant is a space to hand a photo. May your memories with our family be too many to count.

With Love, Asia Vross

Jay felt love warm over her as she read the note. Asia didn't know who was coming, but she still wanted to make her feel welcome. Jay carefully put the note back in the envelope and laid it atop the dresser with care. She removed the clothes from the packaging and took off the tags. They had a soft floral scent to them. Jay was pleasantly surprised they didn't have a musty, old clothes smell. She pulled the dark gray sweater over her head, the read arrowhead logo seemed to glow against the contrast of the dark fabric. She pulled the jeans on slowly, the legs seemed a little baggy and the waist had some extra space, but they did feel very comfortable. Looking in the mirror, Jay smiled. For the first time she could remember, she looked almost normal.

She tucked her hands in the front pouch of her sweatshirt and moved to the stairs, turning back quickly to grab the book she had taken from the library. While climbing the steps she remembered Eli wanted to talk with her, but right now she wanted to be alone. The idea of diving into the words of some ancient text made her smile. She opened the door from their private chambers and put the latch in place to lock it open. The opposing side had no handle, so if she failed to leave it open she had to find her way back through the house. She quickly found the home for her book and began to run her fingers over the neighboring bindings. She pulled a faded navy blue book from it's place, turning it over she read the cover carefully. Ancient Lunar Laws, nope. She returned the book to it's place, not something for now. She continued her search for the perfect book.

Jay had just pulled the 8th book from the shelf and was examining it when the doors to the library swung open softly and latched shut. Placing the book back she moved quietly to the edge of the banister, the lower level was still, across the way Asia had walked into the space. The library was large, but in that moment it seemed small as the two made eye contact. As much as Jay wanted to be alone, something in Asia's face said she wasn't going to be. As if reading her mind, Asia quickly moved across the room to area Jay had been standing.

"Luna," Asia smiled as she approached.

"Please, just Jay." She smiled to her. Asia looked tense, almost nervous. "What's wrong?" She regretted asking the moment the words left her, but there was no stopping any flood gate she just opened.

"Actually, I was hoping to ask you," Asia started to fidget with her shirt, "what do you plan to wear to your Luna Ceremony?" Her brown eyes watched the look of confusion slowly creep across Jay's face.

"Wear for my what?"

"I'm so sorry! I thought you knew." Asia began to word vomit all over the situation.

"No," Jay was trying to calm her down, "Asia stop." She had grabbed the girls hands and was trying to get her to relax. "I've not lived in a pack since I was eight." Jay started, "Why don't you fill me in on what this it."

Asia took a deep breath and nodded. "You found the package." She smiled pointing to the sweater. Instantly the two broke out in girlish laughter, Jay didn't realize how much she needed this. 

They moved to the nearby couch and over sized chair, the large window letting in the beautiful evening sky. Both taking a seat on the couch, Jay turned to Asia and waited for her to start.

"So," Asia began, "every Alpha has a Luna. She's the female Alpha of the pack, the den mother if you will." Asia's hand moved as she explained everything. "She helps provide and protect. Some have been fierce and others have been tender." Asia smiled softly, "The Luna Ceremony binds the Luna to her Alpha, making them one. It binds her to the pack and the pack to her, making her family." She had taken Jay's hand in hers. "It's a lot like a wedding ceremony."

"Haven't watched one of those either. Not a lot of weddings at warlock executions." Jay said dryly causing Asia to laugh.

"Well, you get to wear dress of your choosing and then the Beta will cut the right palm of the Alpha and Luna, their hands will come together and their blood will join, making them one." Asia was smiling and talking like this was some amazing fantasy fairy tale about to come true. 

"That's it?" Jay brought one eyes brow up and a half smile.

"Well," Asia giggled nervously, "there is the Ascent, that comes after." Her cheeks were turning shades of pink, which was hard to see against her complexion.

"What's the Ascent?"

"That's when your mate claims you." Asia smiled, her hand going to the base of her neck. "It's when they place their mark on you in the most primal and AMAZING way."

Jay's hand moved to her neck on instinct, something in her said she wanted that. Asia was continuing to talk, but Jay was lost in thought. She had wanted Henri to bite her, to complete the mating. Jay needed to find Henri. Jumping from her chair, startling Asia, she ran for the door.

"I am so sorry," Jay said her hands up trying to stop Asia from stopping her, "I just need to find Henri."

"I think he's in his office." Asia called after her, "Second floor, just off the stairs!" Asia smiled as she watched her future Luna run through the usually calm library. Standing from her position on the couch, she set about finding the cookbook she had come in for.

Jay was down the stairs and through the apartment quickly, her bare feet padded loudly on the carpeted floor. She ran down the hall to the apartment and looked about, the sounds from downstairs traveled up the steps. There was laughter and talking, but none of the voice were Henri. She looked about, the stairs to her left, then she caught it, his smell. She took in a slow, deep in hale and began to follow the trail. She was only a few feet from him, as she walked across the large opening at the top of the stairs to the other side, there was a large conference room and beyond it was an closed door. Softly voices could be heard behind it. Henri's voice spoke up about the concerns of the intrusions on the pack. Sebastian had spoken about the current patrols status and that the neighboring packs had also seen the same increase in activity.J

ay's hand hesitated as she reached for the door knob.

"I spoke with the Alpha's on the Eastern line," Eli's voice came through, "they have accepted your invitation to the Luna Ceremony and request that we notify them of the precise date and time."

That's all Jay needed to hear, before Henri could answer she opened the door. The trio jumped to their feet as the future Luna stood in the doorway.

"Jay?!" Henri was moving out from behind his desk. "What,"

"When is the Luna Ceremony?" Jay wasted no time, she wanted answers.

"It's, umm.." Henri fumbled over his words and chose them carefully. "Whenever you want it." He smiled to her.

Jay was taken back by the statement, "You mean it?"

Henri wrapped his arms about her waist, "Absolutely." He kissed her at her brow, "It's considered good luck to be held on a full moon, but it can be whenever you want."

"When is the next full moon?" Jay looked to Eli, knowing he would know right away.

"Six days. The night of the sixth day will be the Hunter's moon." Eli spoke as he watched the pair before him carefully.

"Already?" Jay lowered her head and began to think through what he had said."

"If that's too soon..." Henri began.

"No, it 's not that." Jay smiled to him, "I was born under a Hunter's moon."

Henri smiled to her and kissed her softly. "So, is that a yes? Or a no? Will you be my Luna on the next full moon?"

Jay stared back at his blue orbs, watching them as they scanned her face for any hint of emotion. She smiled, a genuinely happy smile. "Yes." Her voice was a whisper, but Henri heard it. He brought his hands up to her jaw and kissed her passionately. When they pulled apart Eli and Sebastian were up and congratulating them. Jay hadn't realized how big of a deal this really was.

"Jay, I have tons of work I have to get done between now and then." Henri was looking down to meet Jay's gaze, "You're going to have to work with these two lugs to plan everything."

"Not true, Asia will want to help and I know Mama Jones won't be excluded." Sebastian smiled, clasping Henri on the shoulder.

"Mama who?" Jay looked to the trio.

"C'mon." Henri sighed and took Jay's hand.

"I guess the meeting is over?" Eli called out after them as Henri had already started down the hallway. 

Jay heard their laughter as the came down the stairs.

"Mama Jones," Henri was saying as they slowly moved about the first floor, "is my adopted mom." They had turned left just before the large doors into the family room, the sound of jeering and laughter emanating from it. "She took me in when I was twelve. My parents died during the attack from the Eastern Pack Alliance." He saw the confusion on Jay's face, "That big war that happened about sixteen years ago?"

Jay recalled a war from then, but she wasn't sure if it was the same. "I remember one, but not sure if it's the same." The were down a long hall, passing the kitchen to their left. "I remember my dad died in a war around then, but I don't know what the war was called."

Henri stopped just before knocking on a simple brown door. "Do you remember what pack?" His brow was furrowed, it didn't occur to him until now the Jay may have had a pack before.

"Umm.." Jay's eyes scanned the ground trying to remember the name. "I know I should know this." She reached out hoping Scarlet would remember, but got no response. It wasn't uncommon for Scarlet to not respond to things, sometimes she knew it was best for Jay to discover things. While they were one, they were also separate. "I remember thinking the name had something to do with the moon running through our veins." Jay looked up to Henri's gaze, "Moon Blood, maybe?"

"Lunar Blood?!" Henri was almost excited, hoping it was right.

"Maybe? I was eight when I was cast out, I don't know for sure. I'm sorry."

Henri hugged her gently, "Don't be sorry." He kissed the top of her head and then looked to her once more, "If you want, I think I know an elder that might know. I can ask around."

Jay shrugged, "Does it matter?"

"Only if you want to know." Henri's voice was sincere and calm.

Jay thought for a moment and then nodded her head. "Ya, ok. Why not."

Henri smiled and turned to knock on the door they were standing in front of. 

"Come in!" The sound of a woman's voice rang through the door. It was soft and tender, but you could tell it had some experience behind it.

Henri opened the door and allowed Jay to enter first, following close behind her. "Mama Jones?" Henri called out into the small living space the walked into. There was hardwood floor beneath their feet, Jay liked the feel under her toes. The cream colored couch and love seat were arranged to face a large fireplace, bookcases on either side of it. 

"In the kitchen, dear." Her voice came from down the hall to their left.

Following the voice, Henri walked Jay down the short hall that opened into a small dining space with a large window and an open kitchen. In front of the raised oven stood an older woman. Her silver, gray hair was cut just above the shoulder and her caramel eyes were focused on the oven door. Her hands showed signs of age, as Jay watched her reach for the oven door handle and swing it open. The smell of chocolate filled her senses and Jay felt her mouth start to water. The woman moved to lay a pan down on a waiting cooling rack, then turned to face the couple. Her blue apron tied tight about her thickened waist and the dimples at her cheeks showing through with her wide smile.

"I was wondering when I would get to meet her." Mama Jones moved to intercept the young woman before her.

"Mama," Henri began but was interrupted as Jay was engulfed in deep hug. He chuckled under his breath as Jay pulled back gasping for air. "I'd like you to meet Jay. Jay, Mama Jones." 

"It's an honor to live to meet you dear. Please, sit. I'll dish some brownies, fresh from the oven." She smiled to the pair as she moved about the kitchen, humming to herself.

Henri swung his arm out, offering the pick of seats at the small four person table. It was round and Jay chose to sit with her back to the wall, the beautiful window to her right and the kitchen to her left. 

"So," Mama began as she sat a plate in front of each of them, a large brownie and scoop of vanilla ice cream on each, "how are you adjusting, dear?" She looked to Jay as she took a seat across from her.

"I'm managing." She gave a rigid smile, "It's hard."

"I can imagine. I hear you've been through some stuff." She gave Jay a loving smile, "It's not easy having to acclimate to someone else's life." She gave Henri a look that caused him to lower his head and focus on his food. An unspoken conversation took place and Jay had a feeling it was in her favor so she didn't say anything.

"Henri's been very kind." Her hand reached for his arm, "He's made sure I have almost everything I need."

"Almost?" Mama's voice was shocked, "Henri what does this girl need that you haven't given her?"

Jay began to laugh as Henri's face looked shock and he felt the sting of being thrown under the bus. "I would love my own clothes." 

"We'll go shopping tonight." He smiled to her. "Anything you want." He grabbed her hand and kissed it lightly.

"I see you found Asia's care package." Mama smiled, "Do the pants fit ok?"

"They are a little loose, but I think it makes them more comfortable." Jay smiled she flipped up the hood of her sweater.

The table erupted in laughter as the evening conversation continued and they finished the dessert Mama Jones had prepared.

"Shouldn't we have had dinner first?" Jay asked.

"Tell them that Mama said you could spoil your meal." Mama Jones winked at her, "Besides, they are making taco salad for dinner." 

Jay scrunched her nose at the thought and Henri laughed at the face.

"My thoughts exactly dear, so instead we have dessert for dinner." She smiled and hugged them both one more time as they stood in front of her door.

"Oh!" Jay stopped as they were about to exit her home, "You'll be at the Luna Ceremony, won't you?"

"Of course!"

"It's in six days and I need your help," Jay started to fumble with her hands and Henri intercepted with his own, "with a dress. Can you help?"

"Henri, out!" In less then 10 seconds Mama Jones had pulled Jay back in the apartment and kicked Henry out and shut the door. "You wait out their Henri Michael!"

Jay heard him grumble something and chuckled in response.

"What are you thinking?" Mama Jones had moved quickly to the mantle of her fireplace and came back with a tape measure. "Long and flowing or short and skimpy?" She bounced her eye brows at Jay, causing her to laugh. "Sweater, off." Mama held her hands out and Jay responded quickly. Standing in the living room half naked, Mama Jones began to measure her body, moving Jays arms so they were out stretched and she stood like 'T'. 

"Long I think." Jay said, watching her move around.

"Long sleeve, short sleeve, no sleeve?" 

"Umm, middle?"

"So elbow length, about here?" Mama put her hand just below Jay's elbow and she nodded in response. Mama Jones walked to the mantle and wrote a few things on a piece of paper there. 

"What type of fabric?"

"I don't know, flowy? Soft?" Jay seemed really confused.

Mama Jones came back and measured around Jay's chest and waist, again returning to write something down. She looked back to Jay, "You can dress, dear." Writing a few more things down she came back to Jay with her paper. "I have an idea for you."

On the paper was a rough sketch of dress, Jay's eyes lit up. She'd never owned a dress, mostly because they weren't functional, but a part of her wanted to have one that made her feel like a princess. Like the royalty she recalled her Grandma calling her, "Star Princess".

"I love it!" Jay gasped, looking the paper over.

"Now," Mama said as she stood before the door, "what color?"

Jay smiled and whispered something to Mama, making sure that Henri couldn't hear it from beyond the door. His hearing remarkably keen to her voice.

"I think that is a perfect choice!" Mama's voice was giddy. "Now I will start on this. Come see me on Wednesday for a fitting and we can have this ready by Friday!"

Jay hugged Mama Jones tightly as she opened the door. Henri pushed himself from the wall quickly at the site of them.

"Have I cursed myself introducing you two?" Henri joked.

"Maybe," Jay smirked as she walked passed him.