A Mate For Christmas

Chapter 7

Victoria led Evie to a large room on the second floor. It looked like a study, with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a fireplace, and several elegant chairs. But what caught Evie's attention was the wall covered in photographs.

Hundreds of photos. Old and new. Black and white and color. All showing wolves and people, packs gathered together, celebrations and ceremonies.

"This is the pack's history," Victoria said, following Evie's gaze. "Four hundred years of it. Every Alpha, every Luna, every significant pack member. We remember our past because it shapes our future."

Evie stepped closer to the wall. One photo caught her eye. It showed a younger Victoria standing beside a handsome man with dark hair and kind eyes. She looked happy, radiant even.

"That was my mate," Victoria said quietly. "Daniel. He died three hundred years ago."

"I am sorry," Evie said.

"So am I." Victoria moved to stand beside her. "He was killed defending our territory from a rival pack. I felt it the moment he died. The bond breaking. It was like having my heart ripped out of my chest."

Evie looked at Victoria with new understanding. "But you survived."

"Barely," Victoria admitted. "For months, I wanted to follow him. The pain was unbearable. But I had two sons who needed me. Gideon was only thirty years old. Just a baby by werewolf standards. So I stayed. I survived. But a part of me died with Daniel that day."

She turned to face Evie fully. "That is why I do not want this for Gideon. The mate bond is a blessing and a curse. It gives you everything and leaves you vulnerable to losing everything. And humans, no offense, are so fragile. So easy to kill."

"I understand," Evie said softly. "You are trying to protect him."

"Yes," Victoria said. "But he has chosen you. And Gideon is even more stubborn than his father was. Once he makes a decision, nothing will change his mind." She sighed. "So if you are staying, I will make sure you are prepared. I will not lose another son because his mate was too weak to survive."

"What happened to Alexander?" Evie asked. "Gideon's brother?"

Victoria's expression went cold. "His human mate was named Sarah. Sweet girl, much like you. Alexander loved her desperately. But our enemies found out about her. They kidn*pped her and tortured her, trying to draw Alexander out. When he came for her, they killed them both."

Evie felt sick. "When did this happen?"

"One hundred and fifty years ago," Victoria said. "Alexander was the heir, the next Alpha. His death nearly destroyed this pack. It definitely destroyed me. Losing my son broke something inside me that never healed."

"I am so sorry," Evie whispered.

Victoria studied her for a long moment. "You truly care for him already, do you not? Even though you just met. That is the bond at work. It draws you together whether you want it or not."

"It scares me," Evie admitted. "All of this scares me."

"Good," Victoria said. "Fear will keep you alert. Keep you alive. Now sit. We have much to cover before tonight."

Evie sat in one of the chairs. Victoria took the one across from her.

"First lesson," Victoria began. "Werewolf hierarchy. Gideon is the Alpha. That means he is the leader, the strongest wolf in the pack. His word is law. No one questions him."

"What about you?" Evie asked. "You were questioning him this morning."

A small smile crossed Victoria's face. "I am his mother. I have certain privileges. But even I must ultimately submit to his authority as Alpha." She leaned forward. "The Luna is the Alpha's mate. Her role is just as important as his, though in different ways. The Alpha protects the pack physically. The Luna protects the pack emotionally."

"What does that mean?"

"It means you will be responsible for the wellbeing of every pack member. You will mediate conflicts, care for the sick and injured, guide the young ones, and maintain pack unity. The pack must see you as a mother, a sister, a friend. Someone they can trust and turn to."

Evie's head spun. "That sounds impossible."

"It is difficult," Victoria agreed. "But not impossible. I did it for centuries. Other Lunas have done it. You can too."

"How?" Evie asked. "I am not a werewolf. I cannot shift. I cannot heal fast or communicate through that mind link thing. How can I possibly lead wolves?"

"The same way I kept leading after my mate died," Victoria said. "With strength, wisdom, and heart. Being Luna is not about physical power. It is about emotional intelligence, compassion, and the ability to see what the pack needs before they know they need it."

She stood and pulled a book from the shelf. "This contains the laws and customs of our kind. You need to study it. Learn our ways. Understand the rules that govern us."

Evie took the heavy book. It was old, bound in leather, with pages that looked like they had been handled for centuries.

"Second lesson," Victoria continued. "Other packs will test you. They will insult you, challenge you, try to make you break. You must never show weakness. Never back down. Even if you are terrified inside, you must appear strong."

"Like tonight with Raphael," Evie said.

"Exactly. Raphael is dangerous. He has wanted Gideon's territory and power for centuries. If he senses any weakness in you, he will exploit it."

"What should I do?"

Victoria smiled, and it was almost predatory. "You will stand beside Gideon with your head high. You will meet Raphael's eyes without flinching. You will speak with confidence and grace. And you will remember that you are the mate of the most powerful Alpha in Europe. That makes you untouchable."

"Even though I am human?"

"Especially because you are human," Victoria said. "Do not apologize for what you are. Own it. Make it your strength, not your weakness."

Evie nodded slowly. She liked this Victoria much better than the cold, angry woman from this morning.

"Third lesson," Victoria said. "The mate bond will grow stronger every day. You will begin to feel Gideon's emotions, and he will feel yours. This connection is beautiful but also dangerous. If he is in pain, you will feel it. If you are afraid, he will feel it. Learn to control your emotions so you do not distract him when he needs to focus."

"How do I do that?"

"Practice. Meditation. Discipline." Victoria paused. "And there is one more thing you should know. If you and Gideon complete the mate bond fully, it will change you."

"Change me how?"

"The bond will make you stronger, faster, heal quicker. Not like a werewolf, but more than a normal human. It is the moon goddess's gift, to help human mates survive in our world."