Alpha Greogry

Pack Dinner

Emma's POV

When I woke up the next morning, my entire body throbbed with a dull, relentless ache.

It felt as though I had spent the night curled up on the cold, hard floor, and in truth, I had slept on the floor.

The memory of Alpha Gregory sending me out of his room was still fresh, a bitter reminder that he had not accepted me.

The red moon pool had drained me, left me aching for my mate, but there was nothing I could do.

The bond between us was as real as the pain coursing through my veins, but without his acceptance, it was as if I was clawing at the walls of an impenetrable fortress, trapped in a limbo of unfulfilled longing.

Luna Essa had woken me. Her presence was quiet, understanding.

She hadn't said a word about the night before, but her eyes told me she knew.

Maybe it was the way my limbs moved sluggishly, or the defeated look I must have worn like a mask.

Either way, she didn’t press me for details, and I was grateful for that.

Now, I stood beside her in the kitchen, setting the table for the event we were hosting.

A joint gathering for the Alphas from other packs, who were coming to congratulate Alpha Gregory on finding his mate.

My heart twisted at the irony. They were coming to celebrate a bond that was far from complete, a connection that existed only in name, not in reality. But I had no choice but to play my part.

The table was long and grand, fit for the powerful Alphas who would soon arrive.

I arranged the plates with care, my movements precise and deliberate, though my mind was a million miles away.

The clinking of silverware against the porcelain was the only sound that broke the heavy silence between Luna Essa,me and other Omega's of the pack.

She worked alongside me, her grace and poise a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside me.

“Emma,” she finally spoke, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

“Yes, Luna?” I replied, looking up from the napkin I was folding.

“Just remember,” she said, her eyes meeting mine with a steady gaze. “The Moon has a plan for all of us. Even when it seems like everything is falling apart.”

I nodded, forcing a smile. I wanted to believe her, to take comfort in her words. But all I could feel was the emptiness where my mate’s acceptance should have been

..........

"Luna Essa, is there anything else you need help with?" I asked as I finished setting the last plate on the table, trying to keep my voice steady.

She glanced at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "Emma, you don't have to call me Luna anymore. As of now, you are the present Luna."

Her words took me by surprise. I froze, my hand lingering over the tablecloth.

The title felt heavy, like a crown I wasn't ready to wear. Without completing the mate bond, how could I possibly take on such a role?

The thought burned at the back of my mind, but I didn’t dare voice it. Instead, I sighed inwardly, pushing the doubt aside.

"Of course," I replied, nodding, though the words felt hollow. My thoughts were a tangled mess, but I forced myself to keep moving, to focus on the task at hand.

As we finished the preparations, I couldn't help but notice the way the other Omegas looked at me.

Their gazes were cautious, hesitant, like they wanted to approach me but weren't sure if they should. I couldn't blame them.

I knew I looked a mess—exhausted, drained, and far from the image of a Luna they might have expected.

I tried to muster a reassuring smile, but even that felt forced, as if my face had forgotten how to form the expression naturally.

Once everything was done, the Omegas quietly departed, leaving me and Luna Essa alone in the dining hall.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Luna Essa, where should I…stay?"

She looked at me, understanding dawning in her eyes. "You'll stay in one of the guest's room, for now.

But don't worry, we'll make the necessary arrangements soon and I would talk to my son because you are mate's and mate's are supposed to stay together."

I bit my lip, unsure how to respond but just decided to say something to stop the tears that were threatening to spill because I knew my mate would never accept me.

"I don't have anything to wear for the ceremony Luna," I finally admitted, the words barely a whisper but it was better than keeping quiet.

She reached out, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "Come with me, Emma. We'll find you something suitable."

I nodded, following her as she led the way.

As we walked through the hallways, Luna Essa—no, Essa—turned to me, her expression soft but probing.

"So, tell me, Emma," she began, her voice gentle, "how was last night?"

The question hit me like a blow. My heart sank, and I felt my face fall into a look of sadness that I couldn’t hide.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back the wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

"You two didn’t meet, did you?" Essa asked, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.

I couldn’t bring myself to respond. My throat tightened, and all I could do was look down at the floor, avoiding her gaze.

The silence between us grew heavy as we continued to walk.

But then Essa stopped, gently taking my hands in hers, forcing me to look up at her.

Her eyes were full of understanding, even a hint of sympathy. "See, Emma, I know my son," she said softly.

"And I know that he likes you. Just give it some time, alright? The mate's pull is strong—you can’t avoid it, understood?"

Her words were meant to be reassuring, but they only made the ache in my chest deepen.

Still, I managed to nod, even if it felt like I was only half-believing what she said.

Essa smiled, releasing my hands. "Good. Now, let’s go find something to make their heads turn. You need to look your best for the ceremony."

Her words were light, meant to lift my spirits, and I appreciated the effort.

I nodded again, this time with a bit more conviction, and followed her as we continued walking.

We finally came to a stop in front of a large, ornate door. Essa—paused for a moment before pushing it open, revealing a room that was as grand as it was welcoming.

“Okay, welcome to my room,” she said warmly, stepping inside and gesturing for me to follow.

“And Emma, be sure that anytime you need anything, you can just walk up to me. You don’t need to knock.

You’re free to come in whenever and however you want, understood?”

She smiled at me, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, but my mind wasn’t fully present.

I was too busy wrestling with the unease that gnawed at me. Essa’s friendliness was disarming—too disarming.

No one had ever been this kind to me without having some ulterior motive, and that thought alone was enough to set me on edge.

Despite her reassuring words, I found myself instinctively leaving the door slightly ajar.

Just in case I needed to make a quick exit. It was a habit, a defense mechanism born from years of being on guard, a consequence of the life I had been forced to live because of what my father had done.

Trusting others had never been an option, and now, even the smallest gestures of kindness felt like a trap I needed to escape.

Essa, seemingly unaware of my inner turmoil, moved to a large wardrobe on the far side of the room.

She opened it with practiced ease, revealing an array of elegant dresses.

After a moment of consideration, she pulled out a stunning red gown, its fabric shimmering in the light as she held it up.

“This is perfect,” she said with a satisfied nod, her eyes gleaming with approval.

I nodded again, forcing myself to take the gown from her hands.