White Fur

Chapter 35

Skyler’s POV

My brain is about to explode. I knew planning the Luna announcement ceremony was going to be a challenge since I’m not the best hostess but i never thought it would be this much. I’m so grateful to have Luna Maribelle, Andrea and Leilani here to help me, they are seriously lifesavers.

“So we have all the decorations ordered and will be here tomorrow. The dress fitting is set for Friday.” Luna Maribelle listed.

“Tomorrow can we go over pack members again? I want to be able to greet as many people as possible.” I said shyly.

Luna Maribelle gave me a loving, warm smile. “Of course we can, dear.” She looked at Andrea and Leilani before getting up from the table. “There are just two more items of busy, but I’m going to let you ladies handle it.”

“Ok, again thank you so much for all your help.” I got up to lead her out of the room. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“Of course, dear.” She pulled me in for a hug which I gladly returned. “Besides this is nothing compared to the actual Luna ceremony. I’ve been planning that event since Kanto turned 18, it’s good to have this little ceremony in the meantime.”

My mind filled with dread at the thought of the actual Luna ceremony. That was the big one where all the other packs would be invited and I would officially take over at the Luna of the Silverfang Mountain pack. Luna Maribelle looked at the other two women and gave them a slight nod before stepping out of Andrea’s office. I took my seat back at the table. They were up to something, that’s for sure. I guess I should find out what. “So what are the last two things we need to figure out.”

Andrea and Leilani shuffle in their seats uncomfortably and look at each other before Andrea speaks. “I know you are still adjusting to our way of life . . . but. . .usually. . . the Lunas are already marked by their mates when being announced to the pack.”

I instantly felt ashamed and embarrassed of my lack of a mark.

“We’re not judging you, we just know that it might make the night a bit challenging.” Leilani added. “Do you know when you might have Alpha Kanto mark you?”

“Um.” My heart sank, I know Kanto wanted to know this answer too. And I want to be able to give them an answer but I just don’t know yet.

“May I ask what’s holding you back?” Leilani asked gently. “Is it Alpha Kanto?”

“Absolutely not!” I answer without hesitation. “It’s just in the human world you get to know your partner for years before you commit the rest of your lives to each other. I’ve only know Kanto for a month, it’s not normal for us humans. Also what if Kanto gets tired of me? What if he finds someone better and I’m just holding him back? How can I know for sure that he will stay with me for forever?”

“Sky, I’ve known Kanto for years, since we were in middle school. Sure we weren’t close but he was the Alpha’s son. I’ve never seen Alpha Kanto this happy since he was in high school. I’ve never seen him look at another person the way he looks at you. You don’t need to fear him leaving you and as one of your best friends I know you are the best. So you don’t need to worry.” Andrea reassured me.

But I still had my doubts. “Andi, I’ve had someone look at me this way, I’ve had them tell me sweet nothings that I’ve believe. I moved too fast last time only to be completely betrayed and abandoned. How can I know that won’t happen again?”

“Kanto isn’t him.” Andrea said with a look of sadness and pity in her eye. “He’s completely different, and I can tell you from knowing both of them, Kanto is far superior to that pile of human garbage.”

“I can vouch for Alpha Kanto too. I’ve know him since just before he took on the Alpha role, he always does what is right for the pack and puts his people first. But since he’s met you, it’s like he’s lit up and is more hopeful. Also I’ve seen the way his eyes instantly find you in a room, and they stay there. He only has eyes for you.”

I knew what they were saying was true. Kanto isn’t Tim and he hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him. I mean, people wish every day that there was a clear sign that they found their soulmate. And he’s mine right in front of me and I’m hesitating. So why was I hesitating?

“You’re concerns are valid and we aren’t trying to force you to do anything. We just want you to be prepared for your announcement. Because people will ask and rumors might spread, we just want what’s best for you.” Leilani said as she placed a hand on mine.

Andrea followed suit. “Those batty old crones can get fussy all they want. We got your back girl, no matter what you choose to do.”

Not only did I have an extremely supportive partner, I also had so many people in the pack on my side. I’ve been embraced by many and this place and it’s members are starting to make me feel more like family everyday. I haven’t had a real family in such a long time, could this really be mine?

“Alright enough of the heavy topic.” Leilani said, changing the subject before the tears I was holding back started to fall. “We have to choose what food to serve.”

“Should we have steak or chicken?” Andrea asked. As if on command, my stomach rumbled loudly. “I guess both.” All of us laughed.

“How about a snack break?” I suggested. Both women nodded, so I got up and walked towards the door. “I’ll go get some snacks. You guys can stay here, I’ll be right back.”

“Bring back some Oreo cookies.” Andrea shouted as I left the room, I couldn’t help but chuckle. I was extremely grateful that I finally knew the layout of the pack house. I headed down the stairs, but on the second floor I heard a noise from the first.

“You dumb b***h!” A high pitched voice shouted followed by a smacking sound. I rushed down the stairs to see the commotion.

When I arrived I saw a small red headed girl shaking on the ground, laundry basket scattered everywhere. Standing over her were 3 other women, two of them behind one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Her bleach blonde hair with big curls perfectly framed her dark blue eyes. Her lipstick matched the color of her burgundy cocktail dress that hugged her perfect figure.

The bleach blonde haired woman stood smugly with her hands on her hips and began to speak. “How dare you not lower your head to me when I walk by. Don’t you know who I am?”

“What’s going on here?” I ask approaching the red headed girl.

“Nothing just teaching this omega her—“ The blonde stopped, titled her head to the other side while giving me a disgusted look before finishing her sentence. “Her place. What do we have here?”

I analyzed the red-head’s face to check if she was alright while the full of herself blonde kept talking. “A human, how cute. What is someone like you doing here?”

“Helping someone.” I said without even looking at her. I picked up the red head’s laundry basket and helped her off the floor.

“You better show me some respect, if you know what’s good for you.” The blonde said. What a pain in the ass.

“Respect is earned not given and I don’t respect bullies.” I said in a flat tone. As I turned to finally face the blonde, her hand landed on my cheek. Since she is a werewolf too, the slap caused me to lose my balance a little.

“She’s the future Luna of this pack.” One of the girls behind the blonde chimed in.

This b***h is in for a surprise. I regained my footing and looked a the three. “Really? I didn’t realize. I’ve always wondered what an Alpha’s mark would look like, may I see?”

She a bit too slow to cover her neck, so I give her a confused look. “Alpha Kanto is waiting until my announcement ceremony on Saturday to make me.” She pointed her nose in the air.

“Oh? Then how is the planning for the ceremony going? I’ve heard Luna Maribelle, Beta Female Andrea and Gamma Female Leilani have been working nonstop planning it. Weird I haven’t seen you up there when I walk by.” I said trying to point out that she hasn’t even been a part of the planning.

“I’m letting them plan it, it’s not the Luna’s job to do so much work.” She flipped her hair back over her shoulder. “Alpha Kanto loves me, he’ll do anything for me so I can live comfortably.”

This b***h. My blood starts to boil at this selfish brat thinking she act like this towards her pack members but most towards Kanto. I make a mental note to rip out her perfect hair later. “So you’re making everyone else do the work? Wow. Poor Alpha Kanto.”

“What did you say?!?” The blonde almost yelled.

“Well if Alpha Kanto’s mate is this abusive to the pack members and doesn’t work to help the pack, I can only imagine how much his pack will suffer because of a Luna who just wants his power.” The blonde didn’t say anything, instead she sent a fist straight for my stomach. It was too fast for me to dodge and I was knocked down. I let out a gasp for air but get up quickly and stand up as straight as possible to show I wasn’t backing down. “Lunas are supposed to care for all of their pack members, what a disappointment.”

The blonde got in my face letting out a growl. “Alpha Kanto loves me, I’m the most beautiful wolf in this pack and you’ll see that on Saturday at my Luna announcement ceremony.”

This b***h was delusional. “Yes we will all see who the new Luna is on Saturday.” I say with a grin.

The blonde raises her hand to slap me again but is interrupted by a voice behind me. “Is everything ok here?”

The blonde puts her hand down, gives me a quick death glare then answers. “Yes everything’s fine, we were just leaving.” She turns back to her posse and starts to walk down the hall. “See you on Saturday, that is if a worthless human like you gets to go.”

When she is finally out of sight, I hunch over and take deep breaths, my lungs still burning from getting the wind knocked out of me. “Are you ok?” The mysterious voice asked.

I put my hand up and wave it. I managed to breathe out some words. “I’m fine but can you check on her.” I point to the red head who was quivering behind me.

When I’m finally able to catch my breath, I straighten my back and turn to the two people in the hallway. “Ms. McCarthy?” It was Ryan, a very confused and shocked Ryan, but him none the less. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question?” I replied with the same confusion.

“I live here with my sister.” He was puzzled.

“So you’re a werewolf too?”

He confirmed my suspicions with a nod. “But why are you here?”

“Alpha Kanto brought me here. He said it wasn’t safe for me in the city.” I could see Ryan’s eye take a quick glance at my neck looking for a mark. I walked over to check on the still shaking girl. “Are you ok?” I finally got a good look at her face. “Wait, haven’t we met before? Didn’t we met on the day I first got here?”

The girl just nodded her head. Ryan was still trying to figure out what was going on based on his next question. “If Alpha Kanto brought you here, then are you his mate?”

“That’s what he told me.” I quickly looked at Ryan and answered before turning my attention back to the girl. “My name is Skyler, what’s your name again?”

“Minnie.” She said quietly.

“Are you ok Minnie?” I repeated my question. She nodded her head. “I was about to go to the kitchen and grab a snack, want to join me?”

A smile almost grew on her face as she nodded again. “Ms. McCarthy, why didn’t you tell that other woman that you are the next Luna?”

“People should respect each other no matter there rank. It shouldn’t matter who I am, she shouldn’t bully others. Are you going to grab a snack with us Ryan?” I stole the laundry basket from Minnie which she try to grab back before walking towards the kitchen, Ryan not far behind us. “Ryan I have a favor to ask.”

“Sure Ms. McCarthy.” Ryan said energetically.

“Can you not tell Alpha Kanto about this? He’s already got enough on his plate and I don’t want to worry him for no reason.” I asked, I really didn’t want Kanto to be over dramatic about it.

Ryan’s face looked a little nervous, probably due to me asking him to keep secrets from his Alpha. “I don’t know, I think he should know about your safety as the future Luna.”

“I’ll tell him later, but for right now just keep this between us please? Minnie you too please.” Both of them nodded cautiously but I was just happy they agreed. I didn’t want to hide behind Kanto’s power, I want to fix my own problems without relying on others. But I was pleased with their loyalty to Kanto.

We make our way to the kitchen. Minnie goes to the pantry while Ryan grabs an apple from one of the baskets on the counter. I take a seat in a chair for a moment, my stomach still sore from the blonde’s punch. Who the hell was the girl? Why did she think she’d be the next Luna? I guess Kanto and I have quite a bit to discuss later. Ugh what I would give to have a drink right now.

After gathering all the snacks needed to continue planning, making sure to grab Andrea’s Oreos, we head back upstairs. Ryan walked with Minnie and me but went a different direction down another hall. Minnie helped me carry the snacks all the way to Andrea’s office, which was our planning headquarters.

“Back with the snacks!” I sang as we walked in the room. “Minnie why don’t you stay and help? I would love to get to know you more.”

“Oh no, I could possibly.” She said nervously.

“You should stay Minnie. You always work so hard, come and relax a bit.” Leilani coaxed while Andrea offered her the sacred first Oreo.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I would like it if you could.” I try to say as sweetly as possible. Minnie slowly nodded and sat at the table.

“So back to dinner options.” Andrea started to say but stopped and stared aggressively at my face. “Skyler. What happened to your face?”

“Oh it’s nothing, um steak should be good.” I replied trying to change subjects.

“Skyler.” Andrea said, refusing to budge.

I let out a sigh. “Just met another pack member, but I handled it so don’t worry.”

Andrea looked at Leilani, the two seemed to be having a private conversation in their minds. Andrea then let out a sigh. “Well I don’t know about you three but I could use a drink.” She got up and opened a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of what seemed to be liquor but I’ve never seen anything like it before. “I need to go get more liquor from downstairs.”

“Why? That looks plenty for 10 people.” Leilani and Andrea laughed, Minnie smiled. “What?”

“Sky, werewolves have extremely high metabolisms. Normal human liquor doesn’t do much for us, so some genius came up with a stronger liquor meant for werewolves.” Andrea explained. “In other words, you shouldn’t drink it.”

“Oh come on, you know I can hold my liquor. How strong could this be? At least let me try a little.”

“You heard her Andrea, she wants to try a little. Might as well.” The mischievous face Leilani didn’t make me feel good about my decision. Minnie face of concern just reassured me that this was probably a bad idea. “Better tell the boys we will be eating dinner here.”

“Uh you guys are so dramatic, it’s one drink what’s the worst that could happen.” I say as I take a shot of the mystery liquor. It tasted unlike anything I’ve had before, barely tasted like alcohol. But if I’ve learned anything about drinking, if you can’t taste the alcohol, it’s dangerous. And of course that was true for this as well.