Becoming a Leader

Chapter Four- Memories and a new Start

Skyllas POV

Seven Years Ago

 A few years ago my mother explained the mate bond to me. We were sitting on the couch in her study with my head in her lap while she brushed my hair.

“The Moon Goddess makes every one of us wolves and she makes someone for each of us. You’ll feel it in your heart when that day comes, your heart will squeeze and you will smell the most amazing scent. You’ll feel a pull to the person like a magnet, you’ll do anything you can to protect them including give your own life. Once you find your mate you can’t live without them. There have been times where people reject their mate but it isn’t wise. You may or may not get a second chance mate or can always choose a second chance mate of their own. But never forget you deserve to be treated like a queen, you have Alpha blood from both your father and I and you will be a powerful leader one day. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.” My mother spoke as I looked into her beautiful green eyes, which I inherited from her.

“But what if the man I’m mated to isn’t a good person? What if he’s a monster?” My 11 year-old self asked.

“If you fear him greatly and don’t see a life where you are treated right then reject him. But I would never want that for you. You see, once a person rejects a mate and doesn’t find another, or chooses one for themselves then that wolf will go insane. They’ll become bloodthirsty and kill whoever is in their way without a single thought.” She replied with a serious look on her face.

“What happens if you fight the mate bond?” I asked

“Oh my sweet girl, why would you want to?” My Mother said with a slight laugh, “Your mate is your other half. They’ll do anything to make you happy and you’d do the same. There is no fighting the mate bond, for it’s not the Moon Goddess’s way. Embrace it, love with your whole heart. “

“I will momma.” I said and I hugged her.

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I woke up while we were arriving to The Evercrown Pack territory. I must have fallen asleep after we got my remaining pack members in the SUVs and left my destroyed home. Merrick sat in the front seat and kept stealing glances at me like he expects me to break down at any moment. Nova is sitting in the middle of Sydney and I. Sydney told me she didn’t want to leave me alone with our new unknown allies and I appreciate that. Mate or not, Merrick is still a stranger and I don’t know anything about him other than his rank and name of pack. Before we left I told him I wanted to give my pack a proper burial and he told me he would have people come right away to start making graves. I winced when I heard the word ‘graves’, my heart had been broken and the other half of I’ve been missing was found all in one day. I still don’t understand why these rogues did what they did. My pack was doing anything to hurt them, we were peaceful even though we were strong.

I clear my throat to speak, “Merrick I will be returning to my land tomorrow to make sure my people are buried properly and to say my goodbyes.”

Merrick looks back at me. His blue eyes met mine. “I’ll accompany you and bring some warriors. “ He says.

“That won’t be necessary, I’m sure my people and I will be fine.” I tell him.

“Skylla I don’t want something happening to you, I couldn’t bear to lose you now that I’ve finally found you. I’m coming with and that’s final.” With that he turns back around to face the front, staring out the front window with a clenched jaw.

"Ma'am", I hear Sydney mindlinks me, "Is this man your mate?"

"He is, I will make an announcement after we bury our families tomorrow." I answered her. "So for now please keep this to yourself."

"Yes Alpha." She says.

"I will need your help getting our people settled in once we get-" I start to link her but I'm cut off when we come to a stop.

"We're home Skylla." I hear Merrrick. "I plan on introducing  you as my Luna to my pack as soon as we get settled."

"Sydney, Please take Nova out and give Marrick and I just a moment." I say while not taking my eyes off of Merrick.

"Yes Alpha." Sydney says and bows her head. She takes Novas hand and opens the door to exit the vehicle. She shuts the door to give us privacy.

"Alpha?" The driver speaks for the first time while looking at Merrick.

"You may leave." Merrick says without giving the driver a look.

Once the driver is out and the door is shut I shift in the seat uncomfortably. "Listen, I would like to let my pack - what's left of it anyway - time to heal before I inform them about us." I tell Merrick.

"How long?" He asks, almost sounding angry.

"I plan on telling them tomorrow after we put our fallen to rest. I have an aunt who is Luna of  the Grimhide Pack, some may want to go live there-'' I try to answer.

"If your pack is loyal to you then they would stay with you." He interrupts me.

"My pack is very loyal, after what we've just gone through I want them to have the best chance at happiness." I growl out and I know my eyes are black out of anger.

“I understand what you went through was hard, but you’re-“ he starts to say through gritted teeth but it is now my turn to interrupt him.

“You understand? So you lost your parents? You lost almost all of your pack and now have to explain to dozens of children why their parents aren’t coming back? Hmmm? Did you have to take over before it was your time? I understand you want me to drop everything and be the perfect mate and Luna to your pack, but I’m an alpha to people who need me.” I almost yell at him as I feel my face burning.

His eyes flash pity but when he blinks the pity is gone. “Fine, I will wait.” He states and exits the vehicle.

I take only a second to calm myself and exit as well. My people are already out of the other vehicles and waiting for me near the front of The Evercrown packhouse. Merrick stands on the top step of the porch and looks down at my people.

“I’m very sorry for your loss and everything you’ve gone through today. Our first floor bedrooms are for guests, my warriors will show you to some rooms so you may get washed up and relax before dinner is served tonight. I understand that there are young children and not many adults so I will have some of my pack come down and help you. Please feel free to roam about freely.” But as he speaks his eyes never leave my direction. He turns to another young man standing on his left - his beta I’m assuming- and says, “Please tell your mate to gather a few helping hands to assist with any needs.”

The young man nods his head and walks into the house. The warriors of Merricks pack start helping my people inside the house and I follow suit. Before I can enter I feel a firm hand grab my arm, I look over to see Merrick. He looks into my eyes and I can’t help but to feel captivated by them.

“If you don’t mind, will you please stay on my floor this evening? You don’t have to sleep in my room but I’d like you close by.” He says in a low voice so my pack doesn’t hear.

“I don’t mind. Thank you for taking us in.” I reply, grateful for him respecting my privacy and my request for not making an announcement about us being mates.

“You’re welcome. If you’ll follow me I can show you to your room so you may get cleaned up.” After he speaks to me he lets his hand fall and starts walking inside.

I follow Merrick into the house and I’m amazed at the scene before me. I didn’t get a look of the outside but the inside was huge, tall ceilings, wooden floors, a grand staircase, and pictures of past Alphas with their Lunas hanging on the walls. There are lots of windows to let in natural light during the day and plenty of light fixtures hanging from the ceiling for light at night. Some of the people of Merricks pack are present and stop to bow their heads at their Alpha while we walk by. He leads me upstairs to the second floor.

“This floor is for regular members of my pack, the third floor is for my beta and delta as well as their mates and families. The fourth floor is for the Alpha and Luna and their future family.” When he said this to me my heart stopped. I haven’t even thought about starting my own family.

“You’re home is lovely.” I tell him.

“I hope you may see this as your home too.” He tells me as we walk about to the second floor.

I don’t reply because I haven’t given any thought of what I want or what my packs’ next move might be. We walk in silence up the last remaining two flights of stairs until we reach the top floor. Merrick takes my hand in his and looks into my eyes.

"I am truly sorry for your loss, I don't know what it's like to go through what you are having to go through right now. But please know that I am here for you, anything you need please just tell me." His voice is calm as he speaks to me. "I can't imagine the pain you are in and I understand that you need time to heal, but please let me help you carry the load. I did mean what I said earlier. I really hope that you can see this as your home now."

"Thank you." I say and I give his hand a small squeeze. "Where will I be staying? I would like to shower and then attend to the needs of my people. I will let you know if we need anything."

"Right this way." He says and gives me a tight lipped smile. He leads me down the hall and all I can smell is his scent, fresh cut grass and coffee. it calms my nerves as I breath in his heavenly smell. "This will be your room for the time being. My room is right across from yours, so don't hesitate to come over if you need anything." Merrick opens the door to my room and I step in.

"Thank you again. I really appreciate all you have done for me and my pack." I tell him with a sincere smile.

"You are quite welcome Sky." And with that he turns and enters his room.

I close the door and turn to find an amazing room. There's a four poster poster bed with a dark grey comforter on it. The walls of the room are a dark blue with warm lighting. I see a dresser and two night stands. Nothing fancy, but it feels like home. I go to the right side of the room where I see two doors. I open the first and thankfully it's the bathroom so I walk in, turn on the light, and shut the door behind myself. I quickly go to the shower and turn on the water, I start to take my clothes off ready to wash this day away. I realize I don't have anything to wear so I walk back out into my room only to be greeted by Merrick standing in the doorway with fresh clothes in his hands.