Alpha and Luna Rising

Chapter 4

June 4, 2025

One Week Later

Ava POV

Today marks the last day of our courting phase. After today, I start the waiting period until I find out if Garrison will accept or reject me. We aren't allowed to have any contact for the next two weeks. So far this week, Garrison and I have been able to hang out once, and I got to meet Corbin, Garrison’s Gamma.

All three of us get along well and have a fun time. Corbin makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. He has me laughing until my stomach hurts. I get lost in my thoughts about that day and the excitement of spending time with Garrison on the last day of our courtship. It's not until Garrison starts rowing back to the dock that I stop reminiscing. So, I take the opportunity to ask, “What do you want to do for the family and friends ceremony?”

“I’d like to invite my parents, Corbin, and his mate Jennifer. My guess is: You'll invite Will and the rest of your family.”

I nod before saying, “Yes, I would love to have my family there. Whoever you want to invite is fine with me. Let's keep it simple by using a room in the event hall and going with a lavender and blue theme.”

Garrison chuckles and says, “Our favorite colors! I agree to keep it simple. I don't mind booking the room for us. What about food?”

“Italian buffet,” I suggest.

He says, “You’re thinking pizza and chicken parmesan with pasta.”

“That sounds good! Can we also serve stuffed peppers, salad, and lasagna, or do you think that would be too much food?” I ask.

Garrison shrugs and suggests, “Let's nix the salad, and we can always donate the leftovers to some family or the warriors on patrol.”

The bounce in my steps increases, and I say one word at a time, “I’d love to donate it to the warriors on patrol as a thank-you. I’ve always wanted to do something for them to say thank you.”

As we reach my house, we see Corbin on the porch. Both Garrison and I stand up straight. Power oozes off him as he says, “What’s the matter?”

“Your dad showed up at training, and Will is covering for you,” Corbin says before getting cut off by Garrison.

“So it’s only a matter of time before the cavalry arrives,” Garrison snarls, causing me to back up in response to the anger radiating off him.

Corbin says, “Sorry, man! You might want to say goodbye and head to the pack house soon.”

Before I can get too far away, Garrison grabs me by the waist and pulls me to him. He nods to Corbin before pulling me into his arms and hugging me. I feel safe and cherished. My heart starts to hammer against my chest walls when he pulls away. His palms turn sweaty, and he asks me, “Before we part, I’d like to kiss you at least once if you are okay with that.”

At my nod, Garrison lifts me to be at eye level with him. He gives me a gentle and sweet kiss. After he sets me back on the ground, I feel a frown form on my face. I’d hoped the kiss would have lasted longer. Garrison kisses my forehead and says, “Don’t be sad! It’s only two weeks.”

I shake my head, and a blush falls on my face. Garrison laughs and softly places his hand under my chin. He bends down and gives me another soft, gentle kiss. Garrison isn't the one to pull away. I do when I need to catch my breath. “I’ll see you in two weeks,” he says, taking my hand. He lets go and heads back to the pack house.

I walk into the house and start getting ready to tell the rest of my family my news, as they will be coming for dinner. As I prepare, I can’t help but think about what their reaction will be. Has Will told his mate Raine about Garrison and me? How is Garrison's talk going with his parents?

That thought brings to mind the conversation with Garrison about when to tell the rest of our friends and family.

Garrison and I were walking home after Corbin left us. I ask, “When should we tell the rest of our friends and family?”

He briefly thinks and asks, “What are you thinking?”

“How about the same day our courtship ends? It allows everyone time to wrap their heads around the idea of us or a rejection,” I reply.

He shrugs before saying, “I get what you're saying, but it also gives them time to force their agenda.”

“Are you worried that your dad will push you to reject me?” I ask.

He nods and takes my hand. “I wish I could promise you that I won’t reject you. I think you are an incredible wolf. Once word gets out, we’ll face incredible pressure, and I’m not sure if I’ll be strong enough not to crack.”

I gently grab his chin so he will look at me instead of the ground. “Hey, you have been nothing but honest with me. I want you to know that these past few weeks have been special, and no matter the outcome, I won’t regret them.”

He almost kisses me when a knock on my door brings me back to the present. “Av, can I come in?” Will asks.

After opening my door, I silently let him into my room. I sit on my bed, and he pulls my desk chair over. “What’s up, Will?” I ask with a shaky voice.

My brother's furrowed eyebrows and fidgeting fingers hint that he is nervous. He says, “Garrison told me you are mates. I wanted to see how you were holding up before telling everyone.”

I sigh and say, “I’m doing well, despite having numerous unanswered questions. Furthermore, I know Garrison is your best friend, and I want you to know that I told him, no matter how this goes, I don’t regret these last two weeks for him. My biggest fear is getting outright rejected. Garrison's getting to know me was more than I expected. Even if he rejects me, I have hope of a chosen mate.”

“I don’t like that you are in a position to be hurt again. You’ve been through enough.”

I hug Will before saying, “My eyes are open, and I’ll be okay, regardless of which way this goes. I have a family that has my back through thick and thin. Love you, bro.”

“Love you too, sis. Shall we go downstairs and let you share your news?” he says.

I nod, and we walk downstairs together. I ask everyone to gather at the kitchen table. We all take our seats. My stomach starts getting heavy, and my throat goes dry. Will comes to stand beside me and squeezes my hand. This action draws curious looks from James, Aura, Tess, and Raine. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I have gathered us all together.”

Once they nod, I continue, “Two weeks ago at school, I found my mate. We have kept it a secret to get to know one another privately. Today was the last day of the courting period.”

Those not in the know clap and cheer, causing Raine to yell, “Who is your mate?”

“Future Alpha Garrison,” I answer.

A course of what fills the room, and all I can do is nod. A rapid-fire series of questions came at me. How did you find out? Did he reject you? Is he going to reject you? Why didn’t you tell us? Why do some of us know? I have to put up one of my hands to silence the questions. “Garrison didn’t want anyone to know. I sought permission to tell Mom and Dad, and he granted it as long as it was just them. Garrison is the one who told Will about us being mates. No, Garrison hasn’t rejected me, but I don’t know if he plans to accept or reject me. He’s signing us up for one of the event halls to hold our ceremony in a couple of weeks. I’d love it if you guys could be there.”

Will says, “Garrison told Corbin and me, and asked us to keep it a secret, like Ava. I intend to go to the ceremony.”

Everyone accepts the invitation, including Raine. After Rsvping, she looks at her mate and asks, “That meant hiding it from your mate.”

“I’m sorry I wanted to tell you, but I also wanted to respect Garrison’s wishes. I’m glad you know now and that there is no longer a secret between us,” Garrison says while getting up and hugging Raine.

He whispers something in her ear, which causes her to smile. It gives me hope that my courtship secret won't come between them. The topic shifts to how they can help with the ceremony, and I tell them our plan. Mom offers to make several pizzas with me, while Raine signs up to make a couple of lasagnas. Aura volunteers to take me shopping for decorations, and we set a date and time.

After discussing my ceremony, we all separated for the evening. As each person left, they would hug me, wish me luck, and tell me they loved me. They each had a look of concern in their eyes, and I reassured them that I would be okay. By the end, I felt exhausted and ready to spend time alone.

Garrison POV

After parting with Ava, I head to the pack house. I didn’t smell my dad as I entered the pack house. I walk to my room to shower. It's during the shower that I decide to talk to mom first. I feel she is more level-headed and more accepting. I hope she can soften the news for Dad so I can accept my mate.

Soon, I find myself knocking on Mom's office door. My mom answers the door, and her shoulders slump. She pulls me into a long hug. After she pulls away, she says, “Your dad and I have been worried sick. I’m so glad you’re safe. Allow me a few seconds to link your father and tell him you're here.”

“Please wait to let him know, Mom. I wanted to talk to you about something before Dad gets here,” I plead.

She nods and lets me in her office. I sit on the couch in her office, and she sits beside me. We angle our bodies to allow eye contact. “How much has Dad shared with you?”

“Dad is worried about you being able to handle being alpha. He says you have been disappearing lately to decompress,” Mom says after a big sigh.

I nod and hang my head, my stomach feeling heavy with guilt for making her worry and mumble an apology before taking a breath. I say, “I wasn’t exactly truthful with Dad, Mom. Two weeks ago, I found my mate. I’ve been trying to get to know her without outside interference.”

My mom gasps, but a few seconds pass, and she smiles. “I’m happy for you, son. Who is the lucky lady?”

“It’s someone from the beta family,” I say when she squeals.

“Omg, that is so perfect! The alpha and beta families can merge,” she says before asking, “Did Aura and you decide to be chosen mates?”

“Mom, Aura isn’t my fated or chosen mate.”

She shakes her head and says almost in a whisper, “It can’t be Avalon.”

With those words, I feel like I got punched in the gut. My mom doesn’t like Avalon either. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, almost taking my breath away. Did I mess up by trusting Mom? I can’t believe she supports Dad with this treatment of Ava. Before my brain can think of anything else, Dad's voice booms, “You will not accept that he-she wolf. Who can’t even give you an heir.”

He goes to Mom and kisses her before saying, “Thank you, my Luna, for letting me know this news.”

Fuck! How could you be so stupid? I curse myself mentally. f**k! This pack and their prejudices. I would rather not be their alpha if it means hurting another being. Would her family let her come with me? Hell, they join us as long as Ava is by my side. Before I can turn around, my mom yells, “Don’t even think about leaving. I will send out every tracker and reach out to every allied pack. You will not find a safe place to hide out.”

“If you choose her, I will not only pass the title to Corbin but demote you to omega. In the worst case, I will cast you out as a rogue.”

“What about our family’s relationship with the beta family? Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Aren’t you a little concerned about what a rejection of Ava will do to our families?” I yell before getting cut off.

“Shut up, punk,” my dad yells, lifting one of his arms when my mom puts a hand on his chest.

“Let’s sit down and talk this out like a family,” she says while guiding Dad to the couch.

She motions for me to sit across from them. Instead, I lean on her desk. “Listen to your mother, boy, before I beat you,” my dad growls.

Mom places her hand on his chest to calm him down. Once my dad is calm, she turns to me and says, “Please have a seat so we can talk this out like a family.”

I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes and laugh. No family would ask you to reject your mate. No family would threaten you to make it happen. I had no interest in hearing them out. “This isn’t a family. It's a dictatorship,” I whisper.

My dad glares at me and growls, “Respect your mother and do as she says.”

“Please,” Mom begs, with water forming in her eyes.

Not wanting to make my mom cry, I reluctantly sit across from them but avoid eye contact. The room goes silent, and we battle over who will speak first. I don’t have anything nice, or they will want to hear it anyway. It's best if I let them do the talking. My dad clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck. Mom starts tapping her foot on the floor. I lean back on the couch. “Can you tell us why you are adamant about taking Avalon as your mate?”

Dad growls, and Mom grabs his hand. Dad glares at me while Mom tries to make eye contact with me. I look down and say, “I found Ava and I were mates two weeks ago when I went to the high school. I’ve been getting to know her because I wanted to be fair to her. She is kind, honest, smart, and fun but also thinks about the pack. She was ready for me to reject her because of my status as future Alpha.”

My dad's face turns beet red, which causes Mom to place a hand on his shoulder. She nods before asking, “Are you aware that she can’t have children and the pack won’t accept her?”

“We have talked about both of those topics. The pack is the other part of why Ava expected me to reject her. We have talked about surrogacy.”

“Why take a Luna the pack won’t accept?” My dad snarls.

“Why treat a pack member, who can't control having a genetic disorder, like s**t? It will cause a problem with the beta family if the situation doesn't change,” I snarl back.

Mom squeezes his hand again before saying, “I understand you're concerned about our relationship with the Beta family. We want you to have the respect of the entire pack, along with your Luna. We want you to have the dozen pups you have dreamed of.”

“To keep the relationship with the Beta family, we propose he takes Aura as his chosen mate. If he accepts Avalon, I will have him locked in the dungeon for life for treason,” my dad snarls before storming out of Mom’s office.

Mom shoots me this pleading look before leaving the office. My stomach turns into a knot as the picture of Mom and me cooking stuffed peppers and chicken parmesan together turns to dust. I go to the event hall and sign up for one of the rooms. Then, I find Darla, the pack cook, and ask if she wouldn’t mind making chicken parmesan and pasta and a salad for my mating ceremony. As we discuss the details, I see Mom and Dad walk by, but I ignore them. Once I finish speaking with Darla, I go up to my room.

Mom and Dad try to link me, but I ignore it and expect them to show up at my door any time now. It surprises me when there isn’t a knock at my door. Will and Cor link me, and I tell them what happened between my parents. Will growls, and I whisper an apology as I’m in a rock and a hard place. “I know you're in a tough position, man. It’s sick that your parents think trading one daughter for another will make this right. Should I fill my parents and Ava in?”

I give Will my blessing to tell Ava and his parents because I don’t want Ava to get blindsided. A knock at my door puts an end to our conversation. I open the door and almost slam it shut. Instead, I hold it open for Mom, who has a tray of food, which she sets on my desk. I mumble a thank-you.

“Are you okay, son?”

I sigh before saying, “I don’t know how you want me to answer that, Mom.”

“Your dad and I love you, but I’m sure it feels like we are ganging up on you.”

All I can do is shrug. I want to scream at Mom, but a big part is holding back to spare her feelings. She sighs before asking, “I noticed you talking to Darla earlier. What was that about?”

“Avalon and I intend to do an Italian buffet for our mating ceremony. I asked Darla to make stuffed peppers and chicken parmesan with pasta,” I say bluntly.

Mom’s face falls, and she whispers, “I would have helped you. All you had to do was ask.”

“I planned to ask you as I wanted to make the dishes myself for Ava. I didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask you to help, especially after everything said in your office earlier,” I reply.

“You have a nickname for her,” she shouts.

“Yes, I got to know Ava very well, Mom,” I say, ending with a sigh.

She looks down and asks, “Would you rather Darla make the dishes, or would you like to make them with me?”

“I think it's best Darla does it. You made it clear you don’t like Ava along with Dad. I would rather not add to the discord in this family by causing issues between Dad and you.”

She nods before leaving my room, and my heart sinks. I can’t help but wonder if this is the end of my relationship with my mom. For me, the moment my dad to throw me the dungeon, he stopped being my dad.