The Alpha's Runt Mate (complete)

Chapter 17: Willa POV

Chapter 17: Willa POV

My first heat was slow and hellish. When it ended I ran outside and rolled around in the grass in my pajamas. I was so happy to be free of my bedroom quarantine. Nate on the other hand just wanted to sleep. I wasn't one hundred percent myself during the heat but I learned afterwards that I spent the whole week trying to seduce him. He said it made life and sleep difficult. He stayed strong and resisted. Thank Moon Goddess.

I was confused as to why Matty was avoiding me until one day about a week later I overheard him asking Nate who Lucas was. "She kept saying that name, asking why he hurt her. Who is Lucas and what did he do to her?" I should not have been eavesdropping on two alphas but my wolf said she wanted to know how our mate would address our past. I was watching around a corner in the pack house.

"Lucas was part of her old pack. He was a bad person, he tried to force mating on Willa. It got him killed. He was the body on the front steps a few weeks ago. She is still traumatized so do not use that name around her," Nate said to his brother. Matthew nodded, his face showing discomfort. "Did he r**e her?" I heard Matthew ask. Nate's voice dropped as he whispered, "This is not the place or time to discuss this. Just know she was abused and we need to be careful not to cause any more trauma." Before either man could see me I slipped away and returned to my bedroom, my safe place.

Nate was not sugar-coating anything but I did appreciate that he was not telling other people too much about what happened. I didn't need Matty or anyone else for that matter pitying me or looking at me different. Matthew knew I was scared of most other males. He didn't need the gritty details or the images in his head. He was too young.

Nate and Matthew continued to treat me gently like I was made of glass. I started seeing Robin for stress counseling. I'd go talk to her for 30 minutes and then she would coach me through breathing exercises and other methods to relieve stress and anxiety. 

Aside from Nate, Robin was the only person I could talk to it seemed. The pack was very happy that their Alpha had marked his mate but few interacted with me on a personal level. I suspected Nate and Matthew were warning people to not overwhelm me with social interaction, though sometimes I craved it. I never used to want be around other people but the longer I was here the more I felt capable of social interaction.

My chance to socialize came quicker than expected. Nate needed to get back to Alpha business and announced he was meeting with my father's pack as well as two other packs to officially sign the treaty. 

"Willa, I would like for you to attend as my Luna," he said, smiling at me. I accepted and asked for details. "We will be meeting them this afternoon at Alpha Monroe's pack house. His Luna is pregnant so we agreed to go there to make it easy on her." I nodded in agreement. That was the right thing to do. 

"Wear that green dress that looks so nice on you," he said, winking at me. That made me blush. When I wore the green dress with the outer lace layer he liked to play with the lace hem that hit my mid-thigh, causing my body to shiver. Ever since my first heat ended every little touch made my body react. Whether he was doing it on purpose or not Nate was making it hard for me to resist him. 

Robin said to resist a little longer because mating before I was ready would be dangerous to my mental health. "We don't want you breaking down," she said on more than one occasion. I knew she was right. I didn't want to rush and then resent Nate afterwards.

An hour later Nate appeared to me in a nice white button-down shirt and black slacks. I felt my mouth water at the sight of him. He was so handsome, his piercing blue eyes lighting a fire inside me. Our bond was growing stronger everyday and the longer we went without touching the more I longed for him. It was almost like a sick joke. My wolf and I wanted him but we needed to push that aside. During the day we had to do our Luna duties while he worked in his office. At night we got to cling to his warm body and I had to tell my wolf that had to be enough for now. It had to.

"You look beautiful," he said, taking my hand. I was wearing the green dress and had taken extra care to style my red hair. It was usually very unruly but the texture had somehow changed after being marked. It was more manageable and I'm not sure how that is possible! "Thank you," I whispered, blushing. 

He led me to the SUV outside and I realized this was my first outing since we had gone shopping! I made sure to correct my posture and look lady-like as our pack members watched us climb into the car. We were accompanied by Beta Thomas and three guards. Nate said there was a guard for each of us but I had a sneaking suspicion that they had been instructed to guard me. Nate was very protective. Whether we were outside running or I was alone with the pups in the yard there were always guards watching me.

"We have fifteen minutes to review," Nate said to Thomas. They discussed their approach to the treaty while I watched the trees fly by. "Willa?" I looked up, surprised. Had I zoned out? I looked to Nate who was trying to tell me something. "Yes?" Be looked very serious as he said, "Your job as Luna is to charm the other Lunas, especially Luna Margo who is known to be difficult. Luna Marie, the expecting Luna of Alpha Monroe will be much easier. She is very approachable." I nodded, "Luna Margo is the mate of Alpha Royce correct?" He nodded, happy I had in fact been paying attention when he talked about work.

When we arrived I was taken aback by how large the estate was. Alpha Monroe had to be very wealthy. This mansion made our house look small in comparison. "They have money but they don't actually have the numbers they need to win a fight," Nate whispered to me before we exited the car. 

A beta named Charles greeted us at the entrance and ushered us inside. First we saw my father and Peter, who had been promoted to Beta. I learned from Nate that he had banished Lucas's family after his death. We shook hands and I allowed a quick hug from my father. He appeared thrilled. Then I was introduced to Alpha Monroe and Luna Marie, who looked like she could go into labor any moment. She had honey-colored hair and was taller than me but shorter than the intimidating Margo, who had eyes like fire. She had an aura like an alpha.

While the men talked in the dining hall I sat in the parlor with Lunas Marie and Margo, and of course a small army of guards determined to watch our every move. I noticed how the alphas felt no need for guards for themselves while keeping us women under surveillance. What did they expect to happen? My father had even sent Peter in to watch over me. I felt like I couldn't sip my tea or eat a cookie without a tall burly warrior wanting to examine it.

"This is so borish," Luna Margo sighed out. "No offense, ladies, but this is not my cup of tea," she said. She had a serious look on her face so I knew she wasn't trying to be punny. I kept my internal giggles to myself as I held my tea cup to cover the smile on my lips. "These borish men and their plans. Why not just murder the rogues and get it over with?" She kept talking in a harsh voice while Luna Marie smiled and sipped her decaf tea. I had a feeling Marie was uncomfortable but had been trained to keep her smile. Unlike me these women grew up knowing they would be Lunas. I grew up thinking one day someone would smother me in my sleep because I was a runt.

"What is up with your size? Are you like a runt or something?" I looked up at Luna Margo. She was gesturing at me. I felt my face drop for a moment but forced a smile. "Yes, I am actually. I was born prematurely," I forced out. A few of my guards growled in defense of me. I waved my hand to them, "It's okay. It's a truth your Luna cannot run away from." They nodded and stepped back into submission. Margo watched me with interest. "Are you an Alpha?" I nodded, "My father is Alpha Leonidas, who is also here, so yes I suppose you could say I have Alpha blood." She nodded, a smile on her lips. "I'm of Alpha blood too. My mate was actually a Gamma but my father made him Alpha when I decided he was worthy. He is very wealthy and very strong." I nodded, surprised she was interacting with me. She didn't seem like the type. 

"Marie, is Monroe your mate or just a convenient partner with money?" Margo teased. I watched as the expectant mother squirmed, sweat dripping down her temple. She forced out an answer, "He is my mate." I watched as Margo teased the smaller woman. "He looks to be twice your ago, dear." I didn't like her tone or choice of words. "Luna Margo, that's enough!" I said, standing. I must have looked laughable at my size but I didn't care. I wasn't going to let her be cruel to a pregnant woman. "What?" She said mockingly. "You said it yourself. There are truths we cannot run away from." I stood firm, "Perhaps but nothing is being accomplished by upsetting a pregnant woman." Margo looked regretful for a moment as she looked at the stressed out Marie. Sweat was poring down her face.

Suddenly Marie clutched her stomach and wailed in pain. I ran to her side. I was sure she was in labor. "Guards, get Alpha Monroe and the pack doctor!" I yelled as I held her hand. Moments later Alpha Monroe bursted through the door, the other Alphas in tow. "Our doctor is not here!" He looked frightened as he stated this. I wiped Marie's sweaty forehead and said, "Then we will deliver this pup. Get her to the bedroom." The men stared at me like I was crazy. "I delivered three pups in my old pack, each healthy. How many of you can say the same?" The alphas and guards shook their heads. "Then do as I say!" I ordered. Without further direction three guards gently lifted her off the chair and carried her to a bedroom.

Everyone followed us but I sent my father and any unnecessary males out of the room. I instructed Alpha Monroe and Nate to boil water, get blankets, and stay out of my way unless I said otherwise. Luna Margo stood off to the side looking impressed but didn't assist. 

Two hours later a male pup was born. They named him Willard, after me. "Luna Willa, you have our eternal gratitude!" Alpha Monroe said, shaking my hand excitedly. He was thrilled to finally have an heir, especially a male heir to one day be Alpha. I smiled back, excited for them. Looking at the handsome pup and the excitement of the new parents made me think about Nate and how we would have pups one day. I grinned to myself but blushed in embarrassment when I caught my mate looking at me. "That will be us one day," he mind-linked to me. 

After the alphas shook hands on the treaty we left. "That was thanks to you," Nate said as we rode in the backseat, Thomas up front driving. "How so?" I asked. I didn't participate in the treaty negotiations. "You saved a Luna and new pup's life. That pack will never turn their backs on us," he said with confidence and excitement. I just stared at him and said, "Oh, I just did the natural thing. I don't think it was anything extraordinary." It was Nate's turn to stare back at me. "That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I've been an Alpha for three years and I've never delivered or been near a pup delivery. You took charge and knew what to do. Don't ever downplay your leadership ever again." I nodded, "Okay." 

Suddenly exhaustion took over and I fell asleep against Nate's shoulder. As I slipped into slumber I felt his arm wrap around me and pull me into his warmth. "I love you, my Luna," he said. I love you too, my darling mate, I love you too.