Lunas Wildfire

Venting and Validation

Emmaline paced back and forth in the training yard, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The sun hung high in the sky, casting light on the group of warriors practicing under the watchful eye of their Luna. She corrected stances, shouted orders, and even sparred with a few, but her frustration burned hotter with every passing minute.

Lilly leaned against the wooden fence nearby, watching her best friend fume. She waited until the warriors dispersed for a break before calling out, “Alright, Emmy. Spill it. What’s got you this fired up?”

Emmaline stalked over, her lips set in a thin line. “Carter,” she hissed, throwing her hands in the air. “He doesn’t want me fighting when the witches attack.”

Lilly’s brows shot up. “Seriously? After everything you’ve done for this pack?”

“Exactly!” Emmaline snapped. “I train the warriors. I’ve proven myself over and over again. It’s not just insulting—it’s stupid. If I’m not on the front lines, what does that say about my ability to lead?”

Lilly nodded, her face a mixture of sympathy and frustration on Emmaline’s behalf. “He’s probably just worried. You know how possessive mates can get, especially Alphas.”

Emmaline rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m fully aware. But that doesn’t mean he gets to sideline me like I’m some fragile little thing. I’ve been training for years. I know what I’m doing.”

Lilly smirked. “You’re not exactly fragile. Remember when you pinned Marcus in under thirty seconds?”

“That’s what I mean!” Emmaline said, her voice rising. “The pack has seen what I can do. If Carter pulls me back now, it’ll make me look weak. Worse, it’ll make him look like he doesn’t trust me.”

“True,” Lilly agreed, tilting her head thoughtfully. “It’s not just about you. It’s about the pack’s perception of their leadership.”

“Exactly,” Emmaline said again, her pacing resuming. “If the Luna doesn’t fight, what kind of message does that send? That I’m only here for show? That I can’t handle the pressure? No way. I won’t let that happen.”

Lilly stepped in front of her, blocking her path and placing her hands on Emmaline’s shoulders. “Alright, calm down, tiger. What’s the plan? You’re not exactly the type to sit back and let Carter dictate your life.”

A sly smile crept onto Emmaline’s face. “Oh, I have a plan. I’m going to keep doing what I do best—training the warriors, preparing them for whatever’s coming. And when the time comes, I’ll be right there with them. If Carter has a problem with it, well… he’ll just have to deal.”

Lilly laughed. “I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes when you make your stand. He may be the Alpha, but you, my friend, are a force of nature.”

“Damn right I am,” Emmaline said with a determined glint in her eye.

As they stood there, watching the warriors return to the training field, Emmaline felt her frustration ease slightly. She wasn’t alone in this fight—Lilly had her back, and so did the pack. No matter what Carter thought, she knew her place was on the battlefield, leading by example.

And when the time came, she’d prove to everyone—including her stubborn mate—that she was exactly where she was meant to be.