A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 14

*Jace*

I grabbed Stella's petite hand in mine, tugging her towards the kitchen. If she hasn't met Ma yet, I want her to. I know Ma is going to dislike the fact that she's human, but once she gets to know Stella, she'll love her. I'm excited about bringing Stella around my close family, even though it had to be on these terms.

I was in the process of finding a new settlement for the pack, somewhere big enough to house everyone. That's always a struggle. Usually we just buy a plot of land and build the home ourselves, but we don't have that luxury this time, as time is of the essence. Instead, I'll buy the biggest house I can, and we'll add to it. Until then, the pack will be separated into two groups. One that lives with me and one that stays here, with Ma.

Now that I had a plan, I could focus all of my attention on Stella. In doing so, I felt a slight tremor in her hands as we entered the kitchen. A fearful expression chewed through her facade, revealing something that would hurt me on a different level... was she afraid of Ma? My head turned towards Ma, and I scowled when I saw her glaring at Stella. No wonder Stella is nervous, ma isn't being a welcoming host.

"Welcome home, baby!" Ma cheered, running towards me with outstretched arms.

"Ma, have you met Stella yet?" I said, smiling, throwing my arm around Stella and avoiding Ma's hug entirely.

"I... I have." Ma stuttered, once again glaring at my mate.

"She's my mate." I growled, catching Ma's attention.

"Happy for you." She grunted, turning back towards the counter with dark eyes.

Ma continued chopping vegetables, hastily, and I knew we had to talk. I glanced down at Stella, who had a glare of her own towards Ma. I heaved a sigh, looking over towards Sienna. I didn't even have to ask, she already knew what to do. Sienna came up and tugged on Stella's arm with a broad smile.

"I still have to show you the backyard!" Sienna cheerfully stole Stella away, giving me time alone with ma.

Adam sensed the tension and decided to stick around, which was probably a good idea. Ma can be equally aggressive as me, and if it's a big enough reason, we'll get into one hell of an argument. This feels like one of those times and topics.

It's always thought of that the Luna in the pack was a werewolf, like her mated Alpha. There have been a few times throughout history where a human was Luna, but it never lasted. They always die, because they're so much weaker than wolves. I know my mom's concern, I understand the consequences, but I won't give Stella up just because she's human. That's not the only deciding factor.

"Why the hell are you treating Stella like that? Is it solely because she's human?" I barked, my voice echoing throughout the kitchen.

"Humans can't lead the pack, Jace! I can't believe the Moon Goddess did this again! How many times must we make the same mistake?" Ma grumbled, rolling her eyes.

"That's a little judgmental, Zara..." Adam noted, wincing the second Ma's eyes snapped at him.

"Especially because your aunt was human, and didn't she protect you during the war?" I reminded her of the past, long ago, before I was born.

"So what? My aunt was an incredibly strong woman--" Ma attempted to argue and I interrupted.

"So is Stella. You wouldn't know that, though, because you're too busy with your nose in the air." I growled, storming out of the kitchen.

This makes me want to find a new settlement even faster, just to get Stella away from ma. She's dealing with enough right now, she doesn't need Ma chomping at her ankles. I don't care if it's against Ma's wishes, I want Stella as my mate, I've already accepted her.

I find Stella and Sienna outside by the pool, sitting on two loungers. The pool was a rectangle, with tons of chairs surrounding it. Further out there's a garden, as well as the cemetery for lost wolves of the pack. My dad is buried out there, with an open spot that will be for Ma.

Sienna nodded to me, before heading back inside the house. I took a seat where she was sitting, next to Stella, who was smiling ever so delicately. I smiled in return, staring out at the pool. I wasn't sure what I wanted to say, all I knew was I wanted to be next to her. I can feel her hurting emotionally, and I want to help her feel better.

"Are you okay?" I asked, watching her blank eyes meet mine.

"I'm not injured, don't worry." She shook her head with a half-hearted chuckle.

"I wasn't asking if you were injured, Stella." I grunted.

"I'm shocked... mortified that Tex would commit such a despicable act. It didn't seem like him at all... Then again, he hasn't been himself since I disappeared and then returned. I just can't believe he would do such a terrible thing..." She started crying, her hands trembling as she desperately cleared her wet face.

"Have you heard of the group called The Silbermen?" I asked, my voice a low rumble.

"Yes... Sienna told me they're werewolf hunters..." She softly murmured, more tears filling her eyes.

"Their leader is Edgar Allegra, Tex's father. He was born into that lifestyle, it's not really his fault." I responded, though it sounded like I was defending Tex, I wasn't.

"How did I not know this?" Stella shook her head in disbelief, her eyes wide with horror.

"They keep themselves well hidden." I stated, "But so do we. My pack is called the Shadow pack for a reason: we hide behind shadows and are never seen during the daylight."

"I'm so sorry... I didn't know he was one of them..." She muttered, ashamed of herself.

"You weren't aware, it's not your fault. They were looking for us anyway." I shrugged, but her level of pain didn't settle.

Stella's eyebrows drew together, as her nose scrunched upward, and I stifled a smirk. I stood back at my feet, offering her a hand to help her off her chair. She silently took my help, letting my hand go instantly. Even though it was summer, and my body heat remained hot constantly, the cold her flesh left behind was astounding. I wanted her hand back in mine.

"Did Sienna show you to your room, already?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder at Stella.

"She did." Stella nodded, following me inside like a hurt puppy.

"Let's get you to bed, then." I calmly stated, leading her upstairs.

It was only eight at night, but it's been an exhausting day. I was hoping once she got a good night's sleep, she would realize her friend Tex was an evil asshole. I think she's coming to terms with it, but there's something preventing her... I'm dying to know what it is. I've been afraid that she has feelings for him too, even though she denies it.

I opened the door to her room and she walked past me, climbing under the covers of her bed. She still had a blank gaze, an empty expression, and a stone-cold stare that stole my breath away. This has clearly been too much for her, she needs some time to cool down. I need to get Ma in line. I don't want anything disrupting Stella's recovery.