Fate’s Design

Plans

Kelsey POV

I didn’t exactly like this conversation, but Mason was right. It had to happen.

“The jackasses got what they deserved.” I told him. He seemed to accept that. Mason simply nodded in acknowledgement.

“And what happened back there with Seth? That ‘mate bond’ excuse was bullshit.” He asked. I sighed. There wasn’t much getting out of this. The cat was out of the bag. I just hoped that being honest about it wouldn’t backfire.

“I have the ability to command any wolf. Including Alphas.” I admitted. His eyes went wide.

“How?” He asked. He looked surprised, but having witnessed it himself, he couldn’t exactly be skeptical.

“I… I’m not sure how. I’ve been able to do it since I was 16.” I told him.

“16, huh? So before your wild even woke up, you had some super-Alpha command?” He asked, now sounding a little skeptical. I shook my head.

“My wolf woke up when I was 16. It wasn’t exactly normal.” I said. Why was I telling him this? I didn’t talk about what happened with anyone. Even my brother didn’t know any of the details.

“I didn’t know that was possible.” He said with a frown. “When you say ‘not normal’… what exactly do you mean? I take it the early wake up wasn’t the only unusual thing about meeting your wolf?”

I shook my head, looking down at the hem I was still fiddling with.

“I was taken… by a group of werewolves, vampires, witches… a little of everything. They did something to me. I don’t really know what, but it made my wolf wake up. And when she did, I realized I had certain… abilities.”

“Like the Alpha command.”

“Like the Alpha command.” I confirmed with a nod. “Look, I didn’t mean to use it on Seth like that. I was just stressed and it came out. It’s not gonna be a regular occurrence. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Mason seemed to relax a little when I said that.

Mason POV

“Ok, thank you.” I said. I was glad she didn’t intend to make a habit of it. We would revisit this again at some point, but for now, there were more pressing matters.

“I become the full Alpha at the end of the summer. But as acting Alpha, I can ask the elders to make you Luna at any time, and then mark you. Typically it’s done the other way around, but this way, if something happens to me, you’ll be protected. The pack won’t retaliate against their Luna if this goes bad.” I explained.

Kelsey nodded. “You really want to do this, huh? You’re crazy, you know that, right?” She asked.

“I’m committed. There’s a difference. Not that I expect you to understand that.”

“Ouch.” She said dryly.

I ran a hand over my face. “That came out wrong.”

“No, no you’re right. I’m not exactly the ‘bring home to meet your mama’ type.” She replied, taking it in stride.

“So… do you want to do this right away… or get to know each other and see if this is really gonna pan out?” She asked.

“As soon as you’re ready.” I said. Nobody seemed to grasp the concept that I had made up my mind and nothing was gonna change it.

She looked at me for a moment, then finally spoke up. “Ok. Let’s do it.” She said.

Kelsey POV

What was I saying? This was such a bad idea. But the words came out of my mouth and I couldn’t stop them. I had just agreed to become Luna and to let Mason mark me as his mate. It was probably gonna kill him and losing my mate would probably destroy me. Stupid bond.

Mason looked surprised. “Wait, really? Just like that? Wow, I’m not complaining, but I thought it was gonna take some convincing.”

I shrugged. “I’m just full of surprises.” I said dryly. He chuckled.

“Indeed, you are.”

After a little more much lighter conversation, we returned to the packhouse and made our way to the Alpha’s office. The others were there waiting. The Beta and Gamma were hard to read. Seth looked like he still hadn’t forgiven me for earlier. Whatever

Mason told everyone to sit down. He pulled me over to sit next to him. I rolled my eyes, but sat next to my mate.

“I’m going to speak to the elders and ask them to make Kelsey Luna as soon as possible. Once that is done, we will mark each other and pray for the best.” Mason said.

“Mason, please, think about what you’re doing.” The Beta said.

“I *am* thinking, Uncle Adrian.” He replied. “I choose my mate. If it costs me my life, so be it.” He said firmly.

The Gamma spoke next, also urging him to reconsider.”The pack lost their Luna, and in effect their Alpha. Now you’re making us face the possibility… no, the probability, of losing you as well. Then what? There is no legitimate heir after you. Adrian would step in as Alpha—“

“No, if something happens to the Alpha before he produces an heir, it falls to the Luna to appoint a new Alpha, or to serve as Alpha herself.” Mason said firmly. My eyes went wide. The others were clearly as shocked as I was.

“You can’t be serious!” Beta Adrian said.

“Mason, that’s insane!” For once, I agreed with Seth.

“Kid, you’re not thinking straight.” Gamma Rufus protested.

“This has been the way of our people for generations. It is not up to us to change the ways of our ancestors whenever they become uncomfortable.” Mason said. Dang. My mate had guts. Ugh! I was starting to think like Tanya. She preened and pranced proudly in my mind.

“Perhaps you should mark her and then make her Luna. That is the traditional order, after all.” Adrian suggested.

“Traditional, yes, but not the only way. I will not mark her only to leave her vulnerable.” He said. “She will be Luna before we face whatever lies ahead. That’s final.” He said in an authoritative tone.

“Yes, Alpha.” The others agreed reluctantly. Mason nodded, pleased that they had given in.

“Uncle Adrian, if I am unable to, I need you to be ready to support Kelsey as she fills her role.”

“Of course.” He said. It was clear he still didn’t like it, but wasn’t going to argue further.

“Kelsey… you should be thinking about the possibility that you might have to name a new Alpha. I hope it won’t come to that, but we all know that it could.” Mason said. I nodded.

“Can… can I just… name Adrian Alpha and be done with it?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yes, assuming Adrian accepts the role. He had planned to retire with my dad.”

“I could delay my retirement long enough to prepare Seth to take over.” Beta Adrian said solemnly. “But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

Mason nodded. “We have our contingency plan, then. Now… for the main plan.”

We discussed several possible scenarios. Ultimately, it was decided that we would check Mason in to the pack hospital before we marked each other, and we would have a medical team on standby. Dr. Porter expected him to have a strong reaction and likely need intervention as soon as we marked each other, so doing it at the hospital was what made the most sense.