Raising the Luna

Being the Alpha and Luna's only daughter, I have been granted a lot of freedom.  Pretty much, every day, just like today, I meandered around the pack grounds, pretending I didn't know that I was being followed by a pack warrior or two.  However, I was highly disappointed that they lacked the ability to stay unseen, as they were actually ordered to do. Today I was preparing to go for a run.  Emilia had been pushing me to get her out and running.  As a Luna in training, I was often restricted to pack runs and short escorted runs.  No one wanted a next in line child to go anywhere alone, especially one like me.   I'm 16 and a half and am next in line to guide our pack.  However, female leaders are always in the background.  Most packs have multiple children, until at the very least they get a male heir.  My parents were considered progressive and decided one child, was plenty.  Honestly, I think by the time I was 2 they had decided I was going to be a challenge and terrorize them.   As the forest called out to me, Emilia begged me to hurry.  I dodged behind a tree, and took off all of my clothing.  I tucked them into a small drawstring bag that I always carried with me. I hooked it onto a lower hanging branch of the nearest Aspen tree.  I've found that it was easier to get it on without rolling on the ground and messing up my fur. ~Ella, move it!  I need to run.  I hear something calling out to me~ ~I'm trying Emilia!  It isn't as easy for me to change as it is for you.  And we need these clothes, or we won't be able to get around later.  Not every wolf needs to see us.~ At that point Emilia took over.  I felt all 213 bones in my body break and bend.  Some grew and elongated, some broke and reattached elsewhere, all changing my shape.  As my beautiful black and white fur grew and covered my body, I howled.  Not so much in pain but in excitement.   Emilia and I smelled the air and listened for any response.  The air was oddly still, but nothing that set us to worry.  I noted that the warriors following us had also shifted and Emilia, acknowledged them.  She jumped up and caught the bag on our leg.  In one swift movement, we had the bag attached and we were swiftly loping through our pack lands.   We had about 500 acres in the backwoods of Montana.  The forest was beautiful and the air so fresh and crisp that you could almost smell the sunshine.  As the river came into view we slowed and checked for humans or predators.  The reality is, humans were really our only predators.  Rogues, vampires, witches, and the rest of the supernatural communities tended to leave us be.   Although it is summer now, winters here are harsh and most of the year it's a frozen wasteland. No one likes to spend much time here and we are fairly well protected. The mountains around our valley were harsh to come over, but provided a great source of hunting.  We have a smaller pack of only 250 wolves, but we also are one of the strongest packs in the area. A lot of that comes from surviving the cold winters.  We had to be strong to hunt and 12 foot snow and smart to follow the tracks to the hidden dens of our prey.   We train from the time that we are 2, both male and females. We also house one of 12 Luna etiquette schools in the entire United States. We don't have pack alliances, but no one wants to harm Luna's as they are trained and nearby packs always keep an ear to the ground.  They tend to protect us, as a lot of their children attend Moon Mansion.   Any whisper of an attack and the attackers are bleeding on the ground before word is even sent that we should keep an eye out. Training the leaders of the next generation is a high honor and because of that we are highly respected.  Not to mention we are the only training school in this region. No one was at the river.  After our fairly grueling run, we jumped in the bubbling river.  The cool water washed away the sweat and grime, leaving me feeling calmer and relaxed.  Jumping and splashing and playing like we were a pup again.  I would never be allowed to do this had my parents been around. I slowly pulled myself out of the water and up onto a beautiful boulder that was sitting directly in the sunshine.  ~Ella?~ ~Hmmm...~ I responded as I was comfortably dozing off. ~We forgot to put your clothes down before jumping into the river. ~ ~s**t.  E, shift back so I can lay them out to dry.  We mustn't go back smelling of wet wolf.  We would lose our running privileges for far to long.~ As I finished my thought, I felt myself taking back over my human form.  Changing back always seemed to go quicker.  As I laid my clothes out on the boulder and sat there sky clad, I heard a growl from behind me.  I turned to see a dark grey wolf coming to sit near the Boulder I was on.  Looking down I realized, I wasn't going to be able to climb down this rock in human form.  I wondered if E, had purposely placed us there.  As soon as I thought it, I felt a giggle in the back of my mind. The wolf sitting at the Bottom of the boulder changed to their human form and let out a small laugh. " You got yourself a bit stranded there, with some smelly clothes to wear back home did ya?" "I'm glad you think it's funny!  Probably makes your job easier if I am locked up in the pack house." "Ahh little Luna.  Indeed it would be much easier if you actually listened to any of the training that your parents and the school have put you through." "I wasn't born to be a meek shadow meddling through suggestions.  I don't want to cook, I don't want to have pups, and I don't want to let anyone else think that they will lead my pack.  I am perfectly capable and will do so on my own."  ~That's Right Ella. ~ "You've always been to independent and to mouthy for your own good, Princess.  I hope when you find your mate and settle down into the role of Luna that you remember not just your training, but how much your parents cared for you.  By the way, I had a feeling E would run you this way and I brought extra clothing for you.  Those will never be dry before the sun sets and you have to be home in time for the big announcement this evening.  Or did you forget?" Crap.  I had forgotten.  My parents had let everyone in the pack and the school, that they would be making an announcement at tonight at the Moon Mansion school.  And that everyone who attended there should arrive on time and be prepared to listen.  As they ordered it, I was bound to attend as I couldn't turn down an alpha order.   "Thank you, Tor.  I suppose that is your warning that I need to get down, get dressed and start back." "Indeed Ella.  You can slide down the other side, the bag is waiting for you.  Then Ren will give you a ride back and I will take your wet clothes, to avoid you getting soiled again.  I'm not putting my hide on the line for you.  If you don't get back, you know that we will be in trouble too.  So move it, princess." I hated when he called me princess.  He is one of the best pack warriors we have and my good friend.  It never bothered him that I was bossy and often took the lead.  A lot of the other pack members were disappointed in my attitude and all the Alpha things I did that they disagreed with. I quickly dressed and went over to Ren.  He was not impressed.  And looked very annoyed that he would be my way home.  It was considered disrespectful to ride another wolf.  Many times children would do it to show strength or play a game.  I, however, often found myself in issues like this.  Where I lost track of time and my warrior guards had to rush to get me home in order for their own fur to stay where it belonged.   As I climbed on I put my head down and listened to his heart beat.  I knew that E, was talking to his wolf and they were amused.  I'm glad that at least she could get along with some part of Ren.  I'd hoped for years to be on his good side, but one day, my-give-a damn busted and I gave up.  Before I knew it I was home.  Ren took off to change himself and Tor appeared letting me know I had about 4 minutes to get my butt inside to sit next to my parents. I dashed across the large lawn and I could hear loud chatter at the school.  There were only 36 girls currently enrolled, but they were giggling with excitement as well as fear waiting for the announcement.  I stopped outside the door, straightened my hair and put on my stoic face.  I opened the door and the room went silent.  I walked through the crowd as it parted for me and took my seat next to my parents. ~Cutting it close, dear one.~ My mother linked ~I know, I like to make sure I don't have to wait with the gossip bugs for the things you have to say.  You could of just told me at home.~ ~Now where is the fun in that?  Besides, it's good to see you can do things as requested by your father.  You need to start listening and understanding your place.  You could find your mate any day now.~ ~Mother, I don't want a mate.  You and dad raised me with all the knowledge of the pack, how to run things, to take care of myself.  I don't need a mate.  Besides, we already know that no one here is my mate and I have no plans to leave my place of birth.  Problem solved.~ "I must say that you werewolf ladies, have been the most energetic bunch that I have had the opportunity of teaching and I am proud of each and everyone of you.  I know that you have been wondering what I will be announcing and let me put your mind at ease.  We have decided for the first time ever, that we will hold a PROMENADE.  There will be fancy dresses, fancy food, and of course... Male unmated alphas or alpha to be.  We hope that you can show them the amazing things you have learned here and possibly find your mate, the one the moon goddess has bestowed upon you.  This will take place on the next full moon. 18 days.  So, begin to prepare the dresses, hand sewn or sent to you from family.  And make sure that you are prepared to submit should the need arise." Alpha Grimd happily announced. As shouts of joy and talk of how to do hair, make up, and nails filled the room, my father looked over at me with a grimace.   "That includes you.  My princess or not, you will not be disobedient here.  I will banish you and let you be a rogue. You will not embarrass our pack.   Winter Pack will all be hospitable. " Everyone had heard him make the proclamation and so I was not only bound by his Alpha order, but his pack; my friends, family, and enemies were now all watching.  They were waiting to see how I responded.  I think I heard a tear drop from the face of a wolf in the back... "Yes, Alpha.  I understand you.  Winter Pack will not be disappointed in their future Luna." Satisfied with the response, he took my mothers arm and they walked out together.  Her one step behind him. I waited and followed them out, 5 steps behind as I had been taught and wondered how in the world I could find a way out. I sulked all the way to the pack house, up the stairs and into my bedroom.  Of course, I slammed my door.  I grabbed my pillow and sobbed wildly into it, punching my bed.  Why did I have to be born a girl?  Let alone a strong willed and independent Luna.