My Verboten Mate

4. I don’t want that responsibility

LUNA BEKY POV

ONE WEEK LATER

It’s Saturday and we are about to have dinner as a family. Something we always do since I like to interrogate my kids. “So… I know you two will be leaving me at the end of the summer.” I guilt tripped them again while looking down at my plate with a pout. Don’t judge me! “Pastelito, no seas así. (Small cake, do not be like that)” Luke coos at me and I glare playfully at him.

“Mama, tu sabes que los vamos a extranar. Quieres que me quede? (Mom, you know we're going to miss you. Do you want me to stay)” Adam says, even though he knows I would never ask me to do that. I quickly shook my head and smiled at him. “I’m so proud of you two…. It’s just that I’m going to miss you.” I shrugged my shoulders.

Most of the time, I use my size to my advantage. I’m smaller than everyone, except the pups. Well, most of them anyway. Yet I can still scare the crap out of most of the pack members, my children included. Sometimes I need a little sympathy. “Mami, no exageres. (Mommy, don't exaggerate) We will be back for summer break, and we will both be in California.” Winnie pointed out.

My daughter Winona is going to attend the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. She has the same love for photography that I do. “I know! It’s just that both of you are leaving at the same time. It’s just not fair.” I huffed. “We still have these three.” Luke nodded his head towards the other side of the table.

Alex looked up and smiled. “I’m never leaving you mom.” He grinned and nudged the twins who were talking amongst themselves. Alex was a huge mama’s boy, and not only did I believe he would never leave me, but I loved him more for it. He had just finished tenth grade and wasn’t planning on going to college after high school. He, like other pack members, wanted to stay in the pack.

Luke Jr cleared his throat and Leia looked around the table oblivious to our conversation. I doubted those two knew if they were going to college yet. They were barely starting ninth grade after summer, and I would have them for another three years. “What?” Luke Jr finally said when we kept looking at them.

Luke shook his head in disapproval. “You two are always in your own twin world. We are having a conversation and it would be nice if you joined us.” He scolded them playfully. “Sorry.” They both said in unison and laughed. Those two were up to something, but when weren’t they?

I squinted my eyes at them, and they quickly looked down and continued to eat. Saturday was the one-day Luke, and I made a point for all of us to sit down together and eat dinner together. If the kids had plans, we made sure to have breakfast together. We always stressed the importance of family and unity.

Some of the most important conversations we had were at this table. “Mom and Dad.” Winnie said softly. We both looked up at her. “I’ve been thinking about what you asked me… you know about me taking over the pack.” Luke and I perked up and dropped our forks on their plates. Everyone was waiting for Winnie’s reply, even the twins.

Last year, Luke had insisted my Winnie start training to take over, but she was unsure if that’s what she wanted to do. He told her she would need to decide before leaving for college. “Would you be upset if… if I didn’t want to be the Alpha or Luna of this pack?” She asked cautiously. I quickly shook my head, even though I knew Luke would be a little upset. “We.” I gestured at Luke and myself. “Want you to do what makes you happy.” I assured her.

Luke tried not to seem too disappointed, but I could feel it through the bond. “I only ask that you do something with your life. You are giving up a gift, whatever you choose to do should be worth it.” He said and I held his hand. “You need to be sure, Winnie.” I said pointedly. “I need a definitive answer before you leave for college. If you don’t want any part as Alpha or Luna, we will need to train Alex for the position.” He said seriously.

I always felt odd having this conversation with Adam in the room. I turned to look at him, but he looked down at his food, avoiding my gaze. I wondered if he was upset that he wasn’t considered to take over the Alpha position as the oldest. No matter how many times we spoke about the fact that the heir should be from Luke and my blood, I didn’t like the idea of Adam thinking he wasn’t our son.

Winnie shot Adam a look and he nodded his head. They always looked to each other for strength, and it made me proud. They always backed each other up. “I’m sure… I don’t want that responsibility. I would love to work with mom in her studio and then maybe become a photography teacher at the school.” Winnie became excited as she spoke. It was clear to me that she was making the right choice. She was so soft and sensitive. That didn’t hinder her from being a leader, but it wasn’t ideal.

Luke nodded and smiled at Winnie. “Alex will begin training this summer.” The smile on Alex’s face was from ear to ear. “That reminds me.” Luke wiped his mouth and looked over Adam. “Adam, I would like you to take over overseeing the businesses we have all over Washington. We have acquired many over the years and overseeing them is a full-time job on its own now. Would you be interested?” He asked hopefully.

I knew for a fact that Adam hadn’t chosen a major yet, because I talk to my kids. He had mentioned he was thinking of getting a degree in business management, which would work out in my favor. It took him about two seconds to nod his head. “Yeah.” He said, and I beamed at the prospect of him having a reason to remain in the pack. I knew that once he left here he would find his place away from the pack.

I would be fine with that as long as he was happy, but I also wanted all of us to remain close. I clapped my hands and bounced on my chair while everyone laughed at me. “Goodie!” By the way Adam squinted his eyes at me when I rubbed my hands together, I could tell he knew this was my idea. Luke wouldn’t have gone along with it if he didn’t agree but I was the mastermind.

The decision to go to college or remain in the pack was always left to them. Had Alex wanted to go to college, he would have continued training for the Alpha position wherever he went. There were also packs we were allied with all over the country. Where he could train while attending college. Adam and Winnie had a pack near that they could go to for physical training.

Training was necessary for all wolves. Heck, even I attend training, more so now than ever. I will never forget what this pack went through before my kids came into this world. Winnie was in my belly when we were attacked, and I thank God every day she wasn’t taken from me that day. Luke and I learned that day that you can be prepared and still suffer great loss. We couldn't have that happen again.