Cory's POV:
Several days ago, everyone in the pack was summoned to attend a gathering. There have been rumors circulating that Alpha Austin has already found his mate and is planning to make an announcement. So, he found his second chance, mate, huh? Upon learning of the rumors, a sharp pain pierced my heart. It still hurts, but not as much as the first one. Maybe we are losing the mate bond. There is also speculation regarding the impending visit of the Werewolf King.
We all gathered in the packhouse, with Alpha Austin at the center. I couldn't look in his direction, so I kept my head down.
"Hello, everyone! Thank you all for coming today. We have three important announcements to share, so please give your undivided attention to Alpha Austin." In a booming tone, Roma exclaimed loudly. Whispers about what they might be are being shared around the room.
"Do you think it's true that he found his mate? Well, second chance, mate." Lola whispered in my ear.
"I don't know. We'll have to wait." I responded with a shrug.
"Everyone! Your attention, please!" Roma said. The entire group fell silent.
"Thank you! It's great to hear that everyone is excited about the news. Let's begin with the visit of the Werewolf King to our pack territory. As per the King's Beta, Silas, the King intends to personally visit various packs to assess their progress, address their concerns, and connect with his people. He will be flying from Alaska to Idaho and will arrive on Monday. Along with the King is his Beta, Gamma, and a few fighters. Our guests will be staying with us for ten days. So, I expect everyone here to help with the preparations and be on your best behavior during their stay."
"Second, I know everyone would be excited to hear this: I have found my mate," he continued. I was surprised to discover that the rumors were true. Well, good for them. There is a lot of excitement and speculation about who his mate will be and who will become the future Luna.
"Everyone! I am introducing my mate and the Midnight Moon's Luna, Chloe Williams! Lastly, we're excited to announce that Luna's coronation will occur during next week's full moon. We're honored to have the Werewolf King in attendance for this special occasion." The pack members applaud and cheer for the couple, expressing joy at seeing their future Luna.
After the gathering, Lola and I returned to our chores. However, just as we were about to enter the kitchen, she quickly pulled me into the storage closet.
"Wow! Is this happening? I can't believe he found his second chance mate so quickly!" she exclaimed. I simply shrugged in response to her disbelief at the announcement. I was also shocked, but had no right to question the moon goddess' plans.
"I guess the moon goddess has her favorites."
For the remainder of the day, we resumed our usual daily activities and made arrangements for the anticipated arrival of the Werewolf King. We have thoroughly prepared the cabins for the Werewolf King and his subjects. We washed the bedsheets, cleaned all areas, and ensured that all amenities were in good condition, such as the air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, faucets, and showers. There are about three to four more cabins that need to be cleaned. Since it was already late, we decided to stop for the day and return tomorrow to resume. Following that, we retrieved some snacks and beverages before heading back to our respective rooms.
Monday. So, the Werewolf King will be here on Monday, and I will be busier than ever on my birthday. I hope it will be uneventful as the gathering was a while ago. It hasn't left my mind that Austin and Chloe are now mates. It is uncommon for us, but he has already found his second chance mate. When they found out, I wondered if Chloe knew I was his mate and if they had marked each other. Ugh. I should not be thinking about this anymore. I am unable to control it. And the announcement today, it hurts. I thought I was okay, but I was not.
Over the next few days, Lola and I dedicated our time to tidying up the remaining cabins, replacing the sheets, and adding finishing touches to the rooms. Afterward, we took care of the food supplies and ensured we had enough to last from the King's arrival until his departure. And in those days, Luna Josephine kept a strict watch on everything. She ensured everything was perfect - from the curtain's color to the plates we would use.
"Tsk tsk. What is wrong with you two?! Can't you even get this right?" Luna Josephine angrily sighed. We were in the kitchen placing the tableware and making the final touches on the dining table.
"Are we eating the entire garden?" she asked sarcastically when she noticed the floral patterns on the plates.
"And look at these utensils! Oh, my goddess! They are not shiny enough!"
"But Luna, we washed, sanitized, and polished them twice already," Lola answered.
"Well, do it again!" Luna Josephine shouted.
"What is wrong, Mother?" my heart skipped when I heard his voice. Alpha Austin entered the kitchen and looked at his mother worriedly.
"Oh, these two, they are giving me a terrible headache! They can't even do these simple things! I want to hide until the werewolf king leaves. I think I will die of embarrassment!"
"Don't worry, Mother. I will make sure everything is in order before the king's arrival. I will also have Chloe look over these. She has a good sense of style, you know."
"That's wonderful! Oh, son, I am glad you have Chloe as your mate! Well then, I will leave it to you both." Luna Josephine left happily with her son's assurance.
"So now, both of you. Continue cleaning but do not do some decorating until Chloe gets here. Understood?" He asked while trying to avoid looking at me.
"Yes, Alpha."
We continued cleaning as ordered by Austin and waited for Chloe.
Could this get any worse?