#7 The Twins of Satin Moon

Chapter 8: Hunter

“I thought the plan was not to tell her you were my sister?” I narrowed my eyes at Mel from across the dining room table.

“What was I supposed to do, Hunter? She asked if I was your girlfriend.” She gagged at the word.

“I hope I never meet my mate if this is how I’m going to act.” Zane, my youngest sibling, huffed from his seat. He was only 10-years old and a spoiled brat with lots of opinions.

“Oh sure, Zane.” My mother laughed at her baby boy, “You all will be lucky to find your mates and act like Hunter.”

“You’re doing the right thing, son, taking it at your mate’s preferred pace.” My father ignored my siblings bickering and leveled his gaze with mine.

“Thanks, Dad, I just know I can’t be selfish with her.”

My parents' own relationship was the reason why I already loved Maizey so much. They were fated mates and completely in love with each other, so in love that they couldn't seem to stop having children. My mother had just announced that she was pregnant yet again, ten years after having her last child who was also a “surprise”.

“At least you’re not a complete idiot.” Winter mumbled without taking her face out of the book she was reading.

“Winter, enough with the attitude.” Mom sighed.

“Attitude is her only mood.” Mel rolled her eyes.

“You really needed to bring another child into this circus?” I chuckled, “I hope it’s a boy.”

“Yes, because you and Zane are sooo much easier.” Dad’s hearty laugh shook the table.

“Dad, do you think the pack will be okay with a human Luna?” I asked suddenly. Dad put down the newspaper to look at me properly,

“Of course, Hunter, the pack just wants you to be happy. You know me and the past Alphas have always imposed the importance of a fated mate.” Dad said and it was true.

He and our forefathers always took their fated mates and discouraged anyone from taking a chosen mate instead. The matebond was the most sacred thing in our pack, even more sacred than the Alpha command. In fact, the Luna was held in such high regard that, in the pack’s eyes, she ranked above the Alpha.

We were beyond grateful when the werewolf Council was overthrown, replaced with a royal bloodline who valued the matebond as much as our pack did. Finally there was a leadership who didn’t care if the matebond asked werewolves to mix with other species.

“You’re right, Dad.” I nodded, already feeling better. The confidence of the former Alpha stirred inside of me, making Watcher swell with pride.

“We are excited to meet her, one day.” My mother was anything but subtle.

“Give them time, Elena.” Dad squeezed his mate’s hand.

“I think I might have her convinced to come to my party this weekend.” Mel added, not so helpfully.

“And no one can be there to spook her.” I cut off my mother’s excited expression. She frowned at me,

“Not even you?”

“No, not even me. I’m the last person she wants to see. Right now, I think Mel becoming her friend is my best chance at getting a hook into her life.” I explained.

“I think that’s a smart plan, Hunter.” Dad nodded approvingly.

“Thanks, Dad.”

I threw myself into work to try and distract myself from the desires I felt towards my mate. It didn’t work, but it at least made me feel less on edge. I oversaw the preparation of the robotics program to make sure that everything was ready for Maizey. I wanted to make sure that every member on the team was worthy of her respect, including the man who would be her boss. I even checked with her office placement to make sure that it was the best one available.

“Mr. Greyback, I’m not sure that I understand this line of questioning.” The man who was hired to be the head of the robotics program, Grant Lively, wasn’t a werewolf. He was also hired internally out of the well established mechanical engineering unit of my company.

“One of your managers, Miss. Grace will be starting in a week and she’s of special interest to me. She's going to be your assistant director as well. I want to make sure that she is welcomed and satisfied here, we can’t afford to lose her.” I attempted to speak plainly.

I was used to managing humans in and around werewolf problems, but this was completely different. I had zero patience nor the ability to coddle this particular human. If I had to, I would just fire him and replace him with a werewolf who would listen to me, or just make Maizey the head of the department and be done with it.

“Oh, yes sir, I’ve read up on and was a part of hiring everyone in this program. I personally oversaw the hiring of Miss. Grace.” Grant seemed putoff by my line of questioning.

I’m sure it felt unusual, considering I was a relatively hands off CEO. I suggested programs and projects for our company to focus on, but that was about it. As long as everything was running smoothly, I stayed out of the department heads' way. Grant knew this and his ego was certainly taking a hit from my integration.

“Her brother is a close friend of mine.” I added and Grant’s face changed.

“I see, well that’s a coincidence.” He seemed satisfied in knowing that my concerns were not in regards to his leadership skills.

“Of course it was. You said so yourself, you personally hired Miss. Grace, I had nothing to do with it. I trust that you will make that clear to anyone who may question her place here.” I narrowed my eyes at him and he nodded,

“Absolutely. As you said, we need her here. She’s a great asset to the start of this program.” Grant said.

“Good, then we are in agreement. Miss. Grace is young and has gone through trials because of that. I don’t want her to experience any more.” I spoke sternly.

“Yes, sir.” Grant nodded again.

“Good. I’ll be checking in.” It came out more threatening than I meant it to. Grant just stared at me. I nodded at him before abruptly leaving his office.