The Greedy Luna and her Thirst for Power

Back straight, chin up

Eliza walked us to my mother's study and ushered us in. Mother was sitting in her black leather chair, sipping some tea. Her chestnut brown hair was French braided and pinned perfectly showing off her golden moon earrings. She glanced at us over her mug, her hazel eyes penetrating my soul.

"That will be all Eliza," she dismissed our only safety net.

"Luna, if I may...." Eliza tried.

"No you may not. I said that will be all!" my mother interrupted her. Eliza bowed defeatedly and rushed out of the room.

Silas and I stood side by side. I was as tall as him with my heels. I could feel my ankles shaking both from fear and my discomfort of the horrible shoes. Mother rose from her seat and strode toward us. She wore a form fitting black dress that accentuated her small waist. She had black stiletto heels that resembled daggers. She reached her long, elegant fingers toward my face and pushed my chin up uncomfortably. Then she placed her hand on the small of my back and her other on my shoulder to force me to stand straight as a board.

"This, Grace, is how the future Luna of this pack behaves. Like a regal lady, "She said, her voice low and threatening. She turned to Silas, "As her shadow, you never stand at her side, always slightly behind, where you belong." She shoved him by the shoulders into where she wanted him and forcefully made him clasp his hands behind his back.

She stepped back to critique us. She smiled at Silas and then frowned at me glaring at my feet.

"Grace, for goddess' sake! You must have the weakest ankles of any female wolf to ever live! You will start wearing heels every day until you don't tremble," she spat. She walked over to her desk a few feet away. We stared straight ahead, staying as still as possible. Eliza's words echoed in our heads: just do what she says.

"I'll be meeting with some council members to discuss our rebuilding efforts. I expect you both to remain in that position until I say," she said. There was a knock on the door and she welcomed them in. Her visitors tried to pay no mind to us but you could hear their concern when they would first walk in.

After the first 3 hours my legs started to shake and I felt dizzy. I teetered a little but Silas put out his hands on my back to steady me quickly.

My shadow.

My legs ached and I could feel my ankles swell. Every muscle in my body was screaming at me. I felt myself sway and I was feeling light headed. Mother was talking to 3 council members about how to divide up the orphaned children to prospective families. I felt myself falling but I was powerless to stop it.

"Grace!" Silas gasped as he caught me in his arms. "I gotcha, you're ok."

All the adults stopped talking and turned to us. I didn't dare look at my mother.

"Sorry for the interruption gentlemen," mother said in annoyance.

"Looks like a future Luna with her future alpha!" one of the alphas commented.

"That's Briar's boy isn't it?" another commented. "God rest his soul! What a strong young wolf."

My mother laughed politely, "Yes, well he's no alpha. We've decided to train him as my daughter's gamma."

"Ahh, fine choice," they all agreed.

Silas held onto me and tried to help me to my feet but my legs felt like Jello, "Grace can you stand?" he whispered in my ear.

"I-I don't know," I said weakly. "I think I might...."

Silas bore my entire weight as I fainted.

Mother jumped up, "Thank you again for your time gentlemen. I appreciate your assistance in this time of need." She rushed them out the door. Then stormed over to Silas and I. She tried to yank me out of Silas' arms but he growled at her. "You mind your place," she snarled at him.

"You told me I am her protector. So that's what I'm doing," he stated bravely. Mother was about to strike him when the door flew open and in walked the alpha. Right behind his heels were Eliza and Theo.

"Grace, we're gonna be ok. The alpha is back," Silas whispered to me softly. He expertly lowered himself to sit on his legs and held me against his chest securely. I batted my eyes open and was relieved to feel his arms around me. Mother was far away from us.

"Thank you," I whispered to him.

"That's what friends do," he answered.

My papa was boiling mad. His voice echoed and thundered throughout the study. His alpha aura weighed heavily on the entire packhouse and I heard Silas groan in discomfort. It was my turn to help him.

"Papa!" I cried. I heard a rough slap as his hand hit my mother's face, making me jump. Tears streamed down my face. I was so tired.

Theo and Eliza rushed over to Silas and I.

"I'll take it from her pup," Theo told Silas warmly. Silas hesitantly allowed Theo to pick me up.

"She fainted!" Silas said protectively. "She's exhausted and, and, probably needs something to eat."

Theo smiled proudly at him, "Good Job Silas."

Eliza helped Silas up and we were led out of the study.

I held onto Theo, burying my face in his chest, "I leave for a few days and you replace me huh?" he teased. "I thought I was your fierce protector princess?"

"I would never," I said with a sniffle.

Theo kissed my forehead, "Well I think I have competition. The kid did good."

I nodded. "Where's my papa?"

"He will be here in just a little. He's got some things to handle before he can come check on you," Theo said as he laid me on my bed. He sat on the edge on my bed and looked me over, checking for injuries. His eyes darkened when he saw my arm where my mother had ripped me from Silas' bed. It was badly bruised. "I need to go speak with your father princess. I'll be back."

I grabbed his hand before he could walk away.

"I don't want to be alone," I told him. The tears wouldn't stop falling.

"Would you like me to get Eliza?" he asked gently.

I nodded but then quickly added, "Silas please!"

Theo looked at me with a raised brow.

"He makes me feel safe," I said, my lip quivering.

Theo nodded, "I'll go get your knight."

I couldn't stop crying. I don't think I realized how nervous I was until my papa and Theo got back. I was overwhelmed with my luck that they arrived when they did. I looked up when my door opened and my heart skipped a beat when Silas strode in. I put my arms out to him and he immediately hugged me.

"Are you ok?" he asked gently. "You're really crying. Are you hurt?"

"I'm just, glad to have you here," I blubbered.

He sat beside me on the bed and didn't let me go until I did first. His eyes narrowed in on my bruised arm and he looked at me with concern. I smiled as I wiped my tears. We held each other's gaze for a few moments when Eliza rushed in. She had water, snacks, and a cold compress.

"Oh my loves!" she gushed. She took us both in her arms after she set down her tray. She kissed us both on the head then got us both situated with snacks. She whisked the heels off my sore feet and I hissed with pain. I had blisters on both my feet.

As Eliza was tending to my sore feet, my papa walked in. Silas immediately got off my bed and bowed his head but my papa would have none of it. He caught Silas off guard when he wrapped him in a hug.

"Thank you for protecting my Gracie," he told Silas sincerely. Silas nodded, his head against my papa's broad chest. He held Silas at arms length, "But you do not need that type of responsibility. Not yet. We will get you where you need to be my boy."

I let out a whimper involuntarily. I clasped my hand over my mouth in embarrassment. They both looked at me.

Silas held my eyes and I saw his lips twitch up into a smile, "Actually alpha, I'd very much like to remain the princess' protector if I may. If I could just stay with Aunt in her room if she is allowed to work here still."

Papa's eyes darkened when he heard that Mary was no longer at her post, "Of course my boy. I am honored by your request. Now let's go find your aunt shall we? "

Theo arrived at my door. Papa must've mind linked him and he escorted Silas out. My papa scooped me up into his arms immediately and I snuggled into his chest.

"I'm so sorry my darling," he said sorrowfully. "Eliza told me everything. I'm going to fix this. I'm going to make this right." I nodded into his chest and he squeezed me tightly.

And I believed him.