Her Promise

Her Promise | Chapter Four

MISSY

Maddox and I spent the night lazy in bed together after dinner. It was nice just to relax together. I texted Ally the following day to see how she and Emmet were doing now that Maddox and I had moved out. She very excitedly reported that they were enjoying the privacy, and I didn’t need more details.

Maddox headed down to breakfast first, leaving me some extra time to get ready. I made more of an effort for my second day, finding nice pants and a blouse that was more in tune with the stuff Lemon wore to work every day. I helped her pick out plenty of them on our shopping trips, so it was easy to figure out what to wear.

Emma gave me a nod of approval when I joined everyone for breakfast, making me feel good about my wardrobe choice. Maybe there was something in dressing the part. Just like the day before, Langston and Maddox left after breakfast to work together while I went with Emma.

When we stepped into her office, I thought we would spend the morning diving deeper into all the things she had covered the previous day, but I was wrong.

“You want to do what?” I asked her.

“You guys got to see most of the pack now; Maddox has started meeting the warriors during training. We should control your introduction to the pack, and we can best do that with a party here at the packhouse,” Emma smiled.

“I don’t know. It might be better to meet people in small groups,” I protested.

“Nonsense,” she waved me off. “This will also make you accessible. That is going to be key in this transition.”

I took a deep breath. You would think after most of my life was spent with the Alpha families and participating in parties and gatherings, I would just be used to it. I never got comfortable being the center of attention. It was nice that my mate and I shared a birthday because the spotlight didn’t have to be all on me. Maddox took that roll in stride; it didn’t seem to bother him.

“I guess you are right,” I told her. “So, what do I need to do?”

-

For lunch, Emma and I headed to a small restaurant where we were going to have lunch and speak with the owner about some catering for the event. She explained to me that although the packhouse staff were very capable of handling the events on their own with her direction, she liked to incorporate businesses in the pack and other pack members to promote a sense of unity and ownership.

“This is amazing,” I said taking another large bite of my grilled chicken. The flavor on the chicken wasn’t something I had ever tasted before. Lea would love it.

“The owner has a particular tongue for interesting flavors,” Emma agreed.

“Don’t talk me up too much,” said a skinny woman as she approached. She wore a simple button-down tucked into a tight pair of high-waisted jeans. There was a barely noticeable stain down the front as well. Her reddish brown hair was pulled back into a bun that sat loftily on top of her head. “I just like to be challenged, Luna.”

“Missy, this is Candace,” Emma introduced her. “She is the owner of this wonderful little spot.”

“Nice to meet you,” I smiled. “I’m Missy.”

“Pleasure,” Candace smiled back. “What are you ladies up to?”

“I was letting Missy sample some of your food so we could talk to you about a party,” Emma said.

“A party? You’re speaking my language. What is the occasion?” Candace asked.

“Missy and her mate will take over as Alpha and Luna very soon. I wanted to debut them, so to speak. The pack should get a chance to know them,” Emma explained.

“Oh, really?” Candace gasped. “Well, I would be delighted to help then! Will the packhouse staff be available as well?” Candace sat down in the open chair next to Emma, and they started talking about catering plans. I tried to follow along, but they were in their own world talking about the food to serve.

I didn’t mind, happy for the slight reprieve from party planning. I contentedly finished my meal, wondering what Maddox was up to. The bell over the door chimed as someone stepped inside. She wore the highest heels I had ever seen, with a pencil skirt and a crisp white blouse. Her hair was in a bun so tight it had to be giving her a facelift. She scanned the room and landed on our table, one perfect eyebrow rising before she started in our direction. I pretended not to notice.

“Well, if it isn’t our Luna out and about today,” she said. Her voice was condescending at best.

Emma and Candace stopped their conversation and looked toward the woman. “Sabrina, what a pleasure seeing you,” Emma said without skipping a beat. Candace rolled her eyes before fully turning to give the woman her attention.

“Well, I was coming in today to speak with Candace about some catering for a benefit we are hosting,” the lady, Sabrina, said with a placid smile. Her eyes swept to me briefly, but she must have decided I wasn’t worth her time. “I have tried calling but can’t seem to get through.”

“I’m too busy cooking to answer the phone. With all the young ones back in school, my seasonal staff is gone,” Candace said irritatedly.

“That is unfortunate. Should I source another caterer? I would hate not to support our pack members, but if the workload would be too much…” she trailed off. Why did it seem like this was a show?

I looked at Emma, who had a mildly amused expression. “If you will just give us a moment more, Sabrina. Candace, Missy, and I are almost finished,” Emma said. Somehow she came off completely dismissive and superior while also sounding like the sweet older lady I knew she was.

“Missy?” Sabrina asked, looking back at me.

“Yes,” Emma answered. “This is Missy. She will be taking over for me soon. She just moved to Serenity Waters officially a few days ago.”

“Oh?” Sabrina said. She held out her hand to me. “Sabrina Brighton.”

“Wait. I heard that name,” I said, trying to remember. “Do you have a daughter?”

“Yes. I have two children. Valen and Vera. Have you met?” she asked.

“Um, yea. We ran into them yesterday while Ronin was showing us around,” I answered.

“Hmmm,” she hummed with a tight smile. “Well, do let us know if there is anything we can do to help your transition. My children would be delighted to offer the help of one Alpha lineage to another. What family did you say you were from?”

“I didn’t,” I said.

“Pardon me. I guess it would be your mate then,” she said with a fake smile. I wasn’t sure what to make of Vera and Valen, but I really didn’t like their mom.

“It does not matter what their blood lineage is, Sabrina,” Emma cut in. “We all know a worthy Alpha candidate will have the power born within them when they swear their oath to the pack.”

Sabrina turned back to Emma. “Right, of course. Well, I will wait by the counter for you, Candace. Luna, wonderful to see you. Missy, it was a pleasure meeting you.” She strolled away, her heels clicking annoyingly on the tiled floor.

“She’s-” I started.

“A pain in the ass,” Candace groaned. “Seriously. Don’t put much stock in her. But I should go see what she wants. She may nickel and dime me down, but her mate’s assistant always slips in a sizeable tip when she pays me. I’ll call you tomorrow about the party, Emma.”

Candace left us, and I waited for Emma to talk. I was curious about how the Brightons were connected to Langston and how we got here. Emma gave me a small wink and started piling up our dishes. I helped her clean up the table, and she left money for the bill. Candace waved to us as we left.

Emma and I walked in silence for a bit. I tried to be patient, but I really wanted to know. “So about that lady….” I said.

“She is something, isn’t she?” Emma laughed. “Being Alpha and Luna means leading all pack members, not just the pleasant ones.”

“What did she mean about all the Alpha lineage stuff?” I asked her.

“Well, you are very aware of how the Alpha title is passed down through families. But have you ever thought about the children of Alphas that don’t take the title?” she asked.

I shrugged. “Not really. I mean, I was never going to be Alpha or Luna, or at least I thought. Plus, I was adopted.”

Emma nodded. “Well, for Leo and Azly, things are a little different. Alpha’s have superior strength and speed naturally, so they are capable of defending their packs. Even the pup not destined to be Alpha will have a leg up on other wolves as they come from Alpha blood. But sometimes, situations like ours occur. Some families have a more purist ideal about how succession should continue in these circumstances. Many believe someone of actual Alpha blood, preferably within the pack, should be taking the title.”

“But that isn’t always possible. Langston doesn’t have any siblings, plus they would only be slightly younger than him,” I added. Emma nodded.

“Leo and Azly may have pups that have a fraction of the advantages their blood gives them, but as that bloodline continues, it will become negligible. These purist families believe that those branch families should be considered as successors though, arguing they will have a more natural claim to the title and power,” Emma explained.

“Is it true?” I asked.

“It could be. But like I reminded Mrs. Brighton when any worthy candidate swears an oath, the Goddess blesses them with the strength and power of an Alpha. It’s not unlike the changes an Alpha experiences after mating and marking his mate. His senses and abilities grow. After Maddox’s Alpha ceremony, he will see changes as well,” she answered.

“What if we aren’t worthy?” I asked her.

Emma was quiet for a moment. We were slowly moving toward the packhouse, or at least I thought we were. I was still a little lost moving around the pack. My stomach churned as I waited for her to answer. Finally, she spoke, “You will not have to worry about that. Langston waited a long time to pick his successor, and it wasn’t because there wasn’t anyone willing. In fact, Halsten has pushed him to name Valen as his successor for years. But, it is not as dramatic as it might seem. If someone unworthy of the title swears the oath, they will not gain the same physical advantages. Their bond with the pack would also not be firm, which could lead to more issues later on. They would still hold the title as they took the oath, though.”

We didn’t talk anymore on the way back to the packhouse. This little bit of doubt was pawing at the back of my mind. Emma and Langston were so sure that Maddox and I were worthy of this, but it still worried me. Yes, I grew up in the packhouse at Blood Eclipse. Yes, Maddox spent a lot of time with Liam, Damien, Felix, and the others. We weren’t from any Alpha families; we were lucky orphans.

Maddox and Ronin were waiting for us when we got back. I always felt better as soon as he was with me again. Before I could ask what they were waiting for, Sadie came bursting through the front door. “That’s enough work for today. Let’s go have some fun!” she announced.