The Luna Within

Chapter Six: Meeting

***PERSEPHONE’S POV***

I feel extremely bad for hurting Apollo like I did. All the blood pumping through me with him holding me like that I really didn't realize the force I put behind it. It wasn't intentional at all.

Then he got mad that creepy Justin had me in the same hold. Which I thought was sweet and also strange. Why would he get mad about that? Was he feeling upset that a pervert was going to harm another child? Was it because it was me?

I mean I don't see why. I am nothing. A pathetic werewolf orphan. But he could've killed me in those woods but chose to help me. I think I want to ask him why but I'm not sure if I want to know the answer. I hope he isn't expecting anything from me.

We walked back up to the pack house garden when I finished my thoughts. I even think he was faking for the last few minutes we were walking. I take a deep breath because I know we are fixing to meet people and he will have new questions. I just hope I can impress the pack. I have never cared if anyone liked me because they always had a reason not to.

Kids I lived with thought I was the charity case that was replacing them. The adults only saw me as a meal ticket. Teachers just saw a new face they'd never remember after I was gone. But I thought that this place could be my home eventually, so I want to give my best impression.

"Apollo, before we go inside can I ask you a favor?" I told him. Wondering if he will agree. He studies me for a split second. "Pers, you can ask me to DO anything and FOR anything. And I will be here for you and do what I can." He sounds sincere.

"When you are introducing me to everyone can you not tell them I am an orphan especially from the human world. This is all going to be new to them and really new to me. I don't want anyone to feel like I am a threat or that they can't be comfortable around me because of where I came from."

He contemplates it and looks at me.

"Already thinking of others. Of course, I can tell them I saw you almost being attacked by a bear in the woods. And I ran the bear off and offered you sanctuary here. I will be honest with you though, my best friend and future Beta knows about you but he doesn't know you were an orphan. I kind of told him I didn't think you knew you were a werewolf." He smiles sheepishly.

"Well, we can just tell him that I didn't know how to sense a werewolf since I was young and that I didn't trust you enough yet to tell you what I was until you told me."

"You are ridiculously smart and so quick at solutions. You are going to be the perfect assistant. Also, if anyone gives you any problems or makes you uncomfortable just say, "bear". Okay? That way I can divert that person or step in. No one will know what it means and just think you are talking about how we met." That wasn't too shabby for something off the top of his head.

"Perfect, thanks again. Alright, I am ready to meet the pack members of the.... What's the name of this pack? Do you guys name the packs? Or is that just in the novels?" I giggle. Me and my dumb questions.

"Hahaha, yes we name our packs. Our pack is the Evergreen Pack. We are the largest and strongest pack in the United States. "

"Oooooo I like it. Perfect since it's in the forest and " Will Forever Be Green, Alpha Cute"?" I say with a dumb salute. Gosh, I have been the goofiest the last few days, Jesus I have to chill out or he's gonna think I'm a weirdo.

We step into these two huge double glass doors that are on the patio next to the garden. Through these doors we walk into the sitting area it looks like. And it is huge. There are couches, recliners, loveseats and tables everywhere.

The first person that noticed us was a guy looking through his phone. He has dark brown hair and green eyes. We could almost pass as family. He stands up and walks over to us, bowing his head to Apollo. And then eyes me carefully, sniffing the air.

"Who is this beautiful creature Pollo?" He says, flashing me a smile. Apollo weirdly growls. Maybe he doesn't want anyone making me uncomfortable.

"This is Persephone. She was found in the woods last night almost being attacked by a bear. I offered her a place here in the pack, if she wants it." He says while looking at me.

"She doesn't belong to another pack and she's not a rogue. Plus she is now my personal assistant." He takes a second to process what Apollo said. He finally extends his hand for me to shake it.

"I am Jason, the future Gamma and one of this knuckleheads best friend. It's a pleasure to meet you, Persephone. Finally someone who will keep the Alpha here organized. Hopefully it rubs off on him." He winks at me and laughs. Apollo growls but it’s low. That growl was definitely way more of a warning rumble it sounded like.

"Hey guys, what did I miss?" A man walks into the room and I let out a relieved sigh because of the relief in tension in between Apollo and Jason. "Persephone, this is Elijah. He's my future Beta." Elijah is a pretty hot guy. Not as nice looking at Alpha Cute over here but still nice. Blonde short cut hair, dark blue eyes and almost as tall as Apollo. Nice to look at if I'm not lying.

"Hello Elijah. I am Persephone. It's nice to meet you." Elijah nods and smiles. "A pleasure Ms. Persephone. Will you be staying in the pack from now on or are you just stopping through?" He asks sweetly and it sort of concerns me.

"I am thinking of joining the Evergreen pack. Maybe after my birthday this week? But I'd like to learn the ins and outs of the pack and meet the members. Make everyone comfortable around a newcomer. I'm surprised the big guy here warmed up to me so quickly. Being the future Alpha and all. I have no idea why." I giggled. All three guys laughed. Apollo laughed a little nervously.

"You seem to be fitting in quite well already, Pers. Is it okay that I call you that?" Elijah asks. I nod.

"That is fine. I have never had a nickname, and I know Persephone is a mouthful." He nods and turns to Jason.

"C'mon man let's get some food and get back to work." Elijah and Jason bow to Apollo and take their leave.

"C'mon Pers. I'll show you where you and I will be working."

"I'm not meeting anyone else?" I quirk my eyebrow at him.

“Not yet. Everyone is doing all their daily work. We have plenty of time to meet everyone.”

I followed him to the second floor. There are offices lined on both sides of the hallway. We walk all the way down to the end and stop in front of a door on the left. He turns around and points to the door on the right.

"Through that door is my dad's office. The current Alpha. Him and my mom work there. You'll meet them tonight. Dad can be intimidating but he's a nice guy. And my mom is the sweetest. " I nod. Just the thought of parents makes my chest hurt.

He opens the door to his office and I walk in first and look around. He has a big dark mahogany wood desk up in front of the center wall so it's the first thing you see when you walk in, straight ahead. With a nice black cushioned chair.

To the right is a huge glass window that covers the whole wall. You can see the garden, the training grounds and some of the woods in the distance. It's beautiful. To the left is a similar but smaller desk. With a beautiful crème and gold cushioned chair that matches the black one.

Right above his desk on the wall is a portrait of him standing next to a huge and gorgeous wolf. The wolf is Black with red and purple hues on the tips all over. I bet that wolf is gorgeous in person.WAIT! Holy s**t!!! That has to be Apollo's wolf!!!!

"Is that your wolf, Hercules?!" He nods.

"I might be out of line for asking this, but can I see and meet him?"

***APOLLO’S POV***

I can't believe she wants to meet Hercules. No other girl I've been around has been interested in meeting my wolf. They never ask about him. And she is so new to being a werewolf. She has no idea about how he feels about her. I know he'd never hurt her and he can't take her anyway until her wolf comes forward and she shifts for the first time, so I don't see the harm in it.

"You can meet him tonight if you want after we have dinner and you meet some more pack members. Sound good?" She nods her head and smiles big Just looking at her makes me dizzy.

"Alright Mr. Cute, show me what to do and where you want me." Goddess. There are so many places I want you. I have been stealing glances of her all day long. I can't take my eyes off of her.

"Haahha, Okay. First, this stack on the left is pack member complaints. Here is a list of the people who are in charge of jobs throughout the whole pack. I need you to go through these and separate them into different stacks. Whatever supervisor is able to deal with the issue without me having to step him separate them by that person. If it is something that seems a little more urgent, put it in my stack. If the issue seems like it can't be handled by anyone but me also in my stack. But all the urgent stuff is on top. Got it?"

"Yep, easy peasy, lemon squeezy. " She laughs and I smile at her.

"Okay you can use this desk." She looks at me and then at the desk we have reserved for the future Luna. She seems unsure for a moment.

"Didn't you say that your dad uses the office across the hall? With your mom?" I nod. Not sure where this is going. "Wouldn't that mean that this desk be reserved for your future wife?" She drops her head a little, like she's disappointed. But quickly recovers. I smile inwardly. She's sad about the thought of me having a wife.

"It is. But I don't have a girlfriend, or a mate. So there is no one that is needing it at the moment. But you're my assistant. I don't want you uncomfortable sitting in one of the hard guest chairs and that desk is big enough for you to get everything done on." She tight lipped smiles at me.

"I just don't want to be a burden to anyone, or anyone thinking I'm taking their place is all. But if you have no one yet then I guess there aren't any toes to step on." I nod.

Well I can tell she is relieved there is no one for me. I want to stick to my plan of making her my mate. But the more time I spend around her and get to know her, the more I realize she deserves more than what I wanted her for.

I have really got to think this through. If I get attached to her AND she's my mate, she will have the hold and control on me that I never wanted anyone to have. I can try and fight the mate bond. But the question now is, would I? I don't want a weakness. I don't want someone I have to worry about all the time. But on the other hand, I want her. With me. All the time. Shit...

The other girls made it so easy to ignore them. Just get my release and move on. Basically dropping at my feet. She's not even trying and she's perfect.

This is going to be a lot harder to think of her as just another lay if she keeps on being… Her.

'Apollo, her aura is getting stronger by the hour. I wouldn't be surprised if her actual birthday is sooner than 5 days away.'

'That would make her first shift sooner. I hope we will be around to see it happen. I'd like to see what her wolf looks like.'

'Me too. I'm happy she wants to meet me!' She has my Alpha wolf a little whipped.

'Says the Alpha that just admitted in his thoughts of wanting her with him all the time.'

'You know what I meant Herc. With me, moaning all the time.' I rolled my eyes at his huff.

'Mmhhmm. Keep telling yourself that lover boy.' I scoffed. And turned my attention to Persephone. She's already a quarter of the way through the stack and she has about 10 separate piles made up. Wow she's a fast learner and a quick worker.

"How are you doing over there?" She doesn't look up at me, but I can see her smile.

"Pretty good. Most of these are self explanatory. Some are a little more difficult to decipher so they have their own stack for me to go over again. But all and all, not too bad."

"Awesome!" I sit down at my desk. Usually new pack members don't deal in the running of the pack, just because you aren't sure who to trust. But I feel comfortable with Persephone. Sharing information. I can tell she's not lying.

I begin working on the new patrol schedules I have for the guards. My dad only had them change shifts every 12 hours. Which I am not sure why, even though werewolves are good with endurance and long hours. I feel like our guards deserve a little less time on their feet. I want to switch them out every 8 hours instead. And I want to alternate weekends off between them so they have more time to spend with their families.

"What are you doing over there, Alpha Cute?"

I smiled, I am starting to like being called that. "I am making a new guard patrol schedule. They usually switch at every 12 hours. I am thinking of shortening the time down. What do you think?"

"I bet the guards you have will appreciate that. I am sure werewolves are strong and capable, but I think you should do 8 hour splits. It would be like a regular job for them. Instead of a long shift they could look forward to getting off at decent times to spend with their families."

I smiled. Great minds.

" Also you should think about alternating weekends between them so everyone always has at least 2 weekends off a month. And the weekends they do work they get 2 week days off. Oooohh and you know what else? You should give most of the day shifts to guards with spouses and kids at home. And the ones who don't have families should take the night shifts unless requested. And they can submit request forms for days or nights they want off to you or the person in charge to make sure all patrols are covered but they still get the days they want off. That would make a lot of your patrols happy to know you are thinking of them and their requests." I smiled so wide. Spoken like a Luna already…

"I love all of that. I am going to write that down and think of a way to implement that. Thank you Pers." She smiles big, blushes and nods and continues working.

Just when I went to get back to work a mind link came through.

'Hey man, how is the new cutie adjusting to her new job? Can't wait for my turn!' Elijah links and I know he is wiggling his eyebrows at me. I growl through the link.

'I have changed my mind about getting rid of her once I am done. I think I'd like to keep her for my own personal pleasure.'

He laughs.

'I can tell you have a thing for her Pollo, I am just messing with you. But seriously how is she doing? Organizing and being your assistant? Is she adjusting well? And when are we adding her to the pack?'

'She's doing well actually. She just gave me a few ideas for the patrols I am working on changing around. Like you wouldn't believe her ideas. And I will ask her when she wants to be accepted into the pack now.'

"Hey Pers. I know it's a little soon and if you don't want to yet that's fine, but I was wondering when you'd want to be added to the pack as an official member?"

She looks at me contemplating for a moment.

"Well I was going to wait until my birthday because I didn't want to overstep. But if you and your pack and family don't mind I would like to be added as soon as possible. I don't have anyone looking for me. And I don't have any family that I know of. And this is the first place in almost 10 years that has felt easy to be at. So I'd like to stay if that would be okay?" She says the last part as sort of a whisper.

I smiled big as hell. I cannot wait to be able to talk to her through the mind link now!

"Awesome, I will talk with my dad in a minute and we can set it up for tonight after dinner to add you to the pack. Since I'm not the Official Alpha yet, he will have to add you but I don't see there being an issue with adding you tonight." She gets up, walks over to my chair and throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tightly. And I swear I just melt into her arms. I have never felt like this, especially over a woman....

"Thank you Apollo. If only you knew how much belonging somewhere means to someone like me." She whispered into my neck, and I tightened the grip around her waist and breathed her in so deep. I didn't want her to move from right here, ever again....

"Of course. Like I said this will be your home if you want it to be." Before she could let me go, the door of my office slammed open... God dammit!! Not this b***h again.

"What in the fu.ck do you think you are doing barging into my office Brittany!?!?! Are you out of your fu.cking mind???" I look at her and I am utterly pissed off. She ruined my moment with Persephone, I could've possibly kissed her if she didn't barge in. She looks between me and Persephone. Pers let's go of me and walks back to the desk to get back to her stack of papers she's working on.

"Who in the hell is that? And why is she at the Luna desk??" Brittany screeches. I look at her wide eyed, wondering who the hell she is talking to. I blast my Alpha aura. And she immediately bares her neck. I look at Persephone and she is again unfazed.

"Who I have in my office is none of your damn business? But if you MUST know, this is Persephone. She is my personal assistant and will be added to the pack tonight." Pers comes over and touches my shoulder, I relax. Brittany is watching the whole thing..

"It's okay. She's just curious because she likes you. I can handle myself, you know?" I stop blasting my aura and look at her and nod.

Persephone walks up to Brittany who is scowling at her. Pers extends her hand.

"Hello, Brittany? My name is Persephone. I am new. It is a pleasure to meet you." Brittany eyes Persephone up and down. Slits her eyes at her and looks past her at me.

"So you are sleeping with the low level omega help now? Little whore." Brittany sneers.

Persephone turns a deep red but it is definitely not a blush.

"Listen, I don't know who you are. But, even if I was sleeping with Apollo here, it would be none of your business. He has already informed me of your little 'relationship'. IF that is what you even want to call it. You don't know anything about me, but the first thing you have to say to me is that I am a w***e? How rude! That just shows me right there that someone's true colors shine through when you meet them. Thanks for that." Persephone rolls her eyes. I am shocked her aura is definitely getting stronger. I can feel it.

Brittany is floored. To be quite honest, I am too. Damn, that was hot.

"I will say whatever I want to you, w***e. You don’t know me, but I have been here. What Apollo and I have is a lot deeper than you think." She raised her hand to smack Persephone and as she went to hit her, Persephone moved out of the way fast.

Brittany stumbled a bit since she didn't connect and that just pissed her off. She went to throw a punch at Persephone and she ducked but when she came back up Brittany kicked her. I stood up fixing to say something when I saw Pers bent over, she looked back at me and winked. I let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding and sat back down. This is going to be fun.

Brittany went to kick her again and when she did, Pers grabbed her legs, threw her over the shoulder and slammed her into the floor. She jumped up and punched her dead square in the mouth one time. I am floored.

"Next time you go after someone you don't know, don't underestimate them. I can see you are fighting to prove yourself to Apollo. And if your relationship was as deep as you say, he wouldn't have yelled at you, or let this little squabble continue.

Picking on people you have no knowledge of is not the way to impress a man. You want to win a man's heart, be compassionate and tough. Control your anger and stop acting as if you are better than others, as if you are owed something, especially against people who have done you no wrong. Not very good qualities. But who am I, right? Just a low, what did you call me? Oh yes, Low level omega whore." Pers gets off of her and smacks her hands together dusting them off.

She reaches her hand down to Brittany and is giving her hand to pull her up onto her feet. Of course, Brittany's ungrateful a.ss smacked her hand away. And Persephone just shrugged. Unbothered. My damn jaw is hitting the f**king desk. She just handed Brittany's a.ss to her. And still tried to help her up off the floor after giving her VERY wise advice. What is this woman? She is like a goddess herself.. Brittany is gone after stomping her feet out the door. Persephone turns to look at me.

She looks shy at first and then she speaks.

"I am sorry to have fought with one of your pack members. Especially someone you've had, um, relations with. That won't happen again."

"You only defended yourself from where I stand. I do recall her taking the first swings at you before you hit her. And my ‘relations’ with her have ended. She is one of those girls who are only after power and title."

She nods and sits back down. "I am sorry for insinuating that we were having relations. I just hate someone who thinks that everything belongs to them and attacks others without thinking. She acted as if she owned you and your actions. And that's not okay. But I am still sorry." I was speechless. She basically defended my honor. Which is new to me. I shake my head and smile. It is usually the other way around.

"Persephone, I appreciate what you did. And I am not mad at what you said. You spoke the truth. Even if we were sleeping together, it would be no one's business but our own unless you wanted more than that. But I got to know. How did you know we had ‘relations’ that way?" She smiles and looks at me with those beautiful green pools in her eyes.

"It's kind of obvious honestly. I have watched enough chick flicks to know when a woman is being territorial. hahahah. But she barged into the future Alpha's office, obviously after hearing of a new woman walking with the future Alpha. She immediately called me a rude name. So it was just common sense." She kept giggling.

"Well to be quite frank with you, I rather enjoy the thought of being with you and around you, if I’m being honest. I didn't want to come off as creepy. But I like you. And I would never force you into anything if you weren't ready. We can stay friends for as long as you like but I wanted you to know what my feelings were. I'd like to get to know you more. About your past. Your future plans and goals. Maybe help you find answers about your real family if you'd like. Who knows maybe you'll fall in love with me along the way!" I laugh sheepishly. I am never like this. I am nervous and scared of her answer.. And I have never admitted that to anyone in my life....

She looked at me very sweetly and smiled.

"Although I don't know you 100%. I feel safe with you and I might like you too. I don't know how to tell what those feelings are yet. But I'd like to get to know you more. Learn about the pack. Learn about being a werewolf. Train better. And just become better than the shell I have been for the last 10 years. So, we shall see. Also, are you still going to tell your dad about adding me to the pack? I think I want to do that before dinner so I can meet Hercules and we can talk more without interruptions." She smiled brightly at me.

"I will mind link him now. And please don't think that because I like you that we aren't friends. I want to know every single thing about you Persephone. Leave nothing out, okay?"

"I don't lie, Apollo, so please know when I tell you something it is the truth. I was literally just thinking though, you might not like me as much when you find out more about me." She looked down. " Not possible." I said.

"Go ahead and go up to your room and shower it's been an eventful day already and it's not even over. I'll talk to my dad and we can bring you in before dinner, okay?" She smiles and goes to walk away to the door. She turns around and runs to give me another hug. I scoop her up into my arms and hold her tight. I didn't think after telling her I liked her that way, she'd want to be around me. I have to tell her she is probably my mate. And even though I like her, I still don't think I'll mark her, maybe. Damn I don’t know.. f**k.

I guess we'll just see how things play out. I could get tired of her in a week, even though that is doubtful. She lets go and walks out of the room and I watch her as she leaves.

'Hey dad, are you busy?'

'Not really son, everything alright.'

'Yeah, everything is fine. I have a werewolf I found in the woods yesterday and I want to add her to the pack.'

'How did you come across this she-wolf? And how do you know she isn't a rogue or spy.'

'She isn't a rogue. And she didn't even know she was a werewolf until today. I told her I sensed her last night trespassing in our pack. I found Justin Silvers trying to attack her. I snapped his neck for trespassing, and brought her back last night. Not only did she not know she was a werewolf. Her 16th birthday is supposedly in 5 days but I can feel her wolf aura now.'

Dad was silent for a few minutes. Probably discussing it with mom.

'If you believe this girl is not a threat I will add her to the pack. But if anything happens to our pack because of this girl, you will be responsible, understand?'

'Absolutely dad. We will be in your office in an hour.'

'Okay son, me and your mother will be there.'

Well that's a relief. Luckily, I will know everything about Persephone tonight. She will become a part of my pack and meet Hercules.

Moon Goddess, please let her be my mate.