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Everyone was chattering and whispering as both Mason and Ash walked into the meeting place. It then suddenly fell quiet. Ash realized they knew about her and Mason’s matehood. She started to become slightly intimidated as they both walked to the front of the room, with nearly fifty sets of eyes watching her like the predators they were.
She didn’t want Mason to coddle her or to speak for her. She had to tell them the truth if they were going to trust her at all, as one-half of their leadership.
She was also not an idiot. There was a high likelihood that a lot of the wolves wouldn’t react very well. That mistrust would lay fertile ground for revenge. And she knew better than anyone how much of a mess that could be.
Nevertheless, she persisted. She was going to tell them all the truth, as well as the truth of falling in love with Mason.
She took a step forward, her heartbeat screaming in her eardrums. Everyone was staring, including the children, who somehow caught on to the vibes of the situation and had gone eerily silent. She took a gulp and then heard the comforting voice of Mason inside her.
You can do this,he said telepathically.
And with that, she began to speak, her voice sanguine and firm.
“Thank you all for arriving on such short notice. I know during my recovery, Mason told you about Derek’s unfortunate involvement with the rumors that were circling this pack. And as you all likely know by now, your alpha and I are fated mates, and we have forged our bond. But I needed to confess to all of you that I arrived on the pack grounds under false pretenses."
She expected grumbles or disappointed grunts. When there was nothing, she went on.
“I was working for the Interspecies Council when I first got here to investigate Mason because of the said rumors. I was under the impression that he was a cruel leader with rogue shifters he sent to attack others for power and property. I came undercover as a lone wolf to gather information.”
More silence. Ash was getting worried.
“What I found, though, was something far more sinister. I discovered someone was framing the alpha. And, even more surprising, I found my mate.”
Ash turned back to glance at Mason. He was smiling with his arms crossed.
When she turned back, the expressions on their pack members' faces were soft, not hard with disapproval. Mason was having an effect on them. It was peculiarly beautiful.
“And then I fell in love with him. You all know how that works.”
Some shifters in the crowd chuckled. That was a good sign.
“I was wrong about Mason. So was the Interspecies Council. I fell in love with your Alpha, and it would be an honor to act as your Luna. But I wanted to share that information before any of that began. I come to you now looking for profound forgiveness while solely committing to act as one of the best leaders you have ever known. I know it will take a while to earn your trust, but I promise I will always protect you. I know I can do that, at least.” The last part was more to herself than the crowd.
She kept going, building momentum, as everyone started to nod with appreciation. She felt Mason’s hand on hers, and that pushed her onward with even more passion.
“I swear to you that I will make up for my mistakes. You can all come and speak to me as much as you speak to Mason. I have committed myself to him, and my loyalty is eternal. As it will be for all of you. I am still re-learning the ways of a pack, but I’m a quick learner and will be as transparent as your alpha."
The pack began to slowly clap and stand, though not all, and she understood that. But still, Ash felt like she could start weeping with relief.
Mason stepped forward, still holding Ash’s hand. She turned to him, and his eyes started to gleam.
“Told you so,” he whispered.
They embraced, and the pack gathered around them. Ash had never felt more content in her entire life.
Everyone started chatting with them, hugging Ash, shaking her hand, and thanking her for her honesty. A part of herwondered if Mason had already pre-warned them, but he assured her later that wasn’t the case.
It was the astounding display of forgiveness that made Ash feel even more fervent about finally being part of the pack.
An impromptu celebration ignited with a cookout, and once the moon rose, a pack run. They ate, talked, and laughed, pure bliss filling every corner of her heart.
As the sun sank and the moon bloomed, Mason and Ash stood by the meadow. The rest of the pack was coming. It was a tradition that once a female alpha had been selected, the pack would take her for a run.
They held beers and tangled their fingers together. Ash’s entire body hummed.
“So that went well, didn’t it?”
She smiled up at him while the rest of the pack came closer. Fireflies blinked on the horizon, buzzing around Mason’s head like a glowing crown. It was a mystical, spectacular sight.
