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They probably won’t believe me, but that’s not my problem.
The way Elodie has grown is an inspiration. And not just to me. The entire pack is enamored with my mate. They look up to her like a Luna and are amazed at her intelligence, kindness, and tenacity.
I know becoming the Luna of the pack is a big job and that she was worried about it, but she’s been working with Mom and learning the ropes. There was never a doubt in my mind that she would excel at it.
Apparently, she doubted herself.
One afternoon I headed over to the Luna office to see if my mate wanted to go for a run with me. My wolf had been bugging me about it. He wanted to show off for her and feel her wrapped around his body as he showed her his favorite places in the forest.
I couldn’t deny him the opportunity any longer.
As I approached the office, the door was slightly open and the worry in Elodie’s voice had me stopping to listen, “It feels like such a big job. I’m not sure I’m ready for it.”
“I won’t lie to you, El,” Mom’s voice was filled with understanding, “it is a big job.”
I wanted to storm in there and yell at my mom. My wolf was yipping and growling in my mind. The thought that she wouldn’t want to be our Luna, and rule the pack at my side, was clawing at my insides and making me feel dizzy.
“From what you’ve told me about your past though, you’re more than capable of taking on a big job and doing it well.” Mom’s voice went soft, “You are the Luna this pack needs. The only proof I need is the fact that the Moon Goddess paired you with my son.”
“What if that isn’t enough to make me a good Luna?”
“The Goddess doesn’t make mistakes,” Mom reminded her. I’m sure Elodie had a look of disbelief on her face. “Don’t worry so much. I can tell you all the things I did as a Luna, but that doesn’t mean you need to do all of those things or that you won’t find other things to help the pack thrive. The most important thing about being the Luna is being the heart of the pack, the person anyone can go to for a shoulder to cry on, for a milestone to be celebrated, or for problems to be heard. I don’t doubt for a single second that you can do all of those things and so much more.”
“Being the heart of the pack sounds a lot like what I would imagine being a mom is like,” Elodie’s voice was thick with emotion, and I swear I could feel her sadness pulsing down our bond even incomplete without marking her.
“It is kind of like that,” Mom conceded.
“I don’t know how to be a mom,” I could hear the tears in her voice.
“That’s why I’m here. To help you and support you. Your instincts will help to drive you,” Mom assured her.
“I don’t want to let Crew down,” Elodie whispered.
“There is no way in the world that you could let Crew down,” Mom’s voice was firm. “I don’t think I can express how happy I am that you’re mated with my son. You are perfect for him and for this pack. You will bring us a sense of humanity and purpose that we need. The pack is already supporting you. They want you as our Luna. They have your back. I have your back and so does Noah. Most importantly, your mate will be at your side for every step of the way. He will not let you falter, just like you would never allow him to either.”
“Thank you,” Elodie’s voice was filled with gratitude.
I eased away from my Luna’s office to give them a few more minutes. When I went back, my mate was all smiles and sparkling eyes. I’m sure that the baby pictures Mom was showing her was a big part of that. The knowing look Mom shot me told me that she knew I was there and listening, but she didn’t give me up because she wanted me to know about my mate’s concerns and fears.
Since then, even though it’s still just as big of a job, Elodie has worked hard to learn from Mom while also asking questions about where she can slide her own ideas and goals into what a Luna does. Everything she’s talked to me about has blown me away. She wants to make sure that the kids are supported and looked out for. She wants to help them learn compassion and understanding in a new way so that they’re given tools to help kids who might not have the same advantages as the pups in our pack.
Tonight, none of the worries or concerns about the future matter. Because it’s here. I’ll still give her some more time before the Luna ceremony, but tonight is when I have the pleasure of marking my mate.
Finally.
Her fingers dig into my fur as we run through the forest. There is one place in our territory that I haven’t shown her yet and neither has my wolf. This is the perfect time of year as well and I think she’ll love it.
I know the pack is well taken care of under the other ranked members of the pack and will make sure that the rest of the Moon Run, which is a chance for the pack to bond and enjoy the power and grace of the Moon Goddess, goes smoothly.
Tonight, my focus is on my mate.
Elodie giggles, as she leans forward over my back in anticipation of the log in our path. I jump over it easily and the small squeal that comes from my mate has my wolf’s tongue lolling out of his mouth and a smile stretching across his face as much as it can.
As we approach the small clearing in the forest where I plan to claim my mate fully, my wolf’s steps slow. He crouches down and ensures that each footfall is silent. He’s just as anxious as I am to show our mate the majestic show which can be found in our territory.
I stop just at the edge of the clearing, the blue glow coming from a few of the falling logs telling me that I’ve timed our visit here perfectly. Maybe it wasn’t me at all. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that the Moon Goddess had a hand in it as well.
After I drop onto my belly, Elodie is silent as she slides off my back. Her delicate fingers sink into my fur and my wolf purrs in contentment in my mind. When it comes to our mate, he’s a giant puppy.
