Page 75 of Luna Rising

Mom glanced from me to Brooke, tilting her head and narrowing her eyes as if trying to see something not readily visible to the naked eye. Then, her gaze turned inward before things clicked into place. “She’s one of Zosia’s descendants.”

I nodded. “Yes. Specifically, Zosia and Stavros’ descendants.”

“Ah. I come from Zosia and Zeno’s bloodline.”

Color drained from Brooke’s face. “Is that why King Evander wanted me?”

“I think so,” I admitted. “At the time, I didn’t know anything about Zosia and Stavros having kids. Then I found this mirror….”

Recounting the story aloud reminded me that Andie was the only reason I had my wolf back, and I didn’t know if I should tell Brooke about that. It wasn’t like I was going to lose my wolf again, probably. Never say never, I supposed.

But then she asked me point-blank about Andie and Clarissa, and I didn’t want to lie. Brooke hadn’t witnessed much violence in her life, since my father’s tenure as alpha had been peaceful, so she was horrified. While my mother’s expression didn’t change. I wondered if it was years of practice at controlling her reactions or if she’d seen worse before meeting Dad.

Brooke took it well. At least, she didn’t throw her cappuccino mug or scream obscenities or sob crocodile tears, all of which I had worried might happen. So, yeah, I counted that as a win.

“Why are you telling me now, while the alphas are discussing the terms of the accords?” she asked.

“Ewan wants—no, sorry. He and I want to name your firstborn child as his heir. I mean, obviously, we’re immortal, so the chances of your kid ever becoming alpha are, like, nonexistent. It’s more symbolic.”

“Oh, it’s much more than that, Zara.” The lines between her eyebrows that she called Zara and Zach deepened. “Have you really paid so little attention over the years? The Gemini pack is small compared to many others. Why do you think your father was so interested in the alliance with the Leo Fae? No alphas were interested in marrying their alpha sons to you.”

“Um, wow. Harsh,” I said.

Mom rolled her eyes. “It had nothing to do with you. Well, maybe a little to do with you. No alpha wants to marry a difficult mate. The problem was that no one wanted an alliance with the Gemini because we couldn’t offer them anything but a bride. We needed allies much more than they needed us.”

“Ewan married me, and he even knew me first,” I pointed out.

“Ewan chose you because he followed his heart. It is precisely because he knew you first. He is also young and doesn’t need to marry for an alliance.”

She could have mentioned the whole soulmate thing, and I expected her to, but I appreciated that she didn’t. I preferred the version of our love story where we actually had a choice in the matter, and it wasn’t just because Gaia marked us as two halves of a whole.

“As heir to both the Taurus and Gemini packs, the child will have strength and power on its side. Everyone will know of the child’s bloodline. So, no, Zara. The honor is not merely symbolic.”

“Okay, well, then consider it a late wedding gift,” I said, suddenly flustered with Mom chastising me.

“Does Zach know?” Brooke blinked wide, round eyes at me.

“Not unless Ewan brings it up at the alpha meeting, which I guess he might have. Not the part about you being our descendant. We wanted you to know first, and Zach should really find out in private,” I said.

“Yeah. Um, I want to tell him if that’s okay?” She looked between my mother and me.

“You’re the alpha’s mate, you don’t need to ask permission,” I said.

“At least not from us,” Mom added.

I shook my head. “No. From anyone. I don’t.”

“No, Zara. You don’t ask permission because you are the Luna. Honestly, do your ears simply close when people start talking about a topic that might be educational?” Her disapproving Mom glare made me shudder.

A knock on the front door saved me from having to respond. Birch was already on his way to answer the uninvited caller before the person made a sound.

“Do you have more descendants coming?” Mom asked.

“Not that I’m aware of.”

Birch open the door and Penn’s large shoulders filled the doorway, his flowing blond hair blowing in the chilly breeze. Both Mom and Brooke went a little googly eyed. Penn was attractive, I supposed. Personally, I found constantly stoic expression unnerving. It was like he was always ready receive bad news, not unlike the way Birch looked more often than not.

“Drake thought I might be more comfortable up here instead of the lodge.” He smiled at Brooke and she lit up like he’d given her a gift. “No offense. Brooke, right?”

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