Page 4 of Eclipse Pack

“You don’t have to do that Taria.” Nessie is giving me a look full of shock.

“I know I don’t, but I’d like to anyway, if that is alright with you, of course.”

“Isla, get yourself off duty. You’ve gone the longest without a break, so take time out, but make sure you thank Taria for taking your duties over this evening.” Nessie is giving Isla a look that says,come on, make the most of it.

“Thank you so much, Taria. This is a lovely surprise. I can spend some extra time with Baildon and my pup.” Isla kisses my cheek before rushing out of the kitchen and leaving the kitchen ladies, all giggling.

“Okay, you need to roll up your sleeves and stand at that sink. Roll a cloth over the dishes in the suds, then dip in the second sink before placing in the dishwasher. Then repeat, you’ll be at that for quite some time.”

Nessie’s not wrong either. I work for another two hours, filling and emptying the dishwashers, because it turns out they havethree. Who would have guessed? Everyone is pleasant. They laugh as they work, helping each other when it’s needed. I like this atmosphere and I’m going to make sure the Eclipse Pack has the same warmth.

We go run now?

‘Yes, Maya, we can go for a run now.’ I quickly head outside and shift, remembering at the last moment I was supposed to have someone run with me.

“You forget you were to be accompanied, Taria?” Chief Warrior Oscar asks, making Maya jump in the process. “I’ll run with you, but follow along with me. No running off.”

Maya gives Chief Warrior Oscar a nod by dipping her nose, letting him know she understands. We are not able to mind-link as I am not a pack member. But I’ll make sure Maya follows his instructions.

I rest while Maya runs with Conan, Warrior Oscar’s large gray and white wolf. My mind is running through all I’ve learned today, from the kitchen arranging meals right through to learning about the council coming to see me. Whatever happens, I will show myself in the best light I can. I don’t want Bronze to be disappointed in me, and I don’t want him to feel he has to reject me because I’m not good enough to do what is needed.

Chapter 3

BRONZE

Looking around the office, I have to admit to myself that two weeks in here has driven me a little stir crazy. Titan, my wolf, is whining and pacing for his mate, and I know he understands why Taria and her wolf, Maya, are not mated with us yet, but he could give it a rest. My head is constantly aching with the pity-party he has going on.

I want mate!

‘I know you do, Titan, but we are doing what is right for us and the pack. I want my mate too, and we’ll get Taria and Maya. We just have to be patient.’

In the back of my mind Titan huffs, circles a few times then lays down with his back to me. Sulking! Boy, I hope these next few weeks pass quickly.

Placing the last of the folders on my desk back into the filing cabinet, I let out a relieved breath. I hope I’m going to remember all the information, but I'm sure my father will remind me if I forget.

The door to the office opens and my mother walks inside. “Are you all finished, Bronze?”

“I am, and I’m hoping I remember everyone’s information because there are a lot of members.” I give her a kiss on her cheek when she lifts her face. I know what she expects and as her only pup, she was always very affectionate towards me.

“You will remember more when you get to know everyone in the pack personally. You have to make the effort to go to the garden, kitchen, training sessions, etc., etc. There is a lot to cover, but if your father and I can do it, so can you. You know the younger pack members, so that is not going to be an issue.”

“I did as father asked and kept myself away from the she-wolves, and kept myself apart from the males. I only had a friendship with Xander and Wesley. They kept in touch with me while I was at Alpha camp, and I know they’ll help me reach out to everyone.” I know mother has more to say as she’s settled herself into one of the easy chairs.

“I want to discuss Taria, and what I will need to teach her regarding our pack. She is learning from the other Lunas, as you well know, but all packs have their own way of doing things, and it’s here that Taria will be the Luna. I want her to feel she can make any changes she sees fit, and doesn’t feel she has to be answerable to me or your father. You, as her mate and the Alpha of the pack, will need to be aware that Taria doesn’t become overwhelmed.”

Taking a perch on the edge of the desk, I look at mother, and give her a slight smile. “I will be careful with Taria, but she is strong. She will be a great Luna. She has to learn to fight because of the war that is coming, and before you say more, mother, there will be a war because the rogue Alpha is not going to sit back for years to come. He has an agenda, and we know this from what developed with Luna Aurora, and the information she procured.”

“I have been telling your father that we need to ensure more females in the pack can fight. Maybe not as warriors, but be able to do something, even if it’s throwing pans and dishes accurately.”

Now, I can’t help the smirk that crosses my face thinking about the kitchen females throwing everything they can lay their hands on at a rogue enemy.

“Stop smirking, I know what you are imagining...” the giggle that my mother gives shows me she’s imagining the same thing and also finding it highly amusing. Ash, our chief cook, is handy when she flicks her tea towel so I can just imagine how accurate she would be with a skillet.

“I’ll speak to father about training, but as for Taria, let’s see how she gets along at Blackshadow and Wolfsfoot Packs before we think of what she will need when she arrives here. I have no intention of not claiming her, mother. I just didn’t want the bond to start before she was ready to show how capable she is. You and I both know the pack would jump on her if she wasn’t confident and able. I have an appointment with the Elders, and I can tell you now that I will not take any idiocy from them.”

Mother pats my shoulder while giving me a look that says she knows exactly what I mean. Then, after kissing my cheek, she walks out of the office, closing the door quietly behind her. Iknow she’ll help Taria as much as she can, and if I’m totally honest, I can’t wait to have my mate here alongside me.

Looking around the office, I know that I can do no more than I have at this time. Next on my list of things to look at and organize is the warrior training schedules. I’ll need to watch a few sessions on the training field and speak with Chief Warrior Dixon. Now he has a massive wolf and his name ‘Beast’ portrays him perfectly. He is the best fighter and trainer I’ve encountered or even heard of, and I know that the Shifter Council have tried to lure him away with no luck.

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