Page 50 of Untamed

Ms. Ebon and I sit in one of the many meeting rooms that hosts the mandatory mate mediations to go over progress. It’s from rooms like this that Mia usually emerges like she’d enjoy shiving somebody…or crying. Perhaps both at the same time. The first few meetings with Jonah and I were rocky, but we’re finally getting somewhere now.

I’m hesitant to tell Ms. Ebon anything without Jonah here, so while we wait for him, I take the time to update her on my self-study. The amount of research she’s done on the subject so she can help guide me is awesome. Ms. Ebon is okay in my book, and at this point, it sounds as if Mia wants to switch advisors. Not that moving to a different pack advisor is allowed, but she’s at her wit’s end with her supposed mate.

A knock sounds on the door, and Ms. Ebon calls out, “Come in.”

Jonah enters dressed in a polo shirt and nice jeans. He always dresses up while I’m stuck wearing the academy uniform. Not that he minds in any way, shape, or form. I’m pretty sure he’s already planning on bringing the uniforms to Lunar with us.

“Mr. Livestrong, thank you for coming.”

“Ms. Ebon.” He smiles as he approaches the sofa I’m perched on and leans over to place a kiss on my cheek. A rush of warmth settles there along with a tinge of embarrassment. He sits next to me, and sure enough, Ms. Ebon straightens, eyes darting between us. She is absolutely dying over this new development.

Scribbling something in her file, she starts to ask her first question, but Jonah cuts her off. “Ms. Ebon, I would like to begin the process of removing Kinsey from this facility. Please advise on the paperwork that needs to be filled out.”

She peers up, locks eyes with him, then shifts her stare to me briefly before moving to him again. “We are talking aboutacceptingMiss Walker, are we not?”

Jonah squeezes my knee. “We are. I’ve grossly misread Kinsey, and due to her circumstances, the pack never truly tried to get to know her either.”

She sets her file aside and crosses her legs. “Am I also correct in hearing that Jesse Greystone came to visit Miss Walker?”

“He did, ma’am,” Jonah informs her. “He wanted to personally deliver an invitation to the alpha’s house.”

Ms. Ebon smiles fondly at me. “That all sounds very promising....” However, as her words trail off, her lips thin. “The three of us know this isn’t only a mate placement though. In Miss Walker’s case, this is also a Pack Council placement. When you fill out the exit paperwork, you will certainly be allowed to tell your side, which will give Kinsey a great recommendation considering your standing in Lunar, but this is not as easy as signing some papers and having everything forgotten. There are serious claims against Miss Walker’s lineage.”

Her words get under my skin. She watches me as if I’m going to shift on her like I did the first night, but I’m in no trouble of that anymore. In fact, it’s kind of scaring me how quiet my wolf has been. “I don’t want Jonah involved in any of my lineage problems.”

“As your mate, it’s my duty to be involved in everything that pertains to you,” Jonah argues.

I peek over at him. “You’re cute, but no.”

Ms. Ebon hides a smile at the rumble that escapes Jonah’s chest. “I believe we need to tread carefully moving forward. I can help you fill out the Mate Acceptance Form to give Miss Walker the greatest recommendation, but it will still have to go to the Pack Council to be approved.”

“How long until they make a decision? Is there anything we can do to help it along?”

“All good questions,” I remark, speaking up. I’m getting restless just sitting here, listening to them talk. “But let’s slow down for one second.” I lock eyes with Ms. Ebon. “Do you have any insight on the best course to take?”

“Unfortunately, Mr. Livestrong’s words won’t be enough unless he has some serious sway that I’m not privy to. I wish it were. You two are obviously fated pairs. I saw it from the moment you interacted on Kinsey’s first night. Unfortunately, Lunar is very strict about pairings, putting the pack above all else. Jonah’s form will help but not like real, tangible evidence as to who you really are will.” She lets out a breath. “I’m afraid that’s the only thing that can assist you right now, Kinsey. Although, personally, I’m very happy to see that you’ve come together like this.”

Ice forms in the pit of my stomach. Jonah’s hand on my leg aids in keeping it at bay but it never completely melts. This has been the thing standing in the way of my life since I was little. It’s always been there, like a thorn in my side. “Jonah, tell Ms. Ebon what you heard at the alpha’s house.”

His throat works. He glances over at me questioningly, but he’s come to trust me, so he does as I ask. “I overheard Lydia talking about bringing Kinsey’s parents to trial.”

My advisor’s lips thin. She picks up the file from the table between us and shuffles through the paperwork. “I took the liberty of gathering all the information I could on what happened when Miss Walker was a pup. It never went to a formal hearing. Her parents’ word was enough to put the matter to bed, and of course, the fact that they produced a healthy pup was in their favor as well Kinsey was evaluated all through her school years. Each doctor appointment was forwarded to the Council, and everything was supportive of her shifter abilities.”

I blink at her. “My medical records were forwarded to the Pack Council?”

She nods, a frown tugging her lips. “It’s standard practice. If you had shown no signs of having a wolf or any other defects, then that would’ve raised alarms.”

“Surely the fact that fate paired her up also has to be encouraging evidence of her lineage,” Jonah says, squeezing my knee so hard it starts to throb.

“Also in her favor includes that she was paired with you, Jonah. In any of the other packs, this would be evidence enough, but Lunar Pack differs. They need proof.”

“This is asinine,” I snap, sitting back and crossing my arms. I turn toward Jonah. “Can’t you talk to Jesse?”

“The alpha’s family could help,” Ms. Ebon states, though the tone of her voice doesn’t sound all that hopeful. “But the Council is above them in this instance. In my opinion, you’re going to need everything you can think of. The alpha’s favor, Jonah’s favor, and real evidence, Kinsey.”

I shake my head. “This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Lunar is letting me downagain. It’s not enough that I was totally ostracized due to something out of my control, but now it’s happening again when I need everything to fall into place. “Jonah wants to take me back to Lunar. That should be enough.”

Ms. Ebon leans forward. “I’m so sorry, Kinsey. It’s not.”

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