“Thank you!” I say wholeheartedly. “I’m an Omega,” I add quietly. “I don’t hate what I am, but it’s still a fact. Liam says he doesn’t mind, and I’m so thankful for that.” I pause. “He tells me to just be myself. But when I represent the pack to the outside, being myself might not be enough.”
“Of course, he says that.” she pouts. “It’s the same thing Elden told me when we took over the pack.” She rolls her eyes. “They just don’t get it. Alpha men! I know how you feel….”
I nod, thankfully. “What’s your advice?” I ask.
“Like Elden, Liam attends many meetings with important and high-ranking wolves, but also vampires, witches and the like,” she pauses. “They will think you are weak because you are an Omega. But also because you are a she-wolf. They will probably try to walk all over you. Say things that hurt you while pretending it’s nothing hurtful. They will say things like “for an Omega, you are quite smart”,or, “considering you are just the mate of an Alpha, you do well”.They will blatantly belittle you.” She looks at me insistently. “Annie, never show them any weakness. Don’t show them any fear. You are the mate of a Lycan. Make them aware that Liam would kill anyone who belittles you. The first one who insults you, call them out on it, make an example out of them. Make them fear the power you have over them.”
I lean closer, trying to understand everything she says and safely store it somewhere in my mind.
When I nod, she continues. “Show your strength. Alphas hold no power over you. You can use that to your advantage. Have them try, and then smirk at them because they just made a fool out of themselves. Some people will be watching how you handle their insults… they’re the ones you will want to win over. You are one of the highest-ranking people there. Act like it. Be dignified yet firm. Be kind but remain distant. Say what you think and have an opinion. It will surprise them. And lastly, Liam is right, be yourself. That’s your biggest strength.”
“Thank you for being so straightforward.” I take a deep breath. “It’s a lot to take in, but I… I appreciate you being honest. I know better how to prepare myself now.”
She smiles brightly. “We can sit together again, and I will tell you about what I’m doing as Luna.”
“That would be so helpful!” I nod eagerly. “Honestly, I have never dreamed of becoming Luna. I mean, why would I? I’m so thankful for any advice and help you could offer!”
“You can accompany me on some of my tasks,” she offers happily. “But you don’t need to copy what I’m doing. I’m sure you will find your own style.”
We chat a bit longer about how it feels like being mated to Lycans and having a mate who touches us with velvet gloves sometimes. She tells me a few funny stories about Elden. It seems like he is even more overprotective than Liam.
It’s exactly that moment that Ella decides to walk by. Flora immediately waves at her, signaling her to join us. “Be glad child that you fished yourself a Beta-wolf out of the fishpond.” Flora smiles brightly.
Ella blinks, looking at me in confusion. “What…” she stutters.
“Here, have a piece of cake with us,” Flora offers with a warm smile. “Dante is such a good guy. Not as grumpy and controlling as Elden.” She adds with a frown.
I have to give it to her, though. She might not know the words privacy or personal space, but she is kind and welcoming to anyone. She treats Ella like she treats everyone in her pack.
Ella looks at me, seemingly trying to tell me something with her eyes. While Flora keeps grumbling about Elden, we try to have a whole conversation just by gazes and careful gestures. Finally, Ella understands and gives in. “He is very kind, yes,” she agrees quietly, looking a bit sad.
Flora looks at her for a while. “There is no need to rush anything, dear,” she says suddenly. She sounds earnest again. I look at her with interest. How do the others even keep up with her? Aurel and Elden seem to know exactly how her mind works. It dawns on me that she has perfect control over any situation despite being bubbly and slightly absent-minded sometimes.
Elden knows how to tick her boxes because he is her mate. But to lead this pack with him, she has to be strong too.
I lean forward a bit. “What is your gift?” I ask her curiously.
“I will show you one of my gifts for now.” She smiles, placing her index finger against her lips to signal me to stay quiet. Out of the fingertips of her other hand, she suddenly emits strings of light. They seem to get stronger, thicker. When I touch them, they feel like ropes. It’s silver. I notice it instantly, though it can’t hurt me. It's just amazing that she can produce silver… just like that. Liam once called his mother lethal. I guess that’s what he meant. “What can you do with them?” I ask breathlessly.
“Anything,” she smiles.
“Form weapons?”
She nods.
The moment passes as if it never happened, and she is back to her silly self, trying to force another piece of cake towards Ella, and at the same time promising Aurel and Edward that she will for sure find their mates for them.
When she turns her head slightly, I note a scar going from her shoulder to her collarbone and vanishing behind her clothes. Where did she get that from?
I think I may have a hint of an idea, but I’m not all that certain. It might explain a lot, though.
Chapter forty-three
Chapter 43 Like a queen
*ANNALISE*
“Okay,handsdown,”Ellalets out a breath before grinning. “Luna Flora is both a little crazy and the most brilliant person I have ever met.”