10. NEPHELINE

10

NEPHELINE

River stands behind me in the full-length mirror installed in the hallway. He grins at how perfectly the t-shirt and jeans hug my curves, proud that his eyeball measurements worked. I've mentioned more than once that I can shop for my own shit but my Alphas really do enjoy taking care of me. I smooth down my shirt, nerves getting the best of me when I catch Mateo and Remi strolling toward us.

The reality of what is about to happen settles on my shoulders but Mateo doesn't let me dwell on it. "You'll be perfect, princess. You were made for this position and I promise that your family would have been proud to see you step into this role today." My cheeks heat at his words as he bends down to place a quick kiss on the bridge of my nose.

My brother would have loved to see this moment and in spirit, I wrap my arms around him and squeeze him until I feel ready. I blow out a deep, unsteady breath before searching out my other two Alphas, both of them standing a few feet away. Asani is holding a hammer after patching up the back door, sweat glistening on his shirtless body. The scarred crest of the Nightshades hangs over his previous seal but it doesn't detract from his beauty.

"You aren't coming?" I tilt my head to the side as I approach, careful to keep a few inches distance so I don't show up the council drenched in Alpha sweat. I love my Alpha's scent but I'm not so sure it's a good look.

"Just the doctor, precious. But don't worry. I'll stick here and take good care of Mave for you." Asani wiggles his brows before we both glance over at Maverick. He sucks in his bottom lip but I don't miss the way his eyes heat.

He mentioned once that Asani's scent makes him want to submit. It's something I've wanted to see since then but it won't be an immediate relationship. I just want to make sure that I'm present for whatever happens. Maverick shifts uncomfortably and then forces a smile as I approach. "Hey."

"Hey, kitten."

I giggle at his awkwardness. In any other situation, he's an Alpha not to be messed with but when it comes to his attraction to the other Alphas, it's like watching a teenage boy around his crush. I press myself against him, Maverick's arms winding around my back. "Let it happen, okay?"

"Nepheline-"

"No. I'm not telling you to do anything that you don't want to. I'm telling you that it's okay. I'm telling you that you deserve a happy ending too." I rise to my tiptoes so that these words are only for him. "I'm telling you that this one won't be ripped away from you. I swear it."

Maverick steals a kiss, one of his hands sliding around the back of my neck to pull me closer. "I can't promise you anything, kitten but I'll try."

"And that's all I can ask." I pat his chest twice before leaving them there. Mateo reaches out to take my hand, River and Remi flanking our sides. Their guard masks immediately take over their usually relaxed expressions, the heaviness of this situation becoming clear. It's been nearly a week since I interacted with any of the pack members save for a few Omegas who have brought information to the door. It's custom to give the pack Alpha and his new Luna time before they officially take over but I feel like I'm stepping into something I'm not entirely prepared for.

Mateo's hand tightens around mine as we walk down the dirt path to where the council usually meets and I finally address the dark cloud hanging over us when Calista comes into view.

"Where is Gael?" It's been something on my mind but seeing the previous pack Alpha without her Luno at her side is strange. He was everywhere a week ago and now I haven't so much as heard from him. Everyone knows pack law suggests that the previous Luno or Luna teach the next one. Gael has been both absent and silent.

My Alpha merely grunts a response so I stop and turn toward him. Calista and the council can wait. Mateo's jaw is pulled tight, the power dripping off of him reminding me just how powerful and feral his wolf can be. "I don't know, Nepheline. Fuck. There's something wrong and-"

"But you can't check on him, not without talking to your mother." He nods as I grasp his other hand. He meets my gaze as River and Remi flock in closer. It's a protective cocoon that I would have balked at a few weeks ago but I love it now. "I'll go. I'm supposed to learn from Gael anyway."

"Not alone, sweetie." I twist to look at River who presses a kiss to my forehead. "We don't know where Gael is but I assume Calista is keeping him trapped in the house because his support is wavering. We've asked Nolan to go with you, a Beta we trust. Just in case something happens."

The air stills between the four of us and it takes me a few moments to realize that they're waiting for me to push back. Without that serum, I don't feel the need to catapult myself into every last situation on my own. I'm still independent but I agree that this isn't a time to be a hero, especially not around the woman that helped kill my family. "I'll take him. We'll go right after the council meeting."

Mateo's shoulders drop in relief as if I would have told him no. Of everyone I have met here whether in passing or face to face, Gael has been a secret favorite of mine. He's the Luno, loved by Ilsa, and a survivor of Calista. He's also Mateo's father and from the few stories I've overheard, he's a sweetheart. If Mateo is worried, so am I.

My Alphas bow their head to mine until I'm completely encased by them before we turn to finish our walk to the council meeting. Calista stands there, unamused, her arms folded across her chest. I ignore her attitude as the scent of my Beta fills my nose, the same one from those rags Asani and Mateo brought back.

I don't even remember what he looks like but I know that I won't be leaving this building without him. I steel my expression, refusing to give her any satisfaction as I catalog the specks of crimson spread across her clothing. Even the toe of her shoe is covered in my Beta's blood, telling me that they didn't just transport him here and leave him locked up.

"Nice of you four to finally join. This isn't a good look for the Luna's first meeting, Mateo."

Mateo wraps an arm around my shoulder and squeezes to keep me from voicing my thoughts. "Mother, you would do well to respect me now that I have the power as pack Alpha. Also, you are to address me as Alpha, not Mateo."

She chuckles, throwing her head back as she laughs. She tries to exude the same power that Mateo does effortlessly but hers comes up short. "I am your mother."

"You might be the one that gave birth to me but learning that you have stripped my Luna of everything she held dear in a poor attempt for control renders you bereft of that title. My mother died the night she killed my father and my Luna's pack. The woman standing before me is the previous pack Alpha but not my mother."

"Mateo-"

My Alpha lets out a ferocious growl, the sound echoing through the heart. "It is Alpha to you and it will continue to be Alpha until you take your last breath. Now, let's have this council meeting before they truly do believe I am late."

I swallow nervously as I follow Mateo inside, moving around a furious Calista. River and Remi stay close behind me, the mindlink from my mates calming my fears.

Sweetie, Mateo will need you in a way he hasn't before. To keep him grounded. You lost everything three months ago. He is losing everything in real-time.

Remi's words are harsher than I expected. Be respectful but don't temper your anger for them. They deserve everything you are ready to say and more.

I straighten my shoulders and clench my fists at my sides. I have words for every single person on the council, including Taras, the one elder Mateo has trusted all these years. I'll wait for my Alpha to address the pertinent issues and then I'll say my piece.

At the end of this meeting, they will know who their Luna is.

Especially when I leave with my Beta in my arms.

The serum might have given me the strength of an Alpha but the confidence is all me.