_Growing Soft Already

"There's no need bringing my father into this, Mother." I turned my back against her, walking away to my balcony.

Once I got there, I placed my hands on the handrails, my gaze scanning the estate below.

The guests and members of the pack who'd been invited for the ceremony had already begun trooping out, murmuring among themselves like a swarm of annoying hornets.

Everyone from the nobles and rich folk within the pack to the simple maids and low-class members had something to say about the revelation of the Moon's Chosen, which I was able to hear even from this height.

"Can you believe Alpha Kaene rejected his mate? This pack is doomed!" One of the noble women clutched her pearls as she spoke to a friend of hers.

"Can you blame him? When in history have you heard of an Alpha being mated to a simple maid? The mere thought sounds traitorous."

"I feel bad for the little brat, though." A male werewolf of the upper class chimed in. "She's so beautiful even as a maid. If only she were from a rich or notable family, she might even pick my interest."

"Sylvester! How can you say such a thing about the Moon's Chosen?" One of the noble women hushed him.

Meanwhile, my grip on the handrail tightened just then, my teeth gritted as I tried suppressing the anger I felt rising within me.

"Sir Sylvester!" I barked from the balcony, fixing my gaze on the nobleman who'd dared say such concerning my mate.

The man froze in fear, slowly turning his gaze until he stared directly at me.

Not wasting any more time, I uttered. "Can you and your friends take your gossip out of my estate? I'd like to relax on my balcony without constantly being disturbed by gossip directed at me."

The nobleman, who was in his early thirties, nodded his head, bowing to plead with me. The noble women who stood beside him also did the same before scurrying out of the compound without daring to say a word.

"You see what I'm talking about?" My mother's voice suddenly sounded from behind as she joined me on the balcony.

I turned my gaze to her, realizing that she now had a glass of wine in her hands, which she sipped generously from.

Ugh, who gave her permission to drink my wine? That stuff was worth more than most workers' yearly wages, and I hadn't even opened a bottle yet.

Sighing defeatedly, I asked. "What are you talking about, Mother?"

She proceeded to lean against the handrail of the balcony, fixing her gaze on me.

"You're growing soft on the girl already." She remarked with a knowing look. "You're already subconsciously accepting her as your mate."

My eyes scrunched into a frown.

"Do you insult me, Mother?" My voice became cold as I swerved my head to her. "Why on Earth will I ever accept that girl as anything other than a pathetic maid? She has no social standing and certainly hasn't made any contribution to the growth of this pack–"

"Exactly!" My mother snapped her fingers in agreement, her face lighting up with a smile. "That's my point exactly, son. Which is why you have to stick to your decision of chasing her out of your life. In fact, why don't we just banish her?"

What? Banishment?

I squinted my eyes, unable to believe what my mother just suggested.

Banishment was a punishment reserved for the worst of the worst of the pack, other than execution of course.

As much as I loathed the girl, I didn't think she deserved such a fate.

"I can't banish her, Mother." I shook my head. "The people wouldn't have a Luna and I–"

"And you will be free of ridicule and the shame of having that servant girl as your mate!" My mother snapped abruptly.

At the same time, her grip on the glass of wine she held increased, causing it to break under her hold.

My instincts went into full swing just then as I rushed to her, trying to check if she was hurt, but she shoved me away with a cold glare.

"My patience is running thin, Kaene." She pointed her finger at me. "Information spreads quickly. By this time tomorrow, every pack in the country and beyond will be aware of this abomination. They'll think our pack is growing weak and I hope you know what that means."

My muscles tensed as I diverted my gaze away from my mother. She didn't need to explain what that entailed.

Werewolf packs have always been about survival of the fittest. A weak Luna meant a weak pack, ripe for overthrowing.

However, I declared defiantly. "As long as I live, no pack shall dare threaten the stability of Bluemoon, mother. I'll make sure of it."

But my mother was unconvinced, a scowl appearing on her face as she shook her head. "You're still so naive." She muttered.

Without giving me time to process her words, she turned away from me, stepping out of the balcony and into my suite.

I watched her silently, frozen at my spot on the balcony as I slid my hands into my pockets.

When she got to the door, she paused, turning her gaze to me one last time.

"Mark my words, Kaene. I will not let this family's name go into the mud. That servant girl is leaving this mansion one way or the other." She uttered calmly, in a calculative tone that made me realize she had a plan.

But what could that be?

My mother finally opened the door and stepped out of the room just then, leaving me with the peace and quiet I'd been seeking originally.

But at what cost?

"Ugh!" I rubbed the bridge of my nose, gripping the handrails of the balcony again.

I needed to make a move before Mom did something dramatic.

'Mate! Go to our mate!' my wolf howled inside my head just then, adding to my irritation.

But then, it hit me. I could make a bargain with her.

Her willful rejection of the Luna position for her brother's freedom.

It was a generous offer if you asked me.

Smirking to myself, I walked out of my chambers, heading straight for the suite arranged for the future Moon's Chosen.