Chapter 25

"Get out!" My Mother screamed again at Sophie, pointing accusingly at her. I could no longer control Blaze.

"SILENCE!" My voice boomed. Everyone backed away from me, bowed and submitted. The silence left in its wake was deafening. I was even shocked at the tone I used. Blaze of course looked smug. "Would everyone please leave my office except my Mother and Sophie." This time my voice was calm and controlled.

James and Luke looked at each other before swiftly exiting the room. I took a deep breath and exhaled trying to calm myself down before I did something drastic to my Mother. Maybe a cell next to Tatiana would work? Sophie was wedged up against the wall next to the door. She looked a little frightened. I held out my hand to her and she took it. I pulled her into a hug and just held her until she stopped shaking.

"Eric please tell me you see through this charade. She's nothing but trouble. She's caused a wedge between you and your chosen mate even thrown herself at you to get pregnant." I let my Mother talk I wasn't really paying attention. All I cared about was getting Sophie to calm down.

I took her over to my desk and held her close to my side. Finally, I acknowledged my Mother who was still ranting about how cruel and demonic Sophie is.

"Enough!" I barked. "Sophie is none of those things. It is you who has been manipulated by that poisonous viper Tatiana."

"Eric!" She cried. "Tatiana was only doing what any Luna would do. She has the makings of a true Luna." Her crocodile tears had started, and I rolled my eyes.

"Are you saying the Moon Goddess is lying?" I asked her blankly.

"Of course not Eric. I taught you to trust who the Moon Goddess betroths to us." Her eyes dart from me to Sophie. "But she had done some spell. She's poisoned you against your true happiness with Tatiana."

"You think lying to me about her pup was true Luna material?"

"That was a mistake. She just wanted to love you Eric." She blotted her eyes and resumed her glaring at Sophie.

"She never loved me. She used me and you." I spat at her. "Sophie is my destined mate. She is our packs true Luna and the Mother to my future heir."

"She wouldn't know the first thing about being a Luna. She was raised by worthless humans." She scoffed.

"She's already demonstrated true Luna qualities even before she knew she was one." I looked at Sophie who gave me a reassuring smile. My heartbeat quickened at the thought of her standing by my side. Forever mine.

"How so?" I'd finally peaked my Mother's interest.

"The ruined cottages out on the outskirts of the territory. It was Sophie who made me see how poorly our pack members were living in those conditions." I squeezed Sophie's hip into me, and her creamy cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink. I smiled.

My Mother relaxed a little. How could she have been so blind to all of Tatiana's manipulations? The room was silent for what felt like an age. I was lost in Sophie's eyes and I spent my time reminiscing our night together.

"I just don't know." My Mother mumbled. She sat down on one of the chairs in my office and crossed her legs. "Why would Tatiana go to such lengths?"

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't know what had possessed Tatiana to lie and cheat her way around the pack other than pure greed. I looked back at my Mother and sighed.

"Could you please give Sophie a chance. She deserves at least that."

I was surprised to see Sophie shift next to me before speaking. "Luna Bianca, I know you had your heart set on Tatiana being Luna of this pack. I even believed she would make a stronger leader than me. But I can't pass up this opportunity that Moon Goddess has given me. I can no longer stay away from Eric. We are mated and whether you believe its by witchcraft or love it doesn't matter. This was Eric's choice."

"She even speaks like a Luna." My Mother stated looking a little stunned.

"You bet she does." I grinned. Her cheeks were now bright red. I just loved how amazing she was.

"As for your accusations about me being a witch, I can not deny that my powers have me frightened. I have no understanding of what happens or how it even happens, and I am sorry I brought back such a traumatic moment for you."

I couldn't believe my mate. Not only was she standing tall and proud the way a Luna should she was also apologising for her uncontrolled abilities. Why hadn't I done the right thing and told her I was her mate the moment she woke up in my tent?

"Because you're an idiot." Blaze mused. I didn't disagree with him. I had been an idiot.

"Young lady, I don't trust you." Sophie held her breath and I rolled my eyes. Here we go. "But I can see you've made an impression on my son. He's not nearly as moody or agitated as he has been in the past." She sighed before continuing. "If this really is the will of the Moon Goddess, then I will help you with your Luna Ceremony preparations."

Sophie and I were shocked. Did my Mother just concede she was wrong and was willing to help Sophie?

"Close your mouths my dears. You're the future of this pack not a couple of catfish." She smirked when we snapped our mouths closed.

I had to admit I wasn't going to trust my Mother. I wouldn't put it past her to have something up her sleeve. She stood gracefully and walked over to the window.

"What do you intend to tell the pack?" Her back was facing us. I couldn't read her expression.

"What do you mean Mother?" I was a little confused.

"Sophie is carrying my grand-pup and she's not even a member of this pack yet. How are you going to introduce her to the pack? It's been scandalous enough with Tatiana." She turned and plastered a smile on her face. "Sophie my dear, I think we should have tea. Discuss how you want to proceed with your ceremony." I was still in shock over my Mother's actions towards us. "Eric dear, you need to tell the pack the truth before to many rumours start flying around." She walked towards the door before turning back to us.

"Yes, I will call a pack meeting for this evening." I stated. She nodded and smiled at both of us before disappearing out the door.

"What just happened?" Sophie asked. She sat down on my desk while I collapsed into my chair.

"I have no idea. That went better than I thought. I even considered putting her in a dungeon with Tatiana if she was going to get nasty. It came close." Sophie wacked my shoulder. "Hey!"

"Don't talk about your Mother like that. She was just as manipulated by Tatiana as you were."

I pulled her in front of me as she ran her hands through my hair. I just loved it when she touched me. Sadly, my Mother was right. If we didn't address the pack soon then whispers would begin. I knew how self-conscious Sophie was and I couldn't have my pack making assumptions about their future Luna.

"I don't trust my Mother, Sophie. She was too quick to change her mind." I frowned and looked at my beautiful mate. Did she just become more radiant?

I quickly linked James and Luke to come to my office so we could discuss. I needed to formally tell them about Sophie and then we needed to begin preparations for tonight's pack meeting. I pulled one of my spare chairs from the cloak room in my office and placed it next to my office chair. I nodded to Sophie who sat down rubbing her belly. My heart filled with pride and Blaze began to yip with happiness.

"Why is he looking at me with that amazing smile that literally makes me want to ride his fucking hard cock... Thanks Dove, for your sordid imagery."

My smile fades as she presses her legs together. Then I can smell it. Her arousal. Blaze growls with pleasure and tries to push forward. It takes all of me to stop and calm him down.

"Baby, we're about to have company. You can ride my cock later." I laugh when her soft features turn white with shock.

"Whhatt?" She stuttered.

"As much as I want to take you right here on my desk, I've called James and Luke. I don't think you want them walking in on us." I can hear James and Luke's footsteps coming down the corridor.

"I know but…did you just…did I?" She looked confused.

I leant over and whispered in her ear. "I heard what you and Dove were thinking." I chuckled as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat and cleared her throat. "Don't worry baby. I love knowing you think about me like that."

She smiled and we laugh quietly, staring at each other. James and Luke walk in without knocking. I raise my eyebrows knowingly at Sophie and we started laughing hysterically.

"Well that's a nice change." James snorted. I look up to see my Beta and Gamma standing in front of us.

"What do you mean?" I asked trying to catch my breath.

"You look happy." Luke said. "It's been a long time since we've seen you happy." He smiled at me and Sophie.

Sophie returned the smile. Blaze growled in my head, but I reassured him, she was ours. It made sense why Sophie and Luke were close. It's the Gamma's responsibility to look after the Luna when the Alpha isn't around. I sighed. The Moon Goddess truly works in mysterious ways.

"Well, I am happy. I've found my mate and we're expecting a pup." I knew this wasn't news to Luke since he pretty much worked it out himself. But I had never really told James the whole story. I felt bad that I hadn't been as honest with my Beta as I should have. He must have found the whole situation confusing.

It was tradition to formally introduce the future Luna to the Beta and Gamma before the rest of the pack. I'm not really sure why. Some archaic tradition that probably had the future Luna vetted by the Beta and Gamma for whatever reason. I was just glad I could share this with my friends before making our situation public.

"Its about time." James said. Maybe he wasn't as oblivious as I had thought.

"Future Luna. I officially accept my role as your protector when the Alpha is uncontactable for whatever reason or event." Luke stepped forward bowing and Sophie's expression dropped.

"What?" She looked at Luke and then to me. "I don't understand."

"The Beta protects the Alpha. the Gamma protects the Luna. That is their roles in my pack." I rubbed her back as she slowly began to understand.

"It makes sense now why we were so close." Luke grinned which instantly made Sophie's face light up. "Means we can still be friends."

Blaze growled again and I looked sternly at Luke. He dropped his head in submission before uttering a faint 'sorry'. Next thing I know Sophie hits my arm again.

"Don't do that to Luke. He's been through enough. He knows I'm yours." She looked so sexy all angry and defensive. I couldn't help but smile. "Why are you grinning at me again?"

"Because your so damn cute when you're angry." We all laughed, even Sophie. I knew she was going to fit in with us perfectly.

"So, what's the plan Alpha?" James cut in after our laughter had died down.

"We need to initiate Sophie into the pack and at the same time introduce her as our future Luna who is carrying the real heir of the pack." I had three sets of eyes on me.

"Well that seems simple enough." James said rolling his eyes. "And what about all the gossip surround Tatiana? What are we going to do about that?"

"You sound just like my Mother." I glared back at him. "Look, I'm just going to have to be honest with them. They are my pack, surely they will understand."

Nobody spoke for several minutes. I spent my time focusing on Sophie, secretly hoping she'd let slip some more dirty thoughts. I knew I should have been focusing on the impending meeting and how best to handle it. But Blaze was restless, wanting to be in her arms. He yearned to phase and frolic with Dove but knew it would be at least a couple of months before Sophie could phase, seeing she was pregnant.

"How about we start with Tatiana's treachery. Inform the pack the threat has been neutralised." James offered.

"Tatiana isn't a group of rouges attacking our borders, James. But I see your point. Show the pack how she undermined their Alpha and current Luna. Then tell them that the Moon Goddess has blessed us with a second chance." I looked at James and Luke who were nodding slowly in agreeance.

I turn to Sophie who is sitting there biting her lip. "I don't know." She stated. "It kind of sounds like you're manipulating the story."

"How would you do it then." I asked in a huff.

She cleared her throat. She could sense I was a little annoyed at her criticism. "Well, I would be truly honest. Tell them you were doing what you thought was right for the pack. You intended to make Tatiana their Luna because you believed it was the right thing to do. Explain to them how our paths crossed and how Tatiana's lies, and manipulation became apparent including her deceit surrounding her pup. It might even be worthwhile mention Luke's role in all this." She looked over at Luke sheepishly before continuing. "Tell them you fell in love with me because that's what destined mates are meant to do. Let them know through our love a true heir has been made."

The room was silent again. This time all three of us men were in shock. It was Luke's turn to break the silence.

"Sophie, you're gonna be the best fucking Luna EVER!" Sophie's face went from regret to happiness in about 2 seconds and we all laughed.

It was settled I would be 100% honest with my pack. I linked the pack and informed them a meeting had been scheduled tonight at 7pm. All pack members were to attend.

Images of Sophie doing some really hot and sexy things to my body flooded my mind. I looked up to see her smirking at me. I know what we were going to be doing between now and then.