Chapter 126
Chapter 126
Avery’s POV
+25 Bonus
I didn’t think I had it in me to work harder than I already was, but the image of Dierdra smirking at me from behind Gideon’s back was hugely motivating. I set my alarm early, and did rounds late, checking each pack building, each area where pack hierarchy provided a service to the community.
I caught a few mistakes before they became real issues. The kitchen freezer was unplugged one night, and I noticed before the temperature rose high enough to require throwing out food. There was no sign of who had unplugged it, and none of the kitchen workers had seen anyone near it.
Someone had sprinkled salt on one of the garden herb beds, destroying the soil. Madelyn and I worked long hours digging out the ruined soil and replacing it with fresh compost and dirt. The tender lettuce and spinach that were disrupted were served as salad at that night’s pack dinner, to rave reviews.
I had strong suspicions as to who was behind these acts of sabotage, but without proof, there was no point in bringing them to Gideon. He would just take Dierdra’s side anyways.
While I hated the advice Bennett had given so ‘helpfully’, I did find some relief in avoiding both Gideon and Dierdra whenever I could.
Instead I set up my ‘desk’ in the village coffeeshop window bar, and spent many hours throughout the week staring at the pack members walking past while I worked, and making small talk with those who entered the shop.
If there were accusations that the Luna wasn’t working hard, then I would have to work more publicly.
No one who saw the many hours I spent at that table could accuse me of wasting time. Ar had the extra advantage of keeping me away from the ‘newlyweds p>
I also was able to keep more of an ear on pack gossip being embedded in a community center. People weren’t careful not to say much in my presence, but stray comments came to me here and there.
The older generation was more dubious about splitting the role of Luna and mate, though they were always careful to give Gideon respect.
The younger pack members seemed more sympathetic, and sometimes they would swing by to say hello, though usually shyly. They were close to me in age, though some were not yet adults, and I got the impression that they were not fooled by Dierdra’s fake demeanor.
We were able to find common ground talking about hobbies and music, and it was one of these young men who brought me the invitation.
“Luna?” I turned to see the messenger standing at my elbow. “An envelope has arrived for
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Chapter 126
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you p>
I looked him up and down. He was maybe only a year older than me, so 20 or so, and he had a clean-shaven, earnest face. He was good looking and I knew many of the other young women were considering choosing him at the next mating moon. His name was Maverick.
“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the heavy envelope he held out. The paper was thick and creamy. I broke the wolf’s head seal and opened it to find a piece of vellum nestled within satin lining. The calligraphy on the outside read Alpha Ball p>
The script inside read, “Luna Avery Nightwolf is hereby invited to the communal gathering of pack hierarchy known as the Alpha Ball. Formal dress is encouraged.” An address, date, and time followed. The date was for the next Full Moon, in a little over a week.
“I hear it’s a pretty swank event, miss, er, Luna.” Maverick was still hovering by my elbow, All the Alphas attend with their Lunas, and there’s dancing. Sometimes fights break out.” He sounded excited at the last bit.
“With all the Alphas in one place, I’m not surprised,” I said, “I wonder if Gideon will go p>
“Oh yes, Luna!” Maverick exclaimed, “the Alpha Council puts it on, and not attending is considered a slight to the Council p>
I waved at him to be about his business, and then sat thinking. If all the Alpha’s attended, then that would mean Ryan and Zara would likely be there. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to make Zara reveal the location of my mother.
I packed up my workspace and trudged back up the hill to the pack house. The rain was finally clearing up, leaving huge puddles along my path that I skirted carefully.
My steps slowed as I approached Gideon’s office. I could hear Dierdra’s voice from the end of the hallway, and that was almost enough to make me turn around and leave, but I had alrea avoided them both for several days, and this was important. Gideon and I could formulate a plan to question Zara.
I steeled myself and knocked on the door.
“Yes?” Gideon already sounded irritated as I opened the door and stepped inside.
This time, Dierdra was sitting on his actual desk, legs crossed, hiking her short skirt up around her thighs. I ignored her and held out the invitation for Gideon to see.
“Alpha, I have received this invitation and wished to inquire if you will be attending p>
Gideon pointed at a similar invitation on his desk “Traditionally, yes. Barring any emergencies, we will both go together p>
“Ooh~! A party?” Dierdra clapped her hands and squealed, “Oh, Gideon, I want to go p>
I sighed in irritation. Of course she wanted to but in.
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Chapter 126
+25 Bonus
“It’s the Alpha Ball.” I said, “For Alphas and their Lunas.” Not you, is what I wanted to add.
“I would love to see the world!” Dierdra ignored my comment, “and oh my gosh it would be incredible to see all the other Lunas in their lovely clothes! Oh Gideon, please! Your Luna can stay home and keep everything running and you and I can go p>
Gideon tapped his fingers on the desktop, thinking.
What was there to think about? And why did Dierdra need to insert herself into every little thing p>
I was the Luna. I was the one who was supposed to enter the ball on Gideon’s arm. To show up with Dierdra instead would be a slight.
“Alpha,” I said in a warning tone, “The invitation does not mention mates. It might be seen as impertinent to bring her p>
“Oh you’re no fun!” Dierdra shot me daggers before turning back to Gideon with a pout, “You know how hard I’ve been working, this would be a reward p>
“I’m sure it’s super boring.” I said to her, “I’m sure it will be all about pack alliances and business. You will probably be the youngest person there. The rest will all be old Alphas with big long beards and white hair p>
“Is that how all Alphas appear to you?” Gideon said to me dryly. “Does that mean you don’t want to go p>
I reddened slightly at the rebuke, “I am your Luna, and I intend to be seen as such in all circumstances that warrant it p>
“Very well.” Gideon sighed, “Then I shall have to take you both p>
“What?” I said, incredulous.
“Okay, but you have to promise to dance with only me!” Dierdra smiled brightly, while flicking me off behind her back.
“Alpha, I must object.” I stammered, “It will send an odd message to the other Alpha’s that you don’t see me as your Luna fully if you bring both of us p>
“Nonsense.” Gideon waved a hand, “You are reading into it too much. You will attend, as you have been invited, and Dierdra will come as my date. That seems fair enough p>
P
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