“Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I know that sounds like such bullshit, but it’s true. Give me some time, I will figure this out, I will make this up to you somehow, Sloane.”
“You can’t, ‘make this up to me.’” I echoed. “There’s nothing to make up for. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just how you feel about me, I’m not the kind of mate you wanted, I just need time to accept that.”
He groaned and pulled my face back from his chest. “You are perfect, Sloane. I am so lucky to have you. You are strong and smart, and you can hold your own. I just need to get my shit straight, so I can know how to work with you and love you and give you what you need…what you deserve.”
“Please don’t tell me that I’m nothing,” I pleaded softly as more tears collected in my eyes. “You can tell me that I annoy you and that I piss you off, but just don’t tell me I’m nothing.”
“Never,” he vowed, kissing my forehead, and bringing me back to his chest. He stroked my hair and held me tightly, allowing my tears to dissipate. When I sniffled, he let go of me, and I sat up, rubbing my face. “I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight. We’ll talk more tomorrow, okay?”
I nodded and rose from the bed, waiting at the door for a second to look at me. The door closed, and I leaned back on the bed, completely exhausted, and fell asleep again. My thoughts drifted to Isla, and I suddenly wished my older sister was there to give me advice and distract me; she was always a great distraction.
Rush was right. This was more difficult than we anticipated.
Warnings In Silver
“Little sis, is this really what your voice sounds like?” Isla’s voice said over the phone. “I guess it’s true that when you finally become famous, you forget about the little people.”
“I did not forget about you,” I moaned. “And I’m not famous either.”
“Sure, sure,” she soothed. “How’s your angry, hot, Alpha?”
“Angry and hot,” I said dryly. “I don’t know, actually.”
“Uh oh, what’s wrong? Need me to come kick his ass? Cause I’ll do it.”
I rolled my eyes and leaned back against the pillows of the bed. “No, don’t worry. We’re just having some trouble adjusting, I guess. I’m trying to be a good mate and a strong Luna, and I just can’t seem to figure out how to do it.”
“Sloane, you were made to be a Luna,” she snorted. “You’re headstrong and brave and yet not a total basket case. You’re caring and sweet, and beautiful. Rush is lucky to have you as a Luna; the whole pack is.”
“Thanks, Isla,” I said reluctantly. “It’s just tough. I miss you like crazy.”
“Well, not for long, missy! I’ll make my way over that side of the country soon, and we will show your pack what Intrepid Pack girls are made of.”
I smiled at that. “Sounds wonderful,” I confirmed.
Isla told me about the events happening around my old pack and that all our friends said they missed me. They had all been surprised when they were told Beta Calder’s daughter was mated off to an Alpha, but they were mostly supportive.
Isla said the house was quieter and colder without me.
I set my phone down and walked out of the room. Downstairs, Cordelia and her friends were mulling in the kitchen, a few of them making food, and the others sitting at the counter talking. When I walked in, they looked up rudely, and the room settled into a hush.
I resisted rolling my eyes and reached into the cabinet for a glass.
Over the quiet flush of water, I heard one of Cordelia’s friends whisper something, and they all began giggling. I looked over my shoulder, and one of the women blushed.
“What?” I said bluntly. They shook their heads and busied their hands. “What have I done wrong now?”
“Nothing, Luna,” one of the women said and smiled teasingly.
“So, Luna,” the woman next to Cordelia said innocently. “Is there any reason the Alpha hasn’t mated you yet-or even marked you?”
“I really don’t see how that’s any of your concern.”
“Oh, but it is, dear. A pack needs an heir,” Cordelia mused. “And as much as I dislike you, my son’s pack deserves a proper Luna with a pup in her belly.”
I turned to leave the kitchen, red-faced with embarrassment, but when I turned, Rush was in my way.
“What my mate and I do in our private life is none of your concern. And teasing her about it in her own home is even worse. Mother, do you not remember what it was like to become Dad’s mate? You weren’t even Luna yet, and this pack hated you for years because you were not pregnant with me. Give her some damn respect,” he ground out, staring his mother directly in the eyes. “Am I clear?”
They bowed their heads and murmured, “Yes, Alpha.” Rush nodded happily and put his hand on my shoulder as I left the kitchen.
“I’m sorry about my mother,” he apologized. “She was out of line.”
“I don’t even think she knows where the line is,” I joked. “Or that there even is one.”
Rush laughed loudly, his wide smile warming my cold body. He stopped laughing and looked down at me affectionately. “Would you like to go out with me?” he asked suddenly. I nearly choked on my water as I struggled to find an answer.
“Out?”
“Yes, to dinner. We could go over to town, get some food, take a walk around the park, that sort of
