Raven
“Okay, enough moping. I just mind-linked the pack to gather in front of the pack house to meet their Luna. Get up so you can meet them,” Cal said after a long silence, finally breaking through my self-imposed isolation.
“We’re meeting the pack! Please tell me you look decent and presentable. I don’t want our pack thinking their Luna is a slob,” Gale whined in my head.
I clenched my fists, wishing I could silence her. I enjoyed her company most of the time, but right now, she was infuriating. I couldn't believe how quickly she'd forgiven Cal, especially after his cold rejection.
“I’m not going to meet the fucking pack. Get that thought out of your head.”
“Are you coming?” Cal asked, impatience lacing his tone, cutting through my thoughts and irritating me further.
I turned to face him, my eyes burning with hatred and pain. “If you think I’m going to do whatever you tell me, you have a very bad memory. Let me refresh it for you. You rejected me, then heartlessly took me back. You don’t even love me. So, fuck you, fuck this pack, and fuck being a second-hand Luna.”
He stared at me, emotionless, then stepped closer. “I don’t really care. Let’s just go.”
Did he not hear me? This bastard was pushing me to the edge.
“Are you fucking deaf? I explained passionately how I don’t give a fuck about what you want. Just because you reformed the bond doesn’t mean you get to boss me around,” I growled.
“But he’s our mate.”
“That doesn’t right his wrongs, Gale!”
“Your wolf doesn’t seem to mind this situation,” Cal added, a faint grin playing on his lips.
“First, stay out of my fucking head! Second, my wolf has a fucking name, and it’s Gale. Lastly, my wolf doesn’t fucking mind because she’s a fucking moron,” I ranted, furious that even my wolf wasn’t on my side.
“You don’t have to be mean about it.”
“He broke our hearts. He doesn’t deserve us or anything else from us. Why have you forgiven him so easily?”
“Because I’m a wolf with a much stronger hold on the bond than you are. My love is powerful, and I think a second chance can be given.”
“Are you fucking insane? I will never forgive him for what he has done to us!”
“Now fuck off, Cal.”
A little unnecessary, but I didn’t care.
Cal was quiet for a moment before replying, “I’ve noticed that you really like to use the word ‘fuck.’”
“Are you fucking serious right now, you fucking imbecile?” I exclaimed, standing up and clasping my hands around my hair.
“Yes, you really do like using that word.”
“Shut the fuck up!”
“Come on, the pack is waiting to meet you.”
“For the last time, I’m not meeting your pack. I hate you, and you hate me. I’m not going to do what you say, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
He sighed in frustration, his gaze hard. “You either come willingly, or I’ll drag you out of here.”
My eyes widened in shock before I narrowed them into a hard glare. Crossing my arms defiantly, I locked eyes with him, my bright brown clashing with his dull grey.
“You wouldn’t dare,” I challenged.
Cal shrugged nonchalantly and scooped me up, placing me over his shoulder, and began to walk out of the room. I was stunned by how quickly it happened. One moment I was on my feet, the next I was being carried away.
I shook myself out of my daze and began screaming, “Put me down!”
I slammed my fists against his back, but he didn’t react, simply replying, “No.”
How could one person be so infuriating?
He tightened his grip on my waist, and I screamed louder in frustration. “I hate you so much!”
“I think he’s dreamy. Plus, he did give you a choice,” Gale commented, sickeningly sweet.
“I hate you too!”
After what felt like an eternity, we finally stopped. Cal set me down, turning me to face the front door, his arm firmly but gently around my shoulders.
“I can’t believe you did that,” I muttered darkly.
“Well, I gave you a choice, and you picked the hard way. So, stop glaring at me,” he stated bluntly.
“I’m hoping if I glare hard enough, your head will explode.”
He chuckled lightly and opened the door. Dragging me outside, he halted a few steps later. My eyes almost bulged as I saw at least 100-150 pack members. That was a large number for a wolf pack, and I almost fainted as all their eyes stared at me anxiously.
The hairs on my neck prickled with nervousness. I wasn’t used to so much attention. I was used to ridicule, hatred, and a little bit of sympathy. This was definitely not what I was accustomed to, and it made me profoundly uncomfortable. Of course, being the stubborn, independent woman I was, I didn’t let any of it show. Cal cleared his throat loudly, drawing all attention back to him. Once every pack member was looking at him, he began to speak.
Cal
“Pack members!” I yelled loudly and clearly, ensuring every member could hear me.
They stared at me in anticipation and impatience. It was time they learned of their new Luna.
“This is Raven Woods, my mate and your new Luna!”
Silence descended for a few seconds before the pack erupted in applause. Every member cheered and clapped; some even howled in delight. I smiled at their enthusiasm as I turned my gaze to Raven. Her head was bowed slightly, shyly, but it shot up when she heard the applause, her eyes widening in surprise.
“They like me?” she questioned in her mind as I read her thoughts.
Why was she so surprised? Every pack was thrilled when their Luna was introduced. It was a matter of loyalty, a strong one, especially when it came to their Luna.
I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw her turn her head and glare at me, anger swirling in her bright cognac brown eyes. There was something else there too, something I couldn’t quite place.
“Where was all this excitement when you first met me?” she mind-linked, her tone dark and bitter.
I rolled my eyes before glaring harshly. “Don’t start with me, Raven.”
“Asshole.”
After the pack finished cheering, I continued, “All bow in respect to your Luna!”
Every member immediately bowed, and Raven looked astonished. It was kind of cute—her eyes wide and full of amazement and wonder. Wait, what the hell was I thinking?
“Are you starting to fall for her?” Clyde asked, teasingly. I could practically see the wolfish grin on his face, and it enraged me.
“Shut up!” I yelled, immediately shutting him out.
I smiled to myself in triumph until I realized my mistake. I hadn’t denied falling for her! I was about to tell Clyde I felt nothing for Raven when I noticed the pack members were waiting to be excused.
Not wanting to keep them waiting, I spoke, “You may all rise and be dismissed!”
Everyone dispersed, and I saw Raven glaring up at me. Her brown eyes held nothing but anger. But I didn’t care about how she felt.
I smirked mockingly as I stated, “Now you can’t leave.”
I wanted to see her glare harden. A spirited werewolf was a strong werewolf, and I wanted to know all my pack members were strong.
“Or maybe you like to see her nose wrinkle when she gets mad. It’s just adorable,” Clyde interrupted, breaking through my inner thoughts.
“Absolutely not.” No, it wasn't cute with the way her nose crinkled in anger—wait a minute, no it wasn't. This disgusting rogue could never be cute!
I waited for her glare to harden at my words, but I was surprised when she mimicked my smirk.
“Now I have an even better reason to knee you in the groin,” she sweetly replied. Her words were far from sweet, though.
My smirk dropped into a scowl, and I firmly grabbed her hand as I began leading her to my office, trying to ignore the sparks that flowed through my hand.
This was going to be a long day.