It was Tuesday and time for school. I was petrified. I loved school but it was a new school in a new pack. I did not know anyone yet, except for my stepbrothers, the Salvatore boys. The night has been restless and full of worries.
"Good morning, darling."
My mother greeted in a singsongy voice. She was still in her nightwear. I smiled when I saw her. How could someone be this beautiful even on a morning as early as this?
She came and hugged me tight. Rib-crushing kind. I had asked for it, so I should just enjoy it and not complain even though she was about to finish off all the ribs in my petite frame. I was not tall. Mom said I took after her own grandmother's stature.
"Not tight enough for you mom?"
"Okay now, that's enough."
She chuckled and let go of me. I took a deep breathe.
"Remind me to never ask for a rib-crushing hug next time."
"Your fault."
"I accept." Then I smiled at her. "Good morning mother."
"How was your night?"
"It was okay. Why are you here this early?"
"It's your first day at school in a new pack. I thought you might need the morale boost."
That was why she was my best friend. She knew everything about me. Knew just when I needed her and she would never fail to show up.
"You're the best mother ever."
"And the best friend too."
I chuckled. "Yes, and the best friend too."
I went into her embrace again. Letting the maternal feel of love and confidence course through me and take hold. Something told me I was going to need the strength today. Lucas was right. I needed all the strength I could get. Thankfully, I had a mom who was willing to share some of that strength and confidence to me.
"Are we giving hugs now?"
I noticed Lucas come in.
"Come here, darling boy."
Mom outstretched a hand to him and he joined the hug.
"Good morning Mom. Good morning Kathy."
"Good morning, son. How was your night?"
"It was okay, I guess."
"You guess? Something happened?"
I was proud of mom as I watched her become genuinely concerned over Lucas' plight. She was indeed the best mother any son or daughter could ask for.
"Had a bad dream but it's fine now, I guess."
Mom gave him another hug and rubbed his back.
"You'll be fine."
"Thanks mom."
She released him and gifted him a kiss on his forehead. He grinned like a baby.
"Why are you here early, Lucas?"
I asked.
"Today's school day for you. I came to give you the talk."
"What talk?"
"Pep talk. Something to boost your confidence. Although I don't know how to give pep talks, but it should not be hard, should it mom?"
Mom just chuckled. "It's your pep talk. You can do it."
"Well, I just came to say have a great day today and let no one step on you. And here's a quick, encouraging hug to go with it."
He came to me and gave a warm but short hug and walked to the door. "See you later, mom."
Then he was out of the room.
"Lucas is such a sweet, little boy."
"Yes. He's actually very welcoming."
"His attitude and smile is charming. I bet he has a lot of girls swooning over him in school."
"I'll verify that when I get to school today."
"So any of the boys giving you issues? I'm sorry I haven't had time for you."
"No, it's okay mom. I understand."
"If anyone had told me what being a Luna entailed, I'd have hightailed out of here before the initiation ceremony."
I chuckled. "No you won't."
She laughed. "You're right, I won't. David is a wonderful man."
"If he is responsible for the happiness I see on your face, then I won't argue."
"He is. He is so gentle and kind and sweet. He knows how to pamper a woman."
"You must be having the time of your life."
"Of course. We even made plans to go out today."
"Where are you guys going to?"
"He wants to show me the pack and his investments. The companies. Honey, did you know Stone Shadow pack is the biggest and wealthiest pack in all four regions?"
"Are you serious? I thought it was just one region which is this one we are currently under."
"I thought so too but I read books and historical articles. Stone Shadow is the biggest. Can you imagine that? We were nobodies in Moon Rock but look at us here. We belong in the royal family of the biggest and most powerful pack."
"I hope you're not all after the money, mom?"
She pulled an offended look. "Why would you say that? I'm just happy we no longer belong in a place where we were nobodies. Of course, I love David. He is my mate."
"I'm sorry mom. I know you too well to even think of you like that."
"It's okay. I understand your point. I got carried away a little talking about his wealth."
"I perfectly understand you, mother."
"Alright."
"You know mom, I never got to ask."
"What is it darling?"
"Did you know David was an Alpha? When we got here that night, you were not surprised. Instead you gave me a knowing smile."
"Ah yes. When I met him that afternoon I went for stroll, he did not tell me at first. He were talking and then I heard one if his men walk up to us and called him Alpha."
"Really?"
"Yes"
"How did you feel then?"
"At first, I became nervous. Then scared. Then the excitement. Then the uncertainty. I had thought maybe I was daydreaming this. Thinking I was way out of his league, that I could not have an alpha as a mate. It was too surreal to believe. I just thought this was a prank being played on me."
"I understand the feeling mom. I had felt the same way when I entered this room and when people bowed to me in greeting."
"It's all overwhelming."
"Yes it is mom. Yes, it is."