Chapter 11

Jackson took a step towards the stage before he realized I didn’t. He let out a light chuckle before grabbing my hand once more and guiding me onto the stage with him. I was too surprised to try to resist as he walked us towards the mic. As he cleared his throat everyone’s attention was focused on him.

“Hello” He started, “I understand you all must be curious and confused as to who this girl by my side is.”

The pack nodded in responses while some girls still sent me death glares from their various spots in the room.

“Well, I am pleased to announce that this,” He said, pulling me closer, “Is my mate and your future Luna.”

As expected the older members and their kids immediately cheered along with the teenagers who were indifferent or good friends, however the ones who had hoped and dreamed and probably plotted about being his mate and Luna were furious and stormed to the back and formed a little group. So, I assumed they could pout together instead of alone in their rooms. The other option was that they were all plotting together about how to get rid of me quietly and without raising suspicion to themselves, but I would much rather believe that they were just pouting.

“Now I believe Leana should say something so please give her your attention.” Jackson said reigning everything in.

I looked at him with the fear clear in my eyes. He smiled and said, “I’ll be right here. You’ll do great.”

Taking a deep breath I stepped away from the mic causing everyone in the room to look at me confused. I looked at Jackson before starting to sign. Jackson was translating for the young ones who didn’t know sign language yet.

“Hello, my name is Leana, and as Jackson said, we are mates. I know you must be wondering why I am using sign language and that is because I cannot speak as I am mute. Despite that I hope you all will still accept and welcome me with open arms. If you will have me, I ask you to not treat me any differently, even if I am unable to talk to you like anyone else.” As I finished my little speech I bowed to them to show them that I respected their decision, no matter what it was.

After a few seconds of silence that seemed to go on forever before the room once again filled with cheers, causing me to jump in surprise and Jackson to bring me into a hug with a huge smile on his face with pure happiness. We both bowed in thanks before exiting the stage and being met with Aaron.

“So Alpha, does she know?” He asked with a wannabe evil smirk on his face.

“Do I know what?” I asked turning to Jackson annoyed by Aaron’s presence.

“So she doesn’t. Well, do you want to tell her or do you want me to?”

“Aaron. Enough.” Jackson said with teeth clenched.

“Why? Because of you, your father won’t let me become a pack warrior. So what else do I have to lose?”

“Your pack, your family, and your life.” Jackson all but growled in response.

Aaron just scoffed in response before turning his attention to me.

“You know, he only approached you because of a bet we did. That’s all you are. I never thought that he would let it get this far let alone so soon.”

Next thing I knew Jackson had Aaron pinned against the wall.

“Listen here you little shit, I took that bet so none of you would. Only an asshole would actually use someone else for their own entertainment like that. I took that bet to protect her, and I was lucky enough to find out that she was my mate, which means she’s your future Luna. You will treat her with respect or you will suffer the consequences. Do you understand me?”

“Yes.” Aaron choked out.

“Yes what?”

“Yes Alpha.” He answered.

Satisfied, Jackson let him go causing him to slide to the floor and collapse and gasp for air. I watched this encounter with wide eyes not sure how to react or what to think.

“Leana, believe Jackson.” My wolf said to me, sensing my doubt.

“But it was all a bet...” I replied.

“Even so, he said it was to protect us from those who wished to use us. Even before he knew we were his mate he just wanted us to be alright. So believe him until he gives us a reason not to.”

“Okay.”

“Leana?” Jackson called to me, waving a hand in front of my face trying to gain my attention.

Snapping out of whatever trance I was in I turned to him giving him my attention.

“Please believe m-” He started before I interrupted.

“I believe you. You have given me no reason not to.” I signed.

He pulled me into another hug sighing in relief. “Thank you. Now It’s getting late, we should start heading back.”

I nodded in response before we parted and started making our way out of the house and to the car to start making our way back to Miss Mary's.