Chapter 68: Their Cursed

All the remaining people in the hall, mostly women were ushered into another room where there was coffee, tea, and pastries being served. After having just eaten breakfast, I was not hungry, so I politely sipped my tea. We were all sitting around in groups chatting amongst ourselves. Rachel, Pip, Carson, and I all sat together. Carson was quiet and sulking of course while Rachel kept giving him odd looks. I finally took mercy on her.

“Rachel, I forgot to introduce my escort. This is Carson Carlisle. He is my mates’ younger brother,” I told her. Carson met her eyes for a moment before looking away again.

“I thought he looked a lot like your twins,” she said. “Carson, if your brothers are going to be Alphas then will that make you Beta?” He ignored her question.

“Actually, my brother is going to be Beta,” Pip said. “He’s best friends with Caldy and Cully.”

“That is really cool. Luke’s Beta doesn’t like me much. I bet you guys get to have so much fun together,” Rachel commented. “I’m sure being friends will make running the pack together so easy.”

“Well, things might change now,” Pip said. I looked at her, having forgotten that she would be leaving Blue Moon to be with Zeus. It made me sad to think about, but I kept my expression neutral.

“So, what do we do until the discussions are done for the day?” I asked Rachel. “I can’t imagine we sit here sipping tea all day.”

“I believe there is some sort of entertainment planned then lunch. I’m not sure what will be later, but I am sure that Luna Marie will be telling us all,” Rachel said. “Honestly, it's basically all socializing for us. And some of the other women can be pretty… judgmental.”

I nodded my head. I had noticed more than a couple stares coming our direction since we sat down. I couldn’t be the only new Luna here, so I was sure it was something more. “Rem, do you think people are looking at us because you or me?” Pip linked me. Although she was a normally confident person who didn’t care about others’ opinions, I bet she was feeling a little self-conscious due to who her mate was.

“I don’t know,” I responded. “I am sure it was noticed that Zeus accompanied you especially after showing up late, but I also got plenty of looks yesterday during the reception.”

“Speaking of, I totally need to dish so we got to find a way to escape little Carlisle and all these other people,” she said looking around. I knew she wanted to talk about Zeus. We were in such a rush this morning, we agreed to talk later about it all.

“Rachel, who are your new friends?” came a voice from behind me. Rachel looked up and I could see a faint trace of reticence in her eyes. I set my cup down and turned.

“This is Remi and Amanda. They are from Blue Moon,” Rachel said. She didn’t bother to introduce Carson who seemed like he would rather be anywhere else in the world and was actively trying to ignore us.

“So, you two are the mates of the Carlisle twins. Interesting!” the woman purred. She had dirty blonde hair and was very thin, almost twig like. She wore far too much makeup. I didn’t recall seeing them last night. Cullen told me that there would be around 50 packs represented this weekend and I had only been introduced to maybe 15 or 20.

“Actually, only Remi is,” Rachel said, motioning to me. “They share a mate. Remi, this is Kelly. She is the Luna of Snowy Peaks.”

“It is so nice to meet you, Kelly. I hope you are enjoying our time here so far,” I said pleasantly.

“Wait, so you are mated to both of them?” Kelly’s eyes moved to my neck. She was loud enough to be drawing attention. Pip and Rachel looked around a little nervously before looking back at us.

“I don’t want to question the Moon Goddess’s decisions,” I said trying to keep my voice level and pleasant.

“How did you get rid of Jaime, then?” she asked bluntly. My breath caught in my throat and I suddenly realized why we had been getting odd looks. Cullen had brought Jaime here just last year. She would have made it clear to everyone who she was and who her chosen mate was. Blue Moon being of such an important standing among all the packs in the Realm would have brought a lot of attention to her and the twins. Calder and Cullen showing up with a new she-wolf on their arms this year was creating gossip I never even considered.

I sputtered silently for a second, trying to get myself back together. Carson shifted towards, apparently only trying to appear to be ignoring us. Pip reached over and grabbed my hand. “I am not really sure how it is any business of yours who our Alphas choose as their mate and Luna,” Pip said angrily in my defense.

Kelly gave a snicker. “I don’t see that bitch giving up so easily to a meek little thing like you,” she said. My eyes snapped to hers, anger in me rising. I stood, smoothing down the front of my dress. I was short compared to most of the people here, but I wasn’t going to be called meek. Calli was growling in my head, not happy with her insult. Carson stood up behind me. I squared my shoulders and stood as tall as I could.

“I am sorry Luna, but the affairs of my mates and I are none of your business. But I do suggest that you keep your opinions to yourself,” I said stepping forward. “In helping my mates prepare for their business here, I do recall coming across a request for aid from Snowy Peaks. I would hate to express my own opinions on the leadership of Snowy Peaks and sway my mates’ decision on the matter.” My voice was confident and just a little dark. My threat was clear as Kelly’s face paled under her thick makeup. Carson touched a hand to the small of my back.

“Rachel, if you will excuse me, I need to step out for a moment,” I said. I walked forward, pushing past a stunned Kelly. Carson followed me closely. I kept my head held high as we exited but I quickly realized I had no clue where I was going.

“Keep walking. I’ll lead you out,” Carson linked me. He gently guided me down a couple hallways until we reached a door. We went through it and stepped out into a small garden. The air was chilly but welcome after the confrontation that just occurred. When the door closed, I took a deep breath trying to calm down.

“Thanks,” I whispered. Carson was standing by the door. I turned to face him.

“Ignore their petty shit,” he said quietly.

I gave him a shallow laugh. “Easier said than done,” I said, letting out a breath. I pulled my fingers through my hair. I had thought I would be facing judgement for having two mates, possibly even for my naivety. I didn’t think the battle with Jaime was going to follow me here.

“That was impressive,” Carson said, getting my attention again. The compliment sounded genuine. I knew my face reflected nothing but shock at his words. “I haven’t given you enough credit. You seemed… I don't know… maybe a little too credulous. You’re a lot smarter than you look.”

“Um, thanks…” I said softly. The door opened and a girl appeared. Her eyes fell on me first then she turned and saw Carson.

“Oh!” She squealed and closed the door quickly. A painful look crossed his face. I saw his shoulders slump and he looked back at me.

“We should probably go back soon,” he said, more sanguine now.

“Who was that?” I asked.

“No one. Come on,” he said. He opened the door and stood aside for me to walk through. I gave him a calculating look before trying to stand up tall again. Feeling a little more confident now, I strode back into the pack house and let Carson silently lead us back.

When we walked back into the room, most of the women were standing around now instead of sitting at the many couches and chairs. Rachel and Pip came over to us quickly. “Rem, Goddess, are you okay? That was intense,” Pip said quickly.

I gave her a smile. “Yea, I’m fine. Just needed some air for a minute,” I told her. She looked at Carson and gave him a smile which he resolutely ignored. I laughed a little internally. He was almost as good as Cullen at looking impassive but not quite.

“Everyone is talking about you,” Rachel said in a hushed voice.

“Weren’t they already?” I countered. “But now, I think I will control the narrative.” I gave her a wink.

She laughed. “You know, I think you might be my favorite person here,” she said.

“She is certainly an interesting creature,” said a voice behind us. I turned to see Luna Marie coming over to us.

“Luna,” I said nodding.

“Remi, I hear you made a splash. I like a girl with some backbone, even at your age,” she said. I gave her a smile.

“Oh, no. It wasn’t like that. I just didn’t think a discussion about my mate bond was warranted,” I said trying to be contrite.

Marie gave a small laugh. “It surely wasn’t. It is clear that your mates are enamored, and you fit them well. Don’t let the other Lunas intimidate you,” she said. “Some of them are not the fated and their mates do not show them the same care as yours do. Jealousy can fester easily,” she whispered this time. Her attention turned to Pip. “Now, I would very much like to get to know my son’s mate while he is not here to hover. Amanda, correct?”

“Yes, Luna,” Pip said in a slightly high-pitched voice. I could tell she was nervous.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am that my son has found his mate. Would you do this old lady the pleasure of sitting with me during the entertainment?” she asked. Pip looked at me.

“Go on, get to know her some. Maybe you’ll learn something about Zeus!” I linked her. She nodded hesitantly at Marie.

“Wonderful. Come girls, follow me,” Marie said, beckoning us to follow her. I pushed Pip forward first and Rachel and I followed them. Carson brought up the rear. Others began exiting as well, clearly following Luna Marie’s lead as we headed outside to a covered seating area. There was a stage at the far end. Everyone began taking their seats. A girl walked to the center of the stage and Carson froze from his seat next to me. I looked between him and her trying to figure out what was going on.

“Maya, please begin,” Luna Marie said. The girl nodded and welcomed everyone, introducing the show that was about to begin.

“Carson, do you know her?” I whispered. His eyes were fixed on the girl, but I don’t know if she noticed his stare. He didn’t answer me as he watched her walk off the stage and the performers began.