Chapter 25 Weight Of A Name
Alyssa's POV
I was pacing around the childcare with Aria and Aileen staring at me like I was going to lose my mind…or probably lost it. But I couldn't help the way my heart was racing.
“You're worrying yourself over nothing," Aileen said. “My mom can be a lot but my dad's different. He's going to love you."
A loud groan escaped my lips, "that's not helping.” I told her.
They took turns telling me that the only important thing I needed to focus on was Zayne and since he was obsessed with me…that brought a smile to my face, he would make sure I was fine.
But I had my doubts because I didn't have luck with moms. My own mother never bothered with me and since I left, I was certain she was relieved that I was gone…that the person who reminded her of the mistake she made marrying my dad, was no longer in the picture. Ryder's mom also never bothered to ask why I was not with him anymore or why he was mating with my stepsister.
“I think that I've run out of luck." I murmured.
“Why don't we tell you what Luna Valeria is like, so when you see her, you'll have no problem getting along with her.” Aria suggested and I nodded eagerly.
Nira was quiet, observing as the girls told me everything that I needed to know and how to respond. It felt like a lot of work, but there was no way I was going to the battlefield unprepared.
Nira snorted, not bothered one bit. “We already have the support we need, so she can do as she pleases."
“I think you're ready," Aileen announced, even though I didn't feel that way.
“Ready for what?” Tristan asked, entering the childcare and I didn't miss the way Aileen rolled her eyes at him. If he saw it, he didn't care as he took the space beside her…and for a moment, I thought she was going to push him away but nothing happened.
I turned to look at Aria, but she was already looking at me with the same expression.
“It's none of your business." Aileen said, assuring us that they had not buried whatever was going on between them.
“Princess,” Tristan started, his tone deliberately teasing, but Aileen shot him a sharp look before he could say more. I gave up trying to understand them and put my mind where my own concern is.
“Don’t call me that,” she warned, arms folding across her chest.
He grinned, unfazed. “Why not? It suits you—spoiled, bossy, impossible to please.”
Aileen scoffed. “And you think annoying me will make me like you?”
Tristan leaned against the table, smirk widening. “Didn’t say that. But it’s fun watching you pretend you don’t.”
Her jaw tightened, a faint flush creeping up her neck. “Keep dreaming, Tristan.”
“Already do, Princess,” he murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.
I excused myself, leaving them to continue their banter. I thought about walking around but kicked against it since it was almost lunch time and I would be eating with Zayne soon.
But I couldn't stop thinking about meeting his mom, if she would bribe me into leaving her son or threaten to take everything I own…which was nothing. But a huge part of me wanted her to accept me. And treat me as a daughter…moon goddess knows I need one grown up to actually like me.
I made my way to the kitchen, it was the only way I knew how to release the stress I was feeling. And again, Zayne hasn't tasted anything I made before.
“Considering you do not have a good experience from all your trips to the kitchen, I doubt there was ever a good time." Nira said.
“If you weren't my wolf," I started, “I would be certain you have something against me."
She rolled her eyes, “but you love me."
There was no doubt that I did. She literally saved my life the first time we met…it wasn't the best situation but I couldn't be more happy that she came just in time.
“I'm curious though, how….” I started, hoping to know why unlike everyone else, I didn't get my wolf the day I turned eighteen, but two girls, ones I knew I'd seen before stood in front of me with their arms crossed.
“You should definitely avoid kitchens…it's definitely not our thing.” Nira joked.
She really doesn't know how to read the room.
“I can't believe Alpha Zayne chose you to be Luna over Lori, she at least has an idea what it's like to rule.” One of them said, and her friend nodded.
"Not you parading the place like you own it…the only Luna we're going to acknowledge is Luna Nyra and since she's gone, Lori can take over from her and only because that's what Nyra would've wanted.”
I raised my brows as they spoke. I thought of several responses but all the words felt stuck in my throat and my legs felt stuck to the ground. I was so close to mindlinking Zayne but I did
“You can't even say anything, what…”
She was interrupted by a loud voice, causing the three of us to turn to it. My brows furrowed in confusion, “Is that how to talk to your Luna?" Lori asked, standing beside me while glaring at the girls, who looked like they'd seen a ghost.
“I’m sure Alpha Zayne would like to hear how you talk to her.”
"Does she think anyone is falling for that?” Nira said, as we watched the scene.
The girls started pleading with Lori to not tell Zayne about what happened. Using the opportunity, I made an attempt to move because whatever Lori was playing at, I wanted no part in it.
“Luna,” she called, and my frown deepened.
"I'm really not interested in whatever you're play—”
"I just want to apologize.” she said, "I've been blaming you for something you had no control over.” She went on to give a long speech about how she would like a clean slate, putting everything behind us.
“You don't have to respond now… take your time.” She added and without waiting for my response, she left, the sound of her heel clicking against the ground until it faded down the hallway and the girls ran after her.
I stood there for a moment, making sure I hadn't misheard Lori. Her apology played in my mind again, until I convinced myself she actually apologized.
“You should've let me claw her face out, maybe that'll give her something else to worry about.”
I shook my head, I loved having a wolf, but she was communicating with Kael way too much that she's slowly becoming like him.
But she did have a point, maybe the kitchen really isn't for me. Instead of continuing, I decided to surprise Zayne and have an early lunch before I go back to worrying his mother.
Once in front of Zayne's office, I reached to open the door before an unfamiliar voice spoke, causing
me to freeze.
“An Omega…and a rogue? Can you go any lower?
Definitely not lucky.