An Armed Truce

Cliara's POV

Everything about Meg screams that she doesn't trust my new attitude.

She expects me to lash out at any moment, to seek the revenge that ran through my veins the last time I spoke to her. I have to blame myself for this, I was the one who set her on this path when I told her of my intentions with Lori.

But what Meg doesn't know is what the mate bond has done to me.

Hedrick was put in my path at the right time and place. He taught me how to forgive and let go. What happened that day with Lori was something I needed to experience to achieve that ultimate happiness I deserve. I accepted his clarification and now the Moon Goddess has blessed me with a wonderful mate. Although I have only known Hedrick for just an hour, he has changed me completely. He is my mate, completely mine, and I love him.

Huh? I am startled by my own thoughts. Do I love this man I've only known for such a short time? And he is an Alpha, the eldest brother and rightful holder of the Alpha rank. He told me he had handed it to Alvarez because his interests lay elsewhere. He is an artist, his hands create abstract life. And I can't wait to be a part of this.

"Hedrick, Alvarez, can I take Meg, Lori and Louise for a chat? I promise I won't keep them too long. We need to clear the air between us." The men stare at me in surprise, but nod anyway.

The four of us walk through the packhouse until we reach Alvarez's office, at least I can tell by the strong aura there.

When Meg has locked the door behind us, she turns to me quite menacingly.

"I hope this isn't one of your crappy games, Cliara. I warn you. I will not tolerate any nonsense from you at my ceremony." I shake my head in refusal.

"Why don't you let me explain, Meg? I know I have given you every reason to be suspicious. But you must have noticed that a lot has changed," I interrupt her.

"Cliara, did you want to take revenge on me? I am so ready for you, bitch. I will gladly repeat my beating, count on it." Lori steps forward, her hands defiantly at her sides. Smirking, her eyes scrutinize me from head to toe. "When and where? Come on, let's make it quick," she challenges me confidently.

Now Louise comes forward, standing in front of Lori but still at a distance from me.

"Keep your big mouth to yourself, Lori. Cliara is now mated with a first Alpha Blood, while you are not even twenty-one to have a mate. And even then she is an Alpha female while you are a distant relative of an Alpha," Louise growled in Lori's face with satisfaction. "I love watching her beat you to a pulp, you jealous bitch. It'll be a good thing to show you your place".

"Hey Louise. Don't forget, we're from the same pack. And nobody fights here," Meg comes in with her Luna authority. Both women step back while I still face Meg.

"Look, I don't want a fight. What I want is for us to continue living together in harmony, to become friends if at all possible. I no longer want revenge, Lori. I have forgiven you for what you did to me.”

There was momentarily a complete silence in the room, three pairs of eyes staring at me in disbelief.

"Why? Why do you forgive her so easily? At least give her what she deserves. That should teach her a lesson if she thinks of pulling that stunt on anyone else," Louise suggests, still staring at me. "If you doubt your strength, I am willing to help you. She has a score to settle with me, too."

I sigh deeply. "Listen, no hate, no fighting, no revenge. I have a mate now, he accepts me as I am. And I want the love of my new family and no tension with me".

"Hmmm, this is an interesting statement. Did you know that Lori is Alvarez's cousin and therefore related to your mate? And Louise is the Beta's fated. You are not really in a position to do anything to Lori. I guess you have to trust the Moon Goddess to get you justice," Meg grins.

She turns to Louise. "I told you to bury the hatchet. What happened is in the past. You're in a good place now. Come and shake hands. We have to move on as a family, there is no room for grudges." This is where I admire Meg a lot. She is handling this controversy like a true Luna.

I walk over to Lori and offer her my hand. After some hesitation, she takes it.

"Lori, I forgive you and forget everything that happened. We can move on together, maybe not as friends now, but we can slowly build some trust between us". To my delight, she accepts my gesture and squeezes my hand.

"No offense, Cliara, and welcome to the family," she replies timidly, but I can tell she doesn't quite believe me. Oh well, that will come in time, I know it's a process, although I'm the one who should be suspicious of her.

All eyes are now on Louise, leaning against the wall from a distance. She studies her fingernails as if they were one of the wonders of the ancient world, before looking up.

"You're getting off lightly again, huh, Lori? Now you have Meg and even Cliara to get you out of the mess you made. Lucky girl." Clapping her hands, she comes forward and halts in front of Lori.

"I have no choice but to forgive you. But know that I'll be watching you if you pull a stunt like this again. Then it's double trouble for you, Alpha or not. I'm warning you, Lori". With these words, she extends her hand to the woman.

"Apology accepted. But you are also on my watch. My warning still stands, Louise. Dare to seduce Romero again and I'll forget where you came from".

I have to stop myself from laughing. No, I don't think things are going to be one hundred percent right between the two of them.

This is more like an armed truce, each waiting for the other to go wrong again.

But at least it's more than a burning hatred.

With arms around each other, we leave the office, back to the party that is now in full swing.

I plan to enjoy this day, with my Alpha mate...