Tell them!

Emily’s POV

Stupid human, she pushed me hard, and I pushed her back.

Nolan growled. " Stay away from her. Move," he told Isabella.

I’m your Luna, and you listen to me, not to this…human…trash… She stopped when a group of women surrounded me. I didn’t know what to make of it at first, but the way the women stepped between Isabella and me made it clear they weren't backing her up. Their eyes were on her, faces tense, like they were tired of her attitude and ready to stand with me instead. The tension twisted in the air. I realized these women's loyalty didn't automatically lie with the Luna, not when she acted like this.

So, a woman said, holding a girl, " We are all trash? Luna?

No, of course not, she stammered, she needs to know her place. Isabella took a step closer, and the women got closer to me.

Hunter is my mate, and you are just here to breed, human. I made a place for myself here, and then you show up and mess everything up. You don’t belong; you never will.

" Of course, I can be in his bed tonight, or every night for that matter,” I said, smiling. Isabella's face paled, then she raised her hand to hit me, and Nolan stepped in front of me to take the hit.

Back off, Nolan said. You attacked her. I’ll report this to Alpha Hunter.

The door opened. Hunter walked inside, bare-chested, his pants hanging low, his hair wild. My heart skipped a beat. God, I still want him and love him. Why? He tossed me aside. I should be angry with him.

His eyes looked at me first, then turned to Isabella.

Everyone okay? He asked, looking at all the women and children. They nodded.

It's a false alarm, but I’m glad everyone listened and got into the bunker. He turned to leave, and Isabella was behind him.

Alpha Hunter, she said loudly, for me to hear, of course. Let me fix you a bath. I help you…

No. Start acting like a Luna, Isabella. Be useful to someone else.

Of course, alpha, she said with a fake sweet voice.

Daddy, a little voice was calling him. He stopped and turned as a little girl ran to him.

Daisy, my beautiful flower, he said, and she giggled.

Daddy, you’re tickling me, she said as he kissed her cheek. He put her down. Are you coming later?

Yes, of course, go on now. His eyes followed her, then locked on me, and I smiled. Why did I do that? I’m angry with him.

I turned to Nolan. Let’s go, and I went to get my chores list.

The woman looked at me and sighed. You need to hang the heavy sheets, so take a little at a time.

“Don’t worry, I will help her," Nolan said. He carried the basket, and I started to hang them on the line. They smelled fresh.

Nolan, is there water near here? I asked as I placed the clips.

Yeah, there is a river. Oh, no, don’t even think about it, please, he will kill me.

I laughed. Sorry, I just imagine you being murdered. He won’t, Hunter is not a murderer, he has a nice soul.

Nolan's eyes were on someone behind me. Hunter.

I ignored him and kept placing the sheets on the line. He grabbed my middle and pulled me to his chest.

Couldn’t fight him because I missed him. My body relaxed for a second, taking in his scent. I looked up at him, and he kissed me. Then his lips went on my ear. I miss you, my beautiful mate. He inhaled, then let go and left.

The tears started falling before I could stop them, hot and stinging. My chest ached, caught between wanting to run after him and needing to stand my ground. Everything inside me felt tangled. I wanted to hate him for the hurt, but my heart still leaped at his touch, the way his voice trembled at my ear. I didn't know whether I was angrier at him or at myself for still wanting him so much.

I tried to pull myself together, wiping at my cheeks as Nolan got closer.

The sheets are supposed to dry…he joked. And I let out a shaking laugh.

“Come on, let’s get the rest," I told him. I walked back to the wash area, and Isabella was talking to the woman in charge. A creepy smile formed on her face. Then Ana, the woman in charge, came over. Your chores just increased, kid, Luna’s orders.

I got it, she thinks I’m weak. Nolan, help me with this, " I said as I lifted the basket.

By lunch, I could’ve eaten a horse, starving. I walked into the dining area, got my food, and sat down.

Nolan tapped me. I think Isabella has an announcement.

So, I didn’t care before; don’t care now, I told Nolan.

Hello, everyone, she said in a sweet voice. Alpha Hunter and I will decide on another human to breed. My stomach dropped. Everyone in the pack knows that only the Alpha has the right to make breeding decisions. The Luna should never announce this kind of choice on her own, not without the Alpha's permission; it’s against everything the pack stands for. For Isabella to decide this herself was not just rude; it was forbidden, and it left the whole room in shocked silence. Hunter's angry face told me everything. She has made that decision with Hunter, who pulled her into his office. Nolan taught me most of the rules about the pack.

Ouch, he undermined him, I said. This is not going to end well, Nolan. This woman comes from where?

How should I know? It's not like he gives me updates. But, I know, he leaned in, he loves you.

I blushed and pushed on his shoulder. Don’t say it again, I’m angry with him.

Then they walked back inside holding hands. What my luna was trying to say is that the decision is mine only, and how I choose to breed with, I don’t need to remind everyone that I’m the alpha of this pack. His aura was powerful, I felt it. Some whimpered.

That’s my man, I said inside my head. Tell them!