SWNOVELS Chapter Basic Duties
Waking in my mate's arms was a feeling I never wanted to forget but watching him still sleeping next to me warmed my heart even more. Staring at his naked body heated me to the core and if I hadn't already agreed to meet his mother downstairs for breakfast so we could talk some more about her role as Luna, I would have woken him up in the best way.
I slowly slipped out of bed and got dressed before opening the door and descending the stairs. When I reached the bottom, I saw Winston and Rose in a sweet embrace. I was enchanted in their romantic moment, feeling bad for witnessing such a private event as they broke apart and Winston walked out the door.
Clearing her throat, I blushed a little when I realized she had caught me staring then she walked over to where I was and smiled.
"Even in our old age we still have the hots for each other." We both busted out laughing while walking out onto the back patio.
Her staff had prepared a dainty breakfast of tea and biscuits with honey and several flavors of jam. They served us each a cup then retreated back into the kitchen while we ate and talked about the biggest challenges of her career.
"Earning your members trust is the hardest but most rewarding thing ever. When they know that they have someone to come to and feel safe and heard, it makes all the bad times worth going through. Have you met the pack yet?"
"I did and his members were so happy that he had returned they welcomed me with open arms. I hope they feel the same way when times get tough."
"They will lean on you during the good times and the bad because they need guidance but it's how you handle it that will make them really trust you."
I nodded as she continued to tell me how she managed to keep her Luna duties and her relationship with Winston separate and from imploding in on themselves. She spoke with such authority and grace that I even felt secure in her presence and that was exactly how I wanted to project myself to others. I wanted to be the Luna that anyone could come to, including Bishop.
For the whole day, I followed her around the pack as she resolved one problem after another, saving the more serious issues for her mate. The children of the pack followed her around, while their mothers finished their work and the fathers trained on the battle grounds. She gathered them in a circle and told them stories while their eyes gleamed at the chance to be in her company.
Night had begun to fall and it was time to return to Black Claw but before we left, the staff arranged a dinner for us with a few of their high ranking officials and wives. Winston and Bishop, along with the packs Beta and gamma, all went outside for a drink while Rose and I sat inside talking to the other women.
"Ember, this is Natalia, Beta Reid's wife and Serena, Gamma Titan's wife. Ladies, this is my son Bishop's mate."
They both said hello and we chatted for a while before the men came back inside. Just like last time, Bishop was flustered about something but kept his lips in a tight line through the entire meal. I could feel the anger radiating off him in waves and so did the entire table. Placing my hand on his thigh, his body seemed to relax instantly but something told me this wasn't the last time I would need to calm my mate, I just wish I knew what had him so wound up.
After dinner, we said our goodbyes while packing the car when Rose came up to me, enveloping me in a hug and said, "I know you will do a great job as Luna, just trust your instincts and never let them see your fear."
"Easier said than done." I replied while squeezing her tight.
"I am just a phone all away don't hesitate to ask for help."
As I closed the car door, we drove away waving as we began the long trip home. The plan was to drive until we got tired and then pull over wherever there was a hotel, even though his grandmother had a room for us at the Inn, he wanted to get home as soon as possible.
Breaking the silence between us, I asked "Are you going to tell me why you're so tense?"
With a huff he responded, "It's nothing."
Shaking my head up and down, I took the tone in his voice as a warning not to push the subject any further and stared out the window as the sun started to go down. The sky was a beautiful picture of blues and reds as the sunlight made its way under the dark clouds in the distance. Rain was coming and with the way my mate was stewing along side me, this was sure to be more than just a thunderstorm ahead.
20 hours later, we pulled off the highway into the parking lot of a sketchy looking hotel. Bishop ran inside as plumes of rain drenched him, leaving me in the car with our belongings. Once he had a reservation, he came back with an umbrella and helped me to our room.
Knowing we wouldn't resolve any issues tonight, I snuck into the bathroom and turned the shower on letting the water heat to a boiling temperature as I undressed then stepped under the stream and let it warm me up. I could hear Bishop on the other side of the door, going in and out of the room, unsure of what he was doing when he knocked letting me know he found us some supper.
I turned off the water, dried off quickly then walked back into the room to see a dinner made entirely of junk food. I laughed as he shrugged his shoulders and said "This place doesn't have room service but they have a wide variety of vending machine food to choose from."
Picking up a honey bun, I placed my other hand on my hip and said, "Well what do we have here?"
"I don't encourage diabetes but there was only one left and I figured you would appreciate it." He said as he stood up and walked over to me.
He tipped my chin up and kissed my lips before walking into the bathroom for a shower. I threw the honey bun on the bed and waited for him to finish. Sifting through the chips, candy and beef sticks I made a pile of what I thought he would like and took the corn chips and honey bun for myself along with a bag of chocolate candies.
I heard the water turn off and a few minutes later he emerged from the bathroom with his towel wrapped around his waist and his hair still wet from the water. Droplets ran down his chest and perfectly chiseled stomach making the heat from yesterday morning return full force.
Licking my lips as I watched the small bead of water disappear under his towel, he sauntered over to me and leaned down, whispering in my ear "It's time to get some rest, Red but I promise when we get home, I will fuck you so hard you won't remember me denying you right now. Eat your honey bun then get into bed and sleep."
Pouting like a five year old, I ripped the plastic open and shoved the iced roll into my mouth as he smirked at me. Devouring the the whole thing in three more bites, I threw the wrapper away then laid down on the bed as Bishop cleaned up the rest of the food. If he continued making me hot then refusing to do something about it then I guess I was going to have to show him what he was missing.
I'm so glad Rose and Ember have such a good relationship but I can't help but feel bad for her mom. I hope they can resolve their issues and start over.
What is up with Winston and Bishop? Could he maybe have reservations about his mate or is there something else going on? And why won't he involve Ember? Didn't he agree to keep her informed as his Luna?
Uh oh, Ember better be careful how she uses herself against her mate, I feel some defiance coming!!!