Hannah

The rest of the week seems to crawl by. The people in the pack are nice, but they didn't seem willing to include Griffin and I in anything. And since this pack is so far away from any kind of civilization, there was nothing to do. No movie theaters, no stores, not even a cafe or something. So we spent most of our time in our cabin. My conversations with Micah started becoming the highlight of my day. I couldn't tell if he liked me linking him three times in a day, but he didn't complain about it.

I didn't think I would be so excited to move on to the next pack, but the only thing I'll miss around here is Austin. The little guy even had a sleep over last night and we watched cartoons and ate snacks like it was going out of style. For a four year old he's an excellent conversationalist. Much better than Griffin who would rather chop wood or throw tractor tires around for hours than have a twenty minute conversation.

As the day to leave arrives, I sent Griffin on a run since the drive to the next pack is nearly four hours and I don't need him whining about being stuck in the car the whole time, so I go to say goodbye to the Alpha myself. He calls me into his office and I sit across from him.

"Thank you again for allowing us to visit." I tell him politely and he nods while eyeing me curiously.

"Were you ever going to tell me you're Micah's mate?" He asks, stunning me. My mouth gapes and I stumble over my next words.

"How... um... did you know?" I ask and he continues to study me.

"Well first it was his threat of war if any harm came to you while you were here, second were his nearly daily phone calls to check in on your well being, but the thing that really convinced me was the way Austin took to you." He explains.

"What do you mean?" I ask and he sighs.

"He isn't great with people. Especially women. So when he became attached to your hip, I realized it's because you give off those warm, soothing Luna vibes. He was naturally attracted to you the way most children are to a Luna." He says and I can't deny that I'm impressed.

"You're very observant." I say and he nods.

"Now, after my discretion and hospitality, I think you owe me at least a bit of an explanation. Don't you?" He presses and I nod.

"Micah was... an asshole to me for a long time before we found out we were mates. I rejected him and our parents as well as Micah asked me to reconsider. Things weren't progressing smoothly so Micah gave me the option of seeing other packs so if things didn't work out, I could choose somewhere to transition." I explain and his eyebrows shoot up.

"I wasn't expecting that. Well, the rejection doesn't entirely surprise me the kid was always kind of a douche but the fact that he would let you leave... well it's impressive. I'm sure it took a lot of willpower on his part." He says and I nod in agreement.

"Yes. But being away, him not being able to smother me but us still communicating by mind link has been nice." I admit and he smiles a little.

"Good. But if things don't work out I would like to offer you a... proposition of sorts." He says and I eye him curiously.

"What do you mean?" I ask and he takes a deep breath.

"I'm sure you've noticed in your time here that my pack isn't exactly... warm and friendly." He admits and I nod.

"I think it has to do with the loss of my mate. Not having a Luna isn't good for a pack. You're needed for a myriad of things and I've been doing my best, but there's no substitute for a good Luna. So. If things don't work out with Micah, I'd like to give you the option to come here and take the role of Luna." He says and my mouth gapes in astonishment again.

"What? Like? Choice mates?" I ask incredulously. He chuckles a little and shakes his head.

"No. No mates. Unless something were to happen naturally, I wouldn't be opposed, but I've been searching for someone to help me and I think you'd be perfect." He admits and my face heats at the compliment. I clear my throat and shuffle a little before answering.

"Um. Thank you. For the opportunity. I will certainly think about it." I answer honestly and he nods.

"That's all I ask." He says and stands "But you should bear in mind that even if you don't choose to stay with Micah or come here, you will always have those Luna... urges. It would be very hard for you to function in a pack that has a Luna already." He says and I ponder this information.

"That makes sense. Just like a pack can't have two alphas." I say and he nods.

"Yes, but take this from someone who would do just about anything to have his mate back. A mate bond is precious. If there's any chance that you two can work it out, that you can be happy, you should try." He says solemnly and tears prick my eyes.

"Thank you. You're the first person in this whole mess to take my happiness into account." I say as he holds his hand out. I shake it and leave the packhouse a little shell shocked and find Griffin waiting by the car.

He opens the door for me and eyes me curiously as he climbs in the other side and starts the drive.

"What happened? He say something inappropriate?" He asks me and I shake my head.

"No. He offered me the Luna position." I say, still flabbergasted.

Griffin surprises me by snarling and I look over at him in confusion.

"He propositioned you? That's pretty fucking inappropriate, Hannah." He says, pure venom dripping from his tone. I shake my head and swat his arm to get him to settle down.

"No, not like that. He isn't looking for a mate, just a Luna. He figured out that I'm Micah's mate and when I explained the situation he said if things don't work out I could come and help him with the pack." I explain and Griffin settles down a little.

"Let's not tell Micah about this. He'll start a war." Griffin says and I can't help but giggle.

"You're right. I wasn't a big fan of that pack anyway. They don't even have a library!" I exclaim and Griffin chuckles at me.

We've been on the road for a couple of hours when I decide to mind link Micah.

'You getting tired of hearing from me yet?' I ask him. I feel his amusement through the link and it makes me smile.

'Nah. I could never get tired of your voice in my head, sweetness. But I am leading training right now.' He explains and I'm a little disappointed. Our conversations have been longer lately and I've been enjoying getting to know him.

'Give Jasmine extra push ups. I'm sure she's earned them.' I say, my tone dripping with sass and he chuckles before I hear him bark out the order.

"Fifty more, Jasmine! And don't slack on these ones or you'll get more!" He yells and I descend into laughter, Griffin looking at me like I've lost my mind.

'You on your way to your next potential home?' He asks, obviously pouting and I roll my eyes.

'Oh hush. Yes we're about halfway there. That's why I linked you. I'm bored and all Grif wants to talk about is how protein is the way to build muscle.' I say irritably and he chuckles through my mind making me shiver.

'Well, I think you'll like this one a little better than the last. The location at least.'

'Hmmm and why is that?' I question him.

'Because the largest book store in the state is only a half hour drive.' He says and I squeal both in my mind and in real life, freaking out Griffin.

'Oh shit.' I panic.

'What? What's wrong?' Micah asks.

'I screamed out loud and scared Griffin. He swerved the car a little.' I say with a giggle and I hear Micah's laugh filter through my mind. It's warm and sexy and makes me want to hear it in person again.

'I gotta go sweetness. My dad is yelling at me. Some bull shit about leading by example. Link me later. If you want.' He adds the last part and I smile at the effort he's making to give me my space and respect my boundaries. The growth he has shown even since I've left has been impressive. He is obviously making an effort.

'I will.' I tell him before cutting the link and settling back into my seat.

"What the fuck did you scream about?" Griffin asks, obviously still annoyed about my earlier outburst.

"Three words my friend." I say looking over at him.

"Micah said 'I love you'?" He asks and I snort.

"Oh no. Way better. States. Largest. Bookstore."