The Alpha's Bride

Chapter 889: Luna Talia's new guard (2)

Arya glanced at Keith nervously. Ever since joining the Dark Howlers pack, this was the first time for Arya to speak to Damon and Talia, and her nerves were acting out.     

For nearly two decades, Arya saw Alpha Cristian as a guiding light; comforting and nurturing. She didn't have much opinion of Luna Michelle as they didn't interact often; Luna Michelle would not interfere with warriors where Arya belonged. Compared to them, Damon seemed like a tall and solid wall, cold and impenetrable while Talia was like a small bundle of explosives that might burst into colorful fireworks or deadly blasts. Arya didn't know what to expect, but she was not willing to give up without trying.     

"I would appreciate it if you evaluated me while disregarding who my mate is," Arya said. "I was a General in the Spring Leaf pack. Now I am here; the Dark Howlers pack is my home and I am trying to find my place in it. Please, give me a chance to prove myself as a valuable resource. Give me tests, challenge me, but don't dismiss me without giving me a chance."     

Arya turned to look at Keith. "When you think about who my mate is, think of him as Luna Talia's head guard. Keith has a lot of pride in his position, and I know that protecting Luna Talia is very important to him. If we are facing a dangerous situation where I can help Keith or Luna Talia, I know that my mate will never forgive me if I picked him, so I would do what he would, and protect our Luna because protecting her means protecting our pack."     

Talia was moved. If Arya said that she would protect Talia because it's the right thing to do, or because Arya would put Talia above everything else, Talia wouldn't believe her. However, Arya framed it as how she would do it for Keith and Talia believed her.     

"I vote that we give her a chance," Talia said.     

Damon pressed his lips in disapproval. "Since when was this a thing we can vote on?"     

Talia blinked at Damon. "Since you said that I can pick my guards and you authorized Keith that he can do the same. I won't dismiss your opinion as not important, but at least each of us has a third. Keith and I agree to give Arya a chance, so you are a minority. Or are you going back on your word?"     

Damon had to think hard about this. Did he really tell Talia AND Keith that they can pick Talia's guards? It seems he did. Damn it!     

Damon grumbled under his breath before turning to Arya.     

"I want you on the training ground tomorrow morning, six o'clock sharp."     

Arya needed a moment to process this. Talia diffused the situation, just like that. She didn't use sweet-talking, or force; it was just normal words and it worked! Or maybe there was some witchery that Arya missed noticing it. In any case, Arya bowed to Damon. "Thank you, Alpha."     

"Thank your Luna, not me."     

"Of course," Arya said breathily and bowed to Talia. "Thank you, Luna."     

"Don't think I did you a favor," Talia said. "I heard that your skills are impressive, and it would be a pity to leave them unused. Be prepared tomorrow morning. You might not become my guard, but this will be your chance to impress your Alpha. He won't go easy on you."     

Arya had no objections. She was used to breaking into a sweat on the training grounds.     

"Keith," Talia called. "Ask Shaman to set up the blood oath for Arya. Even if Arya is not my guard, considering how much time she is with you and close to me, I would be at ease knowing that she took the oath."     

Keith agreed right away. "Yes, Luna." He saw this as Talia speeding up the process for Arya to become Talia's guard.     

Arya's grin matched Keith's. "Thank you, Luna! We will see you in the morning."     

Damon was alerted. Why was Arya looking at Talia with sparkles in her eyes? Somehow, he had a flashback of a living room sofa and Talia on top of Arya, and he didn't like it.     

Keith and Arya left the study, and Damon turned to Talia.     

"Are you sure about this?" He asked.     

"About making Arya my guard? No. About giving her a chance to prove herself? Yes."     

Damon was unable to disagree with Talia on this.     

"Let's go to sleep, kitten. It seems I have an early morning tomorrow."         

"WE have an early morning," Talia corrected him.     

"You are also coming?"     

Talia cocked an eyebrow at him. "Do you think I will let you be alone with an attractive female so she can jump on you when you are not looking?"     

Damon gaped at Talia. "Who is an attractive female?"     

Talia smiled while wrapping her arms around Damon's neck.     

"Good answer," she spoke against his lips, and then he closed that small distance between them.     

…     

~ the Red Moon pack ~     

Days were passing as James' birthday was getting closer.     

Cornelia would come every evening to spend the night with James and to bring news about recent developments in the Dark Howlers pack to James, Dawn, and George.     

Alpha Edward could track any electronic communication and intercept messengers, so sending texts and emails was not secure, because it could get James and George into serious trouble. Luckily, Cornelia's teleportation was different and thanks to her, James, George, and Dawn knew what was going on with their allies while they shared information on recent movements within the Red Moon pack.      

With James' birthday only one day away, they confirmed that other than Damon and Talia, Tony, Kalina, Maddox, and Tatiana will also be in attendance.     

Cristian and Michelle declined the invitation with the excuse that Ashton was ill. The truth is that they stayed home with a task to keep an eye on not only their territory but on Maddox's and Damon's as well.     

More than once, James and George closed themselves in George's study for hours, and after that George would have a frown of worry on his handsome face that made Dawn anxious. She could sense the pressure in the air, like an invisible bubble was growing and was about to pop.     

Today, she was especially nervous, but in a good way because Zina was coming!     

Talia approved for Zina to come one day earlier so she can spend time with Dawn. This will be Zina's first time to visit Dawn, so Dawn was hoping to leave a good impression. Everything needed to be perfect!     

Dawn prepared for Zina the best guest bedroom, Zina's favorite snacks were ready, and Dawn told Estelle and other Omegas that an important guest was coming and that outsiders shouldn't know about it.     

That morning, George went to work with a chuckle because Dawn was bouncing from excitement and her joy was seeping into him through their mate bond.     

"I wish I can stay longer to welcome your friend," George said.     

"Me too," Dawn responded dreamily. "If you come for lunch, you can join us. We will stay in the villa."     

George hummed in approval. "I will do my best to make it."