Chapter 29

Avery's POV.

I peered at every eye present in the hall, I could sense uncertainty in their mind and uneasiness in their heartbeat.

‘Well... This would be easy.’ I muttered in my head.

When I met Erik's eyes, he smiled at me and I forcefully returned the smile.

I never knew smiling could be so difficult.

"As I've said before, I need time to get to know my mate, he's going to be my better half, my alpha, and also the protector of this great pack. My father understood my stance and reasons before he died. Why can't all of you understand?" I asked, a hint of anger evident in my voice.

Shannon tugged at my clothes to sit down but I wasn't through yet.

I barely allowed my words to sink into their wolf and human.

I can't believe what they were insinuating, they think a girl can't rule such a huge pack.

What shallow-minded pack elders.

They began to murmur amongst themselves but nahhh... I wasn't a bit done.

"I don't think my family made reckless decisions when it comes to the management of this pack, they always gave it their best shot to make sure that everyone is carried along. No one lags in terms of my family's decision making. Everyone is always taken into consideration." I explained, almost breathless.

One of the pack elders stood up and tried to reason things with me. It was funny though because I'm beyond reasoning.

It's hard to come to a conclusion and make a decision but once I take my decision... To change it would require a huge miracle from the moon goddess.

I sat down and listened attentively to his long boring lecture about responsibilities, the duty of an Alpha towards the pack, and how important it was for me to choose a mate as fast as possible.

I muttered a thank you and he smiled thinking he'd managed to convince me to get an Alpha.

These wolves don't know what's coming to hit them hard. I said, smiling mischievously in my head

A few more elders stood up and gave me some more lame suggestions on how I needed to get an Alpha soon

I nodded to all their suggestions.

As much as I hate their silly suggestions, I acknowledge the fact that they're putting the pack's safety first in all their doing.

What more could I ask for?

Though some of them ain't genuinely concerned about the pack.. They just want me to get an Alpha at all costs.

I stood up to address the congregation one more time before I turned in for the night.

My head is aching and even my eyelashes are tired.

I need to rest.

Since it's my last speech, I plan to make it have an impact. I don't want those elders to disturb me or come in my way with my plans.

"I'd like to appreciate all the pieces of advice you all have given me. Now it's left for me to prove myself a worthy person and indeed I feel lucky to be amongst this great minds"

They all looked at each other, grinning from ear to ear. Erik seemed restless because I'm yet to say when exactly I'll choose a mate.... I think.

"Please, don't feel like I didn't take your words seriously, I do and I always will. You all meant well for this pack and I'll always try and be on my best behavior and not let your efforts go in vain. " I continued.

"I can't accept a mate I have little idea of. I need space, I need to get to know the man I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. I'm not disputing the fact that the pack needs an alpha and I'm not saying anything about not wanting a mate, I just need time to get to know him better."

I ended with a bow as I took my seat... As much as I want to go to my cozy bed and lay there for a whole day and night.

‘You're such a lazy one! ’ Kita chipped into my thoughts.

‘Not as lazy as you thought...'

'All you're thinking about now is sleep.’ She mocked.

‘Hush.... don't be so direct.’ I said and chuckled in my head.

"I'm just asking you all to give me time to get to know my Alpha. I'll let you all decide that. I'll have to hit the bed very early today. My eyes are heavy and I need my rest. If you all don't mind, may I be excused?"

The pack elders looked at each as if processing my request.

They nodded after a few looks and I was so delighted

"We'll get back to you ...you're free to leave Luna Avery." The beta said.

I stood up and Shannon followed me out.

We walked in silence to my room and if I can place it right, she's definitely angry, but the funniest thing is, I don't care about her anger.

She's probably disappointed that all her plans are void.

I'm not in the right frame of mind to think or talk about anything now.

I'm just longing for the comfort of my bed.

As we entered inside, I looked at her and I instantly knew that if looks could burn, I'll be in ashes by now.

"What the heck was that all about? Why haven't you decided on who your mate will be?" She asked as she paced up and down.

"Sis, I just feel like I need more time. I'm still mourning my parents ...plus the fact that I want to learn more and more. Don't you want your sister to be happy? "

I asked, in the most beautiful voice I could summon.

She stopped pacing around the room and looked at me, I could see anger visible in her eyes but she was trying hard to conceal it with force smiles but I'm pretty good at face observations.

"Of course sis, I love you so much. That's why I'm suggesting you get a mate, I don't want the weight of the pack to take you down, you need a male figure in your life."

She concluded and I rushed to hug her, I want her out of my room.

My head is beginning to hurt and I feel like I'm sleepwalking.

She tightened the hug, bid me good night, and left.

"Good riddance to bad rubbish," I muttered, and Kira chuckled.

I look around the room, my eyes going straight to the bed.

I rushed towards it, but everything got ruined when I heard a knock at the door.

"Dammit!!, can't people just rest and let me be. I want to sleep." I almost cried out.

My nose suddenly got a whiff of the odd smell I got from Shannon's body a day ago, and my senses got alerted.

I perceived the same scent on Erik's body while at the Royal Hall, I couldn't think straight then due to the nervousness I was feeling.

Even right now, I'm too sleepy to think straight.

"Who's that?" I asked, trying to remain calm as much as I can. I'm so fucking tired, I deserve some good sleep.

"Erik." Came the sharp answer.

My head began to spin and there was this crazy hatred emitting from within me that it took every ounce of self-control to stop myself from shouting ‘Get out!’

I heard myself saying something contrary to my thoughts, "yes darling?"

"Oh, uhmmmm hay...I came to check on you. Hope you're good Avery?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need a good sleep, I'm very exhausted." I said and gave a big yawn.

"I understand. Thank you for the apology letter. It was nice." He said.

"Nahh.. don't mention, I should be the one saying sorry for pushing you to such an extent. I didn't know what came over me." I lied, smiling at the scenario of when I pushed him.

It feels good to show an imp like him his place.

"Will u be my date tomorrow night, there's a dinner party organized in honor of your parents? My mom organized it. I'm sure you'll get an invitation but I'm just here to ask you if you can be my date." He said in his sweetest deep voice.

Kira growled when I complimented his voice ‘chill baby, I know what that voice did to me back then... In the end, it gets us killed.’ I said, trying to calm her.

"That's nice...I can't give you an answer now, how about we talk tomorrow mid-day? I'll give you an answer then."

"That's nice 'cause I won't attend without you. Goodnight Avery, sleep tight."

He said and walked away.

Once he was gone, I changed my mind about sleeping quickly. I took a quick shower, slid into my nightgown and dove onto my soft fluffy cotton bed.

It was the most amazing feeling right now.

He took a Pillow and hugged it to herself.

‘Missing him?’ Kira quarried.

‘No!’ I said quickly and tried to sleep without thinking about him.

As I shut my eyes, all of my dream worlds were all screaming Xander.