Chapter 42

~Tia~

As badly as I need a shower, I don't want to return to the packhouse to take one. Luckily for me,

Lynn and her family don't live in the packhouse. I head over there, and after promising to tell her

everything, Lynn lets me take a shower and gives me clothes to wear.

The shower is refreshing and allows me a lot of time to think. My situation isn't going to get any

better, so I need to be proactive. I need to put everyone in their places, so they understand that I'm

not one to play with. I just don’t know how to go about doing that. My mom was right; I have

always just run and avoided. That is the wrong strategy here. I'm not a kid anymore, and this will

impact more than just me. The pack needs a Luna and the Moon Goddess meant for her to be me. I

have to step up to the plate and do what I have to do.

Once I finish showering, I put on the clothes Lynn gave me and head downstairs to find her. She is

sitting at the table with her brother. Lynn and Mark are my best friends since we were little. I still

have no idea how it happened, but I have appreciated it ever since.

I peer into the room and take a look at my besties. They are messing with each other like they

always do. Lynn has a tan skin tone with super thick and curly hair. Mark has a bit of a darker skin

tone with a shaved head. They both have light green eyes, which they get from their mother. Lynn

and Mark have always been popular with the opposite s*x since they are light-skinned. I always said

it was the eye color, but they swear they are just average.

“Finally! I though you'd never get out of the shower.” I walk over to Lynn and sit next to her, facing

Mark.

"As crazy as my sister sounds, she may be right. This may all be best resolved with a challenge. It's

definitely something to think about.” Mark and Lynn are probably right, but I don't want to think

about fighting right now. I just don't have it in me to take it that far.

Mark's eyes glaze over. When his eyes adjust, he starts to stand. “Your mates have called me for an

unofficial meeting. I guess it's time to get serious about taking over. Need me to give them a

message.” I look at Mark and roll my eyes. He laughs as he heads to the door. “I'll take that as a “no.’

See you guys later.” Marks walks out, and I'm left with Lynn.

Lynn and I spend some time reminiscing about growing up and the things we used to do. There isn't

a whole lot to discuss since I have always been so isolated. Lynn, Mark, and I made some good

memories over the years, but I did very little in comparison to others. We laugh and talk, allowing a

silent moment to pass between us. Lynn looks at me and places her hand on mine.

"You know, you finding your mate or mates is a great thing. Your mates being the future Alphas is

really great, but all of this other mess just sucks.”

“I know and I've been thinking about that. I was close to packing up and leaving.”

“Uh, hello no! You can't just leave. I know you don't like dealing with mess, but this is your fate. You

are meant to be the Luna of this pack. Don't let anyone run you away from that.”

“I know. Mom shocked me when I went to talk to her. She told me that I always run away, but I

needed to stop doing that. Can you believe that?” The silence makes me look at Lynn, who is

looking everywhere else. “Is there something you want to say?”

“Well......she isn't wrong. You have always ran away from all problems. You have never been one to

confront anyone or anything. I never said anything before because you are my bestie and I want to

support you always. You have to take a stand at some point in your life and I can't think of a better

time than now.” If she wasn't right, I'd be pissed with Lynn right now. She is right, and so was my

mom. I have to take a stand, and there is no better time than now.

“I'm hungry,” I say, standing from the table.

“Let's go to our spot. We haven't been together in a while.” I nod and follow Lynn out to her car.