Mae POV
Kieran leads me down the hall of the pack house and knocks on a small door. His mother's voice rings out confidently and clearly for us to come in. When Kieran opens the door, the serious look on his mother's face turns into a bright smile.
There are swatches of fabric and design books spread all over the desk in front of her, and I know she is beginning to prepare for her daughter's arrival.
I fidget nervously as I wait for someone to say something. But we all just stand in an uncomfortable silence.
"Can I help you?" Kieran's mother finally smiles in our direction.
"Father wanted you to begin Mae's Luna training with preparing for Raven's arrival," Kieran informs his mother.
Kieran's mother rolls her eyes. "Your father is always rushing things. I hardly think Mae is prepared to take on this responsibility."
My face falls a little. It is like they are all waiting for me to fail. Do they think that I am incapable because I am a human?
"Luna," I address her formally. "I don't mind helping you to prepare for the Queen's arrival."
I am surprised at the confidence in my voice. Kieran straightens his back with pride at my willingness to jump right into my new role.
"Please call me Erica," she says.
I nod in understanding while I wait for her to continue. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and chews on it while she thinks.
"I could use the help," Erica muses aloud. "We have to prepare a ball for after the inspection."
I swallow the knot in my throat. "A ball?" I repeat nervously. I have never planned a party, much less a ball.
"Yes," Erica continues, not looking up from her desk. "It is customary to have some sort of party for a distinguished guest."
Kieran snorts loudly. "Raven doesn't expect a party."
"It is customary," Erica growls at her son.
Kieran cuts his laughter and nods in his mother's direction. I have to stifle the giggles in my chest. It is hilarious to see a small woman putting Kieran in his place.
"I will leave you to it," Kieran says grumpily.
He turns and leaves me standing in his mother's office.
Erica and I stand and look at one another for a moment. Neither one of us is sure where to start.
Finally, Erica sighs. "You will learn how to handle them eventually."
"Handle who?" I ask in confusion.
"Alphas," she replies. "They all have extra large egos. My son included."
This time, I can't hold back my laughter. I cover my hand with my mouth as I laugh. Erica's eyes soften as she looks at me.
"Come on," she gestures for me to join her. "Let's get this planning done."
Erica and I go over several different color choices until we decide on blue and silver. With winter approaching, they are logical choices for the party. I use what little computer knowledge I remember from college and put together last-minute invitations. Erica stands over me and offers her feedback here and there, but she is mostly pleased with my work.
By the time we are done planning, it feels like my eyes are on fire and I am exhausted. Erica drops down into her office chair and shuts the book of fabric swatches. "I think we are done for the day," she says, and I know she is just as tired as I am.
Looking at the clock, I realize we have worked through breakfast and lunch. My stomach rumbles loudly, and my face blushes.
"Go get your friend and meet me in the kitchen for a snack," Erica instructs. "I would like to get to know the two of you better."
I have had a lovely morning and afternoon with Erica, and I honestly don't want to bring Tish into it. She has been so negative since we got here. I don't want her to ruin the report that I have built with the Luna.
"Is there a problem?" Erica asks.
"Not at all," I lie. "I will go hunt Tish down."
I drag myself from Erica's office and make my way through the pack house to find Tish.
Standing outside her bedroom door, I prepare myself for her attitude when I open the door.
As I knock on Tish's door, it swings open easily. I peek my head inside and realize that the room is empty. I take a few steps inside and look around for Tish's things, but everything is gone.
I know we weren't seeing eye to eye, but I can't believe she would disappear without saying goodbye. That is unlike her. Tish wouldn't even leave the apartment without telling me she loved me.
I sit down on the bed, and something wrinkles beside me. Looking to the side, I see a note with my name on the front.
My heart is pounding in my chest as I unfold the letter.
Dear Mae,
Hopefully, I will be long gone by the time you find this letter. It became clear this morning that you no longer need me. Kieran can offer you so many things that I can't, and by staying here, I am only standing in your way. This is your chance to live the life you deserve without me bringing you down. I appreciate the time we spent together and will never regret it. You have been and will always be my first love.
Tish
A knock on the doorframe tears me away from the letter. I look up and see Kieran's father, Ace, standing in the doorway. I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes and try not to look distraught.
"I let her go," he says quietly.
I want to yell at him. I deserved to know that she was leaving. But I cannot find my voice. I simply stare at him in disbelief.
"It is for the best," Ace says quietly. "You will understand one day."
Shaking my head, I look down at the letter in my hands. "I don't think I will ever understand," I say angrily.
Ace doesn't have anything else to say to me. I don't watch as he turns to leave.
Lying down on the bed, I hold the letter in front of my face and read it over and over again. Tears stream down my face, and I begin to sob loudly.