Chapter 8

"Is that true?" Ivan shifts his questioning gaze towards Quentin, who keeps his eyes locked on me. I know the question was directed at Quentin but he's looking at me as if I hold the answer. I send him an apologetic smile knowing this is not how either of us wanted everyone to find out. In a sheer panic and moment of desperation I had to do what in that moment seemed like the perfect solution.

"Yes." Quentin sighs out returning his attention back to Ivan. I look at my dads out of the corner of my eye making sure they are doing okay because I'm pretty sure they haven't breathed since I opened my mouth. Neither are looking at anything in particular just sort of sitting there in a daze. I've never seen them like this before which is causing my stomach to drop even further.

"I was wondering when you were finally going to speak up." The smirk doesn't leave Ivan's face as he looks down at something in front of him. Quentin and I both tense up at his words. How in the word would he know we were mates? "We have cameras honey." I snap my eyes back up meeting Ivan's cocky ones. "Now why don't you switch seats with Julia so we can finish this evaluation properly." It takes a second for my brain process his words as I move over taking Julia's seat as she goes to the back sitting in an extra chair.

"Quentin it changes things now that you have a Luna." Ivan states so matter of factly. Quentin's somehow snaps back into Alpha mode his expression going from concerned to expressionless. I on the other hand feel as though I might just pass out right here in front of everyone. Setting one foot on the other so I don't bounce my leg, I stick to picking at my nails to relieve some of my nerves.

"It shouldn't because my pack deserves to be fully recognized especially after have fulfilled every requirement. I understand why you would want a Beta or Luna present during evaluations, but I ask in the future you consider allowing exceptions for certain situations." Ivan nods his head dismesivly.

"You're request has been noted." Ivan's robotic response causes my blood to boil. He's acting so casual about discussing the lives of innocent people. "Now that you have your Luna with you, Silver Dawn Pack can now be formally recognized." Quentin let's our a sigh of relief next to me, and I reach over taking his hand in mine under the table. He squeezes it in a death grip while keeping a composed faces unlike myself. Ivan writes something down on the papers in front of him before looking to the rest of the board. They look between each other nodding in agreement passing around a piece of paper signing it. An older man with white hair and brown eyes leans forward in his seat.

"Congratulations Alpha and Luna of Silver Dawn." His weak scratching voice contradicts his warm smile, but his words are the cause of the shiver down my spine. The full weight of my new reality hits me the second the word Luna crosses the mans lips. I'm a Luna now, well not officially but still. I'll be responsible for hundreds of people, and their wellbeing. Sure I knew I would eventually become a Luna one day when I take over for my dads but not for a really long time.

My breathing picks up as I snap my attention to my dads with pleading eyes. They look conflicted but give me reassuring smiles nome the less. The only problem is the smiles don't reach their eyes.

"We will make the formal announcement tonight." Ivan dismisses us letting us leave the room as they board gets ready to hear a different case. Quentin pulls me out of my chair leading me out of the room my dads following behind us.

"Thank you." Quentin spins around once we are out of the room taking my face in between his hands places a gentle kiss to my lips. If I wasn't still in shock I would have blushed at the public display especially since it was right in front of my dads. As Quentin pulls back he sees my expression and his demeanor changes. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" He drops his hands from my face instead taking ahold of my hands looking me over for any injuries.

"I'm a Luna." I mange to stammer out. Quentin furrowed brows smooth over as he realizes what's going on. He pulls me into his chest hugging me tightly while rubbing a soothing hand up and down my back.

"It's going to be just fine. You'll be an amazing Luna. There's no need to worry." He whispers along with many other encouraging words. His touch and the calming sensation forming over our bond helps ease my racing heart. I step back turning to face my dads.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't just sit silently." Fletcher looks proud as he opens his arms for me. Wrapping my arms around him I feel myself tearing up again. Not only did I just change my life forever I also changed theirs. I know that now I'm going to have to leave home in order to become a Luna, and I don't think my dads and I are prepared for that.

"You showed courage in there, and stood up for what was right. There is no need to apologize for doing exactly what needed to be done." Hearing reassurance from my dads destroys any doubts I had about my decision. I step back looking around the hallway.

"What do we do now?" I look between Quentin and my dads. I can't imagine Quentin wants to stick around and not get back to his pack to share the news. Will I go with Quentin or stay with my dads? There's only one day left of meetings but I'm not sure if we are required to attend.

"I need to call my brother." Quentin comments looking lost in thought but in a good way. I can see the relief and excitement swirling in his eyes. I don't even notice I'm staring until Fletcher speaks up.

"Why don't you go call your brother while we go find Della and Aidan and we'll all meet back in our room." Fletcher suggests looking to Quentin for any signs of disagreement. Quentin nods turning to walk away taking his phone out of his pocket, and when I move to follow him Ryder stops me for the second time today.

"You need to start packing." Ryder explains tugging me towards the elevators. I raise my eyebrow confused because no one said anything about leaving. By the way Fletcher's standing I know he's mind linking someone so I don't want to bother him.

"Why?" I question as we wait for a elevator. People walk by completely oblivious to our situation unfolding in front of them. Ryder turns back to me looking sad even though he's trying to cover it up.

"Your pack needs you right now." He croaks turning so I don't see a tear fall from his eye, but it doesn't matter because I already saw it. A lump starts to form in my throat as we step into the elevator. My eyes burn as I let the fact that I'm leaving set in. It's not like I'm leaving for a week or even a month I know what Ryder's words meant.

I'm not a child anymore and I know plenty of people who have found their mates and had to move away from their families but this feels different. The anxious feeling in my stomach churns at the thought of moving away from everyone I know and abandoning the life I've known for so long.

As we enter our suite I keep my head down rushing into my room. I don't want to make this any harder on my dads than it already is. They didn't anticipate any of this when we came here, and now I have to leave them. Their only child is leaving home without much notice.

My tears fall freely as I stuff my clothes into my suitcase not bothering to fold anything. The sobbing starts as I pack away clothes and jewelry that my dads have gifted me. The charm bracelet they gave me when I was a child, and every Christmas they get me a new charm for it is what does it for me. I sink to the floor sobbing clutching the dainty bracelet to my chest.

"Tessa!" Quentin's voice sounds so far away but I can still hear the fear in it. I hear the front door burst open and my bedroom door soon follows. Quentin surveys the room finding me sitting on the ground in front of the bed. He kneels down wrapping me in his arms. "What's wrong?" he asks prying my hands from my face taking the bracelet and setting it down next to us.

"I'm going to miss them." I sob into his chest clutching his jacket. I know I'm going to feel terrible about breaking down later but right now I'm too overwhelmed to think straight.

"You don't need to leave if it's not what you want." He reassures me but I can hear how he struggled to get the words out. Guilt settles in along with the saddness.

"I do, it's just overwhelming." I manage to mummer though hiccups as I try to reign in my emotions. Quentin pulls back taking my face in his hands wiping the remaining tears from my cheeks.

"You're really amazing you know that." He smiles his silver eyes somehow shinning with adoration even though we are sitting on the floor in a heap with tear stained clothes.

"I'm a mess." I snort resting my head on his shoulder taking deep breathes. He snakes his arm around my waist pulling me closer leaning against the bed.

"A really cute mess." He snickers as I playfully punch his shoulder. I still giggle reaching over picking up the bracelet before sliding it on my wrist clasping it shut. We sit in comfortable silence as I sit and admire all the unique charms. There's a blueberry charm for obvious reasons, which was one of the first charms. One that gets a lot of raised eyebrows is the wolf charm. They gave it to me after my first shift, but other people always find it weird that a wolf wears a wolf charm. I find it empowering since it took a lot of pain, energy, and strength to shift that first time, and if I want to celebrate that I should be able to. Quentin reaches out touching the letter "L" charm dangling from the bracelet.

"What does this one mean?" He asks taking my hand in his examining the charm further. It's a simple but elegant gold "L" that hangs down from the bracelet. It was the one charm that was already on the bracelet when they gave it to me.

"It's my mother's first initial." I watch as Quentin looks conflicted clearly debating with himself. "Her name was Laura." I add thinking that's what he wanted to ask since it's always the next answer people want to know.

"What happened?" Silence fills the room as I figure out the best way to explain the story to him. It's hard to explain to others that I don't remember her physical, but I remember the feeling of her. I remember being happy and the love I had for her. The worst part of it is I also remember the agony from losing her. I can never pin point a memory, but I can always remember the way she made me feel, loved.

"She was killed in a rogue attack." I see him flinch out of the corner of my eye. It doesn't shock me most people's responses are along the same lines, but what comes out of his mouth next does.

"If it makes you feel any better I understand." I turn wide eyed hoping he doesn't mean what I think he does. The grim look he's giving me let's me know my fears are right. "My mom and dad died thirteen years ago. Rogue attack." He bites him lip not making eye contact.

"I would express my condolences but I know that doesn't do shit." That gets a chuckle out of him. He nods letting out a sigh before lifting himself off the floor holding a hand out for me. I let him pull me up so I can finish packing. All I need to do is grab my toiletries out of the bathroom. Walking in I spot my ruined shirt from last night balled up in the corner.

"You should keep it." I jump at the sound of Quentin's voice startling me. I just assumed he either went into the living room or sat down on the bed. I lean back against the counter sending him a questioning look.

"It's ruined." I note bending down and holding it up for him to see the red splotched stain across the front. He smirks shaking his head as I chuck it at him.

"What were you doing when that man ran into you?" He asks as I gather up all my things heading back into the bedroom.

"I heard voices and was curious." I admit with pink cheeks shrugging nonchalantly. He sets the shirt down next to my suitcase all folded up.

"That's what you get for snooping." He taunts. My jaw drops as I turn towards him shocked. I snag one of the pillows off my bed chucking it at him. Unfortunately he dodges it as his laughter bounces off the walls. As he takes a step forward I lean over to grab the other pillow when he halts lifting his hands surrendering. "I'm only kidding. That guy's lucky I was too busy running after you." I finish shoving the rest of my things into my suitcase as he continues.

"Yeah and what would you have done? Kindly told him to be careful and help him pick up the broken glass." He growls out resting his hands on my hips from behind trailing his nose up the back of my neck to my ear. I shutter at the sparks his touch leaves in its path.

"I think you would quite like me when I'm angry." His voice is much more husky alerting me that his wolf is pushing forward. Now is not the time to be getting all worked up, so I need to put and end to this before it starts.

"Fine I'll keep the shirt." I breathe out pushing him back. He stumbles over his feet snapping out of it. I quickly pack the shirt zipping up the suitcase and pick it up. "Ready?" I ask Quentin as I head towards the door. He just nods in response following behind me.

Aidan and Della are already in the living room waiting with my dads. By the looks of my dads red rimmed eyes they are in no better state than I am. My lip wobbles as I approach them and the second Fletcher's sees the small motion we all break down. Throwing my arms around his neck I sob into his shoulder holding him as tight as I can. I know this isn't goodbye forever but it still hurts just as bad. Ryder comes over wrapping his arms around both of us kissing my crown while whispering reassuring words.

"I love you." I wail shaking in their arms. Fletcher pulls back brushing my hair from my face. I only cry harder at the sight of tears running down his cheeks.

"We love you too, so much. No matter what you will always be our little girl." He kisses my forehead handing me off to Ryder as Della rubs his back.

"Daddy." Is all I can manage to get out as I stand in front of Ryder. He chokes out a sob pulling me into his arms again. "Thank you for everything. For loving me and taking care of me and.." I trail off as I hiccup suddenly feeling dizzy.

"You are the most amazing child we could have ever asked for, and are so lucky to be able to call you our daughter." He wipes away my tears giving me a sincere smile. "This isn't a goodbye even though it feels like it. We will always be there when you need us, and we'll visit as much as we can while still being able to hold our Alpha titles." He jokes causing me to let out a small laugh.

"I'm scared." I whisper so only he can hear me because I don't want Quentin to be hurt. It's nothing he's done or hasn't done I'm just scared of change, and the fact my dads won't be there with me scares the living shit out of me.

"I know baby, but you are going to be the most amazing Luna ever. You know how I know?" He asks looking me straight into the eyes. I shake my head. "Because you are our daughter." Fletcher let's out a genuine laugh lighting up the atmosphere. I take a deep breath to try and calm myself down a bit. Aidan steps up with tears welled up in his eyes but not letting any break free. He scoops me up in his arms lifting me off the ground.

"Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you." I only let one more tear fall. "Also for being my first Alpha and showing me what a true leader looks like." He lets out a shaky breath.

"You're breaking my heart kiddo." His voice cracks at the end as he sets me down Della quickly wipes his tears away kissing his cheek. "Call if you need anything, and we will be visiting very soon." He promises stepping back.

"Della's going to drive you home so you can grab some more of your things okay?" Fletcher looks over my shoulder to Quentin. "Please take care of her." Ryder steps forward wrapping his arm around Fletcher's waist.

"Always." Quentin's determined voice leaves no room for doubt. Out of the corner of my eye I see Aidan kiss Della's temple whispering something in her ear that makes her smile.

"We'll come next weekend." Ryder assures as I hug them one last time. Stepping back Quentin takes ahold of my hand squeezing it reassuringly as Della walks over saying bye to my dads before leading the way to the front door. I desperately try to swallow the lump in my throat not wanting to break down again.

"I love you." I repeat for the hundredth time blowing a kiss as we step out into the hallway. Della takes my suitcase from me as she waves to Aidan for the last time.

"I love you." Fletcher and Ryder say it at the same time causing us all to let out a sad laugh. We head down the hall towards the elevators waving as we go. They stay by the door waving until we are out of sight. If it wasn't for Quentin leading the way I probably would run into the wall because I'm to focus on waving to my dads.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Quentin asks as we turn the corner and are completely out of sight. Della presses the button for the elevator which opens right up. Stepping inside I turn back to Quentin.

"I'm positive." I give him a reassuring smile as we walk out into the bustling lobby weaving our way through crowds of people walking from meeting to meeting. I let out a sigh of relief once we make it outside where a car is waiting. Della puts my bag in the trunk along with Quentin's as we both slip into the back seat.

"What about Julia?" I look around confused on where his head warrior is. Quentin buckles his seat belt pulling out his phone.

"She's going to take notes for me at the rest of the meetings today and head back tonight." Della jumps into the drivers seat starting the car and speeding out of the long driveway.

I turn looking back over my shoulder as the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I see no one standing around the building that's shrinking as we drive farther away. The trees soon obstruct my view of the humongous building that now holds a lot of memories for me. Sighing I turn looking at the best memory it gave me who is already watching me with his distinct grey eyes.

*************

Song: Even If It Hurts by Sam Tinnesz

First I'm so sorry for the late update. I've had a bit of writers block this week and didn't want to give you a half assed chapter. Thank you all who stick around through my chaoticness it means a lot. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you did don't forget to vote and comment! Until next time.

~Stella Gordon