“You were never like that previously,” her mother remarked, sounding concerned.
“No, we were not; Tyler and I only understand that it stems from prolonged fear and our instinct to safeguard the triplets. There is an issue with our fight or flight response.”
“What do you mean?” her father enquired.
“I am uncertain.” She shook her head. “I believe we have been in a state of flight response for an extended period, rendering us unfamiliar with any alternative. This predisposes us to easily succumb to overwhelm.” It was her sole means of elucidation.
They were silent as her father tapped the dish before her. “Please consume something, my dear.” She glanced at the platter, which was appetising, with hash browns and a bacon and egg roll. She nodded and remained to dine with them.
As she was ready to go, her mother gently grabbed her arm and enquired, “Sweetie, regarding your Luna Ceremony, do you have a specific colour in mind?”
She gazed directly at her, unaware that preparations were underway. “When is it?” she enquired, lacking any prior knowledge. She was aware of a dress selected and purchased by Luke, which resided in the walk-in closet. However, as far as she knew, Luke had not yet introduced her to the pack.
Observed her mother blink with astonishment at her inquiry.
“In eight days, during the full moon.”
“I was unaware of that.” She shrugged. “The dress he purchased for me to wear is blue; I will proceed accordingly. I assume that is his preference.”
“Bella, this day is dedicated to you.”
“Given my complete ignorance on the matter, I presume it pertains to him,” she murmured before turning and departing, seeing her mother’s pronounced scowl. It appeared that individuals were orchestrating plans for her without soliciting her preferences.
Returned to the pack-house and located her children.
They were in the games room with Luna, Darla, and Halley, when they were introduced to young Halley. She possessed the same blue eyes as the others but had Tomass’s black hair instead of Darla’s blonde. She was quite adorable and appeared to get along quite well with the triplets.
Darla smiled at her and then sighed heavily, saying, “I apologise, Bella; I assumed my son would have informed you about the Luna Ceremony and that your mother and I were coordinating its arrangements.”
She shrugged, stating, “I suppose he deemed it unnecessary.” It likely was not to him, based on her observations and emotions.
“He is merely ensnared in your Mate Bond, I am certain.” Darla smiled at her, attempting to provide reassurance, Bella discerned.
Bella merely raised an eyebrow, stating, “Or he desires what he desires. He is accustomed to obtaining what he wants consistently.” He had conveyed this to her the previous night.
“Darling, I am confident it merely escaped his recollection.”
“I am confident that you will inform him to relay the message to me immediately.” He gazed at her, aware of her intentions. “I will proceed to draft Dani’s prenuptial agreement; is she with Robyn?”
“Indeed, they are in a relationship.”
Bella nodded, approached the triplets, and smiled at them; even Karis was engaging with the other children today, which was encouraging to observe.
Engaging with the other pack children, she said, “How was breakfast?”
She understood that they had all been let to eat anything they desired. She saw their smiles as they recounted their meals and the various options available to them, indicating they had relished breakfast in the communal dining area. It was gratifying to hear.
She enquired whether they preferred to accompany her upstairs or remain below to engage with Halley and the other children, not surprised by their inclination to stay rather than ascend to the suite while she attended to her tasks. She entrusted them to Darla, who assured her she would supervise them; she also noticed the two omegas nearby, presumably Halley’s nannies for when Darla was occupied.
Luke observed his mother enter his office, her expression one of intense displeasure, with a pronounced scowl distorting her features. He immediately contemplated what transgression had provoked her ire as she across the room, circled his desk, and delivered a sharp slap to the back of his head. A single, forceful strike.
He glared at her for the rudeness and unprovoked strike she had inflicted; he was perplexed as to what he had done to warrant it. Typically, she would shout at him prior to attempting to strike him, and he would be aware of his transgression. However, this morning was different.
She heard her wolf snarl in response and sensed her Luna Aura emanating from her.
Indeed, he was in conflict with her, having not encountered her that morning until when she entered and informed him that Halley wished to engage with the triplets, permitting her to take them after breakfast. He perceived no problem with this arrangement.
He gazed at her reaction to his growl, which was not uncommon, since Maddis frequently snarled at everyone. “What the hell, mother?” he said.
“You earned it. Bella has just discovered details regarding her Luna Ceremony from
Vera, did you not inform her about it at all? When is it? Nothing?
She blinked and replied, “No, I merely assumed you and Vera would be preoccupied with that, engaging in discussions and taking her everywhere.”
“Son, we assumed you would have informed her, as it is your responsibility to communicate when you intend to hold it. I also expected you to be eager to discuss it with her. Consequently, you can now add this to the list of grievances she has against you.”
He exhaled deeply. “I suppose I should proceed to discuss it with her.”
“Do not trouble yourself,” she stated, and I quote, “I am confident you will inform him to relay my message.” Indeed, I find myself compelled to do precisely that. It is too late for you to disclose this to her; she will only perceive your actions as a result of my insistence.”
