Ricky arches her eyebrow while examining her reflection in the mirror. “Nearly?” ”
Aldo murmurs, slipping his hand down to her impeccably flat abdomen. “Nearly… If only there were one or two puppies within your abdomen,” he exhales deeply. “I believe you would genuinely merit the Luna of the Year Award.”
A sad expression momentarily crosses Ricky’s face, although she conceals it adeptly, turning to her former partner and kissing his bearded cheek.
“The award is conferred upon the preeminent Luna in the region for exemplary leadership and performance, rather than for the quantity of pups she possesses,” Ricky admonishes him. “You are merely upset that you did not receive the Alpha Award,” she mocks him.
Aldo scoffs, “Awards are foolish,” causing Ricky’s smile to diminish progressively. “You should not allow accolades to inflate your ego.” Remember, you have still to complete your paramount obligation to your pack.
He withdraws from her embrace, murmuring his discontent softly. “Please expedite your actions!” We are pressed for time. You would not wish to arrive tardily for your exceptionally significant reward.
Aldo forcefully shuts the bedroom door, while Ricky blinks rapidly and fans her eyes to prevent tears. She retrieves a pill bottle from the medicine cabinet and dry takes two small white tablets while glaring at her reflection.
“You are a commendable Luna,” she murmurs to herself, rehearsing a smile that fails to illuminate her eyes. “You are a commendable Luna,” she reiterates repeatedly as she exits the door.
The recollection shifts again to an awards ceremony, where numerous Alphas, Lunas, Betas, Gammas, and other esteemed wolves are seated at tables before a stage. I observe Ricky peering from behind the stage, surveying the room for her group. Marlon and another man gesture towards her, both beaming broadly. Kay and Mr. Kye are also in attendance, with Kay beaming with pride at my companion. Three vacant seats are adjacent to Marlon, and I observe that Aldo and Nina are absent.
Ricky’s enthusiasm wanes when she also encounters difficulties in locating her partner. She subsequently bends over in distress, biting her lip as she attempts to manage her suffering.
“She not only acted as a third-party mediator to resolve inter-pack relations between two rival factions, but she also facilitated negotiations for funding the AEP complex, which will accommodate the enterprises of her pack and its allies, thereby generating over 700 new jobs for the packs in her region,” an announcer states over the loudspeaker. “She is undeniably a formidable presence and an inspiration to Lunas and she-wolves universally.” I kindly want your assistance in congratulating this year’s Luna of the Year, Mrs. Laura Kye of the Blood Night pack.”
Ricky inhales deeply and slowly multiple times, reciting her previous mantra internally. She compels a rehearsed smile and maintains an upright posture, her hand resting on her abdomen. She ascends the platform step by step to get her award.
Point of View
“I believed I was losing my sanity,” Ricky laments as her recollections diminish, both of us awakening. “I even consulted the pack psychiatrist for assistance,” she starts to weep. I felt suffocated internally, yet I could not allow myself to succumb to the strain. “I endeavoured to embody the ideal Luna, as everyone relied on me,” she exhales, shaking her head in incredulity. “However, it was ultimately futile.” Ultimately, I held no significance for anyone—neither my pack, nor my partner, nor my gamma, and certainly not my own sister!”
She momentarily halts to gather her thoughts, cradling her head in her hands. When I try to console her by embracing her, she recoils, lifting her head to dry her tears.
“I was insignificant to those I valued most,” she murmurs. “I was foolish to think I ever would.”
I wish to express that you are significant to me, as I rest my chin on her shoulder and embrace her firmly.
“It is acceptable,” she exhales. “I am unequivocally finished attempting to meet the expectations of others,” she asserts. “Before we proceed, we must address certain matters.” She states, turning to face me. “I understand that heirs are significant to wolves, particularly to Alphas, and I have demonstrated a lack of fertility as a mate. If this is a priority for you, it would be prudent to withdraw now.” I exerted considerable effort for Bray and do not deserve to be regarded as a disappointment for my inability to conceive immediately. I am not promiscuous, do you comprehend?”
I remain unfazed, nodding my head resolutely at her. I have never considered puppies; my sole concern has been whether I am adequate for her.
“Good,” she exhales with relief. I am disinterested in assuming the role of any Luna or acquiring further gammas; therefore, if you intend to seize control of a pack, seek another Luna to replace me. I refuse to toil for individuals who will abandon me in my time of need.
