Chapter 212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna

Jericho's words leave me reeling. "No, he hasn't said anything." I can't keep the surprise from my voice. "But I'm aware it's not normal. How can any of this be normal?" I wave a hand over my body in frustration. "It's unknown territory for all of us, but Lucas says we can get through it together."

His eyes narrow. "Witches aren't well regarded in history. There will be pushback from those who want nothing to do with a witch, even one born from a pack."

Kellan shifts uneasily, conflict etched on his face. "Ultimately, the Westwood wolves will accept their alpha's mate." His words are confident, but his tone is not.

"If Lucas is hell-bent on forcing Ava down their throats, there will be alpha challenges." Jericho's words are a grim warning.

And he's not wrong.

Alpha challenges are a right of any wolf in the pack.

If Lucas chooses an unsuitable Luna—me—there will be outraged wolves ready to challenge his status within his pack. It's why I can't take the responsibility lightly. Why I can't take the title as my due, even when some of the guards use it for me.

I don't want to be Lucas' weakness.

I want to be his strength. His partner.

A Luna isn't just their alpha's mate; she is a leader in her own right.

"I've never wanted to become Luna until the pack accepts me. That doesn't change."

Jericho's expression softens slightly. "I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, Ava. But I need to know if you're willing to fight for your place in the pack despite all odds."

"Jericho, stop borrowing trouble," Kellan interjects, but Jericho rounds on him.

"We wolves are superstitious and loyal to our lore. With everything going on and the increase in vampire presence, a witch won't be looked at kindly."

"Why would it be a problem when wolves once worked with witches? They called them magicians." I can't hide my confusion at the history I've learned from Selene.

Jericho shakes his head. "I've never learned of witches working with wolves, only of those who wished to gain control over humans and wolves."

Glancing at Selene, I ask, "How do vampires see witches?"

"The Unregistered communities have been around for a long time, effectively

you ever been there?" I ask, looking

their heads. "We've lost several scouts trying to learn more about

so sure I'll enter the city? "How much does Steve know about the

she has no information to

words, I cling to them like a lifeline. "That doesn't mean she doesn't know anything. It's just that she doesn't

concedes after a

visit Steve." I'm talking to Kellan, but Jericho interrupts

do you intend to fight

unflinchingly. "I will never

have to choose between your magic

There's no hesitation in my

"Stop interfering. This isn't even a concern yet. Ava isn't a witch. She's a shifter, just like

position of Luna is a concern of every wolf in the pack." Jericho's voice is steel. "I need to know that the Luna will work for the pack over all others. No Alpha and no

words settle uneasily in my gut, a disquiet I can't

put the pack in any more danger. I can't do that again." Meeting Jericho's gaze, then Kellan's, I add, "I've learned my lesson. I want to fight with all of you.

Kellan says, but Jericho just

that resolve. You'll need to stand

* * *

It's a different kind of silence to our normal, and Kellan seems distracted

Lucas announces me as his Luna." May as

of his eye, before returning

he?" Jericho's always seemed

Unfortunately, he ended up causing the deaths of the previous pack leaders, Lucas' parents. Ever since, he's been hip-deep in conspiracy theories,

"How did they die?"

on the steering wheel. "That's for Lucas

"It isn't like it's a secret. I can ask anyone in the

glances at me, his gray eyes unreadable. "You sure you'll get the actual truth

may not match the facts, Selene murmurs in my

rubbing my temples. The more I

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