The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 257: Kylee

All the other pack Alphas and Lunas had left and preparations for Theo’s and Ayla’s Alpha and Luna ceremony were well underway. Luckily, there wouldn’t need to be many changes for the Moonstone ritual, but there were a few things that needed to be handled. I had nervously approached Luna Grace to see if there was anything jobs she would like me to do. I was relieved when she had me help organize the decorations.

I had felt like such an outsider since I had come home. It wasn’t a

surprise, really. I still understood that I had lost the place I had before in the pack. But Amy’s betrayal hadn’t helped. Many people avoided me or gave me dirty looks whenever I walked by. I’m not saying I didn’ t deserve it but it was still hard. Especially after what happened on the day of the executions. If it weren’t for Ayla and Mina, I probably would have just gone back to Blue Fang territory.

But Ayla wanted me here. And after all of the struggles she went through to keep me happy growing up, I knew this was the least I could do. And at least someone was noticing my efforts. Even Annabelle and Maggie were surprisingly kind and supportive toward me. I know it was for Ayla’s benefit, but I wasn’t going to argue with it.

More than anything, I needed to stay busy. Just like Ma said. She was doing the same. Although, I think coming back had been easier for her. Which I was grateful for. I had been worried that if this transition was too hard on her, she’d relapse. However, she seemed to be doing quite well. She had already joined a local AA group and was volunteering at the recovery center not far from the hospital. Seeing her starting to thrive here at home was a big push for me. If she could do it, I could too.

Besides, staying busy helped me avoid certain people. Well, one in particular. He had been at the packhouse every day since the ritual was agreed upon. He would have a lot to do to help get the packhouse secured and ready for all the visitors we would be having. He had tried to speak with me a couple of times, but something pulled one of us away before we could talk.

That was fine with me. I wasn’t ready to face that right now. I wasn’t even sure what I was going to do. The nicest thing would be to…

Yoohoo,” Ayla’s voice broke through my thoughts, waving one of the ribbons we were working with in front of my face. “Earth

sorry,” I said, shaking my head. “I was distracted. What’s

that,” Ayla replied. “You

smiled at hearing her old nickname for me. It had been

were working on some decoration items and the past few hours had actually felt a little like

I lied. She raised an eyebrow, seeing right through me. “It’s just been a bigger transition coming home than I

she said, brushing a stray hair away from my face. “Just give it time and keep doing what you’re doing. People will move

suppose,” I said absently. “I’m

Ayla said, setting a finished vase

a lot of others haven’t. And I’m not sure they should,” I said with a shrug. “I don’t deserve it. I’m still too selfish and vain. I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life from here because my delusional fantasies had me ending up in a very different

Ayla rushed, stopping the word vomit that was flowing from my mouth. “Where is this coming from? We’ve talked about this. We all make mistakes when we’re young. Yeah, you’ve still got some growing to do, but so does everyone else your age.

Which I know, I know, I shouldn’t be. I’m in this position because of my own actions and I should do

you

I insisted. “I really am fine. I’m just working out how to handle it, that’s all. You know, coping tools and