Queen Bitch of the Callowwood Pack (Siren Publishing Classic) Read online

  “Wait, wait. You said alpha too many times here. What’s the difference between alpha”—Julianna used air quotes—“and Alpha?”

  At first, Sebrina looked at Julianna as if she’d lost her mind. Then she lifted her chin in understanding and smiled.

  “It is like referring to the president. There are many presidents out there, those of companies or clubs. But only one President of the humans’ United States. For Moon Singers, there are many alpha members, but only one Alpha pair. This candidacy party is for the selection of the Alpha female.”

  “So the candidates for Luna are selected in…a beauty pageant?” Julianna’s eyes narrowed in disgust.

  “Well, not for beauty, but to find the strongest and most capable female to lead the pack with the Alpha.” Sebrina gestured to the colorful female guests milling under the tents. “That’s what this party is about. This is where the Luna candidates will be presented to the ruling Alpha and his Successor.”

  Julianna’s eyes followed Sebrina’s gesture. “Are all these women being presented tonight?”

  “No, only the strongest and highest ranking alpha females.”

  The older woman pointed toward Cameron Winthrop. The younger woman wore a deep mustard-yellow strapless dress with a matching wrap. Her black hair was piled on top of her head in a complicated coif covered in a net of golden pearls. She spoke with several other guests, as regal in her bearing as Brenda Solaris had been in her entry.

  “That one is sure to be chosen as a candidate. Her family has been in this Pack for generations, and her paternal uncle is one of the current Alpha’s cadre.”

  “So this party is a presentation of females for the future Alpha?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Then where is the current Luna? Was that Jeff’s mother?”

  Sebrina’s face grew solemn. “Yes. It was a great loss when she died.”

  “Is that part of why Richard is stepping down as Alpha?”

  “I suspect so. The Alpha does not confide in me now that the Luna is gone.”

  Julianna tried to remember when Jeff’s mother died, but she only recalled her mother recounting the news, not the when or why. She shook her head and took a deep breath. It didn’t matter. She had to focus on the here and now.

  “If this party is for Luna candidate selection, what does it have to do with me? I mean I was just invited a few days ago. I don’t know very much about pack politics or traditions.”

  “You’ve been invited here tonight, daughter, for two very specific reasons. The first being you’re a Moon Singer who has recently settled into the Callowwood Pack’s territory. You must swear to uphold their rules and protocols while living here.”

  “I have to what?” Julianna’s chin rose with her indignation.

  “It is for your protection as well as the protection of the pack. Should you be injured by anyone while here, the packmembers will defend and/or avenge you, bringing restitution to your family. The pack will also take responsibility for any injuries you cause and punish you accordingly.”

  Julianna clenched her teeth around a snarl. “What kinds of punishments?”

  “House arrest, wounding, banishment from the pack’s territory. Even death.”

  Julianna’s nails dug into her palms. How dare they tell her how to live? Callowwood was her home. No one had the right to drive her out if she didn’t swear to follow the rules of the pack. Gritting her teeth, she closed her eyes and told herself to calm down. She was new to this world of werewolves and just because she was ignorant of the rules didn’t mean she wasn’t bound by them. Or that the others wouldn’t enforce them.

  “Fine. I’ll abide by the rules. What’s the second reason I’m here tonight?”

  Sebrina’s smile showed satisfaction and anticipation.

  “The second reason is you’re one of the most powerful alpha females to be born in the last two hundred years in the Basin and Range, making you a prime candidate for the Successor’s Luna. You’ll be presented as a Luna candidate tonight.”

  Amazement slammed into Julianna and dread thundered after it. She couldn’t be a Luna candidate. She knew nothing about being a Moon Singer.

  “I’m going to be presented as a candidate? Why? I know nothing of politics, much less protocols governing a Moon Singer pack. I’m too inexperienced to be a viable candidate!”

  Sebrina laid a warm hand on Julianna’s arm. “You’re not as inexperienced as you might think, though you may not know the specifics of the Callowwood Pack. Follow your heart. It speaks to you with the voice of the Lady Moon.”

  The only thing my heart is telling me is I’m ignorant and a nobody.

  Jeff is your Mate and you must fight for him! Ah, yes, how could she forget her Sister?

  “You already love Jefferson Lightfoot, don’t you?”

  “What?” Julianna focused her startled gaze on Sebrina’s smug face.

  “Jeff.” The Paiute woman gestured toward the small podium where several people were gathered around Richard and his son. “What does your heart say about him?”

  Let me jump his bones and ride him till he’s breathless?

  Julianna cleared her throat and tried to look thoughtful.

  “I get mixed messages about Jeff,” she admitted. Half of her wanted to throw herself into his arms, rub her body against his as hard as she could, and sink her teeth into his shoulder, never letting him go. The other half of her was furious at his ignorance all those years earlier. If she hadn’t been good enough for him then, what made her good enough now?

  Sebrina made a rude sound of disgust. “Stop letting your mind get in the way of the truth!”

  “This is the first time I’ve seen him since I left. I was infatuated with him when I was a girl, but now…I don’t know. I don’t know him well enough yet.”

  “Rabbit turds!” Sebrina waved dismissively. “You’ve known him in your heart for decades, daughter! Your infatuation, as you call it, was nothing more than the recognition of your True Mate!”

  “If that’s true, why didn’t he recognize me then?” Julianna snorted and shook her head. “If it’s obvious, shouldn’t it be obvious to both Mates?”

  “I don’t know what Jefferson felt, but it matters not. It’s in the past. But now, you must claim your True Mate and take your place beside him.”

  “I can’t.” Julianna grimaced and turned her head to straighten the tablecloth once more, hiding her expression.

  “What?”

  “I said I can’t.”

  “There is no ‘can’t’, only ‘won’t’,” Sebrina stated flatly.

  Despite her chagrin, Julianna laughed. “Who are you, Yoda?”

  Sebrina’s face became stoic, waiting for Julianna to get on with the explanation.

  Julianna cleared her throat hastily. “Uh, well, I don’t know anything. I don’t know the rules, the policies, the hierarchy. I don’t even understand my other form. I can barely remember anything from the days when I shift shape. I just shift back with large chunks of my memory missing.”

  She rubbed the fingers of one hand across the smooth silver cutlery. The cool metal soaked into the pads and released a tinny scent of warmed silver. Sorrow bloomed. She’d lose Jeff to some other female because of her inexperience. She wanted him, wanted him so bad it made her gut hurt holding herself still to keep from running to where he stood near the podium. Just the thought of being near him set her senses on fire.

  But she knew she wasn’t Luna material, and it killed her. Jeff needed a female who could rule beside him effectively. He needed someone who knew all the ropes, and how to minimize the problems facing the pack today. She idly wondered if there was a Moon Singers for Dummies book.

  “I’m sorry, Sebrina. I don’t think I’d be the best choice for Jeff’s mate or the Luna.”

  Saying the words out loud killed her humor, and she bit her bottom lip. Losing Jeff to her inexperience rankled.

  “What you think doesn’t matter, daughter,” the older femal
e remarked, her voice laced with disapproval. “You are Jefferson’s Mate, and he’s chosen you as a candidate for Luna. Each candidate will be tested to see her suitability to rule with the Successor, and so shall you be. You must be courageous in the face of challenge and uncertainty.”

  “As always,” Julianna grumbled sullenly.

  “Yes, as an Alpha always must.”

  “I’m not an Alpha.”

  “But you will be.”

  Julianna snapped her mouth shut over a snarl and searched for Jeff among the guests. Did she want to be Luna? No, she wasn’t here for the job. But she did want Jeff. She always had, even when she’d been too young to attract him. The crowd shifted just enough to allow his face to appear. His eyes met hers across the tent, and everything stilled.

  Recognition flooded through her, recognition of her True Mate, the yang to her yin. Her nipples hardened, and arousal slid down her back, pooling between her legs in hot wanting. Jeff’s eyes shifted to gold, and his nostrils flared, even as far as he was from her. She lifted her chin and smiled a challenge at him as she made her decision. There was no way in hell she’d tolerate any other female touching Jeff. She wouldn’t compete to be Luna, but she’d compete to win her True Mate.

  “Yes, I will.”

  She inhaled and relaxed her tense shoulders, presenting the image of a strong, confident woman. Sebrina nodded with approval.

  “If I really am Jeff’s Mate, tell me what’s going to happen tonight, in detail, so I can be prepared.”

  “After the dinner, you’ll be introduced and presented to the pack as a new packmember. You must swear fealty to the current Alpha and agree to abide by all pack rules.”

  Julianna nodded. “And after I’ve been sworn in?”

  “After this, the candidates for Luna will be announced and presented. I suspect you will be presented last because of your recent induction into the Callowwood Pack. Don’t be offended by your presentation order. It only reflects your recent inclusion in the candidacy.”

  Julianna raised her eyebrow at the mention of hierarchy but said nothing. She wasn’t offended at all.

  That’s just my human instincts. The wolf probably would resent her placement.

  “You’ll be required to socialize a short time before taking your leave of the Alpha. He will offer you a token of his favor, showing everyone that you’re a candidate for the Successor’s mate. You must always have this token on your person, even if it’s not visible, so the pack knows of your status.”

  “Keep the token on me at all times, okay.”

  “There’ll be seven tests that you must pass to become the Successor’s mate, and you must always be on your guard because you won’t always know when you’re being tested,” Sebrina warned. “It’s a sign of an effective leader to be calm and courageous under pressure, and what you do when you’re being tested will be an indication of what you’ll do as leader.”

  Julianna grimaced. “No warning of when we’re being tested? Great.”

  “Like life, daughter. I’ll help you and teach you all the protocols of our pack so you’re aware of the rules, but you’ll only gain the position of the Successor’s mate through your own efforts.”

  “You’re assuming I want the position,” Julianna pointed out, her guts churning with her anger.

  “Don’t you?”

  “No, I don’t.”

  Sebrina fell silent a moment and just looked at Julianna with her serious gold eyes. Julianna had answered honestly, and nothing could intimidate her, but she wasn’t finished yet.

  “I don’t want to be Luna, but I do want Jeff, and I intend to be his Mate. If that means I must become Luna, then so be it.” Then she sighed and looked down at her hands, rubbing them together to sort out her thoughts. “I know less about this world than I’d like, and I’m concerned I’ll do something wrong before I’m aware of my mistake. I don’t know if I could be a very good leader of humans, much less Moon Singers, but it’s not in me to give up easily.”

  A smile creased the old woman’s face, and she nodded with satisfaction. “I wouldn’t expect it of you. You have a fighter’s spirit. You may feel unprepared or uncertain in the position of Successor’s Mate, and it is difficult to learn everything in the short amount of time we have, but I’m certain you can do it. You’re meant to be Jefferson’s Luna. You simply must show it to the rest of the pack so they’ll accept you.”

  I’ve only gotten the fighting spirit recently. Eighteen years ago, I ran.

  “How did I do that? I haven’t been here long enough to earn the candidacy, much less the position.”

  “It is your destiny, daughter, and you must walk this path whether you want to or not. Have courage and never doubt your ability to do the job the Lady Moon has set before you.”

  Julianna wanted to snort derisively, but she had too much respect for her elders. Instead, she returned her attention to the tables around her. They filled as the guests took their seats, and she hoped none of them had heard her quiet conversation. It occurred to her that she was at the court of a king where everyone vied for position and knowledge of one’s opponents equaled power. Admitting she knew nothing about this new world could get her dismissed or worse. So she smiled pleasantly at the people joining her at the table and waited to see what would happen.

  Breathe slowly and show them you’re confident. Confidence is key. They can smell fear. Never let them see you sweat. This is where you’re supposed to be, she told herself.

  Yeah, this is where I run screaming.

  Tawny settled into the chair beside her with a delighted smile, and soon all the places had filled but two. Richard strode through the crowd on his way to the podium wearing his jacket and Stetson. Julianna eyed the hat with interest.

  It is a crown.

  Her eyes narrowed when she thought of the interview she’d had with him and his family. She was glad she’d kept her cool throughout it. She suspected they’d been judging her eligibility as a Luna candidate. Would she have lost her cool if she’d known they were werewolves then? Probably. And then I would have lost their respect, especially when they’re considering me for Luna candidacy. She didn’t see Jeff anymore, but she could feel him nearby. His strength and heat tickled her awareness, and she almost rose from her seat to seek him out with the encouragement of her Sister.

  Your Mate. Yours. Go find him and prove it.

  I’m not going to freak everyone out and embarrass myself and Sebrina.

  Julianna gripped the table to keep herself seated as Richard began to speak.

  “Good evening and welcome, everyone, to tonight’s gathering of the Callowwood Pack.” Richard’s voice flowed over the crowd, full of wildness as if he was more likely to launch himself off the podium and run through the woods than stand there and give a speech. “Tonight is a very special evening for many of us, and I’m honored that you’ve attended to witness it. We have a couple of announcements before dinner, but the bulk of the ceremony will happen after.”

  A murmur ran through the guests, but no one protested.

  “As most of you know, I’ve been the Alpha for a long time, and it’s been a great honor for me and my family.” Richard swept the crowd with his gaze, command in every inch of him. “We’ve grown as a Pack and as a community, living amongst the humans in peace and prosperity. It’s taken hard work and understanding on our part to remain in such peace. Humans aren’t always easy to live with, and only their continued ignorance of our people in town keeps the balance and peace. It’s a true testament to all of you that there is such peace in Callowwood.”

  Mild applause and another murmur went through the crowd, and Julianna felt her own admiration for this community. She was certain none of the humans in Callowwood had any idea the town had werewolves, much less the number sitting under the tents tonight.

  “However, times have changed and so must we,” Richard went on, his face taking on some sadness. “I’m old and old-fashioned, and I’ve ruled in my times. I won’t say I wa
s right all the time, but I won’t say I was terrible for this Pack. I believe I’ve done the best I could in the time I had.” He paused as several cheers and hoots of approval came from the crowd, but he held up his hands to quiet them down so he could finish. “We’re all a product of our times, and when times change, we must change with them, but it gets harder and harder to see the clear path the older we get. That’s why I’ve chosen to step down as Alpha as soon as my son Jefferson has taken his Mate and whelped his first child.”

  The crowd cheered louder, and it sounded like a chorus of wolves howling away at the night. Julianna bit her lip, trying to stay calm. The words taken his Mate sent fire shooting straight to her crotch, and she shivered at the thought of Jeff taking her anywhere.

  “So, tonight, I present my son, Jefferson Mac Lightfoot, future Alpha of the Callowwood Pack!”

  The crowd roared with approval as Jeff strode up beside his father. Julianna momentarily lost the ability to breathe as his wide smile flashed at the crowd. She stiffened her legs, clamping them to the seat of her chair to keep from jumping to her feet, running over to him, and throwing herself into his arms. She wanted to breathe in his scent and feel his hard body against hers.

  As if called by her desire and arousal, Jeff’s eyes zeroed in on her and blazed burnished gold in the spotlight. His head came up, and his body shifted just enough to suggest he was ready to move quickly.

  Yes, bring it, Mate. Come take me!

  She shivered with reaction to her fantasy, gripping the seat of her chair until her knuckles felt like they’d pop out of the skin.

  The energy around her became nearly overwhelming until Richard took Jeff’s hand, lifting it victoriously. Jeff’s gaze shifted away from Julianna, his face relaxing into easy amusement, and Julianna’s rational mind regained control.