Second Chance Luna
Chapter 56

"Here, try this one next," Norah encouraged giving Phoebe yet another gown to try on.

This one was pink with a slight orange tint. She was pretty sure the color was called salmon though she never gave much thought to such matters before. There were a lot of things she never thought of before becoming Luna to the Blue Moon pack. This was one of those. "It's a shame we can't go with blue," Norah fussed looking at a light blue gown. "Blue goes so good with your eyes."

"And why can't we?" Phoebe asked from the dressing room. "Because her royal pain always wears blue," Lucille sighed.

"And if anyone dares copy her heads will roll."

In the three months since her Luna Ceremony Phoebe felt she had been pulled in a hundred different directions. The pack itself finally seemed to have settled into a routine now with their Luna firmly at the helm.

In fighting among the pack members had ceased completely. Everyone went about their duties with relaxed ease. There was a sense of unity and higher ranked members treated lower ranks with polite dignity less they wished to incur their Luna's wrath. A few of the younger ones had already learned the dangers of that road.

Phoebes gentle nature and soft-spoken way lulled others into compliance but if they dared ignore her warnings they would feel the weight of her aura press down on them sending their wolves curling into balls. None dared meet her silver gaze and would bear their necks in submission pleading for her to withdraw her anger.

It only happened once or twice before the pack wised up.

Phoebe would not tolerate any member disparaging another. Punishment for ignoring her warnings was as severe as they were creative. If a warrior thought a maid was beneath them that was fine. Some paragraphs are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on Ebookex.com. Visit Ebookex.com to read the complete chapters for free. They could clean their own room and do their own laundry. If a wolf thought the cooks didn't contribute to the pack then they could cook their own meals and were barred from the dining hall. Most did not last a day trying to do their own chores and in order for them to convince Phoebe to release their punishment they needed not only to appease her but the party they offended in the first place. If Phoebe deemed such punishment too light she would temporarily reassign the offending wolf to join the maid service or the kitchen staff until she was satisfied they respected the job and the duties. Needless to say it didn't take long for pack members to change their behavior.

And it wasn't just the pack that learned this lesson. Blue Moon often served as a mediator and neutral party so hosted other packs needing such intervention. If these visitors attempted to belittle any of the Blue Moon's members they soon found themselves serving similar punishments. Rank had no bearing. If they tried to appeal to Jason they found even he bowed to her. In Blue Moon the Luna's word was law, even for the Alpha.

She was not one to laze around either. Phoebe spent most of her time with the pack nursery and daycare instituting several education programs. A music room had been added. Her mother's piano was moved out from storage and the one already in the packhouse carefully restored, polished and tuned. Her mother's music books had also been located and added to the room in addition to several new instruments: recorders, xylophones, drums, guitars, bells and numerous others.

In addition to music lessons the daycare also had its own community garden the pups were in charge of caring for: planting, weeding and harvesting. They also went on various outings learning basic survival and foraging skills.

The lessons were not limited to the pups. Adolescents, sub-adults and adults were all encouraged to take part in such lessons. Phoebe instituted cooking classes, mending, general first aid, gardening and foraging, as well as several other classes that taught basic skills she thought every pack member should know. Not only did these lessons help the members appreciate the contributions of others it also paved the way in developing hobbies and interests. Some even chose to do more advance research on their own. For the most part Norah stood back and watched in fascination as Phoebe instituted one dramatic change after another. Her presence seeped into every aspect of pack's daily routine and consciousness. It was an amazing spectacle to watch and she wasn't certain if anyone else truly appreciated it for what it was.

It was like the moon had settled directly over the pack pulling the tide and making everyone reach for new heights. Jason's influence had also grown. He no longer fought his own loneliness and his bouts of depression were mere memories. Blue Moon's Alpha was not only relaxed and happy but also brimming with confidence and dominance. Even if he didn't force out his aura others couldn't help but bare their necks in submission.

Norah was naturally happy for her son and also worried.

Before replaceing his mate Jason already had more influence and power than any other alpha. In fact his aura already rivaled the king's before Phoebe's arrival.

When werewolves first emerged lycans were already disappearing. Some historians thought it was a natural evolution but there was evidence the transition was not a peaceful one. The New Moon Pack specialized in studying and keeping the history of their kind. Norah hadn't made a study of it herself but she did know that many of the traditions werewolves developed to govern themselves were inherited by their lycan ancestors including appointing a king.

After the downfall of the lycans the six ancient packs chose their strongest alpha to elevate to the station of king and instituted the creation of the royal pack. Later a Council of Elders was also established. The King, Council and Alphas formed a check and balancing system though, in truth, the king held little actual power.

He was little more than a figurehead, a neutral party, to rule over disputes but any alpha was more than capable of performing such tasks. When the ancient packs decided to spread out to avoid over crowding it quickly became apparent how little power the king truly possessed. Since traveling back to the king to mediate was too difficult the packs mediated for each other.

No doubt sensing his power eroding the royal pack relocated to North America only a couple decades ago to establish themselves a territory in northern Manitoba but the damage had been done. Packs were already used to governing themselves and Blue Moon in particular built a reputation of fair judgment and sound advice. The king tried to ignore it assuming the status quo would return now that they had a presence on the continent but that did not come to pass and their influence continued to wane while Blue Moon's waxed.

It could not simply be ignored. Jason's aura outstripped either of the princes and even the king himself could not command him. The disparity would only become more apparent now that he had his Luna.

Norah was nervous what would happen when the royal family met Phoebe. They certainly would not be able to ignore the newly mated couple. In fact she was quite certain no one would be able to ignore them.

She turned as Phoebe stepped out of the dressing room and stood in front of the mirrors. The pastel color was very well-suited to her complexion and gave her a warm glow.

"Yes," Norah smiled. "That one."

"Finally," Phoebe sighed. "Now we can go home."

She craned her neck looking for Blake and Emma who were wandering the racks. Both were disappointed they could not attend the party but it wasn't a place for pups and, as the princess couldn't stand them, it was even a little dangerous. "I don't see why I have to go," Lucille huffed. "With Phoebe here I don't have to represent the pack anymore."

"That may be but warriors are not allowed in the royal palace. Jason can only bring his Beta or Gamma. You know he won't allow Phoebe to be unprotected."

"So I'm a glorified bodyguard," Lucille snorted. "You think after three months he would have calmed down."

Norah frowned. Most males settled down after their mate was marked and a little time passed. And Jason had settled somewhat however whenever Phoebe left the pack lands on an errand like today his anxiety levels spiked.

Given how long it had taken him to replace her it wasn't strange but Norah couldn't help but think something else was going on.

Wolves were creatures of instinct guided by energies even their human counterparts did not understand. Given the synergy between Jason and his wolf there had to be a reason why their protective instincts hadn't lessened. It made Norah even more anxious that Phoebe's first appearance in front of the royal family went well.

Phoebe returned after changing out of the gown, "So...we are done right?"

"Not quite," Norah smiled. "Now we need to look at some accessories."

"Is that really necessary?" Phoebe asked

"Of course, you are representing Blue Moon so it's important to show the pack is strong and prosperous." Phoebe sighed

Norah chuckled. Since arriving at Blue Moon Phoebes only piece of jewelry was a macaroni necklace and friendship bracelet made by the pups. Phoebe was of a much more practical mind and didn't have any use for superfluous signs of wealth. Norah couldn't help but think how well matched Jason and Phoebe truly was as he also didn't have any use for such things. In fact Jason had very little use for gifts at all.

When it came to expressing heartfelt emotions Jason preferred to spend time and devote his attention to his loved ones. It only took a moment to see Phoebe shared the same sentiment. She loved to spend time with them as well as cook for those she cared about. It quickly became a tradition for her to cook a meal for all of them: Jason, the pups, Norah, as well as Luke, Mona, Ben and Lucille once a week. At first they tried to protest until Bridget set them straight. Phoebes love language was caring and providing, which meant food and they shouldn't waste it.

Luke and Ben certainly weren't ones to complain about a well-done meal and there was no denying Phoebe's skills in the kitchen. And Jason's thoughts were easy enough to read. He would eat anything Phoebe placed in front of him even if it was ketchup packets. "I know you don't have much interest in status symbols," Norah said, "but these parties are all about showing status and wealth."

"And Blue Moon is one of the wealthiest."

"Yes."

"All right. Emma, Blake," Phoebe called.

Though her voice was soft the pups immediately returned to her side. They headed to the register where a pile was waiting for them before heading to the next store.