Thirty Days: A Werewolf Romance

The Retired Alpha

Ellie 

My timid knock on the door was quiet and weary. I was anxious and nervous about my summons to the retired Alpha. I had met him numerous times after I had shifted into my wolf. He was always pleasant and kind. He had asked me to join the Lotus Pack a handful of times but I couldn't bring myself to do that. I knew James lived here but at that age I wasn't ready to integrate into a large group of people. My father had damaged me and I needed time to heal. The only people I could stomach around me were my family. By the time I was feeling myself, it was time for me to head off to college. I was determined to help my community, I was determined to help those who couldn't help themselves. 

The door swung open and there stood a small lady, her light grey hair was pulled back into a bun on the top of her head, her eyes were twinkling but they were covered by dark circles and wrinkles. She was only slightly taller than me, her dainty figure was covered in a white button blouse and a long marque skirt that fell to her ankles. Although I had never met her before, I could see the resemblance of my mate in her features. When her eyes caught mine, they widened slightly. Momentarily her lips pursed tightly together but it was soon replaced with a soft and sympathising smile. 

"Hello, my name is Elenor and my uncle advised that my presence was required by the previous Alpha." I spoke confidently as I bowed my head in a sign of respect to the lady in front of me. 

"Your Elenor?" The lady whispered in disbelief. 

"Yes Ma'am." I politely respond. She's quick as she grabs my hand and brings her other hand to my face. Her slim fingers stretch up and she gently touches my chin with the tips. She pushes my chin up, so my eyes are no longer on the floor.

My eyes are directly staring and hers. Her features are soft and her eyes emit nothing but kindness. It may seem like I was making a quick judgement but because of my job I have always had an ability to understand people's true intentions and auras. It allowed me to read people's intentions quickly. It was a skill that I had developed over the years. 

"Eleanor, it is an absolute pleasure to meet you. Please do not bow your head to me. For it is not befitting. I am the one who should bow to you. It is I who indeed needs to apologise." Her voice was soft and sweet. 

I couldn't help the furrow of brow at her words. Why did she        need to apologise to me? It didn't make sense, for she had never harmed me. She had committed no sin against me. Her words lingered in my ear and baffled me none the less. "Sorry, I believe I am confused we have never met before and yet you somehow owe me an apology. That doesn't mark sense?" I say with a questioning tone.

"Oh forgive me dear, I'm getting a head of myself. I am the previous Luna, Amy Samuels. I am your mate's mother." I couldn't help the flinch that left my body when she referred to Samuels as my mate. "I owe you an apology because I raised my son better than that. He should never have rejected you. It is a failing on my part." Amy whispers out. 

I take a deep breath and exhale as I close my eyes. "Retired Luna Samuels, it is not your fault. I am sure there was nothing wrong with your parenting. I do not blame you, nor do I blame the previous Alpha. Your son was an Adult when he made his choices, no one held a gun to his head and told him to make that decision. As parents you can only do so much, I am sure you gave him the knowledge and tools he needed. It was his choice and decision how he used them." 

I open my eyes to see Amy look at me with a perplexed look on her face. It isn't before long that I see a tear escape her eye but she is quick to wipe it away. There is a sense of guilt that settles in my stomach. I never wanted to see pain or hurt on this woman's face. I had never met her before but she did not seem the type of person who deserved to be feeling this way. It was never her decision to make. It was never her responsibility to take.