The Howling Moon

Chapter Thirteen

Ashley

It's been an hour since I've sworn to being an official member of this pack and have sworn to be their official Luna. (For those of you confused as to why the alpha female is referred to as 'luna' it is because, in Spanish the word 'luna' translates to 'moon' and it's just a beautiful word that fits well.)

Dozens of people have been greeting me, everyone's so kind and funny. I've never felt so welcomed in my life, I was happy learning the new names and faces.

"Hello Luna, my name is Abbie." A little girl, must be four years old, bowed her head in respect of my presence. I'll tell you one thing, I'm never going to get used to the formalities around here.

"What a beautiful name, Abbie." I gave the top of her head a little pat. "Abbie will you do me a favor?" My voice was innocent and sweet, I couldn't help talking to her with such kindness, it was hard to resist.

"Anything, Luna!" She beamed.

"Well, sweet heart will you be my new best friend?" A smile rushed to her lips and happiness danced in her beautiful emerald eyes that complimented her slightly chubby face.

"Of course I will, Luna!" She jumped in my arms for a hug, which I gladly returned.

"Abbie, since we're friends now, I'd prefer you call me Ashley, instead of Luna." Her smile impossibly grew wider.

"Okay, Ashley." She giggled and released me from her tight hug.

Nick came up beside me and placed his hand on my lower back, when he noticed Abbie was in front of us, he ran up to her and lifted her in the air.

"Where have you been Abbie? I've missed you so much." He put her up-side-down and then flipped her back over. He ruffled her hair and planted a big kiss on her cheek.

I giggled aloud and so did some of the spectators nearby. I couldn't help smile at the way Nick treated Abbie, he looked as if he could be her father, with all the love and care he was directing towards her.

The little girl giggled hysterically and when Nick finally plopped her on the ground she continued her laugh and ran towards the other children who were playing with the decorations.

"ASHLEY!" I heard James shout. Nick sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"What now?" He muttered making me flash a cheeky grin, when James came beside me.

"Ashley, My parents are here and I want you to meet them." He was jumping around and making weird hand gestures, while pointing in different directions.

"I'd love to meet them, James." I laughed when he started panting after his little rant.

"Let's go then." He walked ahead of me in the direction opposite Nick.

"You're leaving me?" Nick pouted. I gave him a short kiss on the cheek and pointed towards James.

"I'm not missing the opportunity to meet that lunatics parents." I joked and stalked off after James.

When I finally reached where he was, two other people stood beside him and the three of them were facing me.

"Ashley, meet my parents, Jackson and Emily Gontier." He said with pride in his voice, he looked so happy to be with them. "Mom, Dad, This is Ashley Stevens." His parents bowed their heads in my direction.

"Oh no, please it's unnecessary for you to bow." I held my hand out for them and shook each of their hands. "It's nice to meet you both." I greeted them.

"Oh honey, we couldn't wait to finally meet the one person that could deal with James' shenanigans.

"Yea, James is a weird kid." His father chimed in.