"This is exactly why I was against the rejection ceremony!" Kelly exclaimed at Jake. "That woman and her daughter are awful!"
Their gazes fixed on the television screen as the news anchor reported on a recent incident involving Brandy verbally assaulting Lily. The words that Brandy hurled at Lily were harsh and Kelly couldn't fathom why anyone would treat another person with such cruelty. "Before long our packs are going to look like trash tv."
"It is normal for two eligible she-wolves to argue and bicker until one is established as Luna," Jake responded, unphased by the news segment. "This is nothing compared to what I have seen. I have seen sisters maim, poison each other just to ensure their place as Luna. Luckily, this just seems like childish bickering."
"Words lead to actions," Kelly said as she and her sister never did any of this. Her sister was happy for her to be Luna.
"Then, so be it. The Grey Blood pack needs a strong Luna," Jake said again, dismissing her. "But, Brandy's behavior is concerning. Matters like these should stay behind closed doors or at the proper venue and not in front of humans that will lead to quick judgments."
As the news segment concluded, Kelly felt a surge of disappointment and anger. Her initial reaction to Brandy was correct. She was just like her mother, cunning and cruel.
Brandy had shown her true colors, and Kelly realized she could no longer continue mentoring someone who lacked basic respect for others. Determined to distance herself from Brandy, she made up her mind to ignore any further attempts at communication.
Days passed, and Kelly immersed herself in her work, finding solace in spending time tutoring Lily and finally getting around to decorating the pack house for Christmas. But her sanctuary was soon disturbed when she heard familiar footsteps approaching her from behind while she was baking cookies.
'How did she get in here without our approval?' Nina, Kelly's wolf, growled in irritation. Kelly agreed and would be having a talk with their Deltas and remind them of proper protocols with guests.
"Hello, Kelly. I hope you don't mind me dropping by unannounced," Mandy said as she entered the kitchen.
Kelly smiled but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Her intuition was on high alert and she opened the pack link to inform the Deltas to be on alert and have a few come to her location. "I don't mind at all. What can I do for you, Mandy?" Kelly greeted her.
"Sugar cookies are my favorite. I don't know why you don't have your Omegas bake for you. As a Luna, you shouldn't be doing such trivial work," Mandy said, leaning against a counter and munching on a sugar cookie that she picked up from the tray sitting on the counter.
Something about Mandy's visit felt insidious, but she maintained her polite smile. "There are some things that I don't feel Omegas should do. Baking treats is one of them. Why are you here?"
"I came to discuss an important matter with you," Mandy said.
"If it is about the mating ceremony, everything is paid for. There is nothing to worry about on your end," Kelly stated.
"No, it is about your sons, Garrett and Matthew," Mandy said.
"And?"
"I think it would be better if Brandy was Garrett's mate. As neither sister has been marked, it will be easy to make this happen and Matthew is still pining after Lily."
Kelly's heart skipped a beat and she couldn't help but growl. The thought of Mandy meddling in their lives again sent waves of anger surging through her. "You had a hand in breaking the fated mate bond between Matthew and Lily," Kelly seethed, her voice filled with righteous anger. "And now you dare to come here to meddle in Garrett's life. Have you lost your mind?"
Mandy's expression shifted, delighted by Kelly's anger and a cunning glint was in her eyes. "Oh, Kelly, don't get emotional. Let's be honest. Matthew and Lily were never truly meant to be together. Garrett is the eldest son and he has the potential to be so much more, especially if he mates with Brandy. Think about it Kelly. They would be a force to be reckoned with."
Kelly's rage boiled over, her eyes shifting colors as her wolf, Nina, attempted to take control to rip Mandy's throat out. 'Spoken just like a true homewrecker. Let me out. Let me punish her for her insolence!' Nina growled.
"Even if Garrett wanted the role as Alpha, he doesn't act on the whims of a selfish woman," Kelly said, regaining her composure slightly. "So, the answer is no."
"You can make him. You are his mother after all and he has an obligation to obey you," Mandy continued.
"I had hoped that you didn't really use your children as objects to barter with for power, but perhaps I have been naive," Kelly said in disgust.
"Excuse me?"
"You didn't think that we didn't do our research on you after we found out that Lily was Matthew's mate. We felt pity that Lily came from such a putrid pack that has the morals of a damn badger," Kelly snarled.
"That is uncalled for. I come to you to have a civil conversation," Mandy stated feigning hurt.
"You came here to play games and try to loop my family again into your foolishness. I won't let that happen. I don't know what you are trying to do but you know nothing of true mates and the bond they share. It's not about power. It's about love, loyalty, and destiny," Kelly countered.
"I am sure Alpha Jake would not agree," Mandy said smugly. The implication was clear that she could and would take her mate from her if she wanted and Nina laughed at her.
"Do you think you're the first she-wolf to try? Do you think you will be the one? You're more delusional than I thought." Nina mocked her. "I won't allow you to manipulate my sons. Get out of my house and off my land, Mandy, and stay away from my family. The only reason I haven't ripped your throat out is because Jack believes in this alliance. Don't push your luck."
Mandy's facade finally crumbled and her eyes narrowed at Kelly. A sinister smile played on her lips. "Remember this, Kelly, I always get what I want."
Enraged by Mandy's audacity, Kelly's eyes turned to a fiery glow, her Luna power emanating from her core. "You underestimate the strength of a mother's love. I will protect my family from the likes of you. Now, leave. I will act as if this conversation did not happen, but you cross me again Mandy, you'll regret it."