The Alpha novel Chapter 22

Scarlet's POV

His eyes widen in surprise at my statement before his eyebrows furrow and the corners of his full lips turn down. "What's that supposed to mean?" he grumbles as he folds his arms across his chest as though he can't decide if he should be angry or offended or not.

"A Luna is supposed to be considered an Alpha's equal. We are mates Ethan. I'm not your property," I state plainly. He seems to bristle and opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off again. "That being said, I can at least understand where you are coming from, though you most definitely should have handled it better."

"So, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that no matter what happens, you will not under any circumstances throw Will in your damn dungeons. However, I will talk to him about our need to re-establish boundaries now that I have a mate."

"You will?" he asks with a skeptical look that causes me to chuckle at him.

"Yes," I answer before elaborating further. "But you need to remember that he is my best friend, so it's unlikely that we'll never hug or touch again. You just need to trust me."

He sits there silently for a moment, contemplating what I've just said. Finally, he gives a quick nod. "Fine. I'll try."

I shrug. "That's all I can ask." He lays down next to me in the bed and puts his arms out in a gesture for me to curl up next to him. I move closer, resting my head on his chest as he begins lightly running his fingers through my bright red locks.

"By the way, the Silver Shadow Pack should be arriving on Thursday. We'll be hosting a nice dinner for them at Della Luna," he informs me. Della Luna is one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. It's an Italian restaurant that is on the first floor of Kane Enterprises. From my conversations with Ethan, I have figured out that Xander manages their clubs, bars, and restaurants.

"And you want me to be there?" I question with apprehension in my tone.

"Yes. I can't officially announce you as my mate and Luna, but I still want you to take part in the politics of everything. I want you to start establishing yourself with the Crescent Moon Pack and all of our allies," he answers in a business-like tone.

I lie there in silence for a moment thinking before turning my head so that my chin is resting on his firm, muscular pec. "Ethan..." He looks down at me, hearing the hesitation in my voice. "Did I ruin anything with the treaty? Since I hit Nicole?"

His hand rubs my back reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. That's one of the reasons I want you there to meet them. If Nikki behaves badly again then everyone will be able to see that your behavi or was warranted and that of a true Luna. Everyone will see how good you are with people and how charming you are. They'll know that you don't just go around hitting people for no reason." He bends his head so that his lips can reach me as he places a soft kiss on my forehead. He is certainly feeling more confident about this plan than I am. However, I want to be there for him in whatever way I can.

"Okay... If you think it's what's best for the pack and the treaty, then I'll go."