The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 140: Chapter 140

: Sutton
“Luna Camilla is the mate of Alpha Lemont of the Crescent River Pack,” I recited. “They have two children, Grant and Isabel. His Beta is Beta Samuel. They’re the fourth wealthiest pack and our leading source of lumber and marble in the country.” I looked at Sera expectantly. “How was that?”
“So close,” she replied. “You got everything except they have three children. You forgot their youngest, Harris.”
I grunted in frustration. “I’m never going to get this in time.”
“Of course you are,” Motty said. “You’re doing great.”
“Give me another one,” I told them.
Motty held up another photo. It was an older gentleman with graying hair and a serious scowl. I wracked my brain for a name. I knew he wasn’t an Alpha. He wasn’t a royal. He had to be a member of the Royal Council.
“Councilmen Hendrick?” I guessed.
Motty pursed her lips, looking at the back of the card. “Councilmen Hawthorn.”
I fell back into the couch cushions with a sigh. This had been harder than I expected. I guess I hadn’t realized just how many people would be involved in this event. When Soloman had shown up at our apartment with a binder full of information, I worried this would be a much bigger undertaking than I was prepared for. But at that point, I was already determined to learn whatever I could.
“Okay, it’s time for a break,” Sera said, setting her stack of cards on the coffee table and heading for the kitchen. “We just need a little snack and a little wine to help you unwind. I always tell my students that if they’re getting stuck, just step away and give the information some time to sink in.”
Sera worked as a professor at the local university. She dealt with students from all packs and had been to many of the other pack territories during her career. She had a pretty strong understanding of inter-pack relationships. So, while Soloman had been helping guide me toward whom to talk to during the Summit, I recruited Sera to give me another perspective as well.
I accepted the glass of wine Sera offered and took a sip.
“Only a short break,” I agreed. “I’m cutting it close on time as it is. And we have the dress-fitting in a couple of days. That’s going to take half the day just to get through the selection the owner ordered. She really went all out.”
“Only the best for our Luna,” Motty said. “And you can afford to take longer than a few minutes. Maybe we’ll pick back up with just the council members.”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Maybe I’m getting way ahead of myself. I doubt I’ll have any influence anyway. I’m a completely new entity with no background in any kind of leadership. Not to mention, I was raised by humans in human territory. I’m not even an official Luna yet. No one is going to take me seriously as anything other than Alpha Lucas’ mate.”
“Stop that,” Motty said. “Being an Alpha’s mate is enough to garner respect as it is. You’re already a natural Luna. So there’s nothing to worry about. You’ll make an unforgettable impression and be the talk of the event. And, don’t forget, I’ll be right there with you at the opening dinner. If there’s anything you don’t know, I’ll be right there to help.”
“Thanks, Motty,” I said genuinely.
I was glad to hear that it was normal for other pack leaders to bring a small entourage with them to these summits along with some personal security. Lucas would be bringing a few guards plus Max. So, Motty was a natural addition. She had also been a big help with all the preparations.
“Sutton…?” I heard Lucas’ voice call as he came into the apartment.
“In here,” I called back.
I was still slouched down on the couch when he came up behind it, leaning over to look down at me with a wry grin.
“Studying not exciting enough?” he asked.
“Why do I insist on torturing myself?” I replied dramatically, only half meaning it.
Lucas chuckled, leaning over to give me an upside-down kiss.
“Sutton has been doing incredible,” Sera said. “It would take my students half a semester to get as far as she has. She’s being entirely too hard on herself.”
“That sounds about right,” Lucas stated.
I mock-jabbed his shoulder as I dragged myself into a more upright position.
“I don’t know how I’m going to be ready in time,” I said. “I’m still getting confused between our allies and our adversaries. Well, except for the Dawn Stalkers, of course. But besides them, I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up saying something inappropriate to Anders’ best friend or something.”
“I’d never let that happen,” Lucas said.
“I know, but I’d still rather you not have to worry about me so much,” I said. “You’ll have enough to deal with. But Sera has been a huge help in organizing my plan. You know who to cozy up to. Who to avoid. Who I should get on my side as soon as possible. She’s even met most of the council members. She’s been adding to Soloman’s notes for me.”
I felt the energy in the room shift slightly. Lucas’ demeanor became stiffer, more serious all of a sudden. Something I said had obviously bothered him. I turned to face him, trying to figure out what was wrong. I was about to ask but he spoke before I could.
“Do you ladies mind calling it a night?” he asked Sera and Motty, somewhat coldly.
“Of course not,” Sera said, seeming to not pick up on his change in attitude. “It’s getting late anyway and I have a summer syllabus to finish.”
I saw my guests out before turning to Lucas.
“What was that all about?”