LOGINShare
Chapter 22
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Chastyn Heart Hi readers! The symptoms of PPD mentioned in this chapter are accurate. If you’re struggling with these feelings please talk to your doctor so you can get the help you need.
Related chapters
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 23
The next couple of weeks went by in a hurry. Quincy divided his time between taking care of pack matters and helping Emma with the baby. He stayed in the room down the hall and checked in with the security team frequently when he needed to be away from the pack house. Today he was scheduled for a conference call with several local Alphas and to say he was angry was going lightly. "Listen, Alpha Daryl isn't dead and Luna Emma has been handling things just fine on her own. It's archaic and insulting that you think she should be challenged. I know our nature requires an alpha, but we are intelligent enough to realize that she is capable. There are no complaints from the pack members, so there is no justifiable reason other than an attempt to acquire property and power. Which one of you wants to claim the title of Broken Paw alpha by challenging a woman who just had a baby while her mate is in a coma?" He was exasperated with the men on the other end of the phone and ready to fight them
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 24
Emma twisted her hair up into a clip and dabbed concealer under her eyes. She was tired but excited to take Caleb to the hospital. She had been living in a cocoon the last couple of weeks. It was easy to pretend everything was normal and Daryl would be part of their life soon, but the reality was that while she still had hope that he would wake up, he may never be an active part of her life again. She had a son to raise and a pack to lead, so she had to focus her priorities. Her mate was still at the top of that list, and that included making him a part of their son’s life in the best way possible. She was going to take Caleb with her every morning to visit Daryl and tell him stories about his dad. She pulled herself from her deep thoughts and walked to her closet. She chose a soft blue blouse and black pants. She pair it with with ankle boots and a thin gold necklace Daryl had given her. Then she checked the diaper bag before putting on the baby sling. She checked Caleb’s diaper befo
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 25
Quincy stood behind the Luna as she spoke to the pack. Pride filled him as he scanned the crowd. The members of Broken Paw pack were happy and content. While they missed their Alpha greatly, they loved and respected the Luna and the switch to her running the pack had been smooth. She was quiet and reserved, but she was also kind and intelligent. Her inner strength wrapped in a soft spoken demeanor worked well with their people. They were a calm, level headed bunch who appreciated that pack hierarchy kept their lives running smoothly. The Alphas he had conferenced with that morning knew the pack well, and were considered allies. It troubles him that they weren’t more supportive of Emma, but they didn’t know her very well. He would have to organize a meeting with them so she could solidify her own alliance with them instead of relying on her mate’s connections. Once they got to know her, they wouldn’t have any qualms about her remaining in control of the pack until Her mate work up or Go
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 26
As Emma approached the common area where the party had been set up, Veronica found her and offered a blanket to cover herself. “Are you okay Luna? You look…” Veronica hesitated, and Emma cut in. “I’m fine. Thank you. How did you fare,” she looked her assistant over for injuries. “I’m fine. They didn’t make it far enough into the pack to reach my area.” Emma nodded, “That’s good. I’m going to go shower and will be ready to assess the pack soon. Take a few minutes for yourself before I find you.” She strode off in the direction of the pack house, not looking back at her Beta. He was a distance back from her, but she could feel his eyes on her. ‘Hera, it’s safe to leave the safe room. Please bring Caleb to my suite and remain there with him until I return.’ She waited for Hera’s answer before checking on her next priority. ‘Paul, is my mate safe?’ Paul’s reply was quick, ‘Yes Luna, they didn’t make it inside to hospital. I think they were too focused on the crowd outside.’ She breathed a
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 27
Quincy left Emma to get dressed and went into the pack common room. Ivan and Leo were the first to report to him. Then Paul and the other squad leaders arrived. “Luna Emma will be joining us in a few moments. Until then, is there anything that needs to be addressed urgently?” He looked across the room for anyone to speak up. “Okay, since no one has spoken, I am going to assume that everything is being taken care of efficiently. Are there any reports of rouges that escaped the attack? So far we have assumed that every one of them is accounted for in the dead.” He paused for someone to speak and again no one did. “Let’s try to relax until the Luna arrives.” Quincy watched her walk into the room. Wet hair, a loose tee shirt, faded jeans, and bare feet, with her head held high and her eyes alert and taking notes as she looked across the room at their warriors. “I am so glad to see all of your faces joining me here this evening. Everyone, please take a seat. Veronica will be taki
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 28
Ivan glanced at Leo before they both looked at him expectantly. “Paul is right, that I should have planned for this. I know better than anyone else, except for Alpha Daryl, who she is and what she’s capable of. I should have known she would join the fight, but I expected her to stay with Caleb. He is her top priority right now.” He sighed, “I’m not worried about the pack, we can smooth that over easily. I will talk to her about her security team and see how she feels about it. If she wants me to remove myself, then I will. Otherwise, I will not be leaving her security team.” Leo looked at him with a stern, knowing look and he felt pressured to say more. He weighed his options but knew it would be better to talk with the people he trusted the most. “He’s also right that I am probably too close to her. Lately, I see her as more than my Luna or even a friend. She doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve already chosen her as my mate." Ivan coughed, choking on his own spit and Quincy narro
Preferred by the Luna Bonus Chapter Daryl
Daryl felt like he was floating. He could feel his body, he did a mental check to confirm that he still had all of his limbs. He felt his toes, his legs, his fingers, and his arms. He felt the rise and fall of his chest as he drew in breaths and exhaled slowly. The way his body felt reminded him of a feather floating slowly down to the ground. It felt peaceful and a little scary all at once. He didn't know if he was alive or dead, submerged in complete darkness or blind, he tried to remain calm and absorb as much information as he could. The problem was there was very little information to learn. Time went by, but he had no way of knowing how much, but unlike the feather, he never hit the ground. He just remained suspended in the air. When he grew frustrated with the lack of information around him, he replayed the explosion in his head, searching for any clues as to what had happened and where he was now. 'Surely I'm not dead. Death cannot be an endless abyss of consciousness in the m
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 29
Emma sat in her room, folding laundry as Caleb slept, and thought about Quincy. Nothing had drastically changed between them. He was always by her side, assisting her as needed in both pack duties and with Caleb, but he was doing that anyway. They were more physically affectionate with each other. It wasn't unusual for him to touch her, hold her hand, or occasionally give her a quick kiss, even in front of the pack. To her surprise, no one had anything negative to say about it. If they had any objection, no one was voicing it. The elders seemed pleased with their budding romance. A few of them had made small comments about the benefits of having a strong man that the pack trusts, like Quincy by her side, now that Alpha Daryl was not able to lead the pack. Caleb was growing fast, and she enjoyed having someone to share all of his firsts with, but there was still a big part of her heart that was lying in that hospital bed with her mate. Every day she felt divided in two, her mate bond
Latest chapter
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 41
Days passed quickly and soon it had been weeks since Emma and Quincy had spoken other than brief conversations about the pack. Although it made Emma sad to lose her closest friend in the pack, she didn’t regret her choice. She didn’t need a chosen mate and she didn’t want one that couldn’t understand her point of view or understand why it was time for traditions to change. She was exhausted from working long hours and trying to spend as much time as possible with Caleb and visiting Daryl, but now no one could say she wasn’t capable of taking care of the pack. Veronica was working on the details of the Luna Conference and Emma was excited to see how it would turn out. This event would be a three day conference for Luna’s only. The last day would also host a family event and end with a celebration for both the Luna’s and their mates. There would be many topics discussed and she hoped the conference would become an annual event. Emma was so lost in thought as she walked one of the narr
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 40
Internally Emma was berating herself for speaking too soon. Now she had to spar with the one man she wanted to avoid most. She approached the mat without hesitation, her years of training providing her with a calm exterior. Quincy gave her a grin, “Good morning Luna.” Emma gave him a cool smile, “Good morning Beta.” She stepped onto the mat and they paired off. He attempted to use his larger size the pin her to the mat, but within minutes she had him. The pack members cheered the match on and were happily chatting about her win into lunchtime. Emma returned to the pack house and Veronica joined her in the office. “Good morning Luna, here are today’s files. Your meetings have been rescheduled and I scheduled time for you and Hera to meet about the security changes.” Emma nodded, “Thank you. Please let Beta Quincy know that I’m ready to meet with him this morning.” Veronica left the office and returned a few minutes later with Quincy following behind her. He carried s legal pad and a c
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 39
“It’s nothing personal Emma. This is how our culture works. Every pack needs an Alpha and a Luna. The pack works together so everyone is provided for and protected. They are looking out for the best interest of the pack.” Quincy series on with his point of view, but Emma was so taken aback that she didn’t hear the rest of it. Anger filled her, and she felt her face and neck heat up. “I can’t believe you just said that to me. After months of working alongs side of me, you’re agreeing with them? As if I cannot manage or protect the pack simply because I am female?” She didn’t even realize that her power was filling the room. Quincy flinched slightly as it hit him, drawing his full attention to how upset she truly was. He fully submitted to her without hesitation, baring his neck to her. Emma ignored the gesture and made no effort to control her aura. “There are times when society needs to change. Broken Paw Pack has been fine under my leadership. It is insane to think that I cannot ma
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 38
Emma sat at the conference table with the four Alphas who’s packs connected to her. “Good afternoon gentlemen. I’m must say, I was surprised that you asked for this meeting. Please tell me why you’re here.” One man spoke up, “we are here to express our concern for your pack. We have brought up the issue with Beta Quincy but it is time we address it with you. Since Alpha Daryl is unable to manage the pack, there are concerns that you will be challenged. It puts your allies in a difficult position.” Emma breathed in slowly as she sat back in her chair. Sitting straight and shoulder back, she exhaled. As she let the muscles in her body relax, her power flowed freely to the men in the room. She watched them intently as each one struggled not to submit to her. “I greatly appreciate your concern, but I am not worried about my ability to meet any challengers.” She pulled back her aura, and another one piped in. “There are also rumors about the attack. People are whispering that you are Ly
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 37
Once the interview was done, Emma felt for confused than ever. Alice had answered every question they asked and she seemed to be telling the truth about everything except how she escaped. For days now Emma had been replaying it in her head, and she couldn’t comprehend why. Today she decided to have Alice over to discuss it. Caleb went to the nursery, and Quincy had left with the Lycan team to apprehend some of the names she had given. Hera was ever present for her protection, but for this conversation, she wanted to be alone. It was mid afternoon, and she was relaxing in her suite when Alice arrived. She inclined her head, “Good afternoon Luna. Thank you for inviting me. I was quite surprised when you asked me to come.” Emma waved her hand, “never be surprised when I ask for your company. I do consider you a friend, however, I must admit I had more than companionship on my mind when I asked you to join me.” Alice took a seat next to Emma. “Oh really? What did you have on your mind?”
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 36
Everyone got into place for the interview to begin. The session would be recorded. Quincy, Alice and Karen went into the interview room. John and the other team members began setting up the case file information so it could be viewed as they went through the interview process. Emma paced the room as the session began. Alice and the woman sat at the table, while Quincy sat in the corner. Comfortable chairs had been brought in to make the room more accommodating. John started the recorder, and the woman introduced herself. “Hi Alice, my name is Karen. I’m sure you’re aware, but I am one of the team members investigating this is situation. I have a degree in psychology, and have work as part of the Lycan investigation team for 15 years. More importantly, I am a mother to three girls, and if anyone had treated them the way you’ve been treated, I would be out for blood. Everyone deserves to be free and happy, and to have a choice. That choice was taken from you. I’m here to help you get j
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 35
Emma went to the pack nursery and was greeted by young she wolf. “Good afternoon Luna, are you here to pick up the little alpha? Emma smiled but shook her head. “No, I have more meetings this afternoon, but I wanted to spend some time with him before I had to go back to the office.” She went down the hall and found her son’s classroom. His teacher was sitting in the floor, surrounded by four babies in bouncy seats, reading a story book. Caleb was happily cooing at the hanging toys above his chair. When Emma entered, the teacher gently lay the book down and inclined her head in respect. “Good afternoon Luna, are you here to pick up the little alpha?” Emma smiled at the nickname. “No, unfortunately I have to go back to meetings later, but I did want to spend some time with him.” She sat on the floor and unbuckled him from the bouncer. “Continue reading please, the kids seem to like it.” Emma snuggle Caleb, covering his face with kisses as they listen to the story. When the story had end
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 34
Quincy dismissed the staff member as they left the conference room. It was a short walk to the guest rooms. Emma directed each one to their designated rooms. It wasn’t until the very end when only an older couple was standing together that she gave any indication that she knew the team members “Come, let me show you the room I have for you. It is quite lovely.” She open the door and stepped inside. They followed her through the door, and Emma turned to gave them a big hug. Mom, Dad, I didn’t expect to see you here, but I’m so glad you are! I can’t wait for you to see Caleb. He is growing so fast, I just can’t believe it. Her mom glanced around the room, “you’re right, this is a lovely room dear. We were so excited to come on this trip. Honestly, I think the King planned our attendance on purpose. Do you know how much we hate being away from you and missing out on seeing our grandson?You should bring him to the palace.” Emma shook her head, “No, absolutely not. Not until he’s older. T
Preferred by the Luna Chapter 33
“Let’s focus on Alice today, and tomorrow we focus on the Luna.” Steven left the Beta’s office and Quincy went to find Emma. She was elbow deep in paperwork and muttering to herself. He gently tapped the door and she looked up. “Any news on the Lycan team?” Emma shook her head, “No. I suspect they’ll be here soon though. How was your sister?” Quincy sat and took a stack of papers. He rifle through them, sorting them by priority. “She’s doing as good as can be expected. My dad drop by to check on me. He’s worried about Alice and my mother is hovering. I’ve had a lot on my mind and I feel like I’m getting tunnel vision. I’m wondering, did you ever, or do you have any concerns about how Alice got to us? I feel like the more we learn about this situation the more complex it is. Maybe there is more to it, and we’re missing it. I think that our focus has been on helping Alice with adjusting when we should be looking more into the entirety of the situation she came from. Does that make sense
