Chapter 56
#25 Fount
“Here, try this one next,” Norah encouraged, giving Phoebe yet another gown to try on.
This one was pink with a slight orange tint. She was pretty sure the color was called salmon. There were a lot of things she never thought of before becoming Luna to the Blue Moon pack. This was
one of those.
“It’s a shame we can’t go with blue,” Norah fussed, looking at a light blue gown. “Blue goes so good
with your eyes.”
“And why can’t we?” Phoebe asked from the dressing room.
“Because her royal pain always wears blue,” Lucille sighed. “And if anyone dares copy heads will
roll.”
In the three months since her Luna Ceremony, Phoebe felt she had been pulled in a hundred
different directions. The pack itself finally seemed to have settled into a routine now with their
Luna firmly at the helm.
Everyone went about their duties with relaxed ease. There was a sense of unity and higher-ranked
members treated lower ranks with polite dignity less they wished to incur their Luna’s wrath. A few
of the younger ones had already learned the dangers of that road.
Phoebe’s gentle nature and soft-spoken way lulled others into compliance, but if they dared ignore her warnings they would feel the weight of her aura press down on them, sending their wolves curling into balls. None dared meet her silver gaze and would bare their necks in submission,
pleading for her to withdraw her anger.
Phoebe would not tolerate any member disparaging another. Punishment for ignoring her warnings was as severe as they were creative. If a warrior thought a maid was beneath them, that was fine. They could clean their own room and do their own laundry. If a wolf thought the cooks
didn’t contribute to the pack, then they could cook their own meals and were barred from the
dining hall.
Most did not last a day trying to do their own chores and in order for them to convince Phoebe to release their punishment they needed not only to appease her, but the party they offended in the first place. If Phoebe deemed such punishment too light, she would temporarily reassign the offending wolf to join the maid’s service or the kitchen staff until she was satisfied they respected
the job and the duties. Needless to say, it didn’t take long for pack members to change their
behavior.
And it wasn’t just the pack that learned this lesson. Blue Moon often served as a mediator and
neutral party, so it hosted other packs needing intervention. If these visitors attempted to belittle
any of the Blue Moon’s members, they soon found themselves serving similar punishments. Rank
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had no bearing. If they tr had no bearing. If they tried to appeal to Jason, they found even he bowed to her. In Blue Moon, the Luna’s word was law even for the Alpha.
She was not one to laze around either. Phoebe spent most of her time with the pack nursery and daycare, instituting several education programs. A music room was added. Her mother’s piano. was moved from storage and the one already in the packhouse carefully restored, polished and
tuned. Her mother’s music books had also been located and added to the room in addition to several new instruments: recorders, xylophones, drums, guitars, bells and numerous others.
In addition to music lessons, the daycare also had its own community garden. The pups were in charge of planting, weeding and harvesting. They also went on various outings learning basic
survival and foraging skills.
The lessons were not limited to the pups. Adolescents, sub-adults and adults were all encouraged
to take part. Phoebe instituted cooking classes, mending, general first aid, gardening and foraging,
as well as several other classes that taught basic skills she thought every pack member should
know. Not only did these lessons help the members appreciate the contributions of others, it also
paved the way for them to develop hobbies and interests. Some even chose to do more advanced
research on their own.
For the most part, Norah stood back and watched in fascination as Phoebe instituted one
dramatic change after another. Her presence seeped into every aspect of the pack’s daily routine
and consciousness. It was an amazing spectacle to watch, and she wasn’t certain if anyone else
truly appreciated it for what it was.
It was like the moon had settled directly over the pack, pulling the tide and making everyone reach
new heights. Jason’s influence had also grown. He no longer fought his own loneliness and his
bouts of depression were mere memories. Blue Moon’s Alpha was not only relaxed and happy but
also brimming with confidence and dominance. Even if he didn’t force out his aura, others couldn’t
help but bare their necks in submission.
Norah was naturally happy for her son and also worried. Before finding his mate Jason already had
more influence and power than any other alpha. In fact, his aura already rivaled the king’s before
Phoebe’s arrival.
When werewolves first emerged, lycans were already disappearing. Some historians thought it
was a natural evolution, but there was evidence the transition was not a peaceful one. Norah hadn’t made a study of it herself, but she did know that many of the traditions werewolves developed to govern themselves were inherited by their lycan ancestors, including appointing a king.
After the downfall of the lycans, the six ancient packs chose their strongest alpha to be king and instituted the creation of the royal pack. The Council of Elders was established later. The King, Council and Alphas formed a check and balancing system though, in truth, the king held little
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He was little more than a figurehead, a neutral party, to rule over disputes, but any alpha was more than capable of performing such tasks. When the ancient packs decided to spread out to avoid over-crowding, it quickly became apparent how little power the king truly possessed. Since traveling back to the king for mediation was too difficult, the packs mediated for each other.
No doubt sensing their power eroding, the royal pack relocated to North America only a couple of decades ago and established themselves a territory in northern Manitoba, but the damage had
been done. Packs were already used to governing themselves and Blue Moon, in particular, built a
reputation for fair judgment and sound advice. The king tried to ignore it, assuming the status quo
would return now that they had a presence on the continent, but their influence continued to wane
while Blue Moon’s waxed.
It could not simply be ignored. Jason’s aura was too strong and even the king himself could not
command him. The disparity would only become more apparent now that he had his Luna.
Norah was nervous about what would happen when the royal family met Phoebe. They would not
be able to ignore the newly mated couple. In fact, she was quite certain no one would be able to
ignore them.
She turned as Phoebe stepped out of the dressing room and stood in front of the mirrors. The
pastel color was well-suited to her complexion and gave her a warm glow.
“Yes,” Norah smiled. “That one.”
“Finally,” Phoebe gave a relieved sigh. Shopping was one thing that she never enjoyed. “Now we
can go home.”
She craned her neck, looking for Blake and Emma who were wandering the racks. Both were
disappointed they could not attend the party, but it wasn’t a place for pups and, as the princess
couldn’t stand them, it was even a little dangerous.
“I don’t see why I have to go,” Lucille huffed. “With Phoebe here I don’t have to represent the pack
anymore.”
“That may be, but warriors are not allowed in the royal palace. Jason can only bring his Beta or Gamma. You know he won’t allow Phoebe to be unprotected.”
“So I’m a glorified bodyguard,” Lucille snorted. “You think after three months he would have calmed
down.”
Norah frowned. Jason had settled somewhat, at least he wasn’t nearly as overbearing as he had
been in the beginning. However, whenever Phoebe left the pack lands on an errand like today, his anxiety levels spiked. Given how long it took him to find her it wasn’t strange, but Norah couldn’t
help but think something else was going on.
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Wolves were creatures of instinct, guided by energies even their human counterparts did not
understand. Given the synergy between Jason and his wolf, there had to be a reason why their
protective instincts hadn’t lessened. It made Norah even more anxious that Phoebe’s first appearance in front of the royal family went well.
Phoebe returned after changing out of the gown, “So…we are done right?”
“Not quite,” Norah smiled. “Now we need to look at some accessories.”
“Is that really necessary?” Phoebe asked.
“Of course, you are representing Blue Moon, so it’s important to show the pack is strong and
prosperous.”
Phoebe sighed.
Norah chuckled. Since arriving at Blue Moon, Phoebe’s only piece of jewelry was a macaroni
necklace and friendship bracelet made by the pups. Phoebe was of a much more practical mind
and didn’t have any use for superfluous signs of wealth.
Norah couldn’t help but think how well-matched Jason and Phoebe truly were. In fact, Jason had
very little use for gifts at all. When it came to expressing heartfelt emotions, Jason preferred to
spend time and devote his attention to his loved ones. It only took a moment to see Phoebe
shared the same sentiment. She loved to spend time with them as well as cook for those she
cared about.
It quickly became a tradition for her to cook a meal for all of them: Jason, the pups, Norah, as well
as Luke, Mona, Ben and Lucille once a week. At first, they protested until Bridget set them straight. Phoebe’s love language was caring and providing, which meant food and they shouldn’t waste it.
Luke and Ben certainly weren’t ones to complain about a well-done meal and there was no denying
Phoebe’s skills in the kitchen. Jason’s thoughts were easy enough to read. He would eat anything
Phoebe placed in front of him, even if it was ketchup packets.
“I know you don’t have much interest in status symbols,” Norah said, “but these parties are all
about showing status and wealth.”
“And Blue Moon is one of the wealthiest.”
“Yes.”
“All right. Emma, Blake,” Phoebe called.
Though her voice was soft, the pups immediately returned to her side. They headed to the register where a pile of purchases was waiting for them before heading to the next store. Even though they had come for one gown, somehow they always managed to leave with a mass of purchases. Phoebe couldn’t help but think it was a waste, but it really was no use arguing with Norah or
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Lucille. At least she could donate gowns and clothes to the pack’s community closet for other
members to use later.
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