Chapter 16
Caleb’s POV ~
Arriving home, John rushed toward Bridget, and my mate stepped instinctually in front of her to protect her, and John demanded “Out of my way, woman.” Naomi, not intimidated at all, stated “No! As long as you pose a threat, I will remain.” He screeched “Who the fuck do you think you are?”
She smiled benignly and stated succinctly “I am the Beta Female of Sacred Moon. I will protect the Luna Mother from any and all threats.” And my chest swelled with pride! John said “I am her MATE!” Again, Naomi smiled and told him “And you pose a threat. I apologize if You are feeling butthurt. I will not apologize for doing my job.”
Bridget laughed and said “It’s fine, Naomi. I will take it from here.” She walked away, laughing louder with John following after.. yelling and berating her. I swung Naomi in a circle, laughed “Oh my love! This is going to be fun!”
We walked into Anderson’s office.. I introduce Naomi to him.. and Amelia.. Naomi had promised Rori to be on her best behavior.. and to try to get along with Amelia. She sat down across from Amelia and smiled “You really do look so much like Aurora.” And, in true Amelia fashion, she snapped “SHE looks like me! I am the oldest!” Naomi maintains her smile and says “Yes! You certainly are, Luna! By a whole minute and thirty seven seconds. I am well versed on your family history and dynamic!”
Amelia screamed “Oh! I’m sure you are! And all the negativity Aurora spouts.. I can’t help she is just a spiteful bitch.” Naomi took a deep breath and responded “Actually, I haven’t ever heard anything negative about you. The queen has only said she feels sorry for you.. and prays for your happiness. I didn’t mean to convey your birth was in any way a negative thing.”
Amelia stormed out saying “I will never accept this.. this interloper as my beta.. Caleb, you will get rid of it!” I laughed and said “Naomi.. now, my love, you have been introduced to the real Amelia, all her true colors blazing.”
I turned to Anderson.. “And you, Anderson? Will you demand I get rid of my Goddess given mate, as well?” He groaned “Must you, Caleb? Of course I would not ask such a thing! We will, however, have to figure a way for your mate to work with Amelia.”
I sneered “Naomi! My mate’s name is Naomi! And she has to figure out nothing! She is a beta born shewolf.. with all the training that title ensures! Amelia will be the one to find a way to work with Her! I will not expose my mate to her poisonous vitriol on a daily basis. Get your mate in line, Anderson!”
I lifted my beautiful mate and said “Time to get you to myself, gorgeous! Let them sort themselves out. I couldn’t care less!” She giggled and said “I think that went well, don’t you?” Making me laugh.
At dinner, I introduced Naomi to the pack, and she grinned “I look forward to getting to know each of you! Feel free to come to me with any questions.. anything I can help you with.” And took her seat to my right.. at the head of our table with Anderson and Amelia.
Amelia snarls “I told you to get rid of it, Caleb!” I smile at her.. shaking me head “Poor Amelia! If you knew anything whatsoever, about true Goddess given mates, you would understand.. once we accepted each other, it made it virtually impossible for us to tolerate rejection. It would kill one.. or both of us. I fear that far exceeds your level of intelligence, however.”
She screeched “She is my sworn enemy! The best friend of your ungrateful sister! I will not tolerate her presence in my home!”
I roared “My sister is the most grateful, thankful person I have ever known. She is kind. Thoughtful. Forgiving.. and Loving. All the qualities you lack, she was blessed with, tenfold! I will not have this argument play on repeat.. and Anderson.. take your fucking mate in hand.. or start looking for another Beta! I am done with her greedy selfishness! The heartlessness she displays to everyone in this pack. I had hoped.. no.. Prayed she would outgrow this ridiculous sense of self-entitlement.. She is selfish.. spineless.. spiteful and vindictive. If her hatefulness toward my mate continues, I will not prevent Naomi from beating her ass.. right before I walk away from Sacred Moon forever! And the Griffin legacy of Beta will die!”
Luna Bridget stood and began a slow clap.. then the pack followed suit.. until the applause increased in speed and crescendo.. until Anderson roared “Enough! Your Luna will cease this nonsense.. and she will be attending the Luna academy in Capitol City for three months. Naomi, I apologize for what should have been your welcome dinner. I would like to schedule your Beta ceremony for tomorrow evening, before Amelia departs.”
Naomi spoke softly “I appreciate that, Alpha. I would apologize for my part in tonight’s disruption, but that would feel like I was apologizing for my own existence. That I will not do!” He nodded at her and sat back down.
Allison said “Naomi, welcome to Sacred Moon. It pleases me that my son has found such an articulate mate.” Naomi simply lowered her head at the recognition.. and I knew it was because she was struggling to hold her tongue.. causing me to grin.
We were walking to our room, when Amelia stepped in front of Naomi and asked “How’s it feel to know you are not wanted here?” Naomi laughed and sarcastically replied “Oh! I’m not only wanted here.. I am needed here! But do tell me, Luna! How’s it feel to be the most hated person in the pack?”
I laughed all the way to our room. Priceless! My mate won’t take any shit from Amelia.. and maybe that’s exactly what she needs! The bully being bullied!