As the guests and the Elders drifted into the small gym, everyone was confused as this wasn't what they expected. Colt approached a small podium and cleared is throat. " Please can everyone find a seat so we may get started."
Colt gave everyone a few minutes to settle and spoke. "Thank you all for coming to today's brunch to celebrate my fated mate, your new Luna. There is a lot to cover in a short amount of time so, will you please welcome Alpha Anastasia Bloodmoon, bonded daughter of Dixie Wingrove, and future Luna of Thunder Heart pack."
Stacy walked towards the podium and Colt kissed her on her cheek. Using their mind link he said "You got this". That little statement gave her a boost of confidence. " Thank you Alpha Colt" she took a deep breath and faced the crowd.
"Good morning. Thank you for taking time out of your day to join us. First thing I would like to address, please call me Stacy" Colt cleared his throat and raised his eyebrows "Uh, I mean Luna Stacy." She beamed at the crowd.
" Just last week, I was living like a human girl without any clue about who or what I was. It was the night of my 18th birthday celebration that I met Colt and discovered many dark truths." Stacy went on to explain about the Unseelie and how her wolf had been supressed. "The party wasn't intended to celebrate me, but to showcase my genetics as a daughter of two Alphas." Stacy nodded to The Guard and a gentleman spoke. "We at The Guard have detained for former Alpha and Luna, for conspiracy to traffic and imprison Luna Stacy for breeding purposes."
The crowd gasped in horror and angry grumbles littered the room. Stacy held her hand up to silence the group and she nodded to Sean.
As Sean stood up the lights lowered as documents of the Alphas financial crimes lit up the white board. " The crime against Luna Stacy unveiled a slew of crimes. To simplify the former leaders were embezzling funds meant for the pack. Essentially they were sending the pack into poverty. We have recovered many of the hidden assets and funds but as we uncover one crime, another crime surfaces."
Stacy thanked Sean. " I know everyone attending today expect to celebrate and not to grieve over the crimes of our former leaders, but as you can imagine,we are overwhelmed. Transparency is very important to us and we implore you to aide us in the rebuilding and restructuring of the pack. If you wish to join us Gamma Hunter has established offices. Despite the somber news and developments, I would still very much enjoy meeting each of you. Please join us in the garden"
The garden was lovely, the tables were decorated in soft pastels with white roses as centerpieces. As brunch was being served Stacy announced " I know that the developments we shared this morning have darkened the mood. However, please enjoy yourselves this morning and focus on ways we can make our pack thrive. Under your plates you will find blue envelopes." Stacy curtsied deeply and said " Your future Luna honors you and thanks you for your service to the pack. I wish you all happiness "
Despite the somber cloud that hung over the gathering people were starting to enjoy themselves. The happiness that radiated from the Alpha and Luna's table and it projected an aura of hope and love.
After the meal Stacy and Colt mingled with the crowd. Stacy shook hands with the gentleman and kissed the ladies on the cheek as she was introduced to everyone. The elders were spellbound. All of this was unheard of. Never had a Luna shook hands and embraced pack members. Every Luna has always looked at pack members with disdain. The simple fact that their new Luna curtsied and shown them respect immediately won them over. By the end of the event Stacy was admired and adored especially by The Whisps.
Stacy invited everyone to stay for the next event after checking with Dixie to make sure there was enough refreshments. The elders walked around the garden while Stacy and Colt gave the same presentation to the Doctors, nurses, and teachers before the luncheon.
During the lunch Stacy came up with a brilliant plan. Using her mind link she said to Colt " I have an idea, follow my lead? Mind link the others so they can join if they want, this will be entertaining" Colt squeezed her hand in acknowledgement. Her family gathered at the table. Stacy nonchalantly glanced over her shoulder to make sure The Whisps were in ear shot.
" Colt darling did they find anything, anything at all of my mother's?"
"No sweetheart, The Guard is trying. They've been searching diligently." Colt said as he put his arm around her.
Hunter spoke "Sister, I don't know what else can be done. It seems that the items of your mother's have disappeared with her."
Dixie walked over to Stacy and hugged her "Oh darling it will be ok." She stroked Stacy's hair as Stacy pretended to cry. Charlie cleared his throat and said "Maybe we should talk inside" and nudged his head in the direction of The Whisps.
Once inside the den, the family burst out laughing. "How long do you think it will take for them to take the bait?" Stacy managed to say between giggles. Isaac opened his wallet and said "I got $20 for 30 minutes" Charlie wasn't even going to be out done "Pfft, I got $50 for 20." Hunter laughed and said "I got $100 for 15" Colt said " You guys suck, I got $500 for five-" The knock on the door made all of them laught even harder. As Colt stood he collected the winnings and motioned for everyone to stop laughing.
When Sean entered the den he saw the red faces and tears. Anger instantly hit him and he growled " Who hurt our Luna?". Dixie shot up from her seat, "No one Sean, calm down. We were just laughing so hard."
Sean was slightly embarrassed "Oh, sorry" Colt patted Sean on the back "No worries dude. I'm glad that you are protective of our Luna. Now tell us what brings you here?"
"There is she-wolf who would like to speak to our Luna. She said she was a companion to the former Luna and had some information that can help."
Colt nodded and handed over the bet winnings to Sean "You won the bet". Sean looked at Colt in confusion"Trust me buddy. Why don't you give us five minutes and meet us in the offices downstairs."
Colt smiled at his family "Showtime fuckers! Charlie head to the old pack house, be ready in case we get some information".
In the offices Stacy went into the glass archive room and sat and waited patiently for The Whisp to come. She concentrated on calming her nerves drawing on Dev's patience and calmness. Stacy's concentration broke when she heard heels clicking on the floor.
A young woman with long blond hair that fell into waves at her shoulders entered the room. The young woman bowed "Your Grace, Luna Stacy, thank you for seeing me on short notice. I am Phoebe and I think I can help you." Stacy stood and clasped Phoebe's hands in hers. "Please, the honor is mine. Let's have a seat"
Stacy led Phoebe to the table "How do you think you can help?" She asked.
Phoebe swallowed hard and spoke "I assume you know who I am and about our little group?" Stacy nodded in acknowledgement.
" In Alp-I mean George's study there is a shelf with crystals and geodes I'm sure Alpha Colt know what I'm talking about. There is a rose quartz that is a key. Place it in the hole in the wall next to the bookshelf and a door will open. I don't know what's behind that door."
Stacy nodded and used her link to let Colt know to contact Charlie. "Phoebe, why did you give me this information? Do you have an ulterior motive, please be honest."
Phoebe sighed and bit her lip "Luna Stacy to be honest, I really like you. You have been through so much...suppressing your wolf is just...cruel. I wasn't close with the past Luna and I didn't care too much for the gossip, I just hung around the others because...I was tired of being poor." Phoebe started to cry.
"Oh, Phoebe." Stacy said as she hugged the girl. "I was never the popular one, I preferred to stay by myself. I do understand though. I've only had a handful of friends in my life and I'm always looking for more."
Phoebe was stunned. To her knowledge a Luna has never hugged or shown affection to an Omega before. Phoebe looked at Stacy, really looked at Stacy, there was no deception in her voice and there was only love and concern in her eyes. Phoebe dropped to her knees and bowed "I Phoebe Nightwind, vow my loyalty and service to Alpha Anastasia Bloodmoon, future Luna of Thunder Heart pack." She sat up and undid a a brooch on her dress and pricked her finger with the sharp stick pin. "By my blood, I swear upon the ancestors to take my life and soul if I should ever attempt to deceive or hurt Luna Stacy".
Stacy was shocked by this sudden development. "Uh, Phoebe. I don't know what to do. I'm still new at this" she whispered. "Luna, all you have to do is accept or reject my devotion". Stacy smiled at the simplicity of it all and spoke "I Alpha Anastasia Bloodmoon would be honored to have Phoebe Nightwind as a friend and I accept her devotion" The two young women smiled each other and Stacy gave her another hug. "Well outside of my family, I believe I just made my first friend." Stacy gave Phoebe a tight squeeze.
"Stacy, we need to get to the old packhouse now. Phoebe told the truth." Stacy, pulled away from Phoebe "My dear friend, I hate to end our meeting abruptly but I have some duties to attend right now. I don't drink tea but I'd love to have coffee with you. How about you come by tomorrow at breakfast. Talk to Dixie or Leah so they will be expecting you."