Chapter 47

Luka’s POV

I listened silently as the nobles complained to the elders and Emma made notes, now knowing she was the woman I had seen kissing Cabel. His White Moonlight, gag me with a spoon.

She did her best to frown and pout her bottom lip every time a noble complained, pretending to sympathize with them. She was Olivia’s sister. I trusted her about as far as I could throw her.

“The system weakens our power. It makes the omegas think they are equals. Makes them think they have rights to do as they please,” complained the alpha from Iron Pack.

“The workload doubles for the remaining omegas when the others are on vacation. How is that helpful? The system will not work,” complained another Alpha.

Caleb sat beside me as we both listened to the nobles.

“Luka, this system is sparking debate among all the nobles, not just the ones here today. They are not happy. Now is not a time to cause civil war.” He rapped his fingertips against the wood railing. “The system works well enough. It does not need to be changed.” Caleb pushed to his feet and left the room. Emma glanced over her shoulder and smiled a wicked smile at me.

I wanted to follow Cabel, but I didn’t. I wanted the nobles to see me standing up for what I believe, damn them.

After the nobles left, I investigated the daily conditions of the Omegas who joined the attempt to create the new system. They seemed like they were doing fine. They even greeted me with excitement for when their turn would come for a break. I smiled and continued to check on them. I didn’t understand what the nobles were talking about. The Omegas in the mansion buzzed excitedly.

Then I saw Emma, in the servant quarters. She brought a doctor for daily examinations of the Omegas that were participating in the vacation implementation. Several of the women were lined up looking worried.

After all the women were examined, the doctor said, “I believe that the workload of Omegas participating in the vacation system has increased substantially, making rest imminent, resulting in poor physical condition because of the increased workload.”

Emma spotted me and smiled, pleased with herself. Two of the women, looking worried, complained, “This is because of Luka, the King’s mate. She wants things to change.”

I was disappointed. I knew the women were only saying those things because they were worried about being punished. I saw this kind of thing all the time at Long Lake Pack.

I left, walking toward the back patio, needing air and time to think. Emma followed me out, her blond hair shining bright in the late afternoon sun.

“I have good memories of Caleb and this place. I have missed it. I am happy to be back.” She smiled sweetly at me, but it didn’t reach her eyes, which were dark and cold.

I thought of the letters I found in Caleb’s study and decided to distance myself from Caleb and the council of elders. My attempt at helping the Omegas was backfiring. I had to come up with a plan. And worrying about Caleb and Emma’s relationship wasn’t going to help anything.

Tonight… Caleb would find my door locked, and maybe tomorrow. Hell, maybe for a month.

Caleb’s POV

I twisted the doorknob. Locked again. Frowning, I walked back to my room. This was week two, when Luka had the bedroom door locked. Clearly, she wasn’t happy with how I handled the Nobels and their complaints about the vacationing system.

I blew out a breath, glancing at her door mournfully before entering mine. I missed talking with her and eating dinner with her, but our schedules were so full that we were exhausted at the end of the day. I had my Kingly obligations, and she was learning about her role as Luna. Still, I wanted to hold her.

The next day, I shuffled my schedule around so I would be in the training room at the same time as her. I missed our sessions together. I had checked on her combat training, and Mia said she was getting pretty good.

When I came into the building, she was on the far mate with—— the intermediate learner. I grinned. She was out of the beginner ring. I could work with her, so I strolled over.

“Good morning, Luka.”

She half-smiled and blocked a punch from ——.

“I’ll take over,” I said, bouncing from foot to foot, swinging my arms, warming up.

Before I set my stance, Luka was kicking, spinning, and punching. She nailed me in the sternum, and I stumbled back a few feet.

Surprised, I took her in. Her jaw was set and brows stitched together, a look of determination or possible anger created an edge to her look.

She came for me again fast. I blocked and backstepped. I saw her mind working. She advanced again, drew me in to block, but she pulled back at the last second, side-stepped me, and swept my foot out from under me. I landed on my back with a thud.

The entire training gym was watching our match. I sprang off the ground and landed a roundhouse kick. The air was knocked from her lungs, and fire ignited in her brown eyes.

I didn’t understand what was wrong. “Luka, that is enough. What’s wrong?”

She ran for me, knocking me to the ground again.

“What’s wrong? What’s wrong? You are,” she spat the words out.

“You're afraid of change. And fearful of the Nobels. You are an arrogant ruler who doesn’t care about the quality of life for your Omegas.”

I stood hurt by what she said. “I’m not afraid of change.”

“Then you’re afraid to challenge your Nobels.”

She walked off the mat and out of the building. All eyes were on me. I growled low and left.

All day, Luka’s words ate at me like a dying rabbit eaten by a fox. Understood what she wanted to do and why she wanted to help the omegas. Her connection with them would always be part of her, but how to get the nobles to get on board of the vacation system idea?

I paced my study. I felt understanding clawing its way to the surface of my mind. Then it happened. The idea took hold. The rest system could help improve the pack’s hunting ability. If the male omegas could take time off to hunt, then they could provide more for their families, improving the overall well-being of the pack. A grin split across my face. This was it.

I could bring the idea before the elders once more. They would have a hard time saying no now. Luka would be pleased. I headed to the elder’s chamber to speak to them right away. I wanted this fight between Luka and I to be over. I wanted to be with my mate.

The elders glared at me, knowing they couldn’t reject the idea. The system was successfully implemented, and Luka would receive the praise she deserved.

As I was about to leave the chamber. The head elder, Marcus, halted me.

“Alpha King, it has come to the elders’ attention that Luka may become Luna.”

He cleared his throat and lifted his round chin. “We don’t believe she is the best choice. Emma is a better match and can give birth to an heir with a better bloodline.

My body stiffened with irritation at the idea that the elders thought they could choose my mate. A fated mate wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

Emma had rejected him years ago because he wasn’t her mate. They cared for each other, but the bond was strong and hard to break.

“Luke is my fated mate. She will become Luna.” I publicly announced that for the first time.

“Caleb, that is not wise. She is of low status; we recommended Emma instead.”

I clenched my jaw. “She has a mate. As do I.”

“She has rejected her mate and is a good choice. Think about it.”

I hesitated at that knowledge. Old feelings rushing in. How to choose?