The Protected Luna

To Assert, To Conquer

Artemis

"My goodness, today is such a nice day, a perfect day to have lunch out on the patio," Everice sighed as she leaned her head on Todd's shoulder. "Great idea of yours Mom."
"Well I see no reason why we should stay indoors when there's a lot of sunshine, clear skies and fresh air outside," Mom laughed.

"And the best part is, there's no pollution. The last time we were here, the air reeked of chemicals from that horrid factory," Deidre said shaking her head. "Isabelle couldn't stand that place as the fumes would make her lose her appetite."

"My Goddess, what is with this woman and constantly bringing up her dead daughter? This is the third time she's done it since we arrived at the table," Caroline growled in annoyance.
"She's mentioning her daughter in front of me to try and get a reaction," I informed as I took a sip of my drink.
"I can't wait for her to get out of our pack and back to her own. She revolts me with her condescending tone and arrogant attitude," 

"Where is Dimitri? He's been gone for hours," Uriel said.
"He'll be here soon, he's just taking care of some business," Vince replied. "He sent me here so Lana can get a chance to eat while I keep Daniel with me."

"That poor boy works so hard. When was the last time he got a chance to sit back and relax?" Deidre asked, her eyes on me.
"Dimitri is the Alpha of  Crimson Blood, he has duties and obligations to this pack. As do I," I stated.
"Oh really?" Deidre appeared interested at my words. "What kinds of duties and obligations? Designer shopping? Organizing the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus?"

My jaw clenched and I closed my eyes while counting to ten.

"I visit the pack infirmaries, the schools, the community center and the senior homes, make inquires about the wolves, their level of comfort and their living or working accomodations. Sometimes I assist Dimitri in administrative work," I managed to say in as calm a voice as I could manage.

"When Isabelle was Dimitri's mate she used to do much more than that. She was in charge of this humanitarian group called... err, I can't seem to remember the name. Uriel what was the group called again?" she asked her son.
"Samaritani," he affirmed. "It's latin for 'Good Samaritans'."
"Right that," she smiled. "Anyway, the sole purpose of Samaritani was to act as an outreach program. Every few months, Isabelle would organize charities for the less fortunate members of Crimson Blood and donate hampers to the expecting mothers."

"How generous of her. I'm sure she was a very well liked Luna," I said lowly, practically digging my fingernails into my palms to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. That and the resentment I felt towards this woman for bringing up the topic of Dimitri's former mate- who's been dead for nearly six years now- in front of me.

Just then, the omegas came bearing our lunches on large silver platters, temporarily halting all conversation.
"Grilled beef sandwiches, bulgur salad with feta and mint, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, and orange and mint margaritas," Mom announced as they placed down plates of the food in front of everyone. "Enjoy your meal."

"I intend to," Deidre chuckled. "The chefs in Crimson Blood are very talented in the cuisine department. I remember the amazing meals we shared when we used to come here to visit. When my Isabelle was still alive."

I shook my head and started to eat, my hunger compelling me to forget about Deidre and focus on my lunch. I heard a soft giggle and looked up to see Alessandro lovingly feeding Bria from his plate and she doing the same from hers. I felt my heart sink in my chest, secretly wishing I wasn't mad at Dimitri, otherwise he and I would be doing the same thing; feeding each other and stealing kisses when no one was paying attention to us.