Lenore
My heart is racing as the elevator rises. I can’t believe that of all of the wolves in the world, Torben fucking Ambrose is my mate. “Why him?” I say, looking up. “Why Torben Ambrose, Moon Goddess? Do you hate me or something?”
‘He isn’t that bad,’ Astrid chimes in.
‘He is the literal worst, Astrid,’ I yell at my wolf, and she whimpers.
The elevator door opens, and I march down the hall and open the door to the room I am sharing with Judi. My best friend is on her bed making out with her new mate. I ignore them and throw myself on the bed.
“Oh, hi Lenore,” Judi snarks.
“I’m sorry,” I say with my face buried in the bed. “I’m sorry, Judi,” I repeat and sob.
“What happened, Lenore?” Judi asks. I feel the bed dip and then her hand on my back.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I mumble and close my eyes.
“Did you catch Simon Dante with another girl or something?” Judi asks.
“No,” I cry and roll over to look at my best friend. Her mate is sitting quietly on her bed. I look at him. “I’m sorry for interrupting you.”
“No, it’s alright,” Ryker replies. “I have little sisters, so I understand.”
I sniffle, “He seems nice, Judi. I am happy for you,” I bury my face in the bed again and sob. “I wish my mate was nice.”
“Whoa, Lenore. You met your mate!” Judi exclaims and claps her hands. “Who is it?”
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I cry again.
“Lenore, come on, tell me,” Judi says in a sing-songy tone. She pokes my back, and I try not to giggle.
I roll over and stare at Judi and then open my mouth to tell Judi when there is a knock on the door. I pick up the pillow and cover my face. “Oh gods, he found me,” I whine. I hear the door open, and Judi greets whoever it is. The scent tells me that it isn’t Torben.
“Is Lenore Moonglade in here?” A female voice asks.
“That depends on who is asking,” Judi says with her tone of attitude.
“I’m Teresa Ambrose, Alpha Torben’s mother,” the woman says, and I slide the pillow down and sit up on the bed. “Oh, you must be Lenore,” Teresa steps into the room, ignoring the glare from my best friend. “I just wanted to talk to you.”
“You mean we,” I watch as the former queen, Rebecca, steps into the room behind Teresa.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to talk about Alpha Ambrose,” I grumble and sigh. “Can you maybe convince him to reject me so I can find a mate that isn’t a complete-“
“Jackass,” Judi blurts out.
“Judi,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
Teresa sighs, “Oh, dear, I’m sorry my son isn’t the warmest man.”
“Antarctica is warmer,” I mumble.
“Torben isn’t all that bad, Lenore,” Rebecca adds.
I have to refrain from rolling my eyes, “I don’t think I would mesh well with Alpha Ambrose’s way of life. I am a happy person, and I can’t deal with someone like him.”
Teresa presses her lips together, “I know my son comes off as cold-hearted and rigid. He wasn’t always like that,” She explains. “He was a happy-go-lucky pup. His father was rather strict with him, but Lawson was also loving toward Torben. However, when my mate died, and Torben was forced to become the alpha at eighteen, something changed in him. It’s like he was chasing a ghost, trying to be everything he thought Lawson would want him to be. He distanced himself from everyone.”
I nod along as Teresa speaks.
“But deep down, I just know that loving and warm little boy is in there still. He needs someone like you to show him the light. Please give my son a chance,” Teresa pleads. “Rebecca tells me you have been acting as the Luna of Moonglade Pack since your mother passed, is that right?”
I nod, “That is right. I have also been teaching my brother’s mate how to be a good Luna.”
“You seem to be an intelligent girl, and you come from two strong bloodlines. I met your mother years ago, and she was brilliant as well. I believe you would be a good fit in our pack. We need someone like you, Lenore,” Teresa's words partially affect me. “Please, you have to try.”
I take a deep breath and glance at Judi, “What do you think?” I ask her.
She is leaning against her newly found mate. I wish I had been lucky like her, “I think you should give him a try, Lenore. I am giving Ryker a chance.”
“Yeah, but he doesn’t seem to be a complete asshole,” I glance at Teresa, “Sorry.” I close my eyes and remember my mother telling me about mates.
‘You have to give them a chance, Lenore.’ Her voice echoes in my head. ‘Even if they don’t seem to be a good fit. You have to trust the Goddess chose him for you for a reason. There will always be something that will show you both why you were meant to be.’
“I will give Alpha Ambrose a chance,” I say to Teresa. “But only for a month. Then if things don’t work out, I am going home.”
Teresa sighs, “A month is better than nothing, dear. I pray that it will be all you need.”
I sigh again.
“I see you are tired. I will go now. Thank you for listening. I’m sorry my son is making you leave bright and early, but he is rigid about work,” Teresa frowns. “Mina and I will be home n a few days. Mina is Torben’s sister. I think you two will get along well,” Teresa gives me a smile full of hope before walking out of the room with Rebecca behind her.
I lay back down on the bed. “Shit!” I curse. I get up and walk into the bathroom. I change out of my dress and throw on a pair of shorts and a crop top to sleep in. I walk back into the room, and Judi is making out with Ryker. “Don’t let me interrupt,” I grumble as I start to pack my things. I hate that his majesty is making me leave so abruptly. I want to spend more time with my Dad and brother. I want to spend more time with Judi. I sit on the bed with a groan. There is another knock on the door, and it makes Astrid crazy. The scent seeps through, and I whine again.
I open the door, and he is standing there in all of his grumpy glory. He seems to tense when he looks at Ryker. I look past him, “Is there something you need, Alpha Ambrose?” I ask dryly.
“I-“ He starts to say, and I sense nervousness from him. I find that unusual. “I am leaving at six am sharp tomorrow. Be ready to go,” He orders.
I look at the ground because I don’t want him to see the tears in my eyes. “You already told me, Alpha Ambrose.”
“I want you to dress appropriately too. Nothing like this,” He gestures to my clothes.
‘Does he think I dress in my pajamas everywhere?’ I scoff inwardly. “Yes, Alpha Ambrose,” I say to him and start to close the door.
He stops the door, “Goodnight, Lenore,” He says in an almost friendly tone. “And please call me Torben.” He lets go of the door.
I have nothing else to say to him, so I slam it. I trudge back to my bed with tears streaming down my cheeks. “I don’t want to go, Judi,” I cry to my best friend before flopping on the bed again. I sob into the pillows for a few minutes. I hear my father talking to Ryland and Carl in the hall. I get up and wipe my eyes. I need to speak to him before I leave forever. I open the door, and they are in the hall.
“Hi, Daddy,” I say to my father.
He frowns when he looks at me, “Oh, Lenore. Are you okay, sweetheart?”
I look down and shrug.
“Is it because of Alpha Ambrose?” He asks.
I look up at him. He puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me towards his room. “Let’s talk,” He opens the door and leads me to a couch.
“I don’t want to go, Daddy,” I say to him. “But his mother and the former queen came to speak with me.”
Dad sits beside me and grabs my hand, “And?”
“I told her I would give Alpha Ambrose a chance,” I sigh.
“I see,” Dad responds. “What does your wolf think?”
“Well, of course, she wants him. She isn’t happy that I am not on board. But Daddy,” I whine. “I don’t see it working.”
He strokes the top of my hand, “I know it’s hard, Lenore. King Tyrell told me that Alpha Ambrose wasn’t always the cold hard ass as we all know him. He has been running his pack since he was eighteen, and I think he just lost his humanity. He needs someone like you to remind him that it’s okay to smile and laugh. I know it’s hard to see Her wisdom, but the Goddess makes these decisions for a reason.”
I look at my father as he speaks, and a tear rolls down my cheek. He gently wipes it off.
“Oh, my sweet Lenore. You are everything that someone like Alpha Ambrose needs. You are so intelligent and kind and beautiful. He will be a fool not to see that,” Dad says.
I start to sob, “Daddy.”
He pulls me into his arms, and I sob against his chest. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You will be a great Luna,” He strokes my back. He pulls back and wipes the tears from my cheeks, “Show that son of a bitch what Lenore Moonglade is made of.” He stares into my eyes for a moment. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”
I hug him one more time, “I will miss you so much, Daddy.”
“I’ll always be here for you, Lenore,” He kisses my forehead. “You can always count on your father’s love.”
“I better go to bed. I have to be up early,” I sigh.
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” Dad holds me tight for a moment. “Ryland and I will be up early too to say our goodbyes.”
I nod and start to stand up. “Goodnight, Daddy.”
He grabs my hand. “Stay strong, Lenore. I love you.”
“I love you, Daddy.” I sigh and walk out of his room. I walk back into my room, and Judi lies on her bed. “Where did Ryker go?”
“He went back to his room,” Judi responds.
“So, are you going to his pack?” I ask.
“Of course.”
I lay on my bed and sighed, “I have to leave tomorrow morning.”
“I heard,” Judi scoffs. “What an asshole.”
Astrid growls in my head, ‘He isn’t an asshole.’
‘He’s an asshole, Astrid. And I am stuck with him.’
She whimpers, ‘You aren’t being fair to him, Lenore.’
‘No, the Goddess isn’t being fair,’ I say and then block her out. “Goodnight, Judi. If I don’t see you in the morning, I will miss you.”
Judi gets up from her bed and flops beside me. She hugs me. “I will miss you too, Len. It won’t be the same without you. You are my sister.”
I lean against her. “I feel the same way about you, Judi.” We end up falling asleep in the same bed. We are woken up by heavy knocking at the door.
“Lenore,” I hear my father’s voice. “Lenore, are you awake?”
I look at the clock, and it is ten minutes till six. “Shit,” I curse and sit up, waking up Judi.
“What the hell?” She mumbles.
I rush over to the door and open it, “Hi, Daddy.”
“Honey, you have to get going,” He sighs.
“I forgot to set my alarm,” I chuckle. “I’ll get dressed.” I shut the door and rushed over to my bags. I should be dressing nice to satisfy his majesty, but I don’t care right now. I throw on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. I laugh to myself while Astrid growls. ‘What?’
‘You know he isn’t going to like your clothes,’ She grumbles.
‘I don’t care, Astrid.’ I snort and grab my bags. Judi frowns as we hug.
“Call me,” Judi whispers in my ear.
I release and feel my tears welling up again. “Bye, Judi,” I say and walk out of the room. My brother grabs my bags as we start down the hallway. Dad is waiting for us by the elevators talking to Carl.
The Beta takes a deep breath, “Moonglade will not be the same without you, Lenore.” He hugs me.
“Thank you, Carl,” I tell him. “Tell Tammy I said bye.”
“I will, kiddo,” He smiles.
The elevator door opens, and I get in with Dad and Ryland. We ride down in silence. My heart races the closer we get to the bottom floor. The door opens, and we walk towards the entrance. Astrid becomes restless as Alpha Ambrose’s scent hangs in the air. My heart thrums against my chest as we step outside, and my mate is standing beside a limo wearing an expensive suit. His dark eyes are narrowed in anger.
“I guess you didn’t teach your daughter punctuality, Alpha Moonglade,” Alpha Ambrose growls at my father.
“Don’t you dare think you know anything about how I raised my daughter, Alpha,” Dad snarls.
I look at the ground as my mate steps toward me. “I thought I told you to dress nice.”
“You told me to dress appropriately,” I respond, and my brother snickers.
“Come along. We are late, Lenore,” Alpha Ambrose says dryly. “The servant will put her things in the limo,” He instructs my brother.
I look at my father and brother as the tears become too much. I throw my arms around my father. “I don’t want to do this, Daddy,” I sob into his chest.
“It will be okay,” Dad assures me. He hooks a finger under my chin. “You can do this, Lenore.”
“Lenore! We are late,” Alpha Ambrose barks.
I hold onto my father tighter for a moment. “Bye, Daddy.”
“If things don’t work out, you can always come home,” Dad says to me and kisses my forehead. “But I have confidence that it will. You just have to give it a chance.”
I release my father and then hug my brother.
“I will miss you, little sister,” Ryland hugs me tight. “If that asshole gives you trouble, call me, and I’ll come and kick his ass.”
“Thank you, Ry,” I say to my brother.
“Lenore!” Alpha Ambrose barks again, and Ryland growls.
I release my brother, wipe the tears from my eyes, and turn to my mate. I don’t look at him as I crawl into the limo. I sit on one of the seats close to the driver while Alpha Ambrose sits in the back. His dark eyes glare at me. I try not to let it affect me as the limo pulls away from the palace. I press myself against the window and wave to my father and brother. More tears fall down my cheeks as I settle into the seat. I refuse to look at my mate even though I feel his gaze upon me.
‘Talk to him,’ Astrid whispers.
I ignore my wolf, pull my phone from my bag, plug in my headphones, turn on my favorite music, and stare out the window on my journey to my new home. Every so often, I glance at my mate. He is mostly gazing out the window with an almost sad look.
‘Talk to him,’ Astrid repeats.
‘About what?’ I scoff.
‘Anything. You are about to spend the rest of your life with him,’ She has to remind me.
‘Thanks for reminding me,’ I grumble to her. ‘Maybe I’ll get lucky, and he will die next week or something.’
‘Lenore!’ Astrid yells at me. ‘He is our mate, don’t talk like that.’
I glance over at Alpha Ambrose, and he is staring back at me. He moves his mouth to say something, and I pull one of the headphones from my ears. “What?”
“I said I would prefer you not to ignore me the whole way back to Hemlock Grove,” He says in an angered tone.
“Well, I don’t have anything to say to you,” I respond and look out the window to avert my gaze.
“I am your mate. Surely you have a lot to say to me,” Alpha Ambrose responds.
“No, I can’t say I do.” I fold my arms.
I hear him sigh and glance at him. He is staring out the window again.
“If that is your wish to remain silent. I prefer my women quiet, anyways,” He mumbles.
We fall into silence the rest of the way to his pack. It takes hours, and I play on my phone while texting Judi and my brother. I fall asleep and am woken up when the limo stops.
I open my eyes, and we are being waved through a grand gate. I look out the window as we pass manicured lawns and well-kept houses. The area surrounding the homes is just beautiful. I see the large packhouse in the distance, and it’s larger than the one I grew up in.
“What do you think of Hemlock Grove?” Alpha Ambrose asks me.
“It’s beautiful, Alpha,” I respond to him.
“Why are you still calling me Alpha?” He says sadly. “I call you Lenore. Why can’t you call me Torben?”
I don’t respond as I watch out the window. “Your territory is gorgeous. Your people appear to be treated well.”
“They are treated well,” He responds.
The limo stops in front of the large house, and he slides out of the vehicle. I get out and look around. There is a line of omega in front of the door. An older female steps toward us and bows to Torben.
“This is Linda. She is my head omega. She will show you to my room and then show you around,” Alpha Ambrose explains. “You will join me for dinner. I expect you to dress nicely. I have to get to work. Welcome to Hemlock Grove, my Luna,” He touches my cheek and attempts a smile before walking away.
I watch him walk away, “Come this way, Luna,” Linda says to me and leads me into the mansion.