The Designated Mate novel Chapter 8

"Poppy, welcome to the Silver Fang pack. We're so glad to have you here," The man, who I knew was the Alpha, spoke first. I clenched my hands together at my waist before slightly lowering my head to show respect.

"I'm so sorry for the circumstances you've had to come to us in, but, as my mate said, we are glad you're here and happy to help you. I'm Luna Caroline, and this is obviously my mate Aaron. Kiara waxed lyrical about you when we spoke on the phone, so we have no doubt you'll get settled in with the other pack members in no time," The Luna said with a smile that I returned. I gave her the same respectful bow before meeting them in the eyes.

"I appreciate your willingness to help me in my time of need. I am forever grateful for it, though I do have one request," I said with a wince, hating the feeling that I was already making demands to those I'm indebted to.

"Yes?" The Alpha asked with slight confusion.

"Would it be possible to let the pack know that I am here confidentially? I know that you don't have an alliance with my old pack and I don't want to take the risk of them catching wind of me staying here and start a war," My words seemed to cause the Luna to smile brightly and squeeze her mate's bicep that she was holding onto.

"Kiara mentioned that you have undue selflessness. I can see what she means. We were planning on informing the pack of your situation before your induction party, so not to worry," She chuckled, causing a sheen of sweat to cover my whole body.

"I think you scared her, darling." The Alpha fake whispered as I felt all the blood drain from my face.

"No, no. It's fine, really. I just, um, I'm not great with people or big crowds," I explained weakly.

"I'd like the cottage, please," I answered quietly. A big smile split across her face.

"I would've chosen the same. It may come as a shock to you with how much I talk, but I was just like you before becoming a Luna and a mother. I stuck to myself and just did my own thing," She said with a laugh before helping me fill out the housing form.

"Okay. That's all we need from you for now, the rest will come after your official induction into the pack. Would you liked to meet a couple pack members or see your cottage first?" She asked. A warm fuzzy feeling of comfort settled into the pit of my stomach when she said your cottage, but I knew I should be polite and say hello to some new people as to not appear anti-social or rude.