"Oh, umm…it's not so bad. You'll find it beautiful when you get used to it. There are a lot of amazing things in the woods that we won't be able to see unless we bond closely with the forest. It's truly an amazing place," I grinned.
"So you got no education?" Jackson raised a brow.
"I did. You can get education anywhere, you know?"
"How? You didn't go to school? Or were there schools in the woods that we don't know of? Is it something we can't see unless we bond close to the forest goddess?" Ryle laughed, causing his friends to follow.
I let out an awkward chuckle. "No, there weren't any schools there but I did learn a lot of things. Education is learning. You and I might be learning different things but it's both education so it's the same,"
"Luna, not to offend you," Liya laughed, covering her mouth. "We're talking about actual education."
My smile faltered. "Oh,"
"Yeah, like do you know biology, physics, and chemistry? We were taught science. It's not the same as using sticks and stones to build a house." Jessica added.
My hands were getting sweaty. This is not going the way I thought it would go. When did this conversation turn out to be like this?
"Guys, be nice," Tyler spoke up. "Our Luna is new here. You guys are overwhelming her,"
"Oh, Mr. Nice is annoyed. Calm down, Ty. We're just having a conversation. Luna is totally fine. Look at her smiling." I gave an awkward smile when Liya pointed at me.
Tyler sighed before shaking his head.
"Luna, I heard that the alpha has some trouble accepting you as his mate. Is it true?" Tessa asked with a sad expression. I averted my eyes when I didn't know how to handle that question. "It was obvious at the wedding if you're wondering how we got that information. We all felt bad for you. The alpha should've been a little kind,"
I let out a nervous chuckle. "He's not that bad. He just needs some time,"
"It's because our Luna is a rogue. You know how much he hates rogues. And on top of that, he's still in love with Avery even though she's not here anymore." Jessica sighed.
"Oh yeah, I totally forgot. His previous mate was such a sweetheart. It'll be a little difficult for you to replace her,"
"The members thought of Avery as a blessing to our pack. She was the nicest person we've ever met. I don't think anyone will ever be able to take her place."
"I'm not…I'm not trying to replace her," I let out a nervous chuckle.
"Replacing her isn't even an option. Alpha Cassian was so in love with her. I think he still is."
"True, I remember when they were newly mated. They were so lovey-dovey. He treated her like a queen. I've never seen a man being so whipped for his mate. I used to dream about finding a mate like him. But now he has changed so much it's just sad."
I looked down. So he used to be like that…
Making him treat me like his previous mate is impossible. I just wish he would just acknowledge me as his mate.
"I have an idea! Maybe you should try dressing up like Avery, you know? We can dye your hair blonde and change up your style. Then let's see if he has any change in attitude!" Liya exclaimed excitedly.
"W-What?" I stuttered out as the blood drained from my face.
"Oh.my.god! You guys are such assholes…." An unfamiliar voice boomed in the studio house.
I looked up to see a person on the balcony. She was dressed in all black. Black boots, a short dress, and pretty metal jewelleries.
"What kind of ridiculous advice are you giving that poor thing? Y'all want to set her up so bad for your entertainment, don't you?" She rolled her eyes.
"You stay out of this, Ruth. Nobody invited you to this conversation," Liya's voice turned a little dark.
"What is this? A party that you need an invitation to get into? What are you smoking, girl?" Ruth scoffed. "I was up there listening to you all seven idiots talk shit to our new Luna. Goddess, if I were her, I would've whooped all of your asses for daring to speak to me like that." She talked as she descended the stairs.
She looked so badass. Her short hair was bouncing as she took each step. She carried herself with such confidence that made me wish I was like her.
"What did we say? We were just having a conversation." Ronan defended.
"Conversation my ass." She glared at him. "Y'all were insulting her and trying to set her up. Jealousy is a deadly disease, you know? It must be so hard for y'all to see a person your age be in such a high position of the pack but that doesn't mean you can do dirty stuff like this and get away with it. Remember, she's your Luna now. When you are going to join pack duties, she can make decisions for you. So be kind," She crossed her arms.
"Urgh, whatever! Come on, guys. I'm going out. This outcast ruined my mood," Tessa announced irritatedly before stomping out of the studio house. The rest of the group followed her but not before throwing a nasty glare Ruth's way.
Ruth turned to me when everyone was out of the house. "Hi, I'm Ruth. I'm Ronan's sister. I'm sorry for not interfering earlier. I didn't know they would take it this far,"
"Oh no, it's okay. I'm Ivy, by the way,"
"I know. How can I not know our Luna's name?" Ruth smiled. "You were looking to make friends, weren't you? Goddess, you had such bad luck at that. I remember watching you being in a similar situation at the welcome party."
"Oh, yeah… I remember that too…" I let out an awkward laugh. "I think I'm not good at making friends."
"It's not that you're not good at it. It's just that you're going to the wrong people." Ruth shrugged.
"Uhh…so can I be your friend?"
Ruth seemed like she was taken aback by that question. She waited a moment before frowning. "Umm…I usually prefer being alone but I think I can give you company till you find someone to be friends with. Does that sound okay to you?"
"Sure! Thank you!" I beamed. I made a friend! And she seems nice.
"Come, let's go to the balcony and talk. You can talk to me if you want to get anything off your chest. You seem like you are struggling."
We walked up to the balcony. I didn't know how to say it. I am struggling but will it be okay to talk about it? What if Ruth sees me as a weak luna after that?
"Don't worry, I'm not going to think any less of you after that. " She suddenly said, surprising me.
Can she read minds? How did she know I was thinking that?
"Umm…. I don't know what to say. I just feel really alone here. The members aren't very kind…not all of them but a good part of them is still not willing to accept me as their Luna. I understand their feelings. It must be hard for them but I'm afraid that I would never be able to change their mind." I sighed. "I want to prove myself to them but I don't know how…"
"You'll prove yourself when the situation arises. A good luna is a person who puts the pack first and protects the pack when needed. I'm sure you'll do that when there is a need for that. Until then, don't worry too much about it. Just try to work on yourself. Work on being confident, learning skills, and understanding people."
My eyes widened as I listened to Ruth. She's such a wise person. Everything she said seems to make sense. Why didn't I think like that? I need to work on myself and I need to develop and improve my skills so they could be useful when it's needed. Instead of worrying about people who don't accept me, I should work so I won't let down the people who trust me.
"Thank you. What you said makes so much sense."
"You're welcome," Ruth smiled. "But we do need to work on you and your mate."
I paused. "Huh? How? That's impossible… He's still not moved on from his previous mate…"
"Well, he should. It's time for him to do that. Because if he doesn't, it's going to affect you, him, and this whole pack." Ruth said as she started to put back all the painting supplies that were spread out on the table.
"What should I do? He doesn't even acknowledge me as his mate."
"Well, the best and simplest way is seduction." She said nonchalantly.
I almost choked on my saliva. "W-What?!"
"Seduce him till he can't deny his attraction to you. Nature will do the rest."
I shook my head. "That's impossible. He still sees me as a kid. I don't think he's attracted to me in that way. "
"He sees you as a kid?" Ruth frowned. "Oh, well, you're eighteen and he's twenty-eight. It must be weird for him to look at you sexually but remember everyone is attracted to their mate no matter what. It's in their nature. Especially if he's an alpha and you are an omega. It's not easy for him to keep his front. I'm impressed that he made you believe he has no interest in you. Goddess, his wolf must be going insane." She flopped down on the chair.
"I don't know how to seduce people. I'm not…I can't even think about it." I covered my cheeks as I felt myself blushing.
"Oh, you don't have to seduce people. It's just your mate. And don't worry, I'll give you some tips on how to do it. " Ruth winked. "But before that, you need a makeover."
"A makeover? What is that?"
"Oh, poor child. You really don't know anything, do you?"
I blushed. "I'm sorry…"
"No need to be sorry. Makeover means we need to change the way you look. You need a haircut and new clothes. You need a better style. Don't worry, I'll handle all of that," She smiled. "Let's go shopping tomorrow. We need some new stuff for you."
"Okay," I beamed.
"But before that let's go and find out what suits you the most," Ruth stood up with a smile.
"Go where?"
"To my home,"