The Luna’s Choice (Theo and Ayla) by Kat Silver
Chapter 257

Chapter 257: Kylee

All the other pack Alphas and Lunas had left and preparations for Theo’s and Ayla’s Alpha and Lunaceremony were well underway. Luckily, there wouldn’t need to be many changes for the Moonstoneritual, but there were a few things that needed to be handled. I had nervously approached Luna Graceto see if there was anything jobs she would like me to do. I was relieved when she had me helporganize the decorations.

I had felt like such an outsider since I had come home. It wasn’t a

surprise, really. I still understood that I had lost the place I had before in the pack. But Amy’s betrayalhadn’t helped. Many people avoided me or gave me dirty looks whenever I walked by. I’m not saying Ididn’ t deserve it but it was still hard. Especially after what happened on the day of the executions. If itweren’t for Ayla and Mina, I probably would have just gone back to Blue Fang territory.

But Ayla wanted me here. And after all of the struggles she went through to keep me happy growingup, I knew this was the least I could do. And at least someone was noticing my efforts. Even Annabelleand Maggie were surprisingly kind and supportive toward me. I know it was for Ayla’s benefit, but Iwasn’t going to argue with it.

More than anything, I needed to stay busy. Just like Ma said. She was doing the same. Although, Ithink coming back had been easier for her. Which I was grateful for. I had been worried that if thistransition was too hard on her, she’d relapse. However, she seemed to be doing quite well. She hadalready joined a local AA group and was volunteering at the recovery center not far from the hospital.Seeing her starting to thrive here at home was a big push for me. If she could do it, I could too.

Besides, staying busy helped me avoid certain people. Well, one in particular. He had been at thepackhouse every day since the ritual was agreed upon. He would have a lot to do to help get the

packhouse secured and ready for all the visitors we would be having. He had tried to speak with me acouple of times, but something pulled one of us away before we could talk.

That was fine with me. I wasn’t ready to face that right now. I wasn’t even sure what I was going to do.The nicest thing would be to…

“Hello… Yoohoo,” Ayla’s voice broke through my thoughts, waving one of the ribbons we were workingwith in front of my face. “Earth to Kylee.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, shaking my head. “I was distracted. What’s up?”

“Yeah, I could see that,” Ayla replied. “You alright, kiddo?”

I smiled at hearing her old nickname for me. It had been a while since

she had called me that. We were working on some decoration items and the past few hours hadactually felt a little like the old days. So it felt nice to hear from her.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I lied. She raised an eyebrow, seeing right through me. “It’s just been a biggertransition coming home than I thought it would be. But I’m fine. Really.”

Ayla sighed. “I know it’s not easy, Kylee,” she said, brushing a stray hair away from my face. “Just giveit time and keep doing what you’re doing. People will move past it eventually.”

“I suppose,” I said absently. “I’m not even sure they should.”

“What are you talking about?” Ayla said, setting a finished vase aside.

“I know you say you’ve forgiven me, but a lot of others haven’t. And I’m not sure they should,” I saidwith a shrug. “I don’t deserve it. I’m still too selfish and vain. I have no idea what I’m going to do withmy life from here because my delusional fantasies had me ending up in a very different place than this.

That in itself should make anyone run for the hills, whether I deserved to have someone or not. So, theidea of any of them accepting me into the pack let alone as anything more…”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Ayla rushed, stopping the word vomit that was flowing from my mouth. “Where isthis coming from? We’ve talked about this. We all make mistakes when we’re young. Yeah, you’ve stillgot some growing to do, but so does everyone else your age. And a lot who are older. Including me.I’ve seen the work you’ve been putting in, Kylee. You do deserve forgiveness. You deserve to be amember of this pack.”

“Yeah, I know,” I sulked. “I guess I’m just having a pity party. Which I know, I know, I shouldn’t be. I’m inthis position because of my own actions and I should do a better job living with the consequences. Itjust takes a minute when a new one inevitably comes to bite me in the as s.”

“What new consequence?” Ayla asked. “Are you sure there isn’t something else going on?”

“It’s not a big deal,” I insisted. “I really am fine. I’m just working out how to handle it, that’s all. Youknow, coping tools and such.”

“You sure?”

I smiled at her. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

That part was true, at least. I was just trying to figure out how to cope with what all had happened. But Iknew it was only a matter of time before I would have to tell her what it was that was bothering me themost. I just didn’t know how I was going to tell her that I found my

mate.