This would be the last time I bent the knee to him, and somehow that hurt worse than the rejection itself.

Immediately there was a commotion amongst the pack, gasps, whispers, confused voices. I was glad my back was to them and I didn't have to watch it. My eyes stayed down on the gravel, both as a show of submission and to hide the tears forming in my eyes.

"Alpha. Luna. Welcome home," said another voice, an older voice of Cheryl, the pack healer. I could hear her bend knee as well, and soon it was a chorus of "Welcome Home" and the sound of everyone bending knee in honor.

"Brothers, sisters," said Warren loudly. I could hear the smile in his voice. "I have found my true, Goddess given mate. Please join me in welcoming Tiffany Patton. I know she will make us proud."

I pressed my lips together and kept my face down as I stood back up.

"Thank you all," she chirped, and it took all of my strength and bearing not to roll my eyes. "I know this is sudden, and that I have big shoes to fill." She nodded in my direction with a smile.

Someone behind me muttered, "yea I'll say..." before being shushed.

I gave her a tight smile in return. She has no idea how big those shoes actually are. Or how many blisters they left before they were fully broken in.

"But I expect big things for us, and I know we're going to have fun!" she added with a large smile, her voice rising an octave.

Does she think that makes her seem more innocent and friendly, rather than it coming off as too high and too perky? I thought, keeping my face neutral.

There were a few confused echos of "Fun?" but it was too soft for either Tiffany or Warren to hear easily.

The pack was silent after her 'speech', staring at her as if she had grown a second head, shuffling uncomfortably with small murmurs of conversation. I gave a sigh and started to politely golf clap, the others caught on and also politely clapped. Tiffany smiled brightly as if she was given a standing ovation. When she met my gaze, there was an emotion I couldn't fully place.

"Erika, Michelle, can you take Tiffany inside and show her around? I'll join you shortly," smiled Warren as everyone dispersed. "Allison, can you meet me in my office please?"

"Of course, Alpha" I calmly replied, bowing my head slightly before heading for the door.

What I really wanted to say was "If I must..." But decorum must be kept, even if you feel like shit scraped off a shoe.

I could feel Warren's frown burning a hole in my back as I left.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note:

If you aren't at least mildly feral on Allison's behalf right now, reread the chapter. Or drop a comment how I can fix the gut punches.

Either are welcome.

Snacks are on the left, emotional devastation on the right.