We froze as we heard the stern female voice coming from the stairs. Richard's mother was advancing towards us with quick steps until she finally got to where we were standing.
"Mother, what are you doing here? I took Isabella out on a date. We also went to the beach, and we just came back.
"Good evening, ma," I said as I bowed to show my respect. She looked at me from head to toe with disappointed eyes. It was written all over her face, she didn't approve of my dressing. In her eyes, I was the devil's spawn.
She huffed as she removed her gaze and turned to Richard. "Why would you do that? You know, you have a busy day tomorrow. You should stop wasting your time on useless things." She said with a sneer.
"Mother!" Richard's voice echoed in the dark corridor. "I was spending time with my mate, and not on some useless things. Isabella was also greeting you. The least you could do is acknowledge her." She didn't say anything, instead she looked away, not even remorseful.
"I told you I don't approve of her, Richard. She isn't from here. She doesn't understand us. She will scatter all that your forefathers labored for. And your children will be half-sies; no one will accept them."
"Then, let me be the judge of her mother! If that happens, then it will be on me." Richard snapped, moving closer to her. "She is my mate, for crying out loud. The goddess gifted her to me, and we are already bonded, so just give it up. I am not rejecting her, so you had better start getting used to it, because she has come to stay!"
She just looked at us and shook her head. "I am worried about you, son. That is why I am talking, I only want the best for you. I don't want you to regret your choice in the future."
"We are leaving mom. Goodnight." He all but dragged me to our room and shut the door harshly, before resting his head on the door.
"My mother is just so frustrated. How can she say that about my own mate?" He punched the wall as he screamed. "I am only respecting her because she is my mother. No pack member would have gotten away with this."
"Calm down, Richard." I reached for his hand, examining the damage he had done to them. Thanks to our blood, the injuries were already healing. "I am not justifying her action, but she is just concerned about you."
"She is my mother. She is supposed to be supportive of my decisions."
I snaked my hands around his chest and held him close, laying my head on his back "She will come around, just give it time." I almost rolled my eyes at the situation. I was the one who was insulted, but now I'm the one who consoles my friend. Pretty ironic, right?
He turned and faced me, taking my face in his hands, and kissing me. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I will talk to her. She will definitely come around when she gets to know you."
"It is no problem." I opened my mouth and let out a yawn, and Richard followed suit.
"I think it is time we go to bed. We have had a busy day and tomorrow will also be a stressful one." He helped me undress, and I wiped my makeup clean before changing into one of his shirts.
I was trying stretching my body when he came from the back and carried me bridal style. I yelled, slepping his arms, demanding to be let down. I don't like being taken unawares. We got on the bed and he pulled the sheets over us before tucking me into his side. "Goodnight, Baby. Dream of me."
"I will try."
***
I turned to the other side as I felt the rays of sunlight on my eyelid. I wasn't ready to wake up yet. I reached my hand out and felt the bed. My body yearning for the warmth that had been with me through the night.
I opened my eyes abruptly as I couldn't find what I was looking for, rubbing my eyes with my hands, trying to clear the fog.
Richard was nowhere in sight. I couldn't find any trace of him anywhere, except his lingering scent. I got up and looked around, until my eyes met a pink sticky note on the table.
Hey love,
You seemed tired, so I decided to let you sleep in. I have put in a word for you in the hospital, so you can go check that out later. Take care of your self.
Richard.
Richard, I told him not to put in any words for me. But it is already too late, considering they already know I am their Luna. Well, there is no need to cry over spilt milk. At least I have a job now, so I won't be bored again.
I took a quick shower and got dressed, putting extra care into my dressing. Today is my first day at work, so I have to look my best. I picked out a wine office dress and a pair of black flat shoes.
I went downstairs to eat breakfast. "Good morning Luna," filled the air as I got to the dining room. I took my place on the chair next to Richard and sat down.
The pack were full of smiles as they saw me. With the way I was drenched in Richard's scent, it was obvious we had mated. I returned their smiles, happy that they approved of me.
I looked around for any familiar faces, but I couldn't find any. Jesse and Jessi were nowhere in sight. Neither was Ava. I assumed they all had something to do; that was why they skipped breakfast.
I wolfed down my meal, not wasting any time, and got up, heading for the door. I decided to walk to the hospital since it wasn't far and I needed the exercise. I will try and visit the gym this weekend.
I was almost at the door when I sensed a hand trying to grab my shoulders. I turned with balled fist, about to teach the person some things about manners, when I saw the familiar red hair.
"Harry! I almost hit you. Don't ever sneak up on me like that."
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to call your name in front of everyone."
I noticed something on his face, "what the hell, Harry! You shaved?" Harry's jaw, which was once filled with hair, was now clean shaved, and I think it suits him. He looks younger.
"I decided to try something new." He said as he stroke his bare jaw. His face turned sour as he sniffed the air. "You smell different today."
I didn't know how to answer that, so I kept quiet, trying to think of something else to say, but he beat me to it. "Where are you going to go dressed up like this?" He said, pointing at my dress and shoes.
"I was heading towards the hospital. I got a job there. And what about you?" He was also sporting a corporate attire.
"Have you forgotten I teach students? Today is a school day, so I am also going to school.
"Alright." We walked together since we were going the same route, engaging in little talks. On the way, I was greeted by a lot of pack members, both young and old.
"The pack seems to love you." Harry commented as we got closer to the school.
"I just noticed and I am glad. Alright, good bye." I said as we got to the entrance of the school.
"When are you closing so that I could come pick you up?"
"I don't know. I don't know my schedule yet." I explained.
"Why don't I take your number, so I can call you when I get off."
"Hmm.." I don't know how Richard would react if I gave someone my number. But it is Harry. He knows I am mated to his alpha, so it should be OK, right?
I keyed my number into his phone and we bade our goodbyes.
I got to the huge building, which was the pack hospital, and took a deep breath before entering inside.
I marched towards Harry's grandmother's office since I would be working under her. I could still remember the familiar brown door, so I knocked twice before entering.
"Isabella." She greeted me warmly as i came in. She came closer and hugged me, "welcome child. You should have told me you were the Luna."
"I wanted to get the job on merit, and not because someone was obligated to give it to me."
"Nonsense! This is your pack. You have the right to anything here. It is a pleasure to work with you."
"Thank you, gamgam."
"So," she began, entering into serious mode. "I am aware you were working in the morgue and treating minor cases. But it would be different here. We need more nurses, so you will be assisting me." I nodded, showing that I was following.
"It is nothing serious, and you can already treat minor cases. So don't worry, you are in safe hands."
A red light began to flash, and a speaker went off. "Matron, you are needed in ward 024. It is an emergency."
She reached into her cabinets and brought out a cloth wrapped in a nylon "In there are your scrubs. Go get changed and meet me in ward 024. Be fast!"
She hurried outside and shut the door, leaving me alone. There was no time to waste; it was an emergency. I got changed, and went out looking for Ward 024.
And that was how my first day in the hospital started.