The Characters of Clayton, Rya, Kennedy, Dallas, and the Valentines belong to Rachelle. The character of Cora is expanded on with Permission from Rachelle, and is written for the pleasure of the International Wildflower Pack, the WhiskeyQueenn fandom. #WildflowersUnited #iwp

::Special thanks to Whiskeyqueenn Rachelle for allowing Cora to cook in her world.::

::for Lalatos and petrap73 - the princess and the dumplings::

Beta Female

Cora's POV

After the fire, they stopped having daily meal at the pack house, it was hurting the pack's dynamic. Our already disconnected wolves were becoming further separated, I was fighting it with Saturday brunches and Sunday dinners. In a month, we are having another full pack social. My third since taking over, I have to plan it now because I will either be in labor or have a newborn then. As I sit in my small office, I am grateful that Luna Catherine allows me to plan the events and brunches now. After the fire, she put a stop to Kennedy's outlandish request, hard to prepare trendy food, and expensive menus.

I still smile thinking about the the dim sum disaster, well it wasn't a disaster for me. The food was perfect, Shin-Mai would have been proud. I had warned Luna Stella and her entourage before hand about the table top steamers and to sit near the windows, which were cracked open in spite of the snow on the ground outside. I had placed Luna Catherine at Luna Stella's table, but Kennedy and her court at the largest round table in the center of the room with 8 large Zhēnglóng. They literally melted, well not literally, but they looked like they were melting as their hair and make-up succumbed to the steam. 

Luna Catherine was not amused, but by the end, even she was trying not to laugh as the course of dessert dumplings of sweetened rice and fruit was served with jasmine tea and the steamers were refilled with boiling water to keep them "fresh and properly warmed." It was like eating in a sauna. Afterward, Kennedy was mad, and accusing me of sabotaging her but she was forced to admit, I had done exactly what she asked and that I had suggested a buffet. That was a good day. A very good day for me and my wolf. 

 A knock drew my attention. "Come in." 

I rose quickly and walked around the desk before bowing, "Luna Catherine, Kennedy. How can I help you?" The Luna and I had a truce; Kennedy and I, not so much.

"How are you feeling Cora? Is your pup well?" Luna Catherine asks and I can't tell if she really cares or is simply asking, she always manages to sound so sincere.

"We are well. Gretchen wants us to quit working now but Dr Valentine says as long as I'm not on my feet overly much, we will be fine. I am organizing the kitchens to run on autopilot while I am home with my pup," I explain. 

I notice Kennedy looks pained at the mention of my pup. She and Clayton will never have a pup, revenge of the Moon for denying his blessed true mate for his beautiful impostor. Somehow I manage to keep my expression pleasantly neutral.

Luna Catherine smiles, "Old she-wolves who have never had pups seldom realize how strong and determined pregnant she-wolves are." I let the slight against Gretchen pass. Catherine did not know the truth of Gretchen's past.

"Or grumpy. Mark is so nervous, I think he is afraid I'll bite him in half or something. And if he doesn't quit eating my cravings, I just might but he does drive to the grocery for anything I want... I feel so spoiled." I give an exaggerated sigh. Everyone knows Kennedy and Clayton are having problems right now, I might as well rub my happiness in her face. "Mates, can't live with them, can't make them carry the pup." I add with a light laugh, twisting the silver blade of my words for Kennedy's suffering.

Luna Catherine laughs as well, "I know my mate could do nothing to keep me happy during my pregnancies with Clayton and Kimberly. And I ate the most horrible things. I wish I had you to cook for me then, I would have been much more pleasant. I could have described my craving to you and you would have made the perfect dish." We laugh again. Her at her memories, me at all the things the princess will never have as she shifts nervously on her feet.

"I am curious to see if the things I think taste wonderful now, will taste as good after Corina is born. But I can't imagine that they will. Honestly, pregnancy cravings are so weird, I think I would actually eat roadkill if I craved it." I giggled, rubbing my belly, Corina starts kicking. "Oh! She's kicking again, would you like to feel?" I had discovered that everyone wants to touch the baby bump, which I hate but to hurt Kennedy, I will make an exception.

 Luna Catherine put her hand under mine. Corina drums on her palm."She's so strong, Cora. Kennedy come feel." Kennedy looks at me tentatively.

 "It's okay, Kennedy, I don't bite," I say, grabbing her hand and pressing it over Corina's tiny feet. For a moment Kennedy looks in awe, then like she wants to cry. Mission Accomplished! I truly am an unpleasant female canine. My wolf is so proud of me at this moment.

"Sooo, what did you need today?" Let them think my pregnancy was mellowing me, I waddle over and sit.

"Kennedy has something to ask you," Luna Catherine says firmly.

Kennedy draws a deep slow breath, just as Luna Catherine once taught me to do when nervous, "Cora, I just wanted to say. I am sorry about everything that has happened between us, and thank you for saving Kimmie. You almost died, along with your pup. And ... well... just, thank you. I know it all has put your pregnancy at risk. You are very brave." She shifts nervously.

"Thank you, but anyone would have done it," I say brushing off her apology and praise. But I know she and I are both thinking about a certain bear incident. I eye Kennedy curiously. Luna Catherine's training taught to always give a compliment before asking for something. I wonder what Kennedy wants.

The Princess shrugs awkwardly, it is a strange thing to behold. "And I want to know if when I become Luna, will you be my Beta female?" She finishes in a rush.

I... AM... SHOCKED...

"Uh err, Kennedy, don't you want one of your friends to be your Beta Female?" I asks, glancing at Catherine.

 "Well, they... they don't really know... I mean they don't understand, there is so much more work than they think. I need someone who has the best interest of the pack at heart. And Cathy says you do, you're the best candidate to take over mom's job." She is twisting a tendril of coppery hair as she talks.

"It is for the pack, Cora," Luna Catherine says, her way of saying being the Beta Female will be my duty someday. Period.

"Umm, thank you Kennedy, Luna Catherine, I don't know what to say." I close my eyes and rub my hand over Corina to hide I reaching to Mark through our mate link, he will feel the nudge to come get me. I open my eyes, "I'll need to talk to Mark about it. Can I let you know?"

Kennedy looks relieved, she smiles, sounding happy, "Oh sure, that's fine. I mean, Cathy won't be retiring for a long time, so just take your time." They turn to leave, when I say, "Luna, if you have a minute, I have a few invoices." Catherine pauses, as I shuffle papers, but Kennedy heads out the door.

"I'll catch you at home, Cathy," and the princess is gone. 

We both make the same disgusted, disgruntled sound. I hand Luna Catherine the invoices for three months worth of supplies, staff rotation and pay, and the menu schedules.

Luna Catherine glanced over the sheets, "Did you learn to do this at school?"

"Not really, they had a few restaurant management courses, but mostly I learned from Violet. She was very good at this side of her job. I've ask her to come back just to manage things while I am home with Corina but Fred will handle the cooking." I answer. She hums in acknowledgement as her sharp eyes scan the invoices. 

Finally I can't stand it and have to ask, "Why me? How did you convince the princess to ask me to be her Beta Female?"

Luna Catherine laughs at the nickname I have for Kennedy, "You are the only one in your generation qualified and driven enough to do it. "if you had been Clayton's true mate, I never would have to worry about who would be running our pack, like I have. But after the fire, Kennedy became serious about learning her duties. She admitted to me that she had always counted on me making you take over her mother's and your mother's duties. She did not realize I was doing both their duties and mine since they left the pack for their humans and I counted on you to help. I still think she doesn't realize how much the female leadership of a pack has to do. It isn't just about looking good on the Alpha's arm." Her lip curls in disdain. 

I didn't realize Heather had followed Becky out of the pack way of life, but if I was mated to  Beta Killian, I would have left a long time ago and taken my daughter with me. Being on the edge of motherhood had made me wonder if those in my generation who were toxicly entitled could have been saved, those wolves younger than us seemed even worse... It was a downward spiral I was determined to stop.

"I gave her just her mother's to do, except for the payrolls. She barely managed. One night last week, I found Clayton was doing it all," Catherine rubs her forehead as I had seen her son do  many times.

I hum in understanding, for a moment I almost feel sorry for her. Almost. Pack life in like running a multi-level company. In the human world, Catherine would be the CEO. She rose but waved me to remain seated. "Do you think you can manage the housing and utilities that were once your mother's duties as Charlie handles your father's duties of training and managing our patrols?"

"Yes Luna, of course," I bow my head. "Anything for the pack."

Becky's job was to assign house within the pack. We had a building next to the pack house of singles apartments for young wolves who didn't want to live with their parents, there was a waiting list. Also there were several families waiting on larger houses, as older families resisted giving up the more spacious houses they had raised their families in. In Adams, the pack owned everything. Including many expensive rentals, like the lake house Charlie and I had lived in my senior year and that  Dr Valentine lived in now. Housing was assigned based on need, family size, and rank, collecting a percentage of the families' income, and value to the pack which was added to the yearly pack tithe. It had made Adams pack very wealthy. 

In college, I had learned it was a form of socialism. Everyone had what they needed, but owned nothing. It fostered a system of dependence and an attitude of irresponsibility. If one owns nothing, they feel no need to take care of what they use. Why maintain your house or car if you are renting it and can just get another, especially if the cost is almost nothing? Why buy clothes for your children if the pack will provide them? Or save for their education or your retirement? It was sad really. 

Catherine pauses at my door, "You know her father calls her princess."

"Yes, he and I have... discussed it," I growl.  I hate that Beta. 

"You've never liked him. I can understand why, but remember he outranks you," she sounds stern, reminding me I am only being promoted for my skills, in her eyes, I am still just a Gamma. If only she knew what I had learned about my grandmama's family and hers and his.

"He is a vulgar, deceitful, power-hungry wolf who only seeks to promote his own agenda at the cost of other wolves. Yes, he outranks me and is a powerful Beta, but he is untrustworthy," I answer firmly, holding her eyes. 

She gives me a sly, half-smile, "Yes, he is very powerful. " I almost fail to hide my surprise at her suggestive implication. "Take care of yourself and your pup, Cora."

Mark appears in the door, "Luna Catherine," he bows his head to her. I suppress my wolf's growl, she does not mind that we bow to Catherine, we took an oath to our pack, but she doesn't like it when his wolf bows to anyone. "I've come to take Cora to see Ms Gretchen."

She eyes him up and down in a way I am not comfortable with, and flashes me the same sly smile and a wink. "You are a good mate, Mark. I am glad you reconsidered your rejection of our Cora." 

His jaw ticks but he says nothing as she leaves. My mind revolts at the idea that presented itself. The Beta and the Luna, well, it's happened before, and in this very pack. Do these wolves really have so little respect for mates? She looked at my mate like he was a good side of Angus beef. My wolf snarls possessively, I growl a loud.

Mark looks at me surprised, I just give a quick shake of my head as we walk out. He holds open the door and helps me up, giving me an affectionate nuzzle. Things have been better between us since Mark was hurt fighting Alpha Adams and Dr. Valentine. He climbs into the big diesel. I drag him towards me and inhale, he smells so good. He cups my face in his warm hands and kisses me gently, our wolves and the bond won't let us NOT be close as the due date of our pup approaches.

"So what did the Luna want?" He asks, holding my hand, his lips brush the back of my knuckles. It gives me chills. He smiles at my shudder, knowing the effect the bond has on me. Cheater! It is so unfair.

"She made Princess Kennedy ask me to be her Beta Female," I answer.

"No," he says firmly.

Gretchen had ordered us to put our battles on hold, focusing solely on making my wolf strong enough survive breaking the Alpha Command as soon as Corina was born.

"It is for the good of the pack, Kennedy can barely handle one-third of only her mother's work, she had Clayton doing it." I explain, getting agitated.

"We are not staying here, Cora," He growls. 

"You could take Beau's spot, help Charlie with training the..."

"Cora, no. We ain't staying."

"I am not leaving..."

It is the first time we have argued since the two days after the Alpha fight. Mark had finally been able to shift back and told me to pack to leave, I refused. Gretchen had interrupted and said we were both selfish, that if we cared about Corina we would battle the problem of the Alpha Command instead of each other. Our issues were not getting resolved, only put on hold until after our daughter's birth.

"We are leaving as soon as Corina is born and the command is broken," he yelled, slamming his palm the steering wheel.

I yelled back at him, "We are not leaving, I can't leave, I won't leave, if you want to leave again, then leave..."

We were silent the rest of the way to Gretchen's, Corina kicked against grumpily. My baby and the bond punishing me for fighting with my mate. I can't believe how badly we had blown up at each other in just a few minutes.

I looked out the window at the trees as we approached the bend of the lake, waiting to see Gretchen's familiar cottage. Something was wrong. The sprinklers in the front yard were still running and it was almost noon. The yard was a sloppy mess. As he stopped the truck, I jumped out and ran as best as I could.

"Gretchen!" I shouted as I burst through the door. Mark caught up with me.

A sob was caught in my throat, that wouldn't allow me to breath properly when she didn't answer. I could smell her, she smelled...wrong. I shouted at Aurora in the pack link that we needed Dr Valentine at Gretchen's immediately. Mark headed for her bedroom but I went to the kitchen. She was laying on the floor, broken tea cup beside her. Her half-lidded eyes were vacant. I could not feel her soul or her wolf as I knelt in the cold tea. Her frail, ancient body was just... there.

"Mark, she's here!" I called out.

I hugged her to me, her breathing was shallow, barely a wisp against my skin. Her heartbeat barely a whisper to my ears. I pressed my cheek into hers, my tears wetting it while I inhaled her scent for the last time. As I clutched her to me, she breathed her last breath like a gently blown kiss then I felt its warmth no more. I screamed out my grief, I let my heart rend itself into pieces in a way it never had. I was aware of Dr Valentine taking her from me, of Mark carrying me outside to the porch. I clung to him, sobbing inconsolably. I had never faced the death of one I loved. It was a new battle. I now understood part of Mark's pain, why it was so hard to overcome. That female who had delivered me, been my friend since I was a pup, taught me about the world and the old ways, showed me what it meant to serve the Path of the Moon Goddess, had gone to be with Her and left me behind. After an hour, I was completely empty.

I pulled myself together enough to get the book that had her end of life arrangements written out. Luna Catherine frowned as she read that Gretchen was to be buried at Noble Pack, that it was already arranged before either of us were born. I called Luna Millie, who then began calling those named in Gretchen's books of birthing, all who still lived. Gretchen had always kept most of the records at Noble. I called Charlie at Vanguard, he wept bitterly as Alexa comforted him before she said she would drive him down. Mark brought me home for a few hours rest. When our funeral preparer was ready, we would take Gretchen's ashes to Noble Pack to be buried in The Grove.

As we lay in bed, Mark held on to me like a lifeline. Even though our mate bond was faded, I could feel his grief like an old companion. He was hurting. Since last month, I had allowed him to start sleeping in my bed because Gretchen had said it was better for our baby. I looked up at his strong jaw and dirty blond hair, it was darker now that he wasn't outside working the range every day. I reached up and turned his face toward me, tracing his face with my fingertips. He looked confused until my lips touched his. I enjoyed feeling him close, but this night I needed more than to be held. I need something to remind me that I was still alive, to help me feel beyond my pain. He hesitated for only a moment before his kiss dominated mine, bodies and souls on fire as we let our passion consumed us. It was the first time since the week of our mating in January. I didn't care if I was going to regret it tomorrow, tonight I was going to allow myself be selfish. I needed this, I needed him.

The End, Part 3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

9.2018 - CLAYTON is published!!!

Clayton (The Wildflower Series) by Rachelle Mills https://www.amazon.com/dp/164034487X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_S8sbDbB084P46 via @amazon

2.2019- DALLAS is published!!!

Dallas (The Wildflower Series Book 2) by Rachelle Mills https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MXRVB7M/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_o9sbDbPFY61NH via @amazon
Find them on Amazon

::Thank you to Rachelle for allowing this CLAYTON Fanfiction to be published.:: 

If you are reading this on a site that is not Wattpad, it has been taken

and published without my permission.