Chapter 73

“Your mother-in-law sounds like she was a great lady,” I told Lana. “It’s nice to know you were once in my shoes. “Don’t be surprised if I pour tea into your lap. I seem to be prone to disasters.”

“Your visit isn’t over yet,” Lana pointed out and covered her skirt with a linen napkin. “But I’ll make sure I don’t let you pour our tea.”

We laughed softly together.

I fought to keep the smile on my face when Diana became excited.

“Oh, yes! Do you feel them, Daisy? Victor and his wolf are near. I think Victor and Adam are in this house with us!” Her voice quivered with anticipation. “We must go to them.”

“Yes, I can see Victor’s face in my mind,” I replied. What was he doing here? Did he know his mother invited me to tea? Or maybe his wolf was searching for mine.

I would be happy to visit with him and let Diana spend time with Adam, but I didn’t want Victor to watch while his mother schooled me in Alpha manners and customs.

He would distract me from concentrating on his mother’s words.

“No! They are leaving!” Diana cried as Saunders appeared with a tea tray.

She began to panic. “Don’t let them leave, Daisy. We must go after them. I want to spend time with Adam. I yearn for him. I can’t wait for a chance to run with him.”

“We can’t, Diana,” I said gently. “Please calm down.” I understood her feelings, but it wasn’t possible right now.

“This visit with Victor’s mother is important to our future. But we will be with Victor and his wolf again soon. I promise.”

“You are right,” Diana said. “Forgive my impatience. The craving to be close to Victor’s wolf is strong.”

“You are forgiven,” I said. “But please try to calm yourself. I need you to help me listen to Lana’s words and maybe explain anything I don’t understand.”

“There are many rules to follow if you want to be successful in our world,” Lana said. “But today, I will only go over the most important, so listen carefully.”

I put more cream into my tea and held the cup in my hand as I waited for Lana to begin speaking.

Again I followed Diana’s advice and used patience while dealing with the older woman. The Luna had earned my patience and respect.

She sipped her tea and chose a scone from a plate, and then spoke.

“I’m sure you know never to disrespect the Moon Goddess or Lycaon.”

I nodded. “Surely that is something no werewolf dares to do.”

“Most werewolves don't dare to do it,” she stated. “But there are some who are very foolish or insane. Let’s move on.”

“Trust and respect are earned,” she said, and again I nodded.

“The word and authority of the United Association of Alphas is never questioned.”

“Uh-oh,” Diana said. “You have a difficult time with that rule.

“I’m not going to tell her that right now,” I told Diana. “I’ll tell her my views when we know each other better.”

But Lana’s next rule made me bite my tongue

“Alphas are the ruling class,” she said. “We rule Betas and Omegas fairly and equally.”

“I don’t know about the fair part,” I told Diana, but I nodded again to Lana.

“Both parents are responsible for raising our young,” Lana said. “Female werewolves have always helped provide for the family, and the males have always helped rear their children.”

“That’s great news for working mothers,” I said.

It was Lana’s turn to nod. “It’s proven better for the children if mates work together to maintain a home, and it keeps either from feeling overwhelmed.”

“I wonder if she is hoping for grandchildren soon,” Diana teased.

“Oh, geez,” I said and cringed inside. “That won’t happen! She doesn’t know Victor and I have a secret agreement and aren’t really engaged.”

“Forgive me for saying this,” Diana said. “But it is POSSIBLE. I want to be with our True Mate.”

Before I could argue with Diana, Mrs, Klein continued reciting Alpha rules.

“Respect for your elders. It’s important,” Lana said with a grin. “The older generations are revered for their wisdom and experience.”

“I promise to remember that rule from now on,” I assured her.

“I’m sure you will.” Lana gave me another smile. She was becoming less frightening as we spoke.

“I’m sure you know most crimes are dealt with in the court system,” she said.

“But personal arguments and certain acts of disrespect are settled by combat.”

“I’ve heard of combat, but I’m not sure how it works,” I said.

“It’s a duel but done while in our wolf forms. However, the death of one of the combatants is no longer the desired outcome. An elder, like my husband, pronounces the winner after blood is drawn.”

“It sounds scary,” I said. “I don’t know anybody who has ever been challenged to combat.”

“It’s no wonder. Combat is rarely used today, and it’s illegal for Betas and Omegas. But it was common for all classes just a hundred years ago.”

“Our first loyalties are to our family and your mate's family. They are your pack, and like in the old days, your pack is responsible for your survival.”

I agreed with that rule wholeheartedly and told her so.

“We take care of our own first,” she said. “It is our duty to care for our children, our elderly, and our sick or injured. We never put them aside for others.”

That part of my brain that makes my mouth speak before I thought about it spoke up. “What about the poor? If we are the ruling class, aren’t they our responsibility?”

To my relief, Lana was not offended.

“Of course, we must take care of the poor and unfortunate,” she agreed. “I contribute yearly to the Wilson Foundation.”

She looked at me over the top of her glasses again. “You will be taking over your mother's charitable foundation, won't you?”

A huge smile spread over my face. “You contribute to my mother's foundation?”

“Of course,” she replied. “Your mother was one of my dearest friends, and I still miss her. I contribute every year to honor her and because helping those less fortunate than us is the right thing to do.”

Wow, I liked Victor’s mother even better than I had!

“Yes,” I replied to her question. “My father said I would be visiting his office soon to see how everything works.”

Suddenly, there were voices in the entry foyer. A woman’s raised voice could be heard over Saunders’ deeper tone.

“Please, Mrs. James,” Saunders said. “I told you, Mrs. Klein has a guest.”

“I know she has a guest, Saunders,” Lily James said as she rushed into the room. “And I know who that guest is.”

My breath caught in my throat, and I closed my eyes, hoping this was a bad dream.

William’s mother had arrived at the home of Victor’s parents to confront me about rejecting her son.

“Lily, dear, whatever is the matter?” Lana asked. She seemed genuinely concerned for her friend.

“Alex Wilson told me his daughter was invited here for tea,” Lily replied. Her voice was louder and higher pitched than usual. “I need to speak to her right away.”

Lily stopped glaring at me and turned to Lana. “Do you know what she’s done?”