A Gift from the Goddess

Chapter Thirty-Two “Beta? No… that’s impossible.” I sat staring at Elder Luke in disbelief, unsure if he really had just suggested that. “… Why?” Elder Luke argued. “Because I’m a female,” I pointed out. “There is no such thing as a female Beta. It’s not a rank we can hold.”

“And neither is an Alpha female, but we both know you could claim that authority if you really wanted it.”

He was referring to my new title of ‘Saintess’. With it came the perk of overthrowing Aleric and becoming essentially an Alpha in the process. But Beta...? I paused in thought. No, it really wasn’t possible. Being a leader was one thing. I knew I would be capable of making the correct choices for the pack as an ‘Alpha’, however, as a Beta, there would be more reliance on being able to carry out whatever those orders entailed; sometimes b y means of fighting. I had never even managed to win in a fight against Cai, there was no way I would be able to hold my own in a real battle

“I’m not strong enough. The Winter Mist would need someone more like my father to replace him one day. I know already that I would make an incredibly weak Beta.”

He half-smiled knowingly. “A little birdie told me that you were training with a certain Alpha heir from the Silver Lake pack. They mentioned that you showed quite good potential too.” 

My jaw opened in surprise. How could someone have found out about that? Only Cai, Myra and I knew about it. Not only that but, whoever this person was that told him, they must have seen me in action at the gym. Otherwise, how else were they able to provide any sort of assessment of my skill?

“How...?” I finally managed to ask. He chuckled softly. “I didn‘t get to where I am today without help. Not all of us are born into ranked families.”

I had never thought much about it before, but it was true. I could vaguely remember hearing that Elder Luke had come from a completely average house with humble beginnings. He had gotten to where he was now due to his own dedication and hard work

“Even if I can fight a little, there is no way I would be accepted as a Beta,” I said, bringing the conversation back to the topic at hand. “I don’t see any way the Elders or Aleric would allow it. The Elders are adamant about me fulfilling the prophecy and becoming Aleric‘s Luna. And Aleric… well there is no way he would tolerate a female Beta, let alone being stuck with me of all people.” 

“You talk as if you already know exactly what will happen,” he said, making me become instantly tense. I had to remind myself that it was just a figure of speech to relax again. “I feel that you need to think about this more objectively. Out of all the options you have before you, which one seems the hardest to achieve your goal? Starting a political takeover and

old coots and a teenager to give you a chance at a role that already has a current vacancy for an heir? I think you‘d be surprised by how many Elders would be in favour of you becoming Beta just to ensure you remained compliant. It seems to me like it is the best compromise to keep both parties happy. Otherwise, there isn’t much to stop you from starting a rebellion or running away.

through the options properly. It still felt so unattainable even though he

you can just take the easy route… suck it up and become

I could even call it that. To be stuck in that house at the mercy of Aleric once more was a fate that guaranteed my death. A death that I needed to remember was not just the

past, he had begun his training around my current age and had ended u p becoming Beta right before my death. If I was, by some miracle,

be forced to become Luna by anyone. Once the oath is taken, another rank cannot be granted within that pack. It also gave me a legitimate reason to officially reject him without questions being asked, since dating what is

meant that he couldn‘t lay a finger on me. Being both a Saintess and a Beta would make me completely untouchable. If he tried anything, then he’d risk the pack rising up against him since it would be seen as a direct attack against the Goddess herself. Then add in the fact that I was already second in command? He could

good reason, and would be forced to have a real discussion with me as a valued ranked member. “No… you’re right. Thank you, Elder Luke,” I said, still a bit lost in my thoughts. “You‘ve given me a lot to think about.” Soon after we’d spoken, I ended up returning home. I didn‘t talk to my parents about what had happened in great detail but I did let them know that the mark was officially confirmed now. They looked worried for me, but I

become more concerned. I didn’t want to say anything to them yet until I’d had time to

adopting. I had already planned to donate a large cheque under my alias name, and another smaller one o n behalf of the Chrysalis family, with my parent’s permission for that one, of course. Knowing Myra, she would have made me take the money back if she knew if I was donating a very large sum, hence the need for my personal account donation. When I arrived, I was instantly greeted by the usual overly enthusiastic Myra. She pulled me into a hug and expressed how happy she was to see me. Much to my delight, I saw she was wearing the red dress I had bought her. But I had to admit, I was a little surprised to have found her so quickly given the number of people congregating around the outside. “Come with me, I have some people I’d like you to meet,” she

could see this place must have

when I was suddenly tackled around my waist. I swayed, throwing my feet out to keep m y balance and looked

small child

permission first to touch someone. Apologise to Miss Aria right now.” I felt awkward given I had no experience with children, and I definitely hadn’t anticipated for one to latch themself onto me so quickly. But I did my best

looking sad. “It’s fine! Thank you

so much excitement over just meeting me. Myra went through and introduced them all to me one-by-one. The eldest in the group was nine, the youngest was six. Myra mentioned there were more around somewhere and that they would probably be disappointed to find out later they hadn’t gotten the