CHAPTER 30: CHAPTER 30 DIPLOMATIC SKILLS

Victoria

The morning sun filtered through the gauzy curtains of our bedroom, rousing me from a deep, contented sleep. Leo’s side of the bed was already empty, but still warm—he hadn’t been gone long. A note on his pillow caught my attention: "Early meeting with the neighboring pack. Tiny will drive you to Port Willows. I’ll see you tonight, my Luna." His signature was followed by a simple sketch of a wolf that made me smile.

My wolf, Ava, stretched lazily within me. *Another day of Luna lessons,* she commented, not entirely enthusiastic but resigned. The bond between us was strengthening daily, her voice becoming clearer in my mind.

After showering and dressing in a modest dress that hugged my curves without being provocative.I made my way downstairs. Tiny was waiting in the foyer, car keys already in hand.

"Good morning, Luna Victoria," he greeted me, his massive frame making a respectful half-bow. Despite his intimidating size, there was something undeniably gentle about Leo’s Beta. "Ready when you are."

"Thank you, Tiny," I replied, grabbing a travel mug of coffee Rosa had prepared. "And please, when it’s just us, Victoria is fine."

The drive to Port Willows Academy was peaceful, the forested roads beautiful in the morning light. Tiny maintained a protective silence, though occasionally he’d point out territorial markers or places of significance to Shadow Pack history. I appreciated his efforts to help me learn my new territory.

"The Alpha asked me to tell you he’s sorry about missing breakfast," Tiny said as we neared the academy. "The River Valley Pack has been pushing boundaries lately, and he wanted to handle it personally."

I nodded, appreciating that Leo had thought to explain his absence. "I understand. Pack business comes first."

Tiny’s eyes flicked to me in the rearview mirror. "Not always," he said cryptically. "Not anymore."

The academy grounds were quiet when we arrived, still early for most classes. Madam Hannah’s office door stood open, and I found her reviewing what looked like seating charts.

"Good morning, Victoria," she said without looking up. "Punctuality—excellent. A quality I appreciate in a Luna."

"Good morning, Madam Hannah," I replied, setting my bag down. "I see you’re working on seating arrangements for the regional gathering?"

Her head snapped up, eyes narrowed slightly. "Yes. How did you know?"

I moved closer to examine the charts. "The symbols by each name—they indicate pack affiliations and rank, don’t they? My father used similar notations when planning inter-pack events."

Something flashed across her face—surprise, perhaps, or reassessment. "Your father. Alpha Howlthorne was known for his diplomatic skills before his... unfortunate decline."

The mention of my father’s fall from grace stung, but I kept my expression neutral. "He taught me the importance of strategic seating. May I?" I gestured to the charts.

After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded. I studied the arrangement, noting potential conflicts and missed opportunities.

"If I may suggest," I began carefully, "placing the River Valley delegation across from Northern Pines creates unnecessary tension. They’ve disputed hunting grounds for generations. Perhaps seating River Valley beside Coastal Ridge would be better—they recently signed a trade agreement."

Madam Hannah studied me with new interest. "Continue."

For the next twenty minutes, I shared what I remembered from my father’s teachings—how to use seating to foster alliances, defuse tensions, and elevate the host pack’s standing. With each suggestion, Madam Hannah’s demeanor softened incrementally.

"Your insights are surprisingly valuable," she finally admitted, making several adjustments based on my recommendations. "Alpha Howlthorne clearly prepared you well, despite... everything else."

The backhanded compliment made Ava bristle, but I soothed her. Progress was progress, however small.

"Thank you," I said simply. "My father believed diplomacy was the backbone of pack leadership. I was fortunate to learn from him before... before Enzo took control."

Madam Hannah’s expression shifted, something almost sympathetic in her eyes. "Your father was respected throughout the region. His diplomatic legacy deserves to continue." She hesitated, then added, "Perhaps through you."

The acknowledgment—the first real validation of my heritage since arriving—made my throat tight with unexpected emotion. Before I could respond, she shifted gears, pulling out my assignment from the previous day.

"Now, regarding your work on pack law and Luna responsibilities—your analysis of the historical precedents was thoughtful, though your understanding of ceremonial protocols needs refinement."

For the next hour, we worked through the assignment, Madam Hannah offering surprisingly patient guidance. I absorbed everything eagerly, recognizing that knowledge was power in my new position.

"The moonlight blessing ceremony is particularly important for you," she explained. "As a recently awakened wolf with a strong Alpha mate, the ceremonial aspects will help stabilize your position in pack hierarchy."

I nodded, making careful notes. "Leo mentioned something about a traditional month of bonding after mating. Is that related?"

A hint of color touched her cheeks. "Indeed. The bonding moon is sacred tradition—it allows the mate bond to fully form and strengthens both partners. I assume Alpha Moretti is observing this tradition?"

It was my turn to blush. "He seems... committed to it."

A knowing look crossed her face. "Good. A strong mate bond makes for a strong leadership pair."

By mid-morning, other Lunas and Luna-trainees began arriving. I felt Lilith’s icy glare the moment she entered, but it lacked yesterday’s power to intimidate me. Something about Madam Hannah’s subtle shift toward acceptance had bolstered my confidence.

As we gathered for the group lesson on pack alliances, I felt another gaze on me—this one hot and intense, like a burning brand on the back of my neck. I resisted the urge to turn, focusing instead on Madam Hannah’s lecture.

"Today’s session will end early," Madam Hannah announced. "The full moon approaches, and I know many of you have preparations to make with your packs."

Relief flooded through me—an opportunity to visit Emma and check on Omega House. I’d been worried about the place since leaving so abruptly to mate with Leo.

When class ended, I pulled out my phone and called Emma. Her delighted squeal when I suggested visiting made me smile.

"Victoria! Yes! The girls have been asking about you non-stop. Can you come now? Please say yes!"

"I’ll be there in thirty minutes," I promised, already feeling lighter at the prospect of seeing my friends.

I texted Tiny first: *Class ended early. Going to visit Omega House. Could you pick me up there instead?*

His response was immediate: *Will meet you at Omega House at 4PM. Stay inside until I arrive.*

The protective instruction made me smile. Next, I messaged Leo, letting him know my plans. Unlike Tiny, his response didn’t come immediately. He was probably still in his meeting.

As I gathered my things, Madam Hannah approached. "Victoria, a moment."

"Yes, Madam Hannah?"

"Your contributions today were... valuable." She seemed to struggle with the admission. "If you’d like additional materials on inter-pack diplomacy, I could recommend some texts."

The olive branch, however small, meant more than I could express. "I’d appreciate that very much."

She nodded briskly. "Good. I’ll have them ready tomorrow." With that, she returned to her desk.

I hurried outside, eager to catch the bus to Omega House. The academy grounds were mostly empty now, most students and instructors already departed. The bus stop was just beyond the main gates, a short walk through a tree-lined path.

I was halfway there when I felt my hair yanked back violently, the sudden pain making me gasp. I stumbled, nearly falling, and whirled to face my attacker.