Marley and her father stared at each other for a long time before the Alpha sighed, "Marley, it's time for you to take your position. I understand the first couple months can be frustrating, but you have to remember there is a lot for you to learn."

Marley shook her head, "Dad, I'm sorry." She sighed, staring at Layla who was speaking and laughing with Anthony. "I just," she stuttered, "I just need more time to think. It's not my decision only."

The Alpha frowned, "I understand that Marley, but-"

"Luna Hannah told me that," Annabel interrupted, "the Moon Goddess has different wishes for our pack. I've seen those messages too."

Her mother looked at her shocked, as well as Marley and the Alpha. "Oh honey, why didn't you tell us you were getting visions from Her?"

Annabel shrugged, "Because its change, and I don't want to do what She wants. I like the way things were before the world discovered us."

"What does Our Mother want?" Marley asked, tilting her head in confusion.

She rubbed the back of her neck, "It's time for a new era for the Healing Moon Pack. She wants us to spread her gift to the world. I think she wants Marley to lead it."

"She wants Marley to become Alpha," the Luna clarified to her youngest daughter, leaning against her mate.

Annabel shook her head, "Not exactly. She wouldn't be taking care of the pack like an Alpha, but she will be leading."

Marley eyes lit up, figuring out the pieces in her head. "She wants you to be the Alpha," she muttered, "so I can spread the gift to the world."

The Alpha nodded his head, "Does the Moon Goddess tell us how we will find strength to defend us when we are split into two?"

At that moment, both Layla and Anthony joined them. Layla quickly wrapped her hands around her mate's waist. "Have you just been talking about the Alpha position?"

Anthony rolled his eyes, "But that's so boring. We should be figuring out another prank on Joey."

"Alpha Joey," Marley whispered, "he could be the protection we need for our pack, and to pay back our debt, we can use our healing gifts for his pack when needed."

"Protectors. Missionaries," Anthony trailed off. "It would be like before the pack went into hiding."

"The Moon Goddess wants balance restored," their dad concluded. "I'll have to speak with the elders. Till then, enjoy the activities."

*•*•*•*•*

Marley grabbed Layla's hand pulling her over to the center of the fields.

"Where are," Layla giggled, staring at her mate's face, "we going, Marley? And why are we moving so fast?"

"If we don't hurry," Marley examined, smiling till her dimples showed, "I'll miss my chance. I always wanted to participate, but I didn't have my gift at the time."

Layla pulled her to a stop, her eyes twinkling, "What exactly would are you going to be doing?"

"Dancing," Marley pouted, going behind Layla and pushing her forward. Her mate took small steps, slowing Marley down. "Layla," she whined, pinching her mate at her hip.

Layla slapped her hand away, "Ok, I'll go. You could have just asked nicely."

Marley rolled her eyes before running towards where a large group was huddle. Layla took a moment to watch her mate, directing her gaze at Marley's behind. She smiled softly before sprinting after her.

"Marley," the older woman chuckled, watching as the Alpha's firstborn was squeezing through the crowd, with Layla following close behind. "I was worried you weren't going to make it in time," she chuckled, bowing her head to the two young ladies before her.

Marley shook her head, "I wouldn't miss this for the world — you know how badly I wanted to do this as a child."

The woman nodded her head, "Go ahead and get change. I'll keep your mate company, maybe even explain some thing to her."

"Is that ok?" Marley turned around, kissing her mate on the cheek as she gave Layla puppy dog eyes.

Layla shrugged, smirking, "On one condition." She leaned over to whisper in her mate's ears taking a moment it nibble on it softly. "I get you for the rest of the evening — all to myself."

Marley smiled, "Deal."

She quicker left to go change, putting on a custom that goes over her clothes she was already wearing. She glance at the other woman around her, noticing all their hair was in a similar bun.

"Hey Alpha," a girl marched over towards her cheerfully.

Marley smiled, "Hey." She started to mess with her hair, twisting her strands to follow the pattern everyone else did.

The girl started to giggle, "Do you need some help with that?"

Not deeply understand the girl's interest, she nodded her head, "Yeah, that would be helpful."

"This dance has been performed for hundred of years," the older woman explained to Layla. "Of course, it may not be exactly how the Moon Goddess taught us nor done at the correct time," she added.

Layla laughed, "I'm sure She loves that you value tradition. Is there a reason why only someone with the gift can participate?"

"Legend has it," the woman started to explain, "as they dance, the gift we posses can be seen from the dark side of the moon. Swirling around the dancer's bodies as if it was dancing with them. From there, the Moon Goddess strengthens the light inside each of us."

"You actually see the light?" Layla questioned, remembering how surprised Luna Hannah was when Gabby was describing Marley's light.

The old woman shook her head, "It's a lost skill in our gift."

Layla could only smile as she watched the dancers make their way into the small platform that was built for this moment.