Chapter 6- The First Pack, Blue Moon

                Erica’s Point of view

                So, back to business.

Johnston left, feeling exceedingly glad, yet the reason behind his elation remains a mystery to me. The accord we have reached holds so much uncertainty for the two of us. But as long as he can live with it, it is okay with me, though.

I retrieved the map to ensure that I was still on track.

The Blue Moon pack is first in line to visit.

From what the Head Warrior told me, the Blue Moons are friendly but they can quickly become merciless if even a hint of danger is directed towards their pack members. Caution is advised when establishing first contact with any wolf from this pack.

They are the second largest pack in the werewolf community. Equipped with a massive, fearsome army capable of defending their territory at all costs and bolstered by state-of-the-art security systems developed by humans, they spare no expense in safeguarding their territory. Their impressive collection of resources includes an array of high-tech gadgets, such as helicopters and private jets for swift travel across vast distances, water scooters, yachts along with motorbikes offering flexibility on land or sea.

They also use cutting-edge long range CCTV technology complete with advanced facial recognition software coupled with audio recording capabilities, allowing them unparalleled surveillance capacity over any probable threats within range.

This pack is evidently financially loaded.

Alpha Zane is highly regarded as an esteemed broker in the Canadian Stock market, holding a prestigious position thanks to his impressive track record. He possesses small yet lucrative industries that include casinos and hotels situated on idyllic islands across both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

In addition, members of his pack are authorized to operate their own small businesses within the largest mall located on the Blue Moon property.

Every surrounding pack visits this mall because of its exemplary compliance with the latest Vogue fashions. Travel agents provide attractive vacation destinations, and digital stores display modern computing devices among other enticing offerings.

Finding my mate in this pack wouldn’t be out of my range.

Alpha Florian has put together an extensive dowry package for me, amounting to a staggering one million dollars, in case I mate with a wealthy family. It’s a matter of prestige, I am an Alpha female and my pack won’t send me out broke and dependent. My mate wouldn't be bothered by having to feed and clothe me every day.

Wedding gifts from parents are not part of the werewolf culture. But given our recent interactions with humans and our blending of certain aspects of their customs into our own societal norms, this behavior has somewhat integrated. Marriage is also not a werewolf thing. We accept, mate, mark and stay together forever. This arrangement personally suits me just fine.  

So, with a sharp turn, I moved my spanking new model of Chevy Tahoe into the side road heading to the Blue Moon pack. There was no doubt in my mind that they had already spotted me through their surveillance cameras from afar. 

It was such a welcoming atmosphere. With more speed, I stopped at the towering metallic gates. An intricate mechanical limb jutted out from one of its poles and began measuring my body temperature as it scanned my face. On a small screen, I was prompted to present my identification card for verification purposes which is also scanned. After some digital peeping and ticking, I heard a cranky voice, informing me that clearance had been granted.

‘Greetings, Miss Erica! We extend our warmest welcome to the Blue Moon Pack. Alpha Zane is expecting you. Please strictly follow all traffic signs during your stay with us. Wishing you an enjoyable stay.’

Massive!

This remarkable demonstration of hospitality is something I must share when I go back home. Blue Moon is truly making a splash with its stylish approach. Driving in at the mandatory speed limit of thirty kilometers per hour, I cannot help but admire the lush greenery surrounding me on all sides.

                ‘Yeah, here feels like home’, I whispered cheerfully to myself.

Here is where it dawned on me that Era has been dead silent for a long time.

‘Era, on leave? Or strike?’, I lightly bantered with her. In response to my jesting remark, she scoffed and rolled her eyes before lazily stretching out her paws.

‘Some need to rest a bit. Don’t feel too homey here, okay?’

'Excuse me, Era,' I interjected with a furrowed brow. ‘Is this a subtle hint? Is our mate not here? Please, be clear about that so we don’t waste our precious time!!’, I demanded clarity.

‘How am I supposed to know’, it sounded grumpy up there.

‘Attitude, Era? Complaints should be coming from my side, considering you've left me feeling lonely for these past three hours,' I accused her.

‘Yeah. And that gave you every right to seal a love deal without seeking my opinion first, huh?’, she sneered back. Goodness, there I go. She has a valid point.

Mate business is not something for me to decide on my own. Practically speaking, it's more of an instinct my wolf needs to figure out. She is the one who possesses the ability to instantly recognize our fated at first, feel the bond and strengthen the relationship.

In my haste to clarify everything with Johnston, I totally forgot the emotional procedures.

‘How can I make it up to you, dear?’ I tried to smooth her mood.

‘When the time is there, you will get a hint,’ she replied secretively.    

The packhouse of Blue Moon comes into sight. A breathtaking scene unfolds before my eyes.

‘Exquisite,’ is the first word that came to mind while watching this architectural wonder. Grey granite stones are blended in the high pillars of this five-story building, matched with beige colored tiles.

As I cast a more discerning gaze outward, my attention was drawn to the presence of several wolves posted on the expansive and classy veranda. 

Parking my car at the side, an attractive middle-aged man with a beautiful young, well-shaped lady by his side walked towards me...