Share

99. Instincts

Author: Eden Moon
last update Last Updated: 2024-02-16 23:48:08

As Tanner stepped back into the main room, the sight that greeted him stirred a mixture of irritation and resolve. The room was alive with activity, maps spread out and discussions underway. This pattern of being left out of crucial planning stages irked him. Though Tanner recognized his role in these absences—having just checked on the kids more out of a need to reassure himself than any immediate necessity—it was a point of contention that Gideon often initiated these sessions without him.

He understood the importance of being present, learning, and contributing, especially with the weight of future leadership on his shoulders. If he was ever actually to feel prepared, he needed these moments.

The focus of the meeting was the mysterious circumstances surrounding Hattie's disappearance, specifically the area along the border where she seemed to vanish. Gideon was coordinating efforts to canvas the grid areas surrounding the last known point of Hattie's presence.

Tanner, driven
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP
Comments (1)
goodnovel comment avatar
Loretta
Good chapter.
VIEW ALL COMMENTS

Related chapters

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   100. Clashing

    After Tanner's departure, Avla turned to Gideon. "What's going on there?" she inquired.The weight of leadership and the day's tensions bearing down on him, Gideon sank into a chair. With a heavy exhale, he massaged his temples, a silent testament to the stress and internal agitation he was wrestling with. The room was thick with the tension left in Tanner's wake, a silent witness to the conflict between two strong-willed Alphas who had no genuine concept of how to give in a little. He eventually broke the silence, the words heavy with resignation. "Just growing pains. Having two Alphas on the same land is always tough. Having two from different bloodlines acting like that isn't true adds another layer. I knew this would happen so I'm not worried at the end of the day. It's just... One thing that I didn't expect was so much pushback. Not from him, you know? " he admitted. It was a delicate dance of power, loyalty, and duty. A balance disrupted by their overlapping roles, shared conce

    Last Updated : 2024-02-18
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   101. B Team

    In Gideon's office, with the door firmly shut behind them, an air of solemnity settled between Gideon and Tanner. Heavy with unspoken thoughts, the silence lingered until Gideon broke it with a weighty sigh. "Listen, son, I'm failing here helping you prepare, and I know it. It isn't often one takes over for as long as you did and then has to step back as abruptly as you did. I'm proud of you for handling it as well as you have. I wish I could say the same for myself. But I'm going to make an effort to do a better job from here on out."Surprised by Gideon's candid admission, Tanner could only nod, his response caught in the moment's uncertainty.Gideon, seeking to bridge the gap, pressed on. "So... How can I do a better job to help you? What can we do better together? I'm all ears.""Well, I'm really not sure," Tanner began, his honesty starting to surface. "I'm sure a lot of the things I'm feeling can simply be chalked up to immaturity, and I'm aware of that."Interrupting, Gideon co

    Last Updated : 2024-02-19
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   102. Divided

    Hours after Kane and Tanner had vanished into the night, Gideon and Thomas set out to uncover their fate. The old mill, a place of grim memories and dark associations, stood silent and desolate under the moonlit sky. Gideon hated going near the place because it reminded him of what he almost lost. He would have burned the place down if it was on his land. However, an unexpected sight awaited them at the front gate: Hattie, the missing piece of their frantic search, slumped against the cold metal, her presence both a relief and a precursor of more troubling news. "It was Yorgan," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper, loaded with exhaustion and pain. "He left me... took Tanner and Kane," she managed to say before collapsing into their arms, her strength finally giving way. They transported Hattie back to the safety of the pack house, where her wounds were tended to. Luckily, Yorgan seemed to have a soft spot for Hattie, because he did not harm her much. As she regained a semblan

    Last Updated : 2024-02-20
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   103. Transcended Distance

    As Marcus and Gideon entered the room, Marcus gently took Ashleigh, leaving Gideon alone with Avery, who was still engrossed in the television program, seemingly oblivious to the world around her.Gideon, seeking her full attention, turned off the TV. Immediately, Avery's focus shifted, and her first question cut straight to the heart of the matter: "Where's Tanner?"Following Tanner's advice for open and honest communication with Avery, Gideon prepared himself for a difficult conversation. "Some bad people took Tanner, but we're doing everything possible to get him back. And he's going to be okay," Gideon explained gently. "We need you to be strong for Tanner because he can probably sense if you're really upset, just like he knows when you're hurt."Avery, connecting dots with wisdom beyond her years, asked, "Because he's my mate, right? He could feel it when I cut my knee on that log. He told me he can feel it when I hurt something."Gideon, taken aback by her insight, affirmed her

    Last Updated : 2024-02-21
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   104. Dry Ice

    The tranquility of the night was shattered when Avery, caught in the grip of a nightmare, screamed and inadvertently kicked Gideon right in the face. The sudden commotion awakened everyone, and they rushed to her side, only to find her sitting in bed, wide-eyed and disoriented, unable to comprehend the worried faces surrounding her.In the chaos, Ashleigh's cries added to the moment's urgency. Avla, quick to prioritize, handed Ashleigh to Marcus with instructions to feed her, clearing the space for them to focus on Avery.Once the room had emptied, leaving only Avla, Gideon, and Avery, Gideon gently probed, "What do you remember from just now?""I was so scared... I... I... I saw Yorgan," Avery stammered, the fear still noticeable in her voice.Avla, her concern deepening, pressed for details. "Avery, where was Yorgan? Do you remember?"After a moment of concentration, Avery described a chilling scene. "It was in a blue room with really bright lights. He was standing in front of me, c

    Last Updated : 2024-02-22
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   105.

    Thomas entered the gas station, his senses immediately alert to the presence of other wolves in the vicinity, though the girl behind the counter appeared unmistakably human. As he approached, she greeted him with a smile, a sense of ease about her that suggested she was aware of the nature of her customers and unfazed by it."I was wondering if you could help me with something," Thomas asked."It depends. What do you need?" she replied."I'm interested in the dry ice," Thomas started to explain, but she cut him off with an apology. "Oh, sorry, we should take that sign down. A couple came in and bought us out." "Do you know who bought it? Who the couple was?" he pressed, hoping for a lead."I'm not sure, but they gave my...friend a weird feeling. Hold on," she said before calling out, "Linc, can you come here a second?"A young man emerged from the back, his werewolf scent noticeable to Thomas even before he fully appeared. The dynamic between the young werewolf and the human girl was

    Last Updated : 2024-02-24
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   106. Not This Time

    In a nondescript blue building, Tanner and Kane found themselves in a dire situation, bound and periodically forced to endure the biting cold of dry ice beneath their feet. Despite the physical torment, they remained resolute, determined not to grant Yorgan the satisfaction of seeing them broken.Yorgan, observing their defiance with cruel amusement, couldn't help but mock their current state. "It's so funny," he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "You both were so strong when you locked me in the basement. Look at you now. All broken and weak."Yet, even in the face of such taunting, Tanner and Kane's resolve only hardened. They understood the true measure of strength wasn't just physical prowess but the unyielding spirit to stand against adversaries, even in the most challenging circumstances.Yorgan, after a moment of mockery, abruptly pushed Tanner and Kane off the block of dry ice. With a sarcastic tone, he announced, "Take a few minutes to gather yourselves... We'll go on

    Last Updated : 2024-02-25
  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   107. Rest Now

    Yorgan attempted to rise and move aggressively towards Tanner and Kane. Gideon, reacting swiftly, pulled him back by the ankles and placed his boot on Yorgan's throat, effectively halting his advance. "You can either listen to him the easy way or the hard way," Gideon declared. Struggling for air, Yorgan finally conceded, managing to choke out, "Okay, okay." Gideon then removed his boot but remained vigilant and close by. As Yorgan rolled over, attempting to regain his composure, he found Tanner directly in front of him, ready to confront the man who had caused them so much pain. With a firm grip on Yorgan's neck, Tanner positioned himself mere inches from Yorgan's face. As Yorgan began to struggle, Gideon placed his boot back on Yorgan's shoulder, pinning him down to aid Tanner. Maintaining his hold, Tanner expressed his contempt for the man as he spit and growled in his face. "You know, looking at you, I can't see one good thing. Not one single redeeming quality. How can a perso

    Last Updated : 2024-02-26

Latest chapter

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   122. The End.. and The Beginning.

    The night of the full moon, indicating Avery's 18th birthday, was a culmination of anticipation and impatience on both their parts. Eagerly counting down the days, Avery could barely contain her excitement for this momentous occasion.Meanwhile, Tanner was caught in a storm of emotions, pacing the office floor in the pack house. His heart raced as he confided in Gideon and the other guys, 'I can't believe it's finally here... After 14 years, the moment has arrived. I've been dreaming of this day for so long.'Witnessing Tanner's restless energy, Thomas couldn't help but chuckle. "Boy, you need to stop pacing. You're making even me nervous," he joked.Gideon, observing the scene from his desk, shared in the delight. "Yes, Tanner, the day has... indeed come... and you've handled the journey here... with grace, except for a few mo..mo..moments that led to involuntary swims and such. I'm p...proud of you. Are you re..re...ready to embrace what comes next?" His eyes twinkled with a mixture

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   121.

    Trembling with cold and emotion, Tanner tried to steady his voice, "I'm not trying to challenge you, Gideon. I'm pleading for us to discuss this. Can't you acknowledge that I've always acted with her best interests at heart, valuing her safety as much as you do?"Gideon, his frustration observable, ceased his pacing and sank to the ground beside Tanner. He removed his own shirt and handed it to Tanner, who quickly pulled it over his head, seeking any relief from the biting cold.Tanner continued, the urgency clear in his tone, "Okay, yes, this was genuinely the first time she's kissed me on the lips since she was like 13. Since I recognized the potential complications. The very first time, Gideon. The first attempt she made since then and the first time I didn't stop it.""So, you're admitting that you let this happen?" Gideon's voice was a mix of inquiry and accusation.His guilt evident, Tanner met Gideon's gaze squarely, "I won't lie to you. Yes, I did. I wrestle with these decisio

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   120. Initiate It

    This moment quickly overwhelmed their senses and Tanner's reasoning skills. Avery's arms wrapped around Tanner's neck, her fingers teasingly entangled in his hair. In response, he rolled his head, allowing her to kiss him even more deeply.She led this dance, a wordless conversation flowing through their entwined bodies as their kiss escalated into a spirited declaration of affection.The unmistakable sound of Gideon clearing his throat interrupted their newfound passion. Despite the considerable distance from the pack house porch to where they stood, the noise carried an intensity that pierced the situation. It was a clear indicator of Gideon's fury, a barrage of disapproval that resonated with the force of a storm warning. The sound reaching them across the expansive field separating them from the pack house, underscored the depth of his anger.Reluctantly, Tanner untangled himself from Avery's arms and carefully set her back on the ground. As they started returning to the house, A

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   119. 16 Kisses

    Avery, now 16, stood beside Tanner, overseeing the training session as it wound down to its final moments. The routine was familiar, a dance they had perfected over time, yet today felt distinctly different. Avery's perception shifted as Tanner made his way to the water table. He casually removed his shirt to dab away the sweat from his face before drenching himself with water, the droplets cascading down his defined chest and stomach.In that instant, she realized the depth of her attraction to him. It was a revelation, striking and profound.She was irrevocably in love with him.This moment, though unexpected, was not entirely unforeseen. They had treaded the path of their growing closeness with maximum caution, Tanner even requesting Avery refrain from specific actions, like kissing him on the lips.His intentions were clear. To delay the inevitable awakening of deeper feelings. To postpone the inevitable. He had hinted at the complexities their bond might entail if their emoti

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   118. Ambushed

    Tanner tried to concentrate on the book in front of him, but his attention drifted away. He barely grasped the essence of the text, and his mind wandered, disconnected from the story unfolding on the pages.Jorge appeared skillfully balancing a tray packed with popcorn and an assortment of snacks. Spotting the open door to Tanner's room, he stepped in and gently closed it behind him. 'Care for a sneak peek taste?' he joked, extending the snacks towards Tanner. 'Or were you kicked out of the party?'Tanner looked up with a slight smile. "Actually, I got an invite but turned it down."Jorge leaned back slightly, a knowing look in his eyes. "You know, I've noticed the tightrope you've been walking with Avery. But honestly, I'm impressed with how you've handled it all these years."Tanner nodded, his smile broadening as he reached for a handful of the vibrant pink and purple popcorn. "Thanks," he said.With a brief nod, Jorge excused himself, heading towards Avery's room to distribute the

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   117. Lips

    Tanner retreated to his room, settling by the window that offered a direct line to the lively banter emanating from Avery's room across the hallway. A little guilt for eavesdropping mingled with his curiosity, but the rationalization that his acute hearing made it an inevitable consequence somewhat eased his conscience.The topics of Avery and her friends' conversation veered into the territory of the schoolboys they attended school with."Okay, so," Greer began, leaning in, "can we talk about Gabe for a second? Like, how he's the sweetest? Offering to carry our books all the time?"Tatum nodded eagerly, "Right? And have you seen Wyatt on the field? The way he winks at us after scoring...it's just too cute!"Greer, not to be outdone, added, "What about Rex? He's so mysterious and quiet, but when you catch him looking at you, it's like, wow, what's he thinking?"Avery sighed, "Totally get you. And Flint! His pranks are legendary. But did you notice how he's always trying to get Tatum's

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   116. Make-up

    The tradition of celebrating their birthdays together had become a cherished part of their lives, with Tanner, Liam, Avery, and Ashleigh sharing a grand celebration each year. However, time waits for no one, and Avery's 13th birthday suddenly was on the horizon. This year, she yearned for something different: a celebration of her own.Avery joined the local werewolf school when Ashleigh started kindergarten, a departure from the usual practice of Alpha's children being homeschooled. She had created a rich group of friendships with children from other packs. Now, she was eager to host a party exclusively for them.Tanner, always the tease, feigned a dramatic pout. "Aww, but I was really looking forward to our joint birthday party this year," he joked, trying to tug at Avery's heartstrings with mock disappointment. It didn't work. Unfazed and armed with a quick wit beyond her years, Avery shot back, "You'll live... And while we're on the topic, bro, how exactly am I supposed to introd

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   115. Beta

    In the calm aftermath of the party, Marcus and Leona sought a moment with Gideon and Tanner. With a blend of seriousness and hesitation, Marcus initiated a conversation that Tanner had sensed might be on the horizon. "I know I agreed to be your Beta, Tanner," Marcus began, "But it seems plans have changed. Leona's been offered the Beta position in her pack. And with Gideon," he glanced at Gideon with a wry smile, "appearing to be immortal, it's unlikely you'll be stepping into the Alpha role anytime soon... no offense."Gideon, quick to catch the jest, interjected with mock indignation, "Thanks for the faith in my longevity," eliciting a burst of laughter from the group.With a weighty pause, Marcus resumed, his laughter subsiding solemnly. "In all seriousness, given Gideon's robust health and leadership and the stability it brings to our pack, it's only logical for Leona and me to embark on this new journey."Though not surprised by the news, Tanner felt mixed emotions. He had alway

  • Abused Luna Mature Alpha   114. Big 16...and 8...and 22.

    The pack house was alive with an unusual buzz that only comes around once in a blue moon, or, in this case, when multiple birthdays converge on the same day. Liam's 16th birthday had become a larger celebration, merging with Avery's request that her 8th birthday be celebrated alongside her brother. Liam, ever the doting older brother, agreed without hesitation. His love for Avery made the decision easy.Tanner laughed, "Well, since we're all in the mood for celebrating, why not throw my 22nd into the mix? It's not like I know the exact date of mine anyway." His comment was playful, yet Avery latched onto the idea with an infectious excitement.From the kitchen, Avla, overseeing the final preparations, couldn't help but join in the laughter. "And let's not forget Ashleigh!" she called out, amusement clear in her voice. "Seems like we've got a cluster of birthdays all at once. How curious!"Releasing Ashleigh from her high chair, the littlest of the family made a beeline for Tanner, cl

DMCA.com Protection Status