Chapter 2: Secrets and Stirrings

 The sun turned barely up, however, Hera was already in the kitchen. She hadn't slept, her mind racing with the mind of Ralph and the brand new lady, Olivia. Making breakfast was her manner of feeling beneficial when she felt she had so little to offer.

 As she stirred a pot of oatmeal, she heard familiar footsteps.

 "Morning," Ralph's deep voice made her heart skip. "You're up early."

 Hera managed a small smile. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd make myself useful."

 Ralph seemed worried, however before he could speak, Olivia walked in.

 "Smells true," Olivia said, her eyes darting among them.

 The kitchen fell silent. Hera targeted at the oatmeal whilst Ralph shifted awkwardly.

 "Hera's an extraordinarily prepared dinner," Ralph said, attempting to interrupt the anxiety.

 Olivia raised an eyebrow. "I'm positive. Well, I'll be heading out after breakfast."

 Ralph's head snapped up. "You're leaving?"

 "That turned into the plan," Olivia shrugged. "I do not do the complete settling down component."

 Hera felt relieved and guilty at the same time. She should not need Olivia to move, right? But the thought of competing for Ralph's attention becomes too much.

 "Stay a few days," Ralph insisted. "Let's discern this out."

 Olivia hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. A few days."

 Breakfast became awkward. Hera stored her eyes down, at the same time as Olivia and Ralph exchanged uncomfortable glances.

 Later, Hera goes inside the per cent gardens, attempting to hook up with her wolf. Nothing took place. She felt so frustrated.

 "No good fortune?" Olivia's voice startled her.

 Hera shook her head. "I don't know what's incorrect with me."

 Olivia sat beside her. "Look, that is bizarre for each person. But I'm no longer right here to motivate trouble."

 "I know," Hera said softly. "I simply sense so... Useless."

 Olivia's face softened. "Hey, we have all been given our strengths. You'll find yours."

 Their moment was interrupted using Jessica, Ralph's beta and adolescence buddy.

 "There you are," Jessica said, her voice overly candy. "Ralph's searching out you both. Pack meeting."

 As they walked to the meeting, Jessica whispered to Hera, "Don't fear, sweetie. I'm certain Ralph will make the proper preference for the per cent."

 Hera felt uneasy. She did not understand that Jessica changed into already plotted something risky.

 Days changed into weeks, and Olivia located herself staying longer than deliberate. The pull of the mate bond changed into strong, even though she attempted to disregard it. But something felt off.

 One day, Olivia overheard Jessica speaking to Hera.

 "Oh, Hera," Jessica cooed. "Don't doubt yourself. Ralph cares for you deeply."

 Hera sighed. "But Olivia's so much more potent. The percent wishes a strong Luna."

 "Strength comes in many paperwork," Jessica stated. "Here, I delivered you a few tea. It's a unique combo to assist raise your energy."

 Olivia frowned. Something approximately Jessica's tone is regarded as incorrect. As Hera took the tea gratefully, Olivia made a mental notice to watch Jessica closely.

 Meanwhile, Ralph becomes struggling. The pack. Changed into getting stressed, looking to realize who their Luna would be. He paced his office, looking to sort out his emotions.

 A knock interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he referred to as.

 Jessica entered, searching concerned. "Ralph, we need to talk about the Luna situation."

 Ralph sighed. "I understand, Jessica. I'm working on it."

 "The wishes balance," Jessica pressed. "You want to pick quickly."

 "It's now not that easy," Ralph growled. "I care about each of them."

 Jessica's eyes flashed with something Ralph couldn't pretty area. "Just remember the pack. Comes first. Always."

 As Jessica left, Ralph felt uneasy. There was more to her phrases than simply challenge for the per cent.

 That night, Ralph referred to it as a per cent meeting. Everyone changed into one part as he spoke.

 "I know there is been a lot of talk about our Luna situation," he commenced. "I want you all to recognize that I'm no longer taking this decision lightly. The pack .'s well-being is my top priority."

 Whispers spread via the gang. Hera and Olivia stood on the opposite sides of the room, each seeking to read Ralph's intentions.

 "That being said," Ralph persevered, "I've decided to delay the Luna rite till after the overall moon. This will provide us all time to..." he paused, looking among Hera and Olivia, "to alter to our new state of affairs."

 The statement got blended reactions. Some nodded, even as others grumbled approximately the postponement. Jessica, status inside the back, had an unreadable expression.

After the meeting, Olivia stuck up with Hera. "Hey, you okay?"

 Hera nodded, however, her eyes were remote. "Just tired. Think I'll visit bed early."

 Olivia watched her pass, feeling uneasy. Something wasn't proper, but she couldn't figure out what.

 Across the room, Jessica approached Ralph. "Wise choice, Alpha," she said smoothly. "Taking some time to pick out the right Luna is vital."

 Ralph nodded, distracted. "Thanks, Jessica. I just desire it's the right name."

 As night fell over Crestmoor, the entire moon loomed at the horizon. Tensions simmered below the floor, and secrets and techniques lurked inside the shadows. Hera tossed and became, plagued by odd dreams. Olivia sat conscious, her instincts on excessive alert. And Ralph stared out his window, unaware that the biggest danger to him and his mates turned closer than he may have ever imagined.

 The stage was set for a showdown that would exchange the whole thing. As the entire moon approached, so did the moment of truth for Crestmoor Pack and its conflicted Alpha. Little did they recognize, the real danger was already among them, expecting the best second to strike.