Lunaya.
The weather turned in a blink of an eye, catching us unprepared in the middle of a snowstorm. We definitely picked a bad time of year to go hiking in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. It’s the middle of winter here and this part of the mountain takes a beating. I knew we wouldn’t cross paths with anybody, the tourist trails don’t go up this mountain. And besides, the storm would cover over any of our tracks anyway.
We huddled together and continued to stomp through the freezing snow. The storm has been raging for maybe an hour now, the snow was already knee deep and getting deeper the further we went up the mountain. My boots were soaked through and I could feel the icy moisture in my socks. I hope we find them soon or else my toes may fall off. The wind howled past my ears, biting at my cheeks. The sound of Alyse’s teeth chattering together was almost louder than the wind.
“How f-f-far did you s-s-say?" she stuttered,
“It should be here” I told her, squinting into the distance. I looked around at the trees poking out of the snow, searching for the marker. I forced my eyes to open in the cutting wind and tried hard to focus. I followed the old directions perfectly. We are near the top of the mountain, on the southern side. It has to be here. I zoned in on a peculiarly shaped tree ahead of us. After a few quick blinks I could see clearer. That's not a tree. That’s it, the stone marker, we’ve made it.
“There it...” I was cut off by the unmistakable sound a wolfs howl. I turned towards the sound but couldn’t see the source through the blizzard. Another howl came from behind us and then another and another, until we were surrounded. I saw movement come from behind the large stone, capturing my attention, a white wolf slowly came into view as it stalked towards us. The wolf bared its teeth and growled, closing the distance between us. The wolf stood tall and proud before us, the power emanating off it was dizzying. The wolf snarled and barked loudly, Alyse and I bowed our heads in respect.
“We mean you no harm, we only ask for shelter from the storm” I called to the wolf. It was silent for a moment but I didn’t dare raise my head to look into its eyes. It finally huffed and growled and Alyse and I stood up again. The wolf glared down on us before tossing its head and growling again. More wolves begun to appear all around us. The white wolf turned and walked back the way it came. A nudge from behind me indicated we were meant to follow. Keeping Alyse under my arm, we held each other tight and stomped through the snow behind the white wolf.
After what felt like hours, which was probably only fifteen minutes, dark structures came into view. We followed the wolf into the largest structure that sat in the middle of the others. Warmth immediately embraced my frozen cheeks as we stepped through the door. I spotted a large fire pit in the middle of the circular building and started for it, pausing to eye the white wolf. It nodded its head and I dragged Alyse to the edge of the fire. We both groaned holding our hands out towards the flames, slowly turning like rotisserie chickens to feel the heat all over our freezing bodies.
I glanced quickly around the room as I turned. It looks like a main hall or something. There are a few long picnic like tables and benches and a raised platform. On the platform is a large throne, maybe, or just the Alphas chair. I’m not sure, but it’s a huge chair carved out of white stone with furs draped over it. Eight giant wooden columns ran up to the roof, holding it up. There were three more smaller fires in the room as well. We were surrounded by roughly thirty other wolves and women, all eyeing us closely and some brandishing weapons.
The snapping of bones alerted me that the wolves surrounding us were changing form. I turned around with my back to the fire to see a tall and muscular darkhaired woman, wrapped in furs. Her black hair was in long dreadlocks tied up at the back of her head. She had red tribal paint on her right cheek and over her eyes. On her bottom lip, chin and forehead are beautiful tribal tattoos, making her look all the more intimidating.
“Why have you come?” she demanded. Her voice dripping with authority.
“Alpha” I said bowing my head, Alyse mimicked my movements beside me.
“We have come seeking shelter. I am Lunaya, formerly of the Moon Light pack” I said, still in my bowed position. The woman in front of me growled and huffed.
“Lies” she snapped,
“Moon Light was wiped out years ago”
“You’re right, I am the last one. I was gravely wounded in the assault on my pack and barely survived. My companion, Alyse, saved my life” I informed her as I stood up straight, pulling Alyse up with me.
“Why do you travel with this human?” she hissed, sniffing at Alyse’s scent. I paused looking quickly at Alyse before I continued. I swallowed and looked back at the Alpha,
“She is not human, but a half-breed" I said cautiously. The women around us all growled at the news. I wrapped my arm around Alyse and held my other hand out to stop their approach.
“Please, she’s not dangerous. She has no wolf and can’t change form” I rushed out.
“Explain” the Alpha demanded of Alyse. She held up her hand and the others halted.
“My mother was a Were, my father a human. They were both killed by my mother's pack when they found out about me. An elder woman, a healer, took pity on me. She stole me away and gave me to a human family to raise me. Though I didn’t change form, and I don’t have a wolf. At the age of sixteen my body did change. I became stronger, faster and my senses were heightened. The family that raised me threw me out and I lived alone on the streets, until I found Lunaya three years later. I stumbled upon her slaughtered pack while roaming for a new place to stay” Alyse gripped my hand as she spoke and I gazed at her adoringly. She has become so strong and confident over the years and I couldn’t be prouder.
The Alpha stalked towards us, and then circled around us slowly.
“A half-breed with no wolf” she muttered as she traced her finger slowly over Alyse’s cheek. I bit back the growl on my lips, knowing that if I show any aggression, we’d be toast. The Alpha’s eyes flicked to me quickly and she dropped her hand, taking in my strained expression.
“You are mated” she said firmly, not asking but stating the fact.
“We are” I confirmed, squeezing Alyse’s hand.
“You are Omega wolves?”
“Yes”
“Interesting” she hummed quietly. She stopped and stared at us for a moment, raking her eyes over both our bodies. Her blank face was unwavering, giving no indication to her thoughts or feelings towards us. She eventually took a deep breath and turned away from us.
“You may stay until the storm breaks, we will meet and re-evaluate your positions here again then” she called, waving her hand over her shoulder. All the other women backed away and two younger looking women stepped forward, handing us dry clothes and blankets.
“This way” one of them spoke softly. She was young, just a teenager, but very beautiful. The other was just as young and just as gorgeous. They must be related. They led us out of the large round structure and scurried through the snow to a small hut directly opposite. We hurried behind them and into the smaller building. There were two single beds, a small round table with two chairs and a big fireplace that was already alight. The floor was covered in a woven mat and the walls were covered in furs. Very rustic and yet cosy and warm.
“You will sleep here, if you leave the hut before dawn you will be killed” the first girl spoke.
“I am Maya, this is my sister Trinny. One of us will be by in the morning to take you to breakfast. You are not invited guests and not yet trusted, so don’t get too comfortable. Until stated otherwise by the Alpha, you are to be escorted at all times” she paused switching her gaze from me to Alyse and back again.
“Understood?” she demanded.
“Yes, of course” I answered quickly.
“Good, there are fresh towels to bathe and extra blankets” she said pointing behind me.
“Okay, thank you”.
Maya nodded her head and ushered her sister out the door.
“The bathroom?” I called after her, but she didn’t respond.
Lunaya.Once the door slammed close behind Maya and Trinny, I looked at Alyse and she let out a long, slow breath. I smiled and crouched down in front of the fire and held out my hands. There’s a stack of logs next to it, so we’ll be good till morning. Alyse dropped her bag and plopped down on one of the beds. I stood again and turned in a slow circle, examining the hut. On the shelf above the fireplace is a large bowl and what looks like two water jugs. At the end of each bed was a small wooden chest, that must be where the towels and blankets are. By the door is an empty bucket, why would we need a bucket? Ooooh, I get it. I let out a small chuckle as I sat down on the bed opposite Alyse. She looked at me and tilted her head. I smiled and shook my head at her. She’ll figure it out eventually.“Come on, let’s get out of these cold wet clothes”. I stood up and held my hand out for her. I pulled her up and left her to undress. Unzippi
Lunaya,A soft knock on the door quickly drew me from my sleep. I lurched off the bed and took a defensive stance facing the door. Another knock, harder this time, then followed by a voice,“Are you awake, it’s Maya” she banged on the door again, her knocks getting harder and louder.“Yes, we’re awake” I answered quickly. I leaned down and shook Alyse to wake her up.“Breakfast is being served, you must come now” her voice called through the door.“We won’t be a moment” I called back. I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled my boots on, the heat of the fire had basically dried them out. Alyse sat up next to me and pulled her boots on quickly too. I stood up and grabbed her jacket, holding it out to help her put it on. I then pulled my own jacket on and turned to look at Alyse. She nodded at me and I opened the door. Maya stood by the door with a sour look on her face.“I
Lunaya.“Lunaya, Alyse, how did you come to find Luna Eclipse?”.Shit. I knew that she would eventually want these kinds of answers and that I wouldn’t be able to hide the truth for long. However the thought of confessing is still a dangerous and scary notion.“I uh, I have been told stories of your pack since I was just a child, the great battles you have won and the victories over your many enemies, they are legend” I said with a hint of admiration behind my tone.“Yes, our history is one of greatness. However, our pack drifted a long time ago into that of myth, believed by most of the world that we are a just fairy tale. So, how is it that you came to know of our location?” Hina asked, her tone now holding more authority.“I was taught from a young age that your pack and your history is very much real”.Hina slammed her fist on the table and growled, the sound echoing around the hall a
Zelena.My eyes flew open and the first thing I see is a sea of burry white. I blinked a few times to focus my eyes, where am I? I blinked rapidly, thinking for some reason that would help my memory. I can remember seeing two glowing silver orbs shining down on me, then nothing. I took a deep breath, and the most deliciously intoxicating scent filled my nostrils. Warm sunshine on a summer's day. I know that smell. I turned my head slightly and my gaze fell upon the most welcome of all sights. Gunner. I involuntarily groaned as I drunk in the sight of him. I felt my heart begin to race, Goddess how I love what he does to my body. He stood up slowly and raked his eyes over my body. He looks thin and pale. His hair is longer, and he was sporting some kind of short scruffy beard. What happened to my young and beastly Mate? Where are the rippling muscles and sharp strong jaw line, what has caused him such pain?His eyes landed on mine, those same blue enchanting eyes that I
Zelena.Once they left, I turned back to Gunner, he cupped my face and pressed his forehead against mine.“Hi, my Goddess” he whispered.“Hi” I returned. I pulled him up to sit next to me on the bed and I tucked myself into his arms.“Three months, really?” I asked softly.“Yes. Three. Fucking. Months”.How could that be possible? It felt like only yesterday that we were in the middle of a battle, but now I'm being told that it was months ago. What have I missed in that time? So many questions I need answers to, but where to even start. Let's start with the most obvious.“Are you doing okay?” I questioned Gunner.“I am now”“But before now?”He paused for a minute, thinking silently. Enough time for me to smell the pain and sadness seeping out of him. I clung to him a little tighter, waiting for his answer.“No, Zelena
Zelena.A growl vibrated in Gunner's chest before he huffed and slammed his lips to mine. He quickly flipped us over on the hospital bed so that his body was hovering over mine. His hand slipped down my side to the hem of my gown. He dipped his hand under the cloth and slowly traced his fingers up my thigh until he reached the seam of my soaked panties. He hooked a finger in the elastic and with one swift pull, he tore them from my body.“Oh god” I moaned, tossing my head back. Gunner took the opportunity to plant kisses across my exposed neck, up to my ear and across my jaw. My breaths quickened and my body involuntarily squirmed beneath him. I lifted one of my legs and wrapped it around his waist, drawing his hips down on mine. Gunner moved his mouth to his mark on my shoulder and traced his tongue over the raised scar. The sensation sent electric shocks of pleasure pulsing through me, I quivered and took a sharp breath.“Gun… argh&rdq
Zelena.Gunner spent that night with me at the hospital, I was more than happy to share the small bed with him. Sleeping in his warm and loving embrace filled me with blissful happiness, and I slept like a baby. Gunner however, not so much. I awoke at one point in the night to him squeezing the life out of me. He was grunting and mumbling and begging someone not to leave him. I gently stroked his face and whispered that everything was okay. He eventually calmed down and I drifted back off to sleep.I woke up before Gunner and just gazed at him while he slept. His face was scrunched up and he looked anything but peaceful. There was light coming through the small window and I could hear movement out in the hallways, it must be late morning already. I traced my fingers over Gunner's cheek and lips and tickled the hair on his chin. Slowly his eyes opened and landed immediately on mine. A smile spread across his face and he pulled me tightly into his arms.“I d
Zelena.When we arrived back at the pack house, I was surprised by how much it had changed. We’re in the midst of summer and everything looks greener and brighter. There were flowers and plants everywhere. No trace whatsoever of there ever being any kind of bloody battle here. We hopped out of the car and walked around to the front of the house. Lupus was sitting on the porch swing reading a book. He looked up as we stepped up onto the porch.“Zelena” he half coughed.“What on Earth are you doing here?” he called standing up and taking four giant steps forward to wrap me in a hug.“Doc said I could bring her home” Gunner answered for me.“Was that the doctor’s decision, or yours?” Lupus grumbled giving Gunner the side eye.“Both of ours” Gunner shrugged.“Mmhmm” Lupus hummed, not convinced at all.I got an inkling at the hospital that Gunner was
Zelena. With my head on Tobias’s chest and the warmth of his body washing over me, his steady heartbeat was slowly lulling me to sleep. That peace was broken when a group of wolves came running through the village, stopping at the bottom of the porch steps. I stood up and walked to the railing, only for Tobias to push me behind him and growl down at the gathered wolves. The largest of the group, a brownish orange wolf, changed form and stood up. I recognise this guy, he’s the same age as Gunner and me, and a friend of Gunner’s. He had been making his way up in the ranks over the past few months. Daniel, I think his name is. I stepped around Tobias and looked down at the muscular Were. His blonde hair sat in a shaggy mess of curls atop his head, and his dark hazel eyes looked back up at me. He was quite tall, with a slim frame sporting a lot of defined muscles. “You’re Daniel, right?” I asked him. He bowed his head and placed his hand over his heart. “
Epilogue.Zelena.My brain is ready to explode. Firstly, I find out that I'm pregnant, which of course I'm thrilled about now. Admittedly, I was terrified at first, but it’s hard to be scared when so many people around you are happy and excited. Their excitement has rubbed off on me. Roe has already started arranging a Litter Party, which is apparently like a baby shower. She hasn’t let me see it, but I know she is working on a nursery as well. Nat has been a constant at my side. Always happy to talk babies and throwing ridiculous baby names at me. Something is going on with Nat, I can’t put my finger on it yet. She has been avoiding talking about herself, which is weird and alarming all on its own. Each time I try to talk about her, she swings the topic back around to me or babies. Maybe she is just lonely, with Smith taking on most of the Beta duties, he is barely around. I understand if that’s what is bothering her, I miss him too. Smith is m
Lunaya.“You’re pregnant” I blurted out.Zelena choked and sat up straight. Her wide eyes finding mine immediately.“Excuse me?” she squeaked. Gunner snaked his arm further around her waist and pulled her into him closer. A protective and possessive motion. Something I remember all too well with Micha. His protective instincts increased tenfold. He was a warrior, so he was already very protective. But the second he could sense hispup,he wouldn’t let anyone get close to me without a warning growl. Gunner’s an Alpha, so his instincts would be higher still.
Lunaya.Alyse and I were huddled in the corner booth, stuffing our faces with bread and lukewarm stew. Alyse had her legs draped over mine so that she was nearly in my lap. I had a piece of bread hanging between my teeth as I waved it in front of Alyse’s mouth. She chuckled and snapped her teeth at the bread, pulling it from my mouth. I laughed and grabbed either side of her face, I pulled her to me and pressed my lips to her cheek. The kitchen door flew open and in walked Gunner with Zelena in his arms. She had her arms and legs wrapped around him like a koala. Alyse and I went silent as we watched them enter. Gunner paused and flicked his eyes to mine. He quickly looked to Alyse and then down at the bowls in front of us, before continuing on into the kitchen. I sat up straight, expecting that he would put Zelena down so I could see her. But instead, he kept one arm under her backside and carried her with him to the fridge. Zelena had her head nuzzled into the crook of
Lunaya.I left Zelena to rest and went in search of Alyse. No doubt she is tending to the injured Weres. As I made my way outside, I found the clearing filled with bandaged and bloodied Weres. Most of them were up and about, walking around or sitting and talking. Some, however, were laid out on stretcher beds, in far worse shape. A few tables had been set up with some she-wolves serving food to the warriors. I spotted Alyse flittering between two stretcher beds and made my way to her.“Can I help?” I asked. I stepped up behind her as she was wiping the blood from a she-wolfs face. Alyse jumped with a squeak and turned around, I’d startled her. I smiled and she sighed.“No love, you need to rest as well. Go get yourself something to eat, I will join you shortly” she squeezed my forearm with a soft smile on her beautiful face, before turning back to the she-wolf. I looked around and spotted Ares sitting with his sister on some large l
Lunaya. That fucking Origin Alpha. He tried to force her to be his Mate. Not the first time a descendant of Gill has tried to blend the bloodlines. The fucker already had a Mate and heir, plus Zelena has a destined Mate. What idiot told him that it would work. Oh, let me guess that fool of a Prophet. Fucking bastards. Artemis thought she had to choose between two mates, and so they tried to force her hand. Those damned idiots! My anger flared and before I got the chance to compose myself, I slammed my fist into the tiled wall. The tiles cracked and shattered at the force of my punch and then clattered to the floor. Tobias looked at me with a quirked eyebrow, “You already know?” he said. “Yeh, I already know. The Origin Alpha, right? That fucking treacherous line of egotistical morons. Gill’s descendants have been trying to snag a daughter of Selena for generations. Came close at one point, but they never succeeded in joining the lines” I snarled. “Com
Lunaya.The trip back to Tri-Moon was dismal. All of Lua Chei, apart from Analah, Ares and four others, went back to their pack lands. Alpha Travis bid farewell and left for Waning Wolf with his warriors. Tobias insisted that his brother, Alpha Marius, went back home. They argued over it for a while, but Tobias won, and his brother went back to their pack. Alpha Lace however, he refused to go home. He sent his men and Beta back, keeping only three Weres with him. He was very insistent on coming back to Tri-Moon, and I am very curious as to why.Tobias and Gunner were very tight-lipped about what ever happened out there. All they said was that the Origin Alpha murdered Cole, and then they killed him in return. As for Zelena and her unconscious state, they said that she depleted her energy fighting off the Alpha. I could tell they were lying. Zelena is a Triple Goddess. It would have weakened her, but not to this extent. Something else happened. And I'll be dammed if the
Zelena. “It’s my fault. I sent my brother to die” Gunner cried and squeezed his arms. My chest constricted under his hold, and I couldn’t take a full breath. But my concern was for my pup. His arms were crushing me under the weight of his guilt, and our pup along with it. I tapped on his head to let me go but my signal didn’t register. *Gunner, you’re crushing our pup* I flashed him in a strained tone. He immediately shot himself back, flying his body off the bed and across the room. He held his hands out in front of him, like he was trying to show me he wouldn’t hurt me. The same way he did on the day I first changed. I know he won't hurt me on purpose. What is this about? “I’m sorry, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to, I swear it” he rushed out as his eyes swept down my body. A look of shame and disgust filled his eyes. But I could still feel him, his emotions and tho
Zelena. “Mother?” I said meekly. “Yes, daughter of mine” Selene answered me. “You’re Selene, the Moon Goddess?” Gunner stated obviously. She turned her angry eyes to him and nodded. Gunner dropped to the ground on his hands and knees with his head pressed into the dirt. Tobias huffed and shook his head. “Too late for that don’t you think? You've already insulted and disrespected her” he grumbled. “Stand up boy” Selene snapped. Gunner shot back up to his feet immediately. He stood with his hands at his side and his head facing down. “Mother, what are you doing here?” I asked her, stepping forward. “I had no choice. I won’t stand back and watch you destroy yourselves. You are meant for more than that” she hissed harshly. I lowered my head as I filled with shame. She's mad. I made her mad. “I... I'm sorry” I said softly. A tear ran down my cheek as I looked back up at her. Her pale white eyes gazed back at me sadly. She wa