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Ch. 22 Aftermath
Last Updated:
2025-03-27 09:25:36
Cara AndersonThank you for reading!
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Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 23 Done
FinleyDone with my well-deserved self-chastisement, I relax into Dane’s embrace, letting Nova's satisfaction at our mate's nearness override the lingering uncertainty. I'm through being paranoid, letting old wounds color new experiences."I need to head back to Mountain Ridge today," he says against my hair, tension evident in the way he holds himself. "Just for a few days, to handle some pack business and gather my things.""Your things?" I pull back to look at him."I thought... if you wanted... I could stay here. At Forest Trails." There's a vulnerability in his eyes I haven't seen before. "Not in your cabin necessarily, if that's too soon. But nearby. So we can build on what we've started."The offer takes me by surprise, warming something deep inside. "You'd leave Mountain Ridge? For me?""For us," he corrects, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "I told you, I've made my choice. My place is with you now."It's everything I should want to hear. Everything Nova does want to hear.
Last Updated : 2025-03-27Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 24 Truth
Finley"This is a terrible idea," Tara whispers as we crouch in the underbrush at the northern edge of Mountain Ridge territory. "If we're caught, it's an act of aggression. Territory violation.""We won't be caught," I mutter, though my pounding heart betrays my own anxiety. "Your cousin's mate said this section is barely patrolled.""Barely isn't never."She's right, of course. What we're doing is reckless, potentially damaging not just to me but to Forest Trails as a whole. If I were thinking clearly, thinking like a future Alpha, I'd turn around now.But I can't. I need to know the truth.After Dane left, promising to return within days with his belongings, the doubts I'd tried to silence came roaring back. His explanation about the marking made sense logically, but instinctively, something felt wrong. Add Tara's information about Aria's claims, and I couldn't just sit at home wondering.So here we are, trespassing on another pack's territory in the dead of night because I can't be
Last Updated : 2025-03-28Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 25 Consequences
Finley"I'm so sorry, Fin," Tara says, reaching for me.I step back, not ready for comfort, not ready for anything but the rage and humiliation burning through me. "He lied. About everything. The entire time.""Men are trash," she offers weakly. "Especially Alpha sons with too much power and too little conscience."I laugh, but it comes out more like a sob. "I'm such an idiot. Twice. Twice I've fallen for this. Twice I've believed men who said they’d never hurt me only to have them let me down when it counts.""This isn't on you," Tara says fiercely. "This is on him. On both of them. They're the liars, not you."But it doesn't matter who's to blame. The result is the same—another rejection, another humiliation, another mate bond that will need to be severed.We walk in silence toward the Forest Trails compound, each step feeling heavier than the last. How am I going to face the pack knowing I've been made a fool of again? How will the council view this when they're already questioning
Last Updated : 2025-03-28Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 26 Council
FinleyThe council meeting room feels suffocating tonight, the air thick with tension and the lingering scent of fear. Eight council members sit around the ancient oak table, their expressions grave as they absorb the news of the attack. My father stands at the head, his Alpha authority radiating outward in waves that would normally calm the pack. Tonight, it barely makes a dent in the collective anxiety.I take my place to his right, the seat traditionally reserved for the heir. To his left sits Bradley, who technically has no right to be at the main table but somehow has positioned himself there anyway. No one questions it. Not tonight, when he was apparently the one keeping things under control while I was... elsewhere."The evidence is unmistakable," Elder Morris says, inspecting the twisted metal symbol through his wire-rimmed glasses. "Witchcraft. Dark magic of the oldest kind.""But why?" asks Adrienne, one of our youngest council members. "The truce has held for decades. Forest
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 27 Wrong Shapes
FinleyWhen the council finally adjourns near dawn, I'm exhausted in a way that goes beyond physical fatigue. My father catches my arm as I rise to leave."My office," he says quietly. "Now."The walk to his private office feels like a march to execution. He closes the door behind us, studying me with eyes that see far too much."Where were you tonight?" he asks without preamble. "And don't tell me you were running with Tara. I want the truth."For a moment, I consider maintaining the lie. But what's the point? The truth will emerge eventually, especially now that Dane knows I overheard him with Aria."Mountain Ridge," I admit, the words bitter on my tongue. "I went to see if Dane had actually ended things with Aria like he claimed. He hadn't."My father's expression doesn't change, though a muscle ticks in his jaw. "You trespassed on another pack's territory. During a time of potential crisis. Without authorization.""Yes.""Do you have any idea how serious this is? Not just the terri
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 28 Convergence
FinleyI stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. Dark circles shadow my eyes, evidence of the sleepless night and emotional upheaval. In a few hours, representatives from the neighboring packs will arrive to discuss the attack. Including Mountain Ridge. Including Dane.And Glass Lake. Including Liam.The thought sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me. How am I supposed to face both of them at once? Both mates who rejected me, though in very different ways."You look like hell," Tara says bluntly, leaning against the doorframe of my bathroom."Thanks. That's exactly what I needed to hear."She shrugs, unapologetic. "Just saying what your council won't. You need sleep, Fin.""What I need is to get through this meeting without falling apart." I splash cold water on my face, hoping it will erase some of the exhaustion. It doesn't. "Any update on the messengers?""Glass Lake's delegation left at dawn. They should be here within the h
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 29 Avoidance
FinleyI feel Liam's presence like a physical thing, his scent, his energy impossible to ignore even as I lead them toward the conference room. Nova stirs restlessly, confused by the dual pull of two mates in such close proximity. Especially after Dane's betrayal, which has left the bond raw and aching."We've set up in the main conference room," I explain, keeping my voice professionally neutral. "The artifacts from the attack site are there for examination, along with the witness statements we've been able to gather.""Witness statements?" Kaden asks. "I thought there was only one survivor conscious?""Sierra woke briefly this morning," I explain. "She didn't see much, but what she did see aligns with Michael's account. Something about shapes that weren't right. Eyes where they shouldn't be.""Sounds like delirium from trauma," Dane suggests, falling into step beside me as if he has every right to be there. As if he hadn't been caught in a lie just hours ago.I maintain a careful dis
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 30 Traces
FinleyThe eastern forest is quiet this afternoon, too quiet. Even the birds seem subdued, as if sensing something unnatural lingers here. I lead the way along the patrol route, hyperaware of Liam following a few steps behind. His scent carries on the breeze—rainwater and cedar—stirring memories I've tried hard to suppress."The attack happened just ahead," I say, keeping my voice professionally detached. "Near the boundary creek."Liam nods, his expression focused as he scans our surroundings. For all the personal awkwardness between us, I can't deny he's good at this—observant, methodical, the consummate Beta."The initial investigation team said they found blood here," I continue, stopping at a small clearing. Yellow evidence markers still dot the area, placed by Bradley's team three nights ago. "James died here. Sierra and Michael were found wounded about twenty yards in that direction."Liam crouches, examining the ground where the markers indicate blood was found. "The report men
Last Updated : 2025-04-01
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Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 47 Fragile Alliance
Finley"They're trying to release the Void Walkers? Using our blood?" Liam asks, falling easily back into our earlier discussion despite his obvious desire to talk about “us.”"The three of us specifically," I confirm, gratefully taking the out. "Our bloodlines apparently connect to the original sealing somehow. Bennett, Stone, Parker. Three aspects of power that, when combined correctly, either reinforce the prison or break it.""Which explains why they're targeting us individually. And why Celina needed both you and Parker for the healing ritual." His gaze drops briefly to his chest where the wounds are still visible beneath his thin t-shirt. "I don't remember much of that, but I felt... something. When the three of us were connected."The memory of that perfect triangular energy circuit sends warmth through me that I try to suppress. "Our bloodlines recognizing each other.""More than that." His eyes meet mine directly now, all pretense of casual conversation gone. "It felt right, F
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 46 Redirection
Finley"Are you sure about this arrangement?" Dad asks, his voice low as we stand outside the secure wing where Liam is recovering. "All three of you in such close proximity, given the... situation?"I maintain a neutral expression despite the awkwardness of discussing my love life with my father. "It's the most practical solution. If our bloodlines are what these creatures are targeting, we need to maintain a unified defense.""Practical," he repeats, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "And the emotional aspects?""Are secondary," I finish firmly. "We're all adults, Dad. We can handle complicated feelings while focusing on the crisis at hand."He studies me for a moment, parental concern warring with Alpha pragmatism. "Dane Parker made a significant public declaration today. One that will have lasting consequences for all involved.""I'm aware." I keep my voice steady despite Nova's restless stirring at the mention of Dane's name. "But one declaration doesn't erase past actions. Trust
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 45 Direction
Dane Suddenly, my decision solidifies and I feel a perfect peace settle over me. I know what I have to do. What I should have done weeks ago, when I first recognized Finley as my mate. What I've been too cowardly, too bound by obligation, to admit even to myself."There will be no announcement ceremony tomorrow," I say, my voice carrying clearly to everyone gathered.Aria's perfect composure slips, confusion creasing her brow. "What?""I cannot and will not proceed with the arranged mating," I continue, addressing not just Aria but the gathered wolves, and by extension, my father. "I respect Silver Creek and the alliance our packs have built. But I cannot enter a mating bond that contradicts the Moon Goddess's will.""You can't be serious," Aria hisses under her breath. "This arrangement has been years in development. Both our packs have invested everything in this alliance.""I am entirely serious." I maintain steady eye contact, owing her that much respect. "And I apologize for the
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 44 Only Chance
Dane As I leave Alpha Bennett’s office, my phone vibrates with an incoming call. Father. Again. The twelfth call in as many hours. I've been avoiding him since returning to Forest Trails, knowing each conversation will just tighten the trap around me. But I can't delay the inevitable forever.I answer as I step outside, the afternoon sun offering no warmth against the chill of impending confrontation. "Father.""Where are you?" His voice is controlled but cold, tension vibrating beneath the surface. "The Silver Creek delegation has arrived. Aria is asking for you. The ceremonial preparations cannot proceed without your presence.""I'm at Forest Trails," I reply, keeping my tone neutral despite Summit's growing agitation. "There have been developments. Critical information about the entities attacking multiple packs.""Whatever territorial disputes Forest Trails is experiencing are their concern, not ours." His dismissal is absolute. "Your duty is to Mountain Ridge. To our alliance wit
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 43 Turning Point
DaneThe energy from the ritual still pulses through my veins as I make my way to Alpha Bennett's office. That moment of connection—Finley, Liam, and me forming a perfect circuit of power—has left Summit restless and contemplative. It felt right in a way I'm not prepared to examine too closely.But I don't have the luxury of dwelling on it. Not with what I discovered in the Mountain Ridge archives. Not with what's coming.Alpha Bennett looks up as I enter, the strain of recent days evident in the new lines around his eyes. "Enforcer Parker. Welcome back. I understand we have you to thank for assisting with Liam's healing."I don’t miss the way he takes every opportunity to use my current title to demean me the same way my father deos by insisting I work fro him. Assholes, both of them. Though now, with Finley in the picture, I’m no longer sure Alpha is a role I’m destined for. "I did what was necessary," I reply, standing at formal attention. "But that's not why I'm here."His express
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 42 Triad
FinleyTo my surprise, Storm responds—not with submission, but with recognition. Wolf to wolf, Alpha to Beta. The grip on my wrist eases slightly, though Liam's eyes remain that uncanny blue."Finley," Celina directs, "remind him of pack bonds. Of human connections. His wolf is fighting, but his human needs anchoring."I lean closer, maintaining our healing circle while meeting Storm's gaze directly. "Liam, I know you can hear me. Hold on to Storm, but don't let him take over. Remember who you are. Glass Lake’s Beta. Kaden's second. The pack needs you. We need you."Something flickers in those wolf-blue eyes—recognition, determination, the human fighting to resurface. The black veins across his chest pulse once more, then begin to recede, the unnatural darkness gradually giving way to normal wound coloration.Celina's chanting reaches a crescendo. A final pulse of energy flows through our circle—from my connection to the territory, through Liam's wounded body, through Dane's stabilizin
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 41 Poison
Finley"His temperature's still rising," I tell Celina, pressing a cold cloth to Liam's forehead. His skin burns beneath my touch, unnaturally hot even for a wolf's naturally elevated body temperature. The wounds across his chest have turned an alarming shade of black at the edges, dark veins spreading outward like poisonous roots seeking deeper soil.The witch examines the progression with supernatural focus, her fingers hovering just above the damaged tissue. "The containment spell is slowing it, but not stopping it. This isn't ordinary venom.""Can you help him?" My voice remains steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. Nova whines anxiously, distressed by Storm's weakening presence.Celina's expression is grave as she meets my eyes. "The poison is targeting his human side directly, trying to separate it from his wolf. If we don't stabilize it soon..."She doesn't finish the sentence. She doesn't need to. I've seen what happens when a wolf's nature fractures. It’s rare, but it
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 40 Battle Lines
LiamAs the sounds of combat intensify outside, I move to the tactical display, tracking our defensive positions. The creatures are attacking with unexpected coordination, probing for weaknesses rather than committing fully at any one point."They're testing us," I realize aloud. "Looking for gaps in our defense.""Or creating a diversion," Finley suggests, studying the pattern. "The heaviest assault is north, but their numbers are thinner than expected for a full attack."She's right again. This feels like a feint, a distraction from their true objective. But what—A scream from the adjacent corridor interrupts my thought. Not a battle cry, but pure terror. Finley and I move simultaneously, rushing toward the sound with several warriors behind us.We find a young pack member crumpled against the wall, blood pooling beneath him from a wound to his throat. Nearby, a door stands open that should have been secured—the entrance to the records room where we've been storing all evidence coll
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 39 New Arrivals
Liam"They knew the patrol signs," adds another team member, a Mountain Ridge enforcer, as we try to sort through the chaos before us. "They even responded correctly to the challenge phrases. We had no reason to suspect them until they were within striking distance."Alpha Bennett's expression darkens. "Gather the team leaders. Now. If they're mimicking pack members, we need new identification protocols immediately."As the command center explodes into activity, I catch Finley's gaze across the room. The same realization passes between us—if these creatures can convincingly pass as wolves, no one is safe. Trust, the foundation of pack life, has become a vulnerability."What do you need me to do?" Ryleigh asks, pulling me back to the immediate crisis."Find Kaden," I tell her. "Tell him to implement security protocol Delta. Then report to Finley for evacuation acceleration."She nods sharply and moves off without hesitation, all personal history temporarily set aside in the face of imme
