Emma packed a small bag and sat at her computer. She was going to do some digging before she left to interview these men that had been captured by Alpha Liu’s team. She felt overwhelmed with the need to know if this was her fault. If it was, she didn’t know what she would do to fix the fact that she had made her mate a target. She also didn’t know what she would do if it wasn’t her fault. Right now she was focused on one thing alone and that was discovering where the threat came from. Once she had the answer to that, she would figure out the next step. Her keys clicked as she furiously typed. “I need to be two steps ahead, and I don’t like the unknown,” she muttered to herself. An alarm went off on her phone and she closed her computer. She would have to do more digging later. Now it was time to go. She grabbed her small bag and went downstairs to the front entrance. Beta Quincy was there waiting for her.
“Are you sure that is a
Quincy paced in front of the door, wondering how much longer she was going to be. He could pick up faint noises, but the room was almost soundproof. He didn’t think she was in danger, but she had been in there too long. As he debated interrupting her, the door finally opened. Emma stood in the doorway covered in blood. Quincy rushed up to her, “Luna, are you okay?” Emma nodded, “It’s not my blood. I left them alive. I think I have all of the information we are going to get from those three. I will leave them for the team to deal with as they see fit. Leave one alive with instructions to go back to his leader with a message.” Quincy nodded, “Okay. What do you want him to say?” Emma looked at him with glowing yellow eyes. She was on the edge of shifting and at her most dangerous. He could feel the anger rolling off of her. “Tell them that the Luna of Broken Paw Pack is coming for them and not even Hell is a safe hiding place.” Quincy stepped away from her as she shifted into wolf form. H
Quincy followed Emma up several flights of stairs and through a maze of hallways. Finally, she stopped and entered the room without knocking. An older couple was sitting at a desk talking quietly. When she approached they looked up, "Emma, we weren't expecting you. What has happened?' Emma hugged the man and the woman. "Mom, Dad, this is my Beta Quincy. I came to discuss with the King an attack on my mate. It appears that he has been targeted because he is a pure lycan." Her parents looked surprised. "It's nice to meet you, Beta Quincy. Come and have a seat with us. Tell us everything you know." Emma and Quincy told them about the attack and the investigation. When they were done, her parents were thoughtful. "Well, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be in the middle of this in your condition. How far along are you?" Emma blushed but told her parents about the baby. She shared with them her fears of Alpha Daryl not waking up before the birth. "Don't worry dear. You are strong.
Emma sat typing at her computer as she waited for her assistant to arrive, and her phone notification pinged. She checked her messages and read what Quincy had sent her. ‘Do you want me to go to your appointment with you today?’ She smiled softly and replied, ‘You don’t have to come, but it would be nice to have someone there with me.’ Today Dr. Adams was going to do her first ultrasound and she hoped to find out the gender of the baby. She only had six weeks left of her pregnancy and she couldn’t believe how fast it was going. Veronica interrupted her thoughts, “Good morning, Luna.” She sat at the desk across from Emma with her notepad. “Good morning. I will be out of the office for the rest of the day. I’m going to grab some lunch and then I have an appointment with Dr. Adams this afternoon. Please have the security schedule on my desk in the morning for Beta Quincy and me to review and approve. I also need a list of all active Lunas and possible guest speakers on topics that you th
Quincy peeked into Alpha Daryl’s room and saw Emma sleeping. Looking back at the warrior he brought his finger up to his lips to stay quiet. ‘It’s about time she got some rest. Let me know when she wakes up.’ Quincy left her resting with her mate. He went back to his suite and packed his bag. Hera would be taking over her security while he was gone. Today he would be meeting with Alpha Liu’s team. They had some information to share with him before they provided it to the Lycan security team and would be pulling it out after their meeting today. ‘Beta Quincy, there is someone at the pack border asking for you. It appears that they are alone.’ One of the pack warriors linked him with a little concern in their voice. Quincy left his packing and headed to find out what was going on. ‘Did they give you a name,’ he asked. ‘No. It’s an injured she-wolf. She said she was sent with a message.’ Quincy picked up the pace from a stern walk to a run. “What the fuck is going on,” he asked himself a
Emma sat at her desk with Veronica seated across from her. “I want to know as soon as Beta Quincy makes it back here. I also need to see our visitor when she wakes up. Let Dr. Adams know that she is not to leave or have any visitors without my permission. Not even Beta Quincy. There are too many unknowns. I’ve spoken to Leo and Ivan. They are assigning Paul to guard her until we know more about why she is here. I will be leaving soon for a meeting, and I need to know that things are going to be okay here while I’m gone.” Veronica nodded and took notes as she spoke. I have a list of things I want for the nursery. Please get with the maintenance crew to get it done. Once I return from this trip, I don’t anticipate leaving the pack until after the baby is born. Please schedule any meetings to be done via Zoom or they can travel to our pack if a face-to-face is necessary. Let me think if there is anything else. This pregnancy brain is ridiculous, I’m forgetting stuff all the time and I ha
Quincy had never left a meeting so quickly in his life. He knew Emma wouldn't be happy with the news he would be bringing back, but he was more concerned about what he had left back at home. He drove as fast as he could and didn't relax until he hit the pack border. He threw the car into park and left his bag in the back seat. He may still need it, but for now, he wanted to find out about the injured woman that might be his half-sister. He linked Emma. "Luna, I'm back." He wanted to ask a million questions but he didn't. "Good. I am at the packhouse. Meet me here and we will go to the hospital together." Quincy took the steps two at a time and found Emma in the common room reading to a group of children. His heart stuttered at the sight of her with her round stomach and a handful of kids at her feet listening intently as she read The Cat in the Hat with silly voices. The moms sat quietly chatting and enjoying snacks while the kids were entertained. Quincy stood in the doorway watchi
The next few weeks flew by in a blur. Emma was busy getting things ready for the baby and managing the pack. She decided to push the Luna conference off until after the baby was born. She found she was running out of energy quicker and quicker as her due date approached. Every day went the same for her, and she enjoyed the routine of it. First thing in the morning she met with Quincy and then she went to the hospital to spend time with Daryl. Then she went on about her day, dealing with pack matters. She was assigning more duties to Quincy, and she wondered if she was putting too much on him. He spent a lot of time with his newfound sister, helping her adjust to the pack. He had appealed to the Lycan King to investigate her accusations against the Haunted Moon Pack. They were waiting for an answer, not that they would have any part in the investigation, but they both wanted justice for Alice. She was strong and sweet, but often scared and unsure of how to manage her trauma in situatio
Emma let go of the wall and swallowed hard, she did as he instructed. She slipped off her pants and underwear and he handed her the robe as he kept his eyes averted. Emma put the robe on and used a towel to wipe down her legs. “In the closet, I have a bag of things. There are waterproof mats to put on the bed for delivery. Can you get them?” Quincy nodded, “Yes, but let’s sit you down first.” He led her to the couch and waited for her to sit down before pulling out the bag of delivery things. He followed her instructions as he set about getting the room ready for her. He followed her as she climbed into bed.Finally, the nurse arrived with a cart full of things. “Luna, I hear that we are going to have a baby soon. Let me help you get ready.” Emma gave her a small smile. “Sure, thank you.” Quincy stood back as the nurse set things up. She placed a monitor on Emma’s stomach, “There, that’s the baby’s
Days passed quickly and soon it had been weeks since Emma and Quincy had spoken other than brief conversations about the pack. Although it made Emma sad to lose her closest friend in the pack, she didn’t regret her choice. She didn’t need a chosen mate and she didn’t want one that couldn’t understand her point of view or understand why it was time for traditions to change. She was exhausted from working long hours and trying to spend as much time as possible with Caleb and visiting Daryl, but now no one could say she wasn’t capable of taking care of the pack. Veronica was working on the details of the Luna Conference and Emma was excited to see how it would turn out. This event would be a three day conference for Luna’s only. The last day would also host a family event and end with a celebration for both the Luna’s and their mates. There would be many topics discussed and she hoped the conference would become an annual event. Emma was so lost in thought as she walked one of the narr
Internally Emma was berating herself for speaking too soon. Now she had to spar with the one man she wanted to avoid most. She approached the mat without hesitation, her years of training providing her with a calm exterior. Quincy gave her a grin, “Good morning Luna.” Emma gave him a cool smile, “Good morning Beta.” She stepped onto the mat and they paired off. He attempted to use his larger size the pin her to the mat, but within minutes she had him. The pack members cheered the match on and were happily chatting about her win into lunchtime. Emma returned to the pack house and Veronica joined her in the office. “Good morning Luna, here are today’s files. Your meetings have been rescheduled and I scheduled time for you and Hera to meet about the security changes.” Emma nodded, “Thank you. Please let Beta Quincy know that I’m ready to meet with him this morning.” Veronica left the office and returned a few minutes later with Quincy following behind her. He carried s legal pad and a c
“It’s nothing personal Emma. This is how our culture works. Every pack needs an Alpha and a Luna. The pack works together so everyone is provided for and protected. They are looking out for the best interest of the pack.” Quincy series on with his point of view, but Emma was so taken aback that she didn’t hear the rest of it. Anger filled her, and she felt her face and neck heat up. “I can’t believe you just said that to me. After months of working alongs side of me, you’re agreeing with them? As if I cannot manage or protect the pack simply because I am female?” She didn’t even realize that her power was filling the room. Quincy flinched slightly as it hit him, drawing his full attention to how upset she truly was. He fully submitted to her without hesitation, baring his neck to her. Emma ignored the gesture and made no effort to control her aura. “There are times when society needs to change. Broken Paw Pack has been fine under my leadership. It is insane to think that I cannot ma
Emma sat at the conference table with the four Alphas who’s packs connected to her. “Good afternoon gentlemen. I’m must say, I was surprised that you asked for this meeting. Please tell me why you’re here.” One man spoke up, “we are here to express our concern for your pack. We have brought up the issue with Beta Quincy but it is time we address it with you. Since Alpha Daryl is unable to manage the pack, there are concerns that you will be challenged. It puts your allies in a difficult position.” Emma breathed in slowly as she sat back in her chair. Sitting straight and shoulder back, she exhaled. As she let the muscles in her body relax, her power flowed freely to the men in the room. She watched them intently as each one struggled not to submit to her. “I greatly appreciate your concern, but I am not worried about my ability to meet any challengers.” She pulled back her aura, and another one piped in. “There are also rumors about the attack. People are whispering that you are Ly
Once the interview was done, Emma felt for confused than ever. Alice had answered every question they asked and she seemed to be telling the truth about everything except how she escaped. For days now Emma had been replaying it in her head, and she couldn’t comprehend why. Today she decided to have Alice over to discuss it. Caleb went to the nursery, and Quincy had left with the Lycan team to apprehend some of the names she had given. Hera was ever present for her protection, but for this conversation, she wanted to be alone. It was mid afternoon, and she was relaxing in her suite when Alice arrived. She inclined her head, “Good afternoon Luna. Thank you for inviting me. I was quite surprised when you asked me to come.” Emma waved her hand, “never be surprised when I ask for your company. I do consider you a friend, however, I must admit I had more than companionship on my mind when I asked you to join me.” Alice took a seat next to Emma. “Oh really? What did you have on your mind?”
Everyone got into place for the interview to begin. The session would be recorded. Quincy, Alice and Karen went into the interview room. John and the other team members began setting up the case file information so it could be viewed as they went through the interview process. Emma paced the room as the session began. Alice and the woman sat at the table, while Quincy sat in the corner. Comfortable chairs had been brought in to make the room more accommodating. John started the recorder, and the woman introduced herself. “Hi Alice, my name is Karen. I’m sure you’re aware, but I am one of the team members investigating this is situation. I have a degree in psychology, and have work as part of the Lycan investigation team for 15 years. More importantly, I am a mother to three girls, and if anyone had treated them the way you’ve been treated, I would be out for blood. Everyone deserves to be free and happy, and to have a choice. That choice was taken from you. I’m here to help you get j
Emma went to the pack nursery and was greeted by young she wolf. “Good afternoon Luna, are you here to pick up the little alpha? Emma smiled but shook her head. “No, I have more meetings this afternoon, but I wanted to spend some time with him before I had to go back to the office.” She went down the hall and found her son’s classroom. His teacher was sitting in the floor, surrounded by four babies in bouncy seats, reading a story book. Caleb was happily cooing at the hanging toys above his chair. When Emma entered, the teacher gently lay the book down and inclined her head in respect. “Good afternoon Luna, are you here to pick up the little alpha?” Emma smiled at the nickname. “No, unfortunately I have to go back to meetings later, but I did want to spend some time with him.” She sat on the floor and unbuckled him from the bouncer. “Continue reading please, the kids seem to like it.” Emma snuggle Caleb, covering his face with kisses as they listen to the story. When the story had end
Quincy dismissed the staff member as they left the conference room. It was a short walk to the guest rooms. Emma directed each one to their designated rooms. It wasn’t until the very end when only an older couple was standing together that she gave any indication that she knew the team members “Come, let me show you the room I have for you. It is quite lovely.” She open the door and stepped inside. They followed her through the door, and Emma turned to gave them a big hug. Mom, Dad, I didn’t expect to see you here, but I’m so glad you are! I can’t wait for you to see Caleb. He is growing so fast, I just can’t believe it. Her mom glanced around the room, “you’re right, this is a lovely room dear. We were so excited to come on this trip. Honestly, I think the King planned our attendance on purpose. Do you know how much we hate being away from you and missing out on seeing our grandson?You should bring him to the palace.” Emma shook her head, “No, absolutely not. Not until he’s older. T
“Let’s focus on Alice today, and tomorrow we focus on the Luna.” Steven left the Beta’s office and Quincy went to find Emma. She was elbow deep in paperwork and muttering to herself. He gently tapped the door and she looked up. “Any news on the Lycan team?” Emma shook her head, “No. I suspect they’ll be here soon though. How was your sister?” Quincy sat and took a stack of papers. He rifle through them, sorting them by priority. “She’s doing as good as can be expected. My dad drop by to check on me. He’s worried about Alice and my mother is hovering. I’ve had a lot on my mind and I feel like I’m getting tunnel vision. I’m wondering, did you ever, or do you have any concerns about how Alice got to us? I feel like the more we learn about this situation the more complex it is. Maybe there is more to it, and we’re missing it. I think that our focus has been on helping Alice with adjusting when we should be looking more into the entirety of the situation she came from. Does that make sense