A strained silence covered their table. Kaya smirked while Langdon gaped at Tristan and Stefano.
Lionel, on the other hand, let out a low whistle as he tried to contain his excitement, "Damn, man."
"True. This is definitely getting interesting. Unfortunately, I have to go to a meeting." Kaya replied, standing up and giving Langdon a pat on the shoulder, "Make sure to tell me what happens, okay?"
Kaya resigned herself from the table and out the room, Tristan and Stefano barely glancing in her direction. They were still glaring at each other, neither of them wanting to back down.
"Show me your cards, Stefano. What's taking so long?" Tristan challenged, tapping his own cards, which he had placed face-down on the table.
Stefano growled at Tristan, "This whole time, you were trying to take her from me."
"Technically speaking, you had no right to claim her in the first place," Tristan commented calmly, but his eyes were not
Hello, dear readers! Thank you for reading The Alpha's Moon. If you're loving the story, please do comment, subscribe, or leave a gem for the book. It would be much appreciated. Love, Silvermist
"It needed to be done," Francesca said as she stared in the mirror. She was still in her wedding dress, even an hour after her Christian wedding with Stefano because her husband had asked her to. Though raised a Christian herself, Francesca could not help but feel relieved that it was the only tie she had with the Alpha. They were not mates so they could not be married at the altar of the moon goddess. And for a werewolf, that was what mattered the most. She could get out of the arrangement easier. "It didn't have to be you, Cheska." Julio Lopez frowned behind her. Julio was her Dad's friend and became her guardian since his death. He was a balding man in his fifties, with permanent worry lines on his forehead, brought about by being in charge of a ward as reckless and as brave as Francesca, he always said. "You know none of the others wanted to do it, Uncle. I had no choice." Francesca told Julio, "It's the only chance we have of fr
Francesca's wolf shot out from the shock, within a second, her sharp nails clawed at Stefano's face. But Stefano did not fight back. He held her, soothingly trying to cradle her head. "Shh...shh...it's okay." he whispered in her ear, "Qin ai de, it's me." Francesca stopped at that voice. That was her mate's voice, not Stefano's. She realized she had her eyes closed the whole time she was attacking him. A relieved sob rose from her chest, and she fell into Tristan's arms gratefully. He caught her as if she weighed nothing, showering her face with kisses. He untied her hands quickly and Francesca touched his bleeding face, wounded by her blind assault. She was about to apologize when the cuts faded away. Alpha's healing. "I'm okay, my love," Tristan said, smiling at her like she was the moon. Francesca's sobs could not be controlled now that she remembered that she has her mate. She couldn't believe she almost killed hersel
Tristan rolled on the ground as the wolf launched itself on top of him, narrowly avoiding getting pinned down by the animal. Francesca screamed in fright, seeing the wolf reached out to Tristan's arms with its teeth. But her mate was quick to shift, protecting himself with the tough arms of his wolf. Fully shifted, Tristan pulled his arm back, prepared to attack. But Francesca's own wolf, deeply troubled within her, throbbed in recognition at the white wolf. "No, Tristan. It's Mira. Don't hurt her!" Francesca shouted, but it was too late.Tristan struck and the white wolf flew to the other side of the ground. "Mira!" Francesca called out her friend in concern. She was about to approach Mira when Tristan stepped in front of her, keeping her at bay. "Tristan, please." Francesca grabbed at his silky black and white fur, begging him to stop again. But the brown eyes that reflected back at her were unforgiving, and Francesca knew she could do noth
"Welcome home." Tristan's voice was full of relief and love, it tore at Francesca's heart. She finally opened her eyes, revealing the beauty of Tristan's enormous Manhattan penthouse to her. The interior was so sleek and polished, so very different from the coarse Victorian interior of Stefano's house. "I haven't cleaned in a while so the place looks a bit messy." Tristan apologized, gathering her tired body in his strong, warm arms. Francesca noticed that he was naked, probably freshly shifted back into his human form, and she couldn't help but blush as Tristan carried her into his bed. He wasn't as huge as Stefano, but she liked his lean, muscled body and the way it pressed against her own. "Thank you, " she murmured, deeply appreciating how gentle Tristan was with her. Francesca wanted to kiss him, to show him how happy she was that they were finally together. But she cried instead. "Hey, it's going to be okay, Francesca." Tristan soothed as he
Lynn and Francesca found themselves in the kitchen, where Lynn insisted on cooking for Francesca."So, I'm confused." Francesca started.Lynn waved at her to come closer to the kitchen island, "Okay. What about? Let's clear that right up."
Francesca couldn't speak. The intimidation that she felt standing in front of this blonde goddess caught her off guard. She couldn't even begin to process what she just heard. "Where is he?" The woman asked again, irritated andFrancesca pointed silently at the kitchen. "Ugh, of course, he's cooking again." the woman pushed against Francesca towards the kitchen, "Tristan, honey?" Francesca didn't follow, she remained gobsmacked at what was happening. How was it possible that Tristan forgot to tell her he had a girlfriend? But she shook her head. There must be some sort of explanation for this. Steeling herself, Francesca entered the kitchen only to find the woman on her tiptoes, her lips close to Tristan's. Swallowing a gasp, Francesca backed down from the room. "No, wait!" Tristan called out in a panicked voice, chasing Francesca back to the living room. "It's not what you think. She's my ex-girlfriend, okay? There's noth
Francesca gripped the tray of refreshments that she was carrying, shocked at the scene before her."Is everything alright?" she asked. Tristan let go of Jacob, looking a bit guilty as he straightened the collar of his shirt. Jacob did the same to his front, smirking, while Gavin and Calvin stayed in their seats looking uncomfortable."Yes, of course. Let me take that." Tristan smiled at Francesca, taking the tray from her."Okay, um...it's just water though," Francesca said, still confused at the boys' reactions. "Lynn and I are heading to the cafe down the block. I was wondering if you guys want anything from there?""Is it Starbucks? I'll only order if it's Starbucks." Calvin piped up in sudden interest, his previously sour mood brightening."Yes?" Francesca answered hesitantly."Oh, I'll take a caramel macchiato, then. I love caramel." Calvin announced.Gavin cleared his throat, "My order's somewhat em
Francesca ran her hands down the black silk dress that she was wearing as she stepped out of the black limousine that her mate had sent for her. After a long, dreary meeting with the Crescent Moon Pack about Stefano's unexpected visit, Tristan had to leave for a meeting in Brooklyn and Francesca went back home. She had waited at the penthouse but she didn't mind the isolation. It was what she was used to, after all. But Tristan must have felt guilty for leaving her as Omega servants arrived at the door, saying Tristan was waiting to have dinner with her in a restaurant outside. Francesca had been pampered, made-up, and dressed-up and as she rode on the car on the way to the restaurant, her anxiety was a constant. The look on Tristan's face when he spotted her took all that away, however. "You look breathtaking, qin ai de." Tristan murmured, his eyes traveling from her head to her toe. Francesca blushed in pleasure as his gaze continued to caress her, a pl
The pain was excruciating. Francesca felt her confidence waver. In front of her, the moon was about to mee the sun. And she wondered as hot tears ran down her face, if she would see it happen in her current state. She felt like dying. But Tristan, with their mind link, reminded her to keep looking in his eyes. He held her gaze, giving her all the strength she needed. "This is the last of the mark, Francesca. Please bear with it," the gamma who had been marking her whispered. The tip of the rod touched her skin once again and Francesca screamed. "I'm here. Keep looking at me. You can do this." Tristan said in her head. A long pause ensued as Francesca dipped her head low, completely spent from the ritual. "Qin ai de," Tristan murmured, his palm against her face. His voice shook in fear. "You're okay. You're okay, right?" Francesca willed herself to speak, or even to just lift her head to tell him that she was alright. But her face felt like lead. "Hello, Francesca." Two fami
"I can't believe you kept me in the dark for so long," Francesca told Alberto. They were in the great hall of Luna's fortress, now Selene's again, looking at the trapped essences of the Roman goddesses in front of them. On that battlefield, once Helios became her and Selene, everything went smoothly. It didn't take much for her to overpower the Roman goddesses and harmlessly extract them from their vessels. But despite their victory, Francesca still had this weight in her heart. Considering what she just learned, no one could blame her. "I have nothing else to say except that I did it to protect you," Alberto replied. Francesca could only nod. She could tell any conversation with her father would just be for nothing. She knew why he did it and he would stand by it. Alberto cleared his throat awkwardly, "Do you really need to go?" "I want to be with him and he can't stay here. The moon would sap his energy." Francesca said. "And the earth would do the same to you." Alberto frowne
Tristan dragged himself to Francesca and barely caught her from slumping onto the ground. His vision heated up in his panic. Briskly, he felt for her pulse. It was faint. His wolf howled in pain, and so did Tristan as vine-like cords grew on their mate, ruining her perfect skin. "Qin ai de, no. Wake up, please." Tristan whispered. Francesca was deathly pale, and it was breaking his heart. "Don't do this to me." "Selene, get ahold of yourself." Hecate suddenly appeared beside him. She touched Francesca's skin, just above where the glow was. Tristan, in his devastated state, faintly realized that there was also a white glow around Francesca. "It's Selene. She's being forced to leave Francesca's body. She's holding on, trying to save Francesca's dying body." Hecate whispered. "What did I tell you, sister? The battle is here, on the moon." Olga crooned. She stood a few steps away from them, her sisters beside her. All around them, people have completely stopped pummeling each other,
The man sighed, "I guess I deserved that cold greeting." He inclined his head, as if seeing something in front of him other than Francesca, "Hello, sister." "Helios. It's nice to see you." Selene greeted, confirming what Francesca already suspected. Her sister getting burned like that, after telling Francesca that she was the sun. Mariana was the vessel for Helios, the god of the sun, and Selene's brother. "Where is this? Where did you take me?" Francesca couldn't care less about the sibling's reunion. She needed to know what he had in mind for suddenly showing up. "You're on the sun." Francesca whipped her head up at his height. But the shock was only temporary. In the past, Francesca would have panicked more at the thought of being on the sun, but she was too numb to feel anything at the moment. These gods and the games that they play, causing mortal casualties here and there. Helios needed to pay for what he did to her sister. "It was an accident, Francesca. Please, let him ex
Francesca and her older sister Mariana were playing tag outside their old house back in the Philippines. Their little feet dangerously skittering on the wet ground. The rain had just stopped and the air had that smell that Francesca loved. "Cheska, come on! Faster!" Mariana shouted back at Francesca, "Count of ten and if you can't catch me by then, I won't tell you my secret." "Okay, okay, I'm coming!" Francesca yelled, giggling. "One, two, three, four, five.." her sister taunted and Francesac sped up. "Caught you!"Francesca excitedly announced as soon as she caught up with her sister, hugging her arms. Mariana shrieked. "Girls! Careful or you might fall into the water." their Mom shouted from the direction of their house. "Yes, Mama!" They said unison, giggling. Their Mom had such a loud voice. "So..what is it? What's the secret? Come on, I caught you." Francesca asked. "Okay, here goes." Mariana smiled, then she whispered, "Do you know? We are from the moon. You don't remem
Tristan and Stefano found themselves fighting side by side, both using halberds to assist them in battle. They found it strange compared to how werewolves fight with their bare hands. Tristan, for instance, found it a bit troublesome. But as someone who wasn't from the moon, the place tends to suck some of his energy away, so he needed the boost. "Are you seriously leaving her alone to deal with Luna?" Stefano asked Tristan, briefly gazing in the direction where Francesca and Olga were dueling. "If there's a fight that she would win, it would be that one," Tristan answered confidently. "But don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on her." Of course, he was. Tristan did not need to say that out loud for Stefano to know. Stefano grunted, eyeing Tristan with begrudging respect as the latter overpowered three Lunars at once. Tristan was obviously much stronger now, having been turned into a full-blown Alpha. That also meant Endymion's soul had been extracted from his body and sent back to the
Luna's forces now consisted mostly of Diana and Hecate's people. She could recognize them from the gaunt, haunted look of the people from the underworld, and the A****n-like hunter's garbs of the women of Diana. They stood a meter away from the Greek goddesses' forces, in a standstill before an impending fight. "Luna. I see you've made your sisters pick up the mess you've created again." Francesca said, speaking as Selene. "You." Olga spat out. She stepped forward to Francesca, but Tristan, his claws out, shielded his mate. Olga paused, staring at Tristan. Francesca smirked, she knew exactly why Olga hesitated. Tristan was different. Free from her hold. "What did you do to him?" Olga growled. "Nothing. He was just reminded that he belongs with me," Francesca said. Olga fumed but didn't say anything. Francesca knew that Olga and Luna didn't really need Tristan anymore. Their plan of trapping Selene by using the human half of Tristan's soul had failed. So, it was a matter of prid
Their plan was to attack the unwitting Luna in her own castle, and Francesca could have a panic attack just thinking about it. It was true that the old Francesca, who was fearless and optimistic, was back. She could feel the old her and she was happy to welcome her back. But remnants of the version of her that was wounded by Stefano by all means possible still peeked from where she had hidden her. Speaking of the devil, Francesca saw Stefano approach her from a corner. She tensed like she always does whenever he's near. But she thought about what Tristan said about it previously and held her ground. "Hi," Stefano said as soon as he reached her, scratching the back of his neck. Francesca wasn't at all used to seeing him so unsure in front of her, it was unnerving. "Hello," Francesca greeted back cautiosuly. "Francesca, listen, I--" Stefano said. "If you say you're going to apologize for everything you've done, I would have no choice but to laugh." Francesca interrupted, her heart f
Francesca almost fell on her seat. Selene. She was back. She grasped her chest in happiness. "Hello, Francesca." Selene said, "I see you left some space for me to easily find you. Thank you."Of course." Francesca replied, "But you had us so worried. What took you so long?" "Just found it hard to say goodbye for a while." the goddess answered. Just then, a delayed reaction of the goddess coming back inside her hit Francesca and she almost lost her baalnce again. “Francesca, are you okay?” Stefano caught her arm. Seeing who was holding her, Francesca pulled it back instinctively and Stefano awkwardly let go.Tristan frowned, "Qin ai de, you're tearing up. What's wrong?" he asked, replacing Stefano's hand on her arm. Francesca looked around as everyone stared at her worriedly and noticed it was true. The blur must've been from the tears that were starting to gather in her eyes. They were tears of happiness, though. “I’m alright. It’s just…” Francesca said. She couldn’t help but smi