Sitting in front of the mirror I watch the reflection of the Omega who was assigned to me as my Maid finishes the final touches to my hair. In an hour I will be Mated to Valor and become a full member of Pine Moon and Luna of this Pack. I will have power over all the wolves and my pup will become the next heir. It has been a long time coming and finally, I will no longer have to act like a love-sick fool. Valor was just a means to an end, an end that is coming all too soon for him.“There, you are perfect Luna Tanya.” The Omega says meekly, backing away and bowing her head. She trembles slightly when I turn to look at her, the red mark from the lashing on her cheek still visible. Earlier today she had knocked my drink over, spilling it onto my legs and leading to me punishing her. I am glad to see that she learned her lesson and that she now fears and respects me.“I already know I am perfect.” I scoff, glaring at the she-wolf.“But thank you. Now leave me. I have some time before I am
Sitting in the Dining Hall, a mug of hot chocolate in my hand, I watch as Devlyn refills the buffet table. He has grown thinner since last week when me, Ashton, and Rune went to visit him the day after finding out he and Ashton are Mates. He sang like a canary that day, explaining all of Valor’s plans in detail to us, including how he wanted Rune and me dead so that the pup Tanya carries will not have to worry about Rune staking a claim to Pine Moon. Ashton was silent the whole time, watching Devlyn for any hint of a lie. Thankfully for him, Devlyn was truthful and even gave us some suggestions on how to hack into Pine Moon’s cellphone network in order to help us spy on Valor and Tanya.Rune was able to relay this to Gale, who quickly put these suggestions into action while Ashton and Devlyn took some time to talk. When Gale confirmed an hour later that our tech team was able to get into Pine Moon’s network, we decided to call it a day before leaving the dungeons. Ashton seemed happier
Laying in bed curled around a pillow, my mind races with thoughts of earlier today. Tanya was now Luna of Pine Moon, a title that the Moon Goddess had deemed fit for me months ago. Not only that, but Valor and his allies are now planning war against us for no other reason than the threat Rune, Asteria and I pose.War.I knew that this would be a possibility considering how power-hungry and deranged Valor has turned out to be, but I never thought it would come this soon. Maybe in a year, but those messages are planning the massacre to happen in two months.Rolling over to look at the time on my alarm clock, I sigh as I read twelve-fifty-one in the morning. I know I should sleep, but it is not coming so easily tonight. Tomorrow we will be discussing countermeasures to protect Crescent Phoenix from our enemies and I need to be well rested for it. With a groan, I throw my blanket to the side and push myself into sitting, swinging my legs over the edge of my bed. If sleep won't come to me,
Watching Brynlee as she sleeps in my arms, my mark permanently etched on her neck, I wonder if this is what true peace really is. A Mate in my arms pregnant with my pup and a Pack that actually respects me not because of a birthright, but because of the work I have done to help the Pack grow stronger. If I had stayed in Pine Moon and married Tanya, I would have never had this.“Rune?” Brynlee calls out quietly, her eyes blinking sleepily as she looks at me.“Yes, baby?” I ask back, caressing her face gently.“Why are you still awake?” She yawns midway through asking me this question, her voice sounding childish and not like the woman that moaned so lewdly that I am sure the whole Pack heard us complete the Mate Bond.“Because I am doing my job and protecting you.” I answer with a chuckle. She hums in acknowledgment before shifting closer against me, falling asleep just as quickly as she woke up. I chuckle, thinking back to when we were pups and I would stay at her house.This was whe
“We need to take action now!” Quincy shouts, getting a glare from Asteria. He grimaces apologetically, taking a deep breath before looking back at our Alpha“I’m sorry for yelling but this situation is frustrating.” He apologizes, Asteria nodding and accepting his apology.“They are planning to attack us and we are just sitting here doing nothing but watch their messages scroll by!” Quincy adds, slumping back in his seat and running a hand through his hair. Milan, his Mate, takes his hand in hers and visibly calms him down.“We are here to plan what to do.” Asteria answers, looking around the table at each and every one of us. Holten is silent, his eyes focused on the screen as Valor and his allies continue to plan our demise.“Thanks to Brynlee’s quick thinking, we have prepared many shelters for our Pack Mates to run and hide in. Not only that but our shelters have been stocked with many kinds of food that will last years in there.” Gale decides to chime in, his usually smiling face
Staring at Brynlee I no longer see the scared little girl I watched grow up before my eyes. Instead, I see a woman who is strong and powerful. Who has grown into the role that Goddess gave her the day she revealed my nephew as her Mate. I don’t know when the change in her started. Don’t know when she went from being a strong Beta willing to work beside me where I can keep her safe, to the strong Alpha female that stands against me.[Love, we need to let them go.] Gale links me, his words drawing my attention to him. He has never opposed me on my decisions since we first learned we are Mates. We were always a team standing side by side.[But I don’t want to lose them. They are our children too.] He sighs, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. With his touch, I can block out the power radiating off of Brynlee and Rune. Can handle the pressure that those two have put on me. They are strong wolves and have always been strong wolves. But together, Brynlee and Rune are an unstoppable force
Staring at the phone in my hand I wonder if calling Tristan really is a good idea. He has just finished getting his Pack in order, creating an environment that is finally peaceful for the wolves that were once under the Huxley tyranny. If I call him, Shadow Rose will be turned upside down once again in a war that is meant for Kalee and me.“You haven’t called yet?” I jump at the sudden noise, looking towards the open door where Brynlee just entered through, two Omegas coming behind her carrying trays of food.“No. At the time I thought it was a good idea to involve him, but now –”“You worry it will make his newly stabled Pack a target.” She finishes for me. I nod, not sure what else to say. Brynlee knows me too well now. Knows what I am thinking and feeling. Add in the fact we are newly Mated and she has an easier time figuring out what’s on my mind.The Omegas – June and Charles – are quick in setting the trays down on the coffee table to the left before bowing and leaving my offic
Watching Ashton and Devlyn laughing happily, I sigh at what I have to do. Ashton won’t like that we have to involve his Mate in planning an attack against Pine Moon, but he just recently left that Pack. He will know if there is anyone in Pine Moon that we can trust to help take down Valor and Tanya from within.“Let’s get this over with.” Milan states, taking my hand in hers. The tingles from her touch run up my arm and I relish in them. I thought I had loved Brynlee; thought we could be chosen Mates. Had we done that, I would have never had the love I do now with Milan.“Okay.” I agree, letting Milan lead me towards my friend and his Mate. Ashton is the first to notice us, his wide smile slowly faltering as he takes in my grim look.“What is it?” He asks immediately, standing from the ground to be at eye level with me.“Asteria wants you to join us for a meeting.” I answer, turning my gaze to the wolf that is the cause of all this trouble.“You and Devlyn.”“He hasn’t done anything w
Sitting at the vanity in my room that Brynlee had placed here, I watch as she slips on the pure white dress that Asteria and she had bought in town. It has been seven days since we took back Pine Moon from Valor and Tanya. Seven days of executing traitors that sided with those vial wolves. Seven days of restructuring the Pack and working with Caspian, Odette, and Quest to learn everyone’s strengths, weaknesses, and what ranks would suit them the most. We were surprised by how many Omegas should have been Hunters or Warriors and in the end, we took down everyone’s names so that we could promote them during the initiation ceremony.“Can you help zip this dress up?” Brynlee calls out, her blue eyes meeting mine in the mirror. I smile, standing from the seat and taking the three steps needed to stand behind her. I carefully zip up her dress, feeling Brynlee shiver as my knuckles graze her skin. With a chuckle, I bend down to press a kiss onto my mark that graces her neck, getting a surpr
Sitting across from Alastor, I watch him take a sip from the coffee mug Sarah handed to him. Breakfast had just ended and as we waited for Asteria and Gale to join us with this meeting, Rune and I decided to bring Alastor into his office while asking Sarah – one of the few wolves we can trust – to bring refreshments for us.“Sorry we are late.” The door opens and Gale walks in followed by a tired looking Asteria. I know they are packing, preparing to leave and head back to Crescent Phoenix tomorrow morning, and I feel guilty for asking them to be here.“No need to apologize, Luan Gale.” Alastor states, waving his hand with a smile.“I see you also brought in a friend.” Stiffening in my seat, I sniff the air and confirm an unknown wolf’s scent. Blackberries and pine reach my nose and I wonder who it is that Asteria decided to allow onto Pine Moon without telling me.“Hey Alastor, long time no see.” A dark-haired, green-eyed man walks through the door, his large frame taking up more spa
Taking a deep breath, I ready myself to see the remains of my childhood home with Rune by my side. Three days have passed since we killed Valor and Tanya. Three days of getting to know our new Packmates and organizing the mess of a Pack that Valor and Tanya left behind. Everything from training schedules to patrolling to even food preparation had been left in the hands of Wade Kane and his Mate Nora Kane while Valor focused on trying to kill Rune, Asteria, and me. Because of this, the Pack was left in dire straights and these last two days have been nothing but torture for Rune and me. Thankfully we had the help of Gale and Asteria and I had the experience I gained from helping Golden Fang become Crescent Phoenix.Yesterday during a small break that Rune and I took to relax and catch our breaths since we had done nothing but work on the Pack, Caspian, Asteria, and Gale took Rune and me aside, a solemn look on their faces. They had asked if there was a quiet place for us to talk not wa
Sitting at the head table with Brynlee on my right and Caspian on my left, my heart feels at ease. Everyone who came to help us take back Pine Moon is mingling with the innocent members Brynlee and I will lead and the room is filled with smiles and laughter. Aunt Asteria and Uncle Gale were welcomed back warmly, the two being surrounded by wolves that had missed them dearly. Tristan was happily making his rounds around the Dining Hall, making sure his wolves were being kind while we all ate breakfast.But the best part of this morning was watching all the pups Brynlee used to train run up to her, wrapping my Mate in a group hug as she cried her heart out telling the pups how much she missed them. I know she is meant to be an Alpha leading as an equal beside me, but I also can see her taking on more traditional Luna roles if the pups continue rushing to her the way they did an hour ago.“Penny for your thoughts?” I hear my Aunt ask, noticing that Brynlee has left the table to grab anot
Standing in front of over one hundred wolves ranging from a newborn pup to the elderly using canes, I wonder just what their opinion are about Rune and me standing here. At the base of the steps to Pine Moon’s Pack House, Asteria, Gale, Caspian, Odette, Ashton, and Quest guard the stairs and prevent anyone from stepping close.“We should say something.” Rune mutters, taking my shaking hand in his. I can feel him shaking and sense the nervousness he has through our Mate Bond while facing everyone who remains in Pine Moon. Even after capturing Valor’s men, there is still one hundred and fifteen wolves in this Pack who now look to us as their leaders.“Do you want to start?” I ask, turning to look up at Rune. He sighs, running his free hand through his messy hair before nodding his head slightly. Giving my hand a squeeze, he releases it and steps down two steps, the crowd watching him with weary gazes.“Hello, everyone.” His calls out loudly, his deep voice projecting over the crowd.“I
Standing in the familiar foyer of the Pine Moon Pack House, I watch as Omegas run around preparing a simple breakfast for all the wolves here. Everyone knows Valor is dead now, they all felt it when he took his last breath.Tristan, Ashton, Rune, and I had stood where we were, the alarms blaring while we took in the fact Valor and Tanya were truly gone. That no one else in Pine Moon would be left feeling scared and hopeless. Tristan had helped Rune off of Valor’s body while Ashton came to stand beside me, my friend making sure that I was not left unprotected. We were left alone to our thoughts. That is until Riley came rushing to us claiming that wolves from Pine Moon had woken to the chaos of losing their Alpha and Luna.Rune waved off Riley, my Mate looking numb to everything around him. In the end, I was the one to order Riley to shut off the alarm and handed him a USB that contained a pre-recorded message Rune and I made before leaving Crescent Phoenix. With a task at hand, Riley
Stepping through the threshold of my childhood home, I smell the family scent of bourbon and cigar smoke floating in the air. It seems father’s nightly routine hasn’t stopped.“Nora!” My father shouts, his belligerent voice coming from the living room.“Are you back from patrol?” I pause my footsteps, looking at Asteria who furrows her brows. Her eyes glaze over for a moment, most likely trying to see if anyone ran into my mother. When her gaze returns to normal, she mouths the words ‘captured earlier’ to me and I sigh in relief. It seems my mother is taking a nice drug-induced nap with the other wolves that supported Valor.“Nora! Answer me you stupid whore!” Asteria and Gale wince, their concerned gaze turning to me. I shake my head, already used to the abuse my father hurled behind closed doors. No one really knew the truth about how my parents acted. They knew the masks of kind loving people they portrayed to the Pack but when it was just the three of us in these four walls, they
Lowering the now unconscious wolf in my grasp to the forest floor, I take a deep breath of the fresh air and try to calm my jittery nerves. It’s been forty minutes since the operation started. Forty minutes since Brynlee and Rune left for the Pack House to kill my little brother. In that hour, our wolves have found many of Valor’s supporters that we have drugged and tied up. As soon as we know Valor is gone, we will gather these wolves and execute them at dawn and cleanse Pine Moon once and for all.“Delilah found many Rogues in the dungeons and Odette is on her way to help them.” Avery calls out, making me jump. Tristan had sent his Beta with us to help in our part of the plan while he and Ashton went off to help Brynlee and Rune.“When did this happen?” I ask, worried that this may be a trap.“About five minutes ago.” She answers, looking up at the night sky. I can feel her worry for her Mate as Jamal went with Delilah to protect his cousin and Luna.“They will be fine.” I reassure
Keeping my gaze neutral as I try to fight back the laughter threatening to spill with Rune’s greeting to Valor, I watch as the Omega wiggles free of Valor’s grasp and runs down the hall towards another room. It seems like this Omega is smart to run and hide away from us as we came here for one reason and one reason only.“R-Rune.” Valor stutters out as Rune takes a step towards him.“What are you doing here in Pine Moon after turning your back on it?!” He demands, his words becoming confident. It seems Valor still has some bravado left after how cowardly he’s been acting.“Like Rune said a moment ago.” I decide to answer, leaning against the staircase railing.“Rune and I are back for our Pack as rightful Alphas.” My words hit their mark and Valor clenches his jaw in annoyance. I can’t help the smirk that grows as Valor chooses to ignore me to focus on Rune. He sees my Mate as the biggest threat out of the two of us and that’s fine. Having an opponent underestimate me makes the beatin