THE MOON
(A CARD OF FATE)
EPISODE FIVE
THEME: A Card of Fate
MOON STONE FORTRESS
Alpha King Carl adjusted his eyes to the darkness as he managed to sit up on the bed. He looked around the room, it was obvious no one was with him. He sighed, resting his head on the bed frame. He had been expecting a day like this to come, when his days would be actually numbered.
What he didn't tell Meagan was; when he travelled for some business he had met with a doctor who was also a werewolf but lived among the humans. Doctor Derek had informed him of his life span and how weaker he would get as time passes.
Alpha Carl heaved another sigh slowly as he felt bad for keeping the truth from Meagan. But he knew that was the right thing to do, she would go berserk and try everything she can to make him stay longer even when it was obvious there wasn't any probable solution.
However, his mind wasn't heavy because of his health. That was the least on his mind. What bothered him the most was the future of his family and the pack when he dies. It had been nagging at him for months and he has no idea how to approach the situation. Things were spiraling out of hand and it was his duty as the alpha to protect his family and pack till his very last breath.
Somehow, Carl wished he had evaded the situation by not prying or listening to his mother's advice.
FLASHBACK
Carl sat loosely on the couch in his mother's neatly furnished living room chewing away on a apple as his eyes stayed glued to the television screen. It was on days like this, he enjoyed being a child of his mother and not have to worry about the pack or anything in relation to adulthood.
His mother Gabriella Damien, had made it mandatory for a monthly date with her son and no matter how busy they both were, they scheduled their monthly days and find time in one of it to spend the whole of the hours catching up.
"I didn't realize she was such a beauty." Gabriella said, as she walked out of the kitchen with a platter of mouth watering delicacies.
Placing it on the dining table, Carl stood up from the couch and moved to the dinning area. He rushed at meal like a five year old, pulling out a chair for this mother to sit on and one for himself too. He grabbed a lobster and he chewed on it with relish before responding to her.
"I am so sorry mom, your cooking just gets me every time." He commended.
Gabriella waved him off as she giggled. “It has been so long I saw you this happy. Meagan must mean a whole lot to you."
Carl heaved a sigh, rested his arms on the table and stared at his mother. "I have never felt this way towards anyone before. She makes me so happy and I feel at peace every time just with the mere thought of her."
"I recognize that look son. Your father always had it on him when he stares or talks about me."
Carl grinned widely. “So which implies I did take after dad then."
"Of course you do." They both laughed.
Moving the plates closer, Gabriella dished their plates watching as Carl licked his lips continuously. She smiled sweetly and handed him his portion. "You should see a seer before the wedding." She said as they settled to eat.
Carl raised a brow as he chewed on his food slowly. "A seer? What for?"
"For guidance, obviously. Your father and I did the same thing before we got married. And now that your Luna to be is pregnant with your child, it is important you meet with the seer."
"Mom, do you think it is all that necessary?" Carl asked.
"Yes it is son, you need this to help you live right. It is not easy being an alpha and also running your family. This is a mandatory ritual to be done by you and your mate." She explained in a calm tone.
"But I have got you." He grinned playfully.
"Stop being so adamant and just do it." She pestered.
"Alright mom, whatever you say." Carl stated. He munched on his food.
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His nerves were in a wreck. Somehow Carl doesn't feel too good about meeting with the seer. It was surprising to him when Meagan had taken it well and didn't act odd towards him when he mentioned it. And her positive response made him feel a bit at peace.
The seer entered looking odd in some way. She had been called to the pack house into Carl's private chamber. It just had to be the two of them, no one else. Not even his mother was allowed in. She would know the outcome later on. Without wasting time the seer got herself comfortable on the floor and stared right at the both of them.
"Great alpha, I see you do great things to this pack. I see the wings of the pack extending to the other parts of the world." The seer said.
Carl smiled at the prophecy. It was a really good idea that he had listened to his mother's advice of meeting with a seer just to bless their union. It is like a ritual that is mandatory in the Damien’s Family for whoever is to become the alpha of the Moon Stone pack and it is meant to be done with the mate.
The great seer looked at the Luna and she raised her three fingers up. "I see you in three places." She pointed out.
Meagan raise her eyebrows in confusion and she exchanged glances with Carl.
"You are pregnant." The seer added.
Meagan nodded in agreement. “Yes, I am few weeks gone."
The seer shut her eyes tightly as if a spirit had just possessed her. "Two nations are in your womb.” Her eyes flared opened immediately. “I see two sons and they shall be separated from your womb. And one of them shall be stronger than the other. And the elder shall serve the younger."
Meagan and Carl exchanged glances again. They were both confused.
"If we are meant to have twins, how will the elder one end up serving the younger one?" Carl questioned.
“Shouldn’t it be the other way round?” Meagan blurted out.
"A CARD OF FATE.” The Seer whispered.
"A card of fate?" Carl and Meagan repeated in unison
**************************
PRESENT DAY
Thinking back on that day, Carl wished he could undo the memory. For years now he hadn't really thought about it but lately the seer’s words kept resonating like a force that refuses to be shut out. It ate deep into his mind everyday he wakes up to see the daylight.
"Are you awake honey?" Meagan's voice sang to his ears as she put on the light.
EPISODE SIXTHEME: The wish of a dying father MOON STONE FORTRESS"You awake?" Meagan asked again as she moved towards him. She had been at the door waiting patiently, to check if he would make any sound.Despite being warned by Hazel to let him rest, Meagan couldn't help the thought of leaving her man all alone in the dark and without her being next to him.Carl's face lighted when he saw her. He could see her heave a sigh of relief when their eyes met. His wife looked like she had grown ten times her age. The guilt of being the reason behind her misery gnawed at his mind.Patting the empty side of his bed, he beckoned to her. "Come baby."Not waiting to be called twice, Meagan ran to his sides and cuddled next to him.“Do you miss me that much?" He asked, letting out a light chuckle.Meagan nodded her head against his sides without saying anything just to prevent her tears from falling on him.“Such a cry baby." Carl teased as he kissed her forehead. "I wonder what you would
EPISODE SEVENTHEME: His Birth Home CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA MOON STONE GROUPEveryone moved around rigidly like bees at work, some of them who couldn't control themselves whispered to each other in low tones as they did their jobs. The Chief Executive Officer of Moon Stone Group that deals in businesses that ranges from Tech, Hotels, Construction to say the least was returning from his long business trip to Asia. And knowing how insistent he is on being impeccable none of the workers wanted to be found wanting.The moment Jaylen Damien stepped into the hallway of his company's headquarter, every where went quiet. Being the most sort after single billionaire whose company soared high among its counterpart did take a toll on people. He commands attention everywhere he goes.Keeping up with his walk, he only nodded to those who were conscious enough to snap out of their reverie.“How does it feel to be labelled on Forbes list as most prospective under thirty billionaire?
EPISODE EIGHTTHEME: Family’s Love GABRIELLA DAMIEN HOME"Surprise!” Multiple voices screamed out as he opened the door.Jaylen groaned inwardly at the sight. “Granny!” He whined.“Come here my baby." Gabriella Damien called out to him with an outstretched hands. “Oh baby, I am so proud of you."Rubbing hard at his face, Jaylen moved further into the open arms of his grandmother. He should have been suspicious of the extra food she said that she had prepared. But his shady mind had made him believe she was just too excited to see him. He had been away for three months.Looking around at the rest of the family, he couldn't explain the feeling that came over him. His depressive state dissipated at the sight of them. Jaylen felt betrayed when he saw Rosalyn in their midst.“You?" He called out in surprise.Rosalyn raised her hands in surrender before pointing at Gabriella. "She made me do it.”"Won't you say hello to your favorite aunt?" His mother's sister, Penelope hijacked him fr
EPISODE NINETHEME: Call from mom GABRIELLA DAMIEN HOMEAfter every one had left, leaving Jaylen and Gabriella. They both sat down on the porch watching the beautiful sky with its half moon.Thoughts of how amazing it would be to shift under the bright moonlight crossed Jaylen’s mind. It had been so long he shifted and he had almost forgotten whether he was human or a werewolf. He was more human in his thoughts, and werewolf in his heart.Gabriella watched her grandson as the lines of his jaw tightened. She had never met someone who kept his pains so much to himself like Jaylen. It was obvious he feels guilty whenever he unburdens himself on another person. She felt like the proudest grandmother on earth. Having to watch him strive from the uncertain teenage boy to becoming one of the most sort after young man made her extremely happy.Jaylen had grown into a fine young man and he never gave her any problems since he lived with her. Despite the troubles they said he did cause,
THE MOON GODDESS CHOICE (A CARD OF FATE) EPISODE TEN THEME: Into the future MOON STONE FORTRESS Meagan stared out the large window as she sat rigidly. Her life in the past years played out in front of her and it felt like she might lose her mind. She shuddered lightly as the cold midday breeze hit her. The weather seem to not have any intention of coming up bright for the day. It looked gloomy just like the way she felt. Carl watched his woman heave for what seem like the umpteenth time. She had been checking the screen of her phone every passing second, awaiting the call of their son. Even though not hearing from him wasn't the only thing bothering her. He had woken up to a strange, unfamiliar feeling and all his wolf asked him to do was call out to the great seer. His Luna was obviously paranoid and he himself worried about what exactly she would tell to them. Beta Julius stepped into the room, bowing his head lightly. “How are you feeling today, Alpha?" He asked, nodd
EPISODE ELEVENTHEME: A mother’s case GABRIELLA DAMIEN HOME Venting his frustration out on the treadmill, Jaylen ran hard like his life depended on it. He was perturbed as to what to do. Turn in between, calling his mother or just ignoring her for his own peace of mind.However, he wanted to hear her voice so bad. It was bad enough that they hardly speak, but having her ask for him to call her should mean something crucial that concerns him was obviously going on."Why are you overthinking this too much?" Gabriella asked behind him, as she held up a flask of water for him and a coffee on hand for herself.Handing the flask to him, Jaylen collected it with a thank you. Uncapping the cover, he gulped every of its content. He didn't realize he was that thirsty.“I am not overthinking anything.” He huffed out after easing up his breath."Why haven't you called then?" Gabriella pushed further.“Really grandma?" He queried with a raised brow."What?" She retorted."Is there somethi
EPISODE TWELVETHEME: Parents pleas GABRIELLA DAMIEN HOMEThe line rang for a while, the voice he had grown accustomed to all his life and craved to hear so badly sounded live and felt like music to his ears.‘Hey there baby.’ Meagan called out on the other line.Jaylen gulped hard not knowing what to say. ‘Hi.’ He responded feebly.‘How are you doing honey?’ She sounded weak.‘I am fine. Thanks ma'am.’‘Your grandma told me of your recent achievement. I am so proud of you baby.’Jaylen glared at this grandmother who looked away to avoid making an eye contact with him. He had placed the phone on speaker so she can hear everything being said.‘You asked me to call you mo..ma'am.’ He couldn't see himself pronouncing the mom word.There was a slight pause. Meagan had noticed his reluctance to refer to her as his mom.‘Are you still there?’ He asked.‘Oh yes, yes I am here.’‘Okay, good. What was it you wanted to talk about?’ Jaylen sounded cold and distant now.‘Your father is ill.
EPISODE THIRTEENTHEME: Who is at fault? MOON STONE FORTRESS FLASHBACK TEN YEARS AGOClaire ran past him with his favorite boots on her legs getting dragged against the grass. Jaylen yelled after her as he also laughed his head off in the process.“Claire! I am so going to tell mom about this!” He called after her.“Let me see you try." She teased, still running.Still laughing he sat down on the grass, marveling at the beauty of the garden and also his cute little sister running around. He loves Claire so much and would do anything to protect her and also make her happy. Even if he had to with using his favorite boots to run round the muddy area.Obviously tired from the marathon she set for herself, Claire sat next to her brother resting her sweaty head on his shoulder.“You are the best brother in the whole world, Jaylen." She praised.Jaylen snickered. “You only say so after getting your way with me. I really don't believe you."Claire’s li
EPILOGUE THREE YEARS LATER JAYDEN DMIEN’S HOME, NEW YORK.Jayden stared at the WhatsApp media that was sent to him on his phone. They included pictures and videos of Jaylen playing around with his daughter named Ramaya. His niece is an adorable young girl that lights up every where. Most times he is forced to indulge in a video call with the family because she always cries about wanting to speak with him.It amazed him every time because he had never seen Ramaya before aside her images and videos being sent to him. Jaylen had pleaded for him to pay them a visit but Jayden had refused. However, he ensured gifts was sent every time to her. Jayden, knowing how much he was still attached to Lorelei, he didn't want to be reminded of how much of a loser he was.Jayden handling his father's chain of businesses had kept him away from suicidal thoughts. However, he was no longer feeling comfortable with the situation. Not only did the silver poisoning ruin his leg
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FIVETHEME: Alpha De Luna MOON STONE FORTRESS ONE MONTH LATERJaylen tried to hold his knee down to stop his foot from tapping on the floor continuously. Lorelei intertwined her hand with his, mouthing words of encouragement to him. This was the second time since three months ago when he got introduced to the entire Fortress as their chosen Alpha. He was back here now to address them after finally being installed as the Moon Stone Fortress Alpha.His address speech was coming up soon and for the first time in his entire life he was really nervous, not because of the number of people in front of him but the thought of him walking in his father's shoes eventually. The past few weeks had been a rollercoaster of emotions coupled with whole family still mourning the death of Juno.Jayden eventually got discharged from the infirmary about a week ago after undergoing so much tests and infusions to keep him alive. However, he insisted on
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOURTHEME: Finding peace MOON STONE FORTRESSIt had been three days since the Rogues invasion and Juno’s death. When Jaylen got a call that Jayden was conscious, he had practically rushed down to the infirmary driving at a high speed. Every day since Jayden got admitted, he had been visiting his brother for long hours and sitting next to him till the Iotas comes around to tell him visiting time was up.Things were beginning to go back to normal, however everyone still had a gloomy look on their faces. It was bad enough that Jayden wasn't awake yet and they had no idea how he might react to being confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.However, Jaylen had made up his mind to stand by his brother which ever way it is. He wasn't going to let another enmity breed. He was tired of having to fight an enemy that is not just anyone but his own brother.The moment Jaylen entered the private ward assigned to Jayden, he saw him seated up
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREETHEME: The rewards MOON STONE FORTRESS : AT THE BORDERJaylen's stared in shock, his breath unsteady as he watched Juno swim in the pool of her own blood. By this time, the Fortress warriors no longer wasted any time as the launched a counter attack with bullets and arrows flying through the air. Jaylen ran through the chaos to meet a lifeless Juno and unconscious Jayden.“Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!” Liam barked out orders to his men when he saw that they were being defeated by the Fortress warriors. “No—“ His voice trailed off as several bullets pierced his back, Rex had been the one who fired it.The Rogues retreated with their wounded bodies after Liam's collapsed to the ground with his body laid cold and his eyes staring out into the dark night sky."Juno! Juno! Talk to me please." Jaylen growled.Rex ran towards Jaylen, he had to be protected amidst the chaos. "Jaylen! Get up man. We have to leave here." He pulled at him.Jaylen sniffed,
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWOTHEME: Who betrayed who? MOON STONE FORTRESSAT THE BORDER: IN THE NIGHTLiam geared himself up, making a head signal to his men as Jayden and Juno walked in. He grinned to himself of his plans on how he intends to eliminate them. There was nothing much to do to Jayden again cause he looked really weak and might collapse if pushed for too long. The wobbling in his legs was beginning to look more obvious."Are you ready?" Liam nodded at them.Jayden thinned his lips in a painful way. "I am as long as you are. Thanks for doing this on my behalf, Liam.""Anything for a friend." Liam grinned.Juno glanced around, gulping hard as her eyes landed on Jayden who seem to be in a deep conversation with Liam. He was looking extremely weak and it bothered her. When Juno had asked if he was feeling some sort of pain, Jayden had said no, but staring at him from afar he looked really sunken.Putting her mind off him for a while, Juno thought about herself and
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONETHEME: Juno’s Betrayal MOON STONE FORTRESSThere was no need to call out the family because the women were already seated in the large living room to Jaylen's surprise as if they knew what has been planned. Since it is not profitable for the Rogues to attack in the early hours of the day, his intention was to see Sebastian and Rex out and have them rest till evening then find a way to gather all of them and let them know of the situation.However, the look on their faces gave them out like they knew exactly what was going on. The moment Rex stepped feet down the stairs Claire ran towards him.Jaylen threw his head back. “Oh of course." He had almost forgotten that the Intel had been gotten from his sister.The moment their eyes met she burned holes through his skin with her vicious eyes. He glared back at her. He knew she was clearly pissed at him for choosing not to believe her. He decided to take a seat and explain the situation to the expect
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FIFTYTHEME: The Ranks MOON STONE FORTRESSWhile Sebastian made calls to the people he had mention earlier. Rex tutored Jaylen on the people taking part in the order of the Fortress."How is it that I don't know anyone till now?" Jaylen questioned."You have never been actually initiated yet and the day of your unveiling didn't exactly go as planned. Your tantrums was enough to piss one off." Rex blurted as he shot him an intentional glare.Jaylen snickered at him. “You know what, forget I said anything. Give me a briefing about them before they all get here and think I have some kind of Alzheimer. I can’t even remember we were tutored on these ranks when we were little.”"If you weren't away for so long one would have thought that was the case" Rex mumbled under his breath."I can actually hear you."Rex chuckled lightly. “Now listen, the Zeta—“"Is the War General." Jaylen interrupted looking a bit offended. "I am not that dumb you know, I lived here
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINETHEME: The map is gone! MOON STONE FORTRESSAT THE BORDERRex had his heart in his mouth when he followed Juno to the Rogues site. To cap it all, Jayden was outside waiting for her. The both of them held onto each other for a while before letting go to head inside the house.Getting down from the car, Rex activated his wolf spy mode, blending into the bushes around as he made his way towards the back of the house. Men were on patrol, and knowing how dangerous it would be if he got caught without getting the exact information he needed, he moved discreetly. He rolled among the long grasses to get to his intended destination.Rex almost crawled into the hands of two Rogues passing by but he hid himself well. He could see from the window side that had light on a group of people that included Jayden and Juno. There was no doubt Juno had given out the secret map to them. Rex looked closer, squinting his eyes through the darkness that he engulf
EPISODE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHTTHEME: Liam’s intention MOON STONE FORTRESSAT THE BORDERLisa burned holes to the side of her brother’s face as he sipped on the glass of vodka he had in hand. He looked really unbothered by her."It has been more than two weeks, Liam, shouldn't we stop now? He is looking pale already." She told him."Still hasn't done enough damage if I must say. That young man looks stronger than one would imagine and it must be due to the Alpha’s blood in him.” Liam replied."What exactly do you intend to gain from this?"Liam turned to face his sister sharply. “The Secret Passage Map is a way for us to get into the Fortress, having him weak and almost dying would make him useless in confronting us when the truth comes out. I don't want to underestimate his ability.""How about the girl?""You don't have to worry about that.""Are you sure about this Liam? You don't appear to have a plan.""What do you think my men and I have been working on for the past