The Luna is a Royal Guardsman

Negotiations

It’s been a week since the incident, and I again sit across the table from Alpha Meyers. This time in a plain navy-blue pantsuit. I watch him casually as his Beta drones on about the contents of the contract. I plastered my most neutral smile on, but inside, the constant anxiety is trying to break through. The last thing I want is pity from this man or even disgust. This is something that needs to be done.

“…..as stipulated in section 3a, Alpha Meyers and LtCol Larson will not engage in romantic or physical relations or will not coerce the other party to do so by physical force or blackmail of any kind. Since natural means of procreation are no longer available, LtCol Larson will participate in artificial insemination using Alpha Meyer’s sperm once a month for the first 2 years of mating. If, at the end of 2 years, pregnancy is unsuccessful, other methods such as surrogacy or adoption will be discussed. During the time of the contract, neither party will engage in physical nor emotional relations…..” read in a voice that reminded me of a lawyer.

“Wait a minute, this is not what we discussed. I’m perfectly fine with Alpha Meyer having a mistress and fathering a child outside the mating.” I said. Beta Spencer stopped reading and stared in shock.

“But I am not,” interjected Alpha Meyer. “It is not fair that you won’t have relations, but I can. Plus, there is the issue of betrayal pains when the other is engaging in s*x with someone else.”

“I really was hoping to have this discussion in private, but I guess I should come clean now,” I muttered, annoyed. “I won’t be able to feel it, and I can’t get pregnant. So feel free to sow your wild oats or to keep looking for your Fated One.”

“What…. Care to explain?” said Alpha Meyers evenly.

“Before I reveal this, I need you to swear that what I say will never be spoken about again.” I say, “This is very classified information.”

“Our lips are sealed; I swear on it as the Alpha of the Bloodstone Pack.” He agreed. The other men on his side of the table nodded in solidarity.

“During the Great Demon War, many high-ranking werewolf females were injected with an experimental drug. This drug was a cocktail of Silphium and Wolfsbane, among other things. Silphium was a plant that was so effective as a contraceptive that we had to hide a few samples from the Romans to keep this plant from going extinct. Currently, the werewolf birth control pill, Silphiban, is a formulation derived from that experimental drug. The original formula was created for two effects. First, it kept she-wolves from going into heat. Second, it kept them from feeling the mate bond."

"Why would such a thing be created?" yelled a belligerent man who I came to know as Delta Simmons. I took a deep breath to explain to the i***t on the other side.

"It was important since we were in the middle of a war and couldn’t afford wolves to get distracted by encountering their Fated Ones. It was all voluntary, and most of the unmated she-wolves agreed. However, because it was experimental, the dosage and ratio in the formula weren't established yet. It turned out that long-term use of this drug made them sterile and permanently unable to feel the mate bond.” I explained slowly. “I took the drug at first because I discovered my mate on the first day on the battlefield since I had turned 18 that day. Thankfully, it was when we were at camp and not on the battlefield. I couldn’t risk going into heat, so I agreed to take the drug. It was so effective that I didn't even feel the mate bond snap when he died. I was informed when I came back to camp."

I saw sympathetic eyes looking at me across the table. Losing a mate is the greatest loss a wolf could ever experience." After I lost my mate, I didn’t really want to risk going feral from the loss. So I continued to take it until the War ended. After the War ended, I was recruited to the Elite Squad, and I couldn’t have the mate bond out me when I was on a mission. So, I continued with the injections until the side effects became well documented. By then, I had been taking it for 5 years, and the damage was done. I will never be able to bear children.”

“But you said that you had a second chance, mate. How did you know if you were under the effects of the drug?” Alpha Meyers asked delicately. I could see the curiosity in his eyes that seemed to be from genuine interest.

“ It was during the first year in the Elite Squad. I was visiting a squad member’s pack for special training. Their new Alpha scented me as soon as I entered the pack house. He immediately rejected me since he had a chosen mate that he had been mated to happily for years. I accepted without really feeling the bond or the pain of rejection, which was the norm when under the influence of the drug.” I continued.

Alpha Meyers leaned back in his chair, contemplating what to say next. I could tell by the movement of his eyes that he was arguing with his wolf, then his eyes glazed over. It was then I realized the entourage of his beta, delta, and gamma wolves were in mind-link with him. It did unnerve me that a bunch of men that I first met less than an hour ago are now discussing the functionality of my reproduction organs, or should I say lack thereof.

I looked at my side of the table. Chris seemed highly amused at the scenario before him. He gave me a playful wink, to which I rolled my eyes. Becca's left eye was slightly twitching, while she had her practiced Luna smile plastered on her face. I could hear the string of curses behind her eyes. Beta Tia Jackson had a stoic visage, but there was also sympathy when we made eye contact. Being a rare female-ranked wolf, she understood better than anyone else just how messed up this was. Then there, in the very last seat, sat my father. Outwardly, he had a jovial visage. However, knowing how protective he is of his family, I knew he was seething inside. Years of being the previous Alpha of the Bloodstone pack, he knew how to temper his emotions in front of others. I’m pretty sure he is not pleased with how my worth is suddenly being judged by the capabilities of my womb.

After 10 minutes, they pulled out of the group mind-link, looking as unnerved as I was on the inside. I gave up having an impassive face and gave them a look of displeasure. For some reason, that seemed to pique Alpha Meyers’s interest more. I just went back to my usual RBF.

“Would you be willing to go to a fertility specialist or at least be monitored by our pack doctor?” asked Beta Spencer guilelessly.

“As I said, what I just told you is classified. The only reason I can reveal it to you is that the Crown has permitted me to do so. I’m already under the observation of the Royal Doctor who was involved with the formulation of the experimental drug. They have tried everything medical and magical to reverse the side effects. It’s permanent,” I answered as if I was reading off a report.

“Enough, I’m OK with this. Let’s strike the Artificial Insemination clause from the contract. However, I will still keep the no outside relations clause,” declared Alpha Meyers.

“But…” Beta Spencer tried to argue. Alpha Meyers glared at him, and the Beta sighed. “Moving on, are there any stipulations that you would like to add, LtCol Larson?”

“Oh yes. I have a few.” I replied. Alpha Meyers leaned forward with interest. He probably figured I would ask for jewelry or a sizable stipend. Little does he know. “I want the carte blanche ability to invite anyone to the Bloodstone pack lands. I will vouch for all my visitors, and they will be fully vetted before they set foot in the territory.”

“That’s ridiculous!” yelled Delta Simmons. Yup, an i***t all around. “That’s such a security risk.”

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of my position in the Royal Guard, I may have to have my men come into the pack lands for special training and classified meetings. Not to mention that I still have dealings with the Elite Squad as an alumnus and as a trainer. Which brings me to the second stipulation: I would like the right to privacy. Many of my duties are of the highest security level, and therefore I cannot readily share what is going on. I would like to keep my Luna duties separate from my Royal Guard duties. To do that, I need total autonomy,” I explained carefully.

“Wow, demanding aren’t you?” said Delta Simmons sarcastically. I look at the disturbingly silent Alpha. He did not attempt to rein in his Delta or to voice his opinion. He seemed interested but in no way wanted to participate in this conversation. Strange for an Alpha to not impose his will on this situation.

“It’s really not that big of a deal,” defended Chris. “We’ve allowed this here in Crystal Falls Pack for a long time. Our security is strong as ever. I would actually say that my sister’s associates have made our security protocol even stronger and have been a wealth of resources for my pack. It would be your advantage to let her invite who she wants, when she wants.”

“This is a heavy decision and can’t be agreed to so quickly,” muttered Beta Spencer. Alpha Meyesr waved his hand dismissively, and the Beta gave him a look of disapproval. “I guess our Alpha will approve of this. Anything else?”

“Depending on what is already available, I would like to build special training areas and facilities. Either the Crown or myself will pay for the construction. I may have to upgrade the IT network since I will be working remotely when I am on the pack lands. Again, the pack will not pay a dime for this,” I state.

“Are you suggesting that our pack may be lacking?” Shouted Delta Simmons. He was really starting to grate on my nerves. I gave Becca the look, and she agreed with her eyes.

“No, I’m just saying that I have particular needs that must be fulfilled to be able to do both my Luna duties and my Royal Guard duties. I also am an avid gamer, and I need a fast and reliable network for some of the tournaments I participate in. Besides, it might help the Bloodstone pack to keep up with the rest of the world by having ready access to the internet," I replied.

Alpha Meyers gave me another unreadable expression as he contemplated my request. I took this moment to look at the silent members of the Bloodstone entourage. Gamma Benner was just quietly staring at me. Although I could tell that his body was chiseled like the rest of the entourage, his face had rounder and softer features. I smiled at him warmly as he brought back fond memories of someone I once knew. He seemed taken aback, and I could swear there was a hint of a blush on his cheeks. I felt an uncomfortable glare from across the table and snapped back to the angry green eyes of the Alpha.

“How about this? We can discuss any changes to the infrastructure once you are on the pack lands for your Luna training,” bargained Alpha Meyers. “I expect you to move in within a week so you can get to know the pack. Unfortunately, we have been without a Luna for quite some time, since my mother passed away 9 years ago. We don’t have any former Lunas that can guide you, so we are requesting that Luna Larson come with you for the time being.”

“That is not going to work….” I replied carefully. "Luna Becca is about to give birth any day now. Our doctors have been monitoring her since she is carrying twins. Besides that, I would like to be here for the birth of my nieces or nephews. “

“I completely understand Luna Larson not being able to travel. I’m sure I can accommodate you coming back here for the birth. How about a former Luna? Your mother perhaps?” asks Alpha Meyers.

My entire side of the table exploded with laughter as the confused entourage looked on. Becca was wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, as Chris was holding on to his sides while he let out hearty guffaws. Tia’s braids bounced as her shoulders shook with each laugh. Dad’s face just said this was the funniest thing he’s ever heard. I take a few breaths to regain my composure, but Chris beats me to the punch.

“I’m assuming you did not do much research into our family,” Chris says between stifled giggles. “Do you know who our mother is?”

Alpha Meyer’s bewildered face answers the question. Oh boy, I hope this doesn’t scare him off. My mother's reputation has a certain effect on people.

“Our mother is General Cassandra Haysworth aka ‘The Great Disaster’.” Chris informs the now wide-eyed Alpha, “She is unavailable for this meeting today because there was a Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting with His Majesty. Min gets her vicious streak and her work ethic from her.”

“I agree. As much as I love my mate, Luna's duties were always on the back burner for her. Most of the time, those duties were fulfilled by my Beta’s mate,” explained my Dad. "Also, I don’t think it’s a good idea to invite my mate onto your pack lands for an extended amount of time. She will restructure your entire chain of command and probably challenge you for your Alpha title in 2 days.”

“You must be exaggerating,” answered Beta Spencer with disbelief.

“No, they are not. My mother is currently the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Vanguard. She’s not only the first werewolf to hold such a high position, but the first female as well. I look to her as an example of my career and personal goals,” I explained. I thought for a moment and then continued. “Maybe we can come to a compromise. How about I stay here for 2 months to train with Luna Becca, and then I can finish my training remotely for 1 month at Bloodstone. It’ll give me a chance to get to know your pack and to see if there are any improvements to the infrastructure I need to make. I’m sure there is some female that is taking care of some of the Luna duties within the pack that I can learn from as well.”

“Unfortunately, Beta Spencer is unmated. Delta Simmons is mated, but his mate has only been taking care of staffing needs at the pack house. Gamma Benner is unmated as well.” Explained Alpha Meyers. He contemplated it for a second and then continued. “I don’t really see any other options since you’re so adamant about it. I agree to this arrangement.”

“Excellent, I’m just making changes to the contract to include the stipulations and strike the artificial insemination clause.” Said Beta Spencer while clacking away on his laptop. “Barring a serious breach of contract, this contract will stand for 5 years. Then afterward, the contract will be up for renegotiation or cancellation. If all this is agreeable, I just need signatures from you, Lt Col Larson, and Alpha Meyers. “

Beta Spencer hands Alpha Meyer the contract he just printed from his portable printer. Alpha Meyers signs it without a glance. He then hands me the contract across the table. I look through it and am satisfied with the contents. I sign it as well. Tia takes out her notary kit and embosses the contract and signs it as well.

“Standard procedure when a contract involves a member of the Royal Military,” I say to the quizzical people across the table. “The Crown has declared that contracts need to be notarized by authorized notaries.”

Alpha Meyers just nods his head curtly. Beta Spencer hands me my copy of the contract and starts packing up his laptop and other equipment.

“Well, then that concludes this meeting. We will be updating you with Min’s progress and to make arrangements when it becomes closer to the time she will move out to your pack.” Said Chris.

All the men stand up and gather near the door. They were shaking hands and congratulating each other for coming to a great agreement. I looked over to Becca and Tia and rolled my eyes hard. They give back an understanding wry grin and shake their heads. Men. I reach up and hold my locket. I rub the moonstone and the reality of what I agreed to sets in. I wonder how he would’ve felt about this. I resist the urge to open up my locket and look at the picture inside.