Part 3 Tears Under the Moon

Amber wins

Amber waited impatiently as Richard chatted away with River. She was annoyed. "Richard,'' she finally said, interrupting. "We did not finish our conversation." She came standing in front of him.

"Amber please why do we have to go through this?"

"Richard I… I am not even sure how to say this to you but I really think I love you and you being with someone else is not sitting well with me." Amber professed,

"Amber you didn't even get into me like that until I did that thing you're crazy about and now you have been acting all weird." Richard declared facing her.

"Oh please don't flatter yourself. The only reason I give a s**t Richard is that you knocked me up." Amber hissed.

Tabatha was so ready to give Amber a piece of her mind and was about to tap her on the shoulder when she said she was pregnant by Richard.

Richard turned green and he looked past Amber at Tabatha. Amber turned to glare at her.

"THIS IS NOT A GOOD TIME! GO AWAY, TABATHA!" Amber yelled she felt it every time she turned around Tabatha was there.

"No, I don't think so." Tabatha said I need to speak to Richard now."

Amber growled, "b***h are you slow or something. I know you heard what I just said to him. Nothing could be more important than what we are discussing, go away." Amber's wolf was really getting impatient with her.

Tabatha looked at Richard who was just standing there looking like an i***t. "Richard tell your pesty friend to f**k off!" Amber snapped, "before I break her damn neck!"

"Try it b***h!" Zara said, coming up behind Tabatha. She stood with her hands on her hip. Chastity pulled her hair up in a ponytail saying, "I have not had to go a round with an alpha Shewolf in years. Always got a little bloody though when Chenoa and I use to go at it. You know she almost put my eye out once." Chastity nonchalantly said as she put her hand out waving Amber over.

Amber laughed, "Am I supposed to be scared?"

"Ladies is there a problem?" Luna Rochelle said walking over.

Amber never took her eyes off Tabatha, she was furious that the girl and her friends tried to intimidate her. She wanted to rip her apart. "Yes, there is. Richard and I were having a conversation when Tabatha rudely interrupted and I would advise her to back off before I rearrange her face."

Tabatha laughed, "Amber Amber Amber you wanna know something funny? I can make your face ugly without even touching you."

Tabatha was furious as Amber stepped to her she did not back down she knew all she had to do was show the mark on her neck and Amber would break into a thousand pieces.

She and Richard had discussed several times when they wanted people to know they were mated and they both had decided to wait unless something drastic happen. 'This is something drastic' she said to Richard

But to her surprise, he just stood there looking stupid. Tabatha was hurt when he just stood there.

"Now ladies this is not how proper-bred women act. Especially over a boy." She looked at Richard confused wondering what he had done to have both of her girls acting so catty.

Tabatha decided to give Richard one more time to step up by saying, "Amber, I know Richard has told you he is not interested in yet you have followed him around all day begging for his attention and you say I am intrusive. I think Richard is just too nice to tell you that his interest does not go any further than wanting to sleep with you. It is not my fault you can't take a hint."

"Who the f**k do you think your talking to." Amber punched Tabatha so hard Tabatha saw stars. She grabbed her mouth in shock. Zara pushed Tabatha out the way and grabbed Amber hair she punched her back and the two went toe to toe.

Luna Rochelle jumped between them and Richard finally snapped out of it and grabbed Amber and Luna Rochelle held Zara.

"Zara stop you heard my niece say she was pregnant." Luna was scolding her. Tabatha gave zero f***s if she got her ass beat or not. She ran up to Amber grabbed her hair and punched her twice before Chastity could grab her, "Let the b***h go!" Tabatha screamed as Tabatha held a plug out of her hair, "Let her go!" She spit blood from lip in her face while Richard had to pick Amber up and carry her out.

"Tabatha!" Luna said shocked.

Tabatha refused to cry even though she was on the verge of tears. Her feelings were crushed. Richard promised to be there for her but instead, he was with Amber and she was seeing red. She broke free from Chastity and went running after them.

"Tabatha!" Luna yelled as Tabatha went running out of the pack house. Zara and Chastity followed behind her and Luna mind-linked Kade and Lucas, 'They have all gone insane.' She hissed. By the time she got outside Tabatha had shifted and she and Amber's wolf Sage were in a vicious fight. Although Amber was an alpha Shewolf and clearly stronger than Tabatha, the girl would not give up or back off. Tabatha fought with the passion of a true Luna. 'Do not dare jump in' she said, Zara who was shifting. There was something clearly going on between these two and it was best to let them get it off their chest or it would continue to fester.

Kade spotted the two and growled as he went to separate two but it was no use the girls would not stop going at each other. "STOP IT NOW!" Lucas said approaching. It was only then that they separated. "In my office now!" Tabatha did not budge she just stood glaring at Amber. "NOW!"

Only then did Tabatha go inside followed by Amber.

"You too." She said to Richard.

Richard followed them inside and in the office, Amber went first explaining how Tabatha and her friends kept testing her and she was over it.

Lucas looked at his mate, "Amber is it true you are pregnant?" Lucas asked Amber. Amber turned red in the face. She was totally embarrassed and it was all that bitches fault she thought glaring at Tabatha she was not pregnant she had just said that to Richard to try to hold on to him a little longer. She never intended for anyone else to no and then Tabatha came butting in. Amber burst into tears.

"I will take that as a yes," Lucas said.

"Your just hormonal dear it will pass." Luna Rochelle said handing her a tissue.

She looked over at Tabatha. Tabatha had been the daughter she never had she had practically raised the girl and she knew there was more to this because Tabatha was a kind hearted soul. The girls had always gotten along on occasion they bickered because her niece could at times be a little bossy but she meant well and was a kind hearted girl too. She could tell Tabatha was trying to keep it together.

'Tabatha are you okay?' Richard asked. It was only then that a tear rolled down her cheek. She felt disappointed and betrayed yet again by a man, no a mate.

'Tabatha.'

'Don't speak to me! When I needed you to find your words you stood there silent, JUST LIKE BLAINE AND KEVIN YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT!'

'THAT'S NOT TRUE I LOVE YOU!'

'DON'T!'

'WHAT? THAT IS INSANE!'

Tabatha shut him out never looking in his direction.

"Richard, what do you have to do with this?" Lucas was asking.

"Nothing." Tabatha spoke up, "because this is about nothing." Big fat tears rolled down Tabatha's cheek.

"I am sorry Amber. I should not have started with you in your condition. What happens between you and Richard does not concern me. I overstepped my boundaries."

Amber looked at her suspiciously. Wiping her eyes. For the first time, it hit her. It was completely Tabatha he was dumping her for Tabatha and looking at her she could see she was just as crushed as she was. Maybe because in the end, he did not stand up for her.

Amber almost felt bad now. Everyone knew the girl had lost two mates and was barely keeping it together.

"Well it's settled then, I know Zion is gone but I think we should have the ceremony soon. We need something to celebrate around here and the ceremony needs to be done before you start showing. The full moon is in four days. Put it on the schedule Rochelle." Amber went stiff and Tabatha looked like she was about to vomit and poor Richard looked like he was caught between a rock and a hard place but no one seemed to notice but Luna.

"You're all dismissed," Lucas said and Tabatha bolted from the room.

Richard was about to follow her out when Lucsd stopped him, "Not you son have a seat we need to discuss your plans for the future."

Amber gave a weak smile and walked out. Luna followed her.

"Amber."

"Yes, auntie," Amber said sweetly preparing for the lecture to come.

"Are you truly willing to go to this extent to keep a man that does not want to be kept?" Amber looked down at her feet contemplating her question.

"He is not even that high ranking dear and you're pulling out all the stops." Luna pointed out.

"It was just supposed to be between him and me." She huffed, "he is making things so difficult because he just won't do what I want and then Tabatha comes along and…"

"And what?"

"Stole his heart from me." Amber burst into tears, "he was mine first."

"Oh dear if that's what you think, you are more naive than I thought. Amber, Richard has been pining after Tabatha since they were pups. I thought for sure they were mates until Kevin came along and then Blaine. I honestly always thought he would have been a better match. I don't understand why you girls run around here galavanting and carrying on like you have no true mate."

"Auntie times are changing. Since the Vargis came along entire packs have been wiped out. I may not have a mate."

"Your mate is a very strong Alpha Amber he will not go down without a fight. You need to learn to be patient and trust your heart."

"No! I'm marrying Richard. I'm sorry Tabatha loses again but Richard is mine now." Amber spun around and went marching off.

Kade stood back observing as Lucas rambled. He suddenly realized what a challenge it was for Zion to work alongside his demanding father, as he watched him lay out a future for Richard.

"This way you can move up in ranks and make a more suitable match for my niece how does that sound, will that work for you?"

"No Sir it will not," Richard said flatly. Kade, who had been leaning against the wall, stood erect now as Richard said, "I never asked your niece to announce we were going to be mates because frankly Sir I never had any intentions of doing anything other than being friends with her. She decided to do this not so much for me but for her own image. True I could have stopped her but I did not because frankly, I did benefit. I wanted the rank back I earned. Earned that means a lot to me but I would never agree to move up a rank just because it looks good on paper that your niece is not mated to a low-ranked wolf such as me. It never stopped Catori from depending on me. She could have chosen anyone but she chose me that Sir meant something. Now I'm sure you will get pissed at my next statement and you will probably take my rank again, I will still have my pride. Your niece is a great girl and a fun time."

"Oh s**t," Kade mumbled

"I have great respect for her and love her as a friend but there is no way she is pregnant by me. I am very responsible. Amber wants to keep me and I think it's because she likes winning. I'm not marrying her, no way! And if she is pregnant I will take care of my responsibility but there is no way in hell I'm marrying a woman I am not in love with, Sir."

Lucas just glared at him. He was not sure rather he should be proud that the boy stood up to him or angry that he was just sleeping with his niece.

"You just sat in my office and said you're not marrying my niece because she was good enough to f**k but that is where you draw the line, son." Lucas let his wolf show to attempt to intimidate Richard but Richard stood his ground.

"I do not want to embarrass Amber. As I said I care about her and we are friends and I am sure after she sleeps on this her position will change. After all Amber is not in love with me she just hates losing and she knows I'm interested in someone else."

Lucas looked at him, "That must be some girl Richard because she has your balls hanging all out. Let me tell you you got a huge pair to take that position with me. Or maybe I am not as ferocious as I use to be."

"No Sir your quite scary, inside I'm crying," Richard confirmed.

Lucas burst into laughter and Kade and Richard nervously joined in.

"Look this is messy get this situation under control son."

"Absolutely Sir."

"Amber is like her aunt she can be a spitfire."

Lucas, rose and headed for the doors, "I need a damn beer I'm too old to be an Alpha and I'm worried about my son boys."

Kade frowned; he too was worried about their Alpha. As they were leaving the packhouse a panicked Dr. Arden mind linked Lucas and Kade.

"Get here now she is awake!"

The men all ran toward the pack hospital Kade entered the room first, "wait!" Dr. Arden screamed, "she will attack."

”GO AWAY! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Vanessa was curled up in a corner screaming.

"Vanessa!" Kade yelled at her, "calm down let me help you."

Vanessa looked around as if she was scared, anxious, and confused. She was shaking and crying

"Where am I?"

"You're at Mystic Moon," Kade said softly. Vanessa looked around frantically as if she could not see and then she went stiff, "Kade."

"Yes."

"Kade." She said again as she began to cry.

"Yes," Kade whispered slowly edging closer to her. Finally, he took her trembling hands. "It's okay Vanessa your safe."

Vanessa shook her head wildly, "but your not I missed you so much but you have to stay away from me. I have changed."

"Vanessa no I'm not leaving you alone."

Kade watched as her eyes began to glaze over.

"I can not control it," she said in a strained voice, "you must go if something happened to you I would never forgive myself. The hunger I can't fight I CAN'T FIGHT IT!"

"VANESSA!"

"GO I DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE ME THIS WAY! YOU MUST SEDATE ME! QUAMIR I HAVE TO FIND HIM!"

"VANESSA!"

"THESE WALLS CAN'T HOLD ME WHERE IS CATORI I NEED HER TO FIX ME!" Vanessa let out a sound that shook the walls her eyes turned yellow.

"Run Kade!" She squealed Kade began to back away when her beast went lunging at him. Suddenly the door burst open Dr. Arden stood behind Dr. Mars, "Hello deary miss me?" She said as she shot Vanessa with the tranquilizers.

Vanessa's beast immediately recognized Dr. Mars and went to go for her but fell face forward her body crashed into the ground.

'Czar talk to me, buddy.' Zion said softly to his wolf. Czar had given him no response in weeks he was lost in his anger and grief. The only thing he felt was rage. He let Blaine getaway instead of ripping his heart out when he had the chance. He had failed himself and Catori and he could not move past it. So he had started to run and at this point, they had covered so much ground he was not even sure what state they were in. He assumed he had gone further north because it seemed to be growing colder. And at one point he had begun to see snow flurries. His legs were tired and they burned but still, they moved until he finally collapsed. Even then Czar lay and howled at the moon. Until he finally closed his eyes. He would sleep for a short span and then open his eyes but he simply had no will to move.

He was not sure how long he lay there but he could feel himself being poked by a stick. He could feel the warmth of the sun peeking through the clouds and brushing against his naked skin.

"Is he alive?" He heard a voice whisper.

"I don't know." The other whispered back. He could tell they were children by the sounds of the youth in their voices.

"Leave the Lycan be boys go play." The sound of a woman ordered the children away. The children could not resist taking one last poke. Zion lifted his head and let out a roar that sent them screaming and running away. He dropped his head as if that small notion had robbed him of all his energy.

He heard laughter and lifted his head in the direction of the sound. A woman stood naked bathing in the spring. He attempted to pull his eyes away from her but she looked like a work of art. She rinsed herself then slowly emerged from the water settling down on a huge boulder as she lathered soap through her hair.

"You didn't have to scare them that way." She said and Zion looked away but he knew she was smiling when she said it.

"Come." She said to Zion, "you have been traveling for quite some time let the water cleanse your body."

Zion pulled himself up his muscles ached, He walked over to the water and stuck a foot in. The water was freezing. She however did not seem to notice so he decided not to complain and instead walked further out diving under.

To his surprise, the water felt like it was embracing him. Instead of the freezing chill, he was expecting, he felt a comforting warmth. So strong tears came to his eyes. There in front of a nameless woman, he cried the shock and realization hit him.

"The water is healing and comforting isn't it?" She asked.

Zion did not respond he was too lost in his emotions he felt like Catori was holding him.

He did not look up until the woman approached him she did not ask she began to pour shampoo into his hair and wash it. "My people say the water is healing. It should be even more comforting to you."

"Why do you say this?" Resisting the urge to moan as her magical fingers worked his scalp.

"Because her spirit is in the water. She has been waiting for you. You are more vulnerable than I pictured you would be for the mate of the Chosen."

"Vulnerable" Zion's eyes narrowed as he looked at the beautiful stranger. She now boldly washed his chest. Although there was nothing s****l about the act she was doing Zion felt a stir in his loins. He had not been this close naked to a woman in almost ayear. Her touch was soothing and she had a marvelous earthy scent that reminded him of Catori.

"Your beast is much calmer now." She said pausing as she looked deeply into his eyes. She knew as he did her nakedness was affecting him.

"I am not vulnerable, if anything you are. Where are your warriors you let a complete stranger walk into your territory."

She smiled at him as he took the sponge and began to bathe himself.

"Luna you sh-"

"LUNA!" Now the beautiful woman tossed her hair over her shoulder. Clearly pissed her hands went to her hips.

"I am the Alpha in these parts, not a Luna."

Zion looked up at her as if he saw her clearly now and he understood her boldness. "You are Illiyanna Alpha of the Northern Wind Pack."

"I am." She said defiantly, still insulted by his words.

Zion looked around now at his surrounding in awe. Czar had traveled this far. They were at the peak of the Appalachian Mountains. The spirit mountains are what his people called them because often when wolves went feral they would travel this route as if something was calling them to their final resting place. Had he gone mad, was Czar leading them to their death?

"He was in pain." She said as if she read his mind.

"I apologize for intruding on your territory Alpha."

"Everything is meant to be." She said simply. Taking the sponge back from him she rinsed the remaining soap from his hair. He allowed her to although he was fully capable. Not because he wanted her but simply because he missed the touch of a woman.

"They say spirits roam these mountains. That people have encountered them, they come here to be closer to the dead." Zion stated.

"Do you feel closer to the Chosen?" She asked moving closer to him now. So close that her breast was pressed into his chest.

"Yes, I do."

"So you see her you feel her in everything?" She asked placing a hand on his chest. Zion suddenly became very aware of their close proximity. He stepped away to distance himself, "No no no."

She looked at him a moment and smiled, "you will see soon enough."

Zion was confused by her boldness, was this her way, or was she putting the moves on him he wondered.

"Are you hungry, come eat?" She turned and walked away from him and for a brief moment, he did glance at her rear end but just as quickly as he did he averted his eyes as guilt washed over him.