New Beginnings

CHAPTER 4

Jake and I had finally managed to work up an appetite for something other than each other by breakfast. We showered together, taking turns washing each other, and then got dressed and made our way down to the kitchen for dinner.

Everyone had already gathered at the kitchen table and plates had been dished out.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I blushed. My long hair was pulled to the side my mark lay one in an attempt to hide it.

“No need to apologize,” Alpha Bill said in response, smirking as Jake and I took up our seats. “Now, let’s eat,” Alpha declared, and everyone dug in.

My mom eyed me suspiciously. You two mated, her voice in my head wasn’t accusing, it was shocked.

“Okay, since you two are officially mated, can I plan the ceremonies now?” Luna Sally spoke up, excitement in her voice. Scarlett squealed in delight from beside Jake.

I groaned and hung my head. “Has the pack been informed of the potential danger?” I asked, trying to avoid her question.

“They have, Avon. You deflected,” she accused.

“I guess so,” I conceded, earning a laugh from everyone around the table.

Luna Sally and Scarlett squealed, and my mom joined in on their excitement.

“My daughter, a future Luna,” she mused.

I blushed and kept my face down as I ate. As everyone finished up, Omegas came to clear the table.

“Let’s go get planning!” Luna Sally exclaimed and the three women jumped up, leaving us behind.

“Jake, Avon, meet me in my office,” Alpha Bill told us, and we nodded in response.

We followed him up the stairs and down the long hall to his office. He took the seat behind his desk and motioned for us to sit down across from him, so we did.

“Mated and marked,” he mused, though I could feel the happiness radiating off of him. “I’m happy for you Jacob. I’m proud of how far you’ve come. I wholeheartedly believe you are ready for this position. Avon, Luna Sally is going to train you as you go for the first few months. I know it’s going to be a lot, but I know you can handle it.”

“Thank you,” I said simply.

“The reason I wanted to meet with you though has to do with your trip today.”

I froze, confusion sweeping over me.

“I spoke with the Elders some more about what was going on at Silver Moon. The only reason they disclosed anything to me was because Avon is originally from that pack, though she was not a part of what they are doing.”

“What did they do?” I asked.

“They’re kidnapping humans and turning them into newborns. More than half have died during the transformation process. Right now, they have over 200 newborns hidden in a bunker. The Elders are there now, but Alpha Maxwell is refusing to tell them the location.”

“If they have 200 newborns hidden, that means they’ve kidnapped over 400 humans?!” I exclaimed.

Alpha Bill nodded. “They’re hoping you’ll be able to find them by listening for their thoughts or scenting them.”

“But why are they kidnapping humans and transforming them into newborns?” I questioned, angry.

“They wanted a larger pack to be able to gain more territory.”

A low growl erupted from my chest, but I was able to control my wolf and keep her from surfacing. “They wanted a larger pack? More power, more territory?!” I spat these words.

Alpha Bill nodded. “And they will be punished for that as well as another crime they have committed.”

I breathed in sharply. “What other crime?”

“Do you remember the war between Silver Moon and Snow Moon? Well, you were just a pup but I’m sure you’ve heard about it.”

I nodded, not sure I wanted to hear what he was about to say next.

“It was a lawful challenge. But Snow Moon’s Luna had just given birth, so she was down in the bunker hiding when the war broke out, along with the other parents, pups, and elderly…” he paused, taking in a deep, shaky breath. “Pups and their mothers are not supposed to be murdered, even in war. They are supposed to either live rogue or find a refugee pack like ours…

“Alpha Maxwell ordered them to be murdered. A few managed to escape, and some live here to this day. But he found the Luna and her newborn pup, and he murdered the Luna, taking the pup to his pack. But she was never made an official pack member. She was claimed to be an omega pup from the moment he returned with her. He and Luna Abby raised her until she was about 8, keeping her hidden by forbidding her from going outside or leaving their apartment before forcing her to live in the dungeon as a prisoner, where he didn’t care what happened to her.

“She was fed, and she had access to a bed, a toilet, and a shower. But her guards… she was beaten constantly. She is about to turn 15 and gain her wolf. She has never been out of that dungeon until the Elders showed up. They have her in the pack hospital, sedated because she was having panic attacks. Not that I can blame her…” his voice trailed off.

“You want us to bring her back here, don’t you?” Jake asked.

“We have the best therapist in the werewolf world. I think that would be the best outcome for her.”

“When does she turn 15?” I asked because I was remembering that day we went to war. It was the day after my third birthday.

“Tomorrow.”

“So, she’ll gain her wolf tomorrow…”

“She is from two Alpha blooded parents. I believe she will at the very least be a silver wolf, but possibly a Primordial, like you.”

I nodded. She would not be outcast and sent to live as a rogue. She will find a home somewhere and hopefully that somewhere would be our pack.

“So, we’re going there why?” Jake asked.

“Other than to find the newborns, to allow them to make a choice on which pack they want to take refuge in.”

My mind was racing, and I couldn’t stop my thoughts.

“I know this is a lot to take in.”

* * *

We arrived at the Silver Moon territory by early evening. The future Alphas and Lunas from Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, and Frost Moon had already arrived, along with a Beta from each pack. They were exploring the territory in wolf form as we climbed out of the car. Right away I noticed two silver wolves. I would have to relay this to the Elders so they could speak with them.

Elder Felix cleared his throat and sent a massive mind link to all the visitors to meet in conference room 3, the largest conference room this pack had.

All the wandering wolves shifted back, and we all made our way up to the second floor of the packhouse to the conference room.

All the elders were in there waiting, standing, while Alpha Maxwell and Luna Abby were already seated. As we all entered, we bowed to the Elders before taking our seats.

Alpha Max and Luna Abby glared at me as I sat down next to Jake, my mate mark clearly visible with my hair pulled into a ponytail.

“Jacob, Avon, I’m sure you know why you are here, but let me explain it for the rest of them,” Elder Cesar spoke. We nodded and he began the long explanation of what my former pack had been up to for 15 years.

Alpha Max let out a low growl as the Elders took turns speaking about the crimes committed.

“Enough!” Elder Bristol commanded Alpha Maxwell, who ceased immediately.

“So, there are about 200 newborns hidden in a bunker somewhere?” Future Alpha Declan asked, appalled. “And at least as many that died from the transformation?”

The Elders nodded.

“We want to challenge them. Fight them. Make them pay for their heinous crimes. And what about the guards who were hurting that pup?”

“They have already been put to death,” Elder Raven answered Future Luna Amara’s question.

“How are you going to find these newborns? How long have they been hidden away?”

“About a week. And we are going to find them with Avon’s help.”

“How is she going to help?” Future Luna Cali asked.

“Well, aside from the fact that this is the pack she came from – and she had no knowledge of what was happening – she is also stronger than any of us in this room,” Elder Titus spoke.

“How is that possible?”

“She is a Primordial. All her senses and abilities are stronger than ours. And she has powers that most wolves don’t have.”

Every visiting face had a look of shock on it. They knew what I was, what it meant. Alpha Maxwell growled again, hatred seeping from his pores.

I couldn’t help the snarl that erupted from me in response, but I quickly reigned in my wolf yet again.

“You said most wolves. What do you mean?” Future Luna Jayla asked.

“There are other special wolves, silver wolves, that have powers based on what god or goddess their wolf is named after.”

“I’m silver,” the Beta pair from Harvest Moon spoke at the same time.

“It is your duty as silver wolves to help fight the battle against any supernaturals if, or rather, when they come. Your powers will aid her and her pack into victory, if you train hard and play the cards right.”

“So, we don’t have a choice but to help the Blue Moon pack?” Beta Ryan asked, but he wasn’t angry.

“Technically you do, but your ability is a gift from the Moon Goddess. It is your duty. Would you want to possibly face her wrath?”

“We’re willing to help; I was just curious. What is happening to this pack?”

Elder Felix sighed, running his hand through his unruly pitch-black hair.

“Well, anyone who wishes to challenge them for their crimes is welcome to do so. But you may not kill them. They will die the same way the monster guards did.”

Alpha Maxwell’s eyes flashed dark brown, his wolf showing, but he quivered in fear.

“And the rest of the pack members?”

“Aside from the newborns, they will be forced to live as rogues, unless you lot are willing to take them in.”

“Did they know what was going on?” Jake asked, disgust lacing his tone.

“Other than the Betas, no.”

I let out a sigh of relief before a thought occurred to me. “Wait, Jack knew?! My own father knew?!”

“And Former Beta Shae,” Elder Raven said solemnly. I wanted to vomit.

“I’m glad I never knew. At least it’s a relatively small pack. I say we give them the option if everyone agrees,” I added.

Everyone nodded in agreement, so it was decided the pack of about 400 would have a choice to seek refuge in one of the four packs, along with the newborns.

“Alright, Avon, it’s your time to shine,” Elder Cesar told me. I nodded as we all stood up, bowing before filing out. The Elders guards grabbed Alpha Maxwell and Luna Abby, cuffing them in silver cuffs before roughly shoving them out. The Elders let me lead the way.

I stood outside the packhouse, letting down the mental wall I had put up to block out everyone’s thoughts. The entire pack was mulling around the packhouse, curious as to what was going on.

I forced myself to focus on any unusual or scared thoughts.

“That’s never going to work, River!” I heard a voice. I looked around and realized no one else heard it, though it was obviously spoken. I began to walk in the direction the voice came.

We walked for a couple miles, ending up in the wooded area past the lake before I stopped to listen again.

What the f**k do these monsters want with us? A female’s thoughts. I sniffed carefully, then broke out in a sprint, through more brush, jumping over a fallen tree before coming to a halt. I bent down and started pushing straw and fallen leaves out of the way, revealing a hidden door.

There were gasps from all around, as the pack members had followed the strange party of Future Alphas, Lunas and the Elders. They didn’t know this bunker existed. Our bunker for rogue attacks was closer to the packhouse.

I turned to face the Elders, meeting Alpha Maxwell’s glare before looking at Elder Felix. I didn’t have to say anything and neither did he. A smile spread across his face as I turned back and bent down, throwing the door open to reveal 200 newborn werewolves in human form.

They all threw their hands over their faces, shielding their eyes from the sudden light.

I jumped into the bunker lithely, landing on the balls of my feet, smiling gently and holding up my hands to show I was no threat.

“You’re safe. You’re free. But before you try to run for the hills, please hear us out,” I let authority seep into my tone, letting them know it wasn’t a request, but a command.

They lowered their hand in submission automatically, their wolves recognizing the much more powerful wolf in front of them.

I climbed the run-down ladder, motioning for them to follow me, which they did.

They squinted at the filtered light coming through the trees.

“I assume you all are hearing another voice in your head? Probably trying to tell you what you are.”

They nodded, confusion written on their features.

“That voice is your wolf. What Alpha Maxwell and Luna Abby did was turn you all into werewolves. I’m sorry to say, but you can’t return home.”

“Then where do we go?” one juvenile female spoke up, not much younger than me, maybe sixteen years old.

“You have the option of joining one of the four packs represented here. Your wolf can help guide you as to which pack may be best suited for you.”

“Pack?” the same female questioned.

“Werewolves live in packs just as regular wolves do. We have territories we live in as a group. There are rogue wolves, wolves who have been shunned from their packs for one reason or another.

“Pack members rely on each other to survive and stay safe. But, before the Elders, who are wolves who make sure each pack follows the laws of werewolves, introduces you all to each represented pack, let’s get you back to the packhouse to get cleaned up.”

I turned to my former pack members. “Do you all mind sharing clothes with these unfortunate newborns your leaders have selfishly created?”

Every single one of them shook their heads, signifying they didn’t mind. So, we began the 2.5-mile trek back to the pack house.

“They can use our cottages for showers, too,” Tristan, the only friend I truly had during my time here, and Alpha Maxwell’s son, spoke. “That way we can figure out who they are closest to in size, and they can use the showers and change into fresh clothes while we make them something light to eat.”

“Thank you, Tristan. Is that alright with you all?” I asked the rest of my former pack members, who all nodded in agreement. My former pack members began to mingle with them, easily finding who was closest to who in size, and bringing them to the cottages that were around the territory.

Once everyone was regathered outside the packhouse, the Elders took their place at the top of the stairs with Jake, the other three future Alphas and Lunas, and me.

“So, we are going to let each pair introduce themselves. Then you all will be allowed to mingle with each future pack leaders before making a choice.

Jake and I stepped forward. “I’m Jacob, and this is Avon, Future Alpha and Luna of the Blue Moon pack,” Jake said before stepping back in line in front of the Elders.

Quinn stepped forward. “I’m Quinn, and this is Future Luna Jayla of the Harvest Moon pack,” he said before stepping back into line.

“I’m Future Alpha Declan and this is Future Luna Amara from the Blood Moon pack.”

“I’m Future Alpha Cooper and this is Future Luna Cali of the Frost Moon pack.”

At that, we separated into our pairs around the packhouse courtyard and Silver Moon pack members and newborns alike approached each set of future leaders.

After several hours, the Elders reappeared in the courtyard. Elder Titus cleared his throat, causing everyone to turn their attention to them.

“By now, you and your wolves should have a feel for which pack you’d like to join.”

There were nods and voices of agreement amongst the wolves.

“Go stand next to the future leaders of the pack you’d like to join. We will make arrangements for you to be able to get back to your new homes.”

They moved about towards the pack they wanted to join, with about 200 wanting to join Blue Moon, Tristan included. He grinned at me as he stood next to me. Almost half the newborns had decided on our pack, drawn by my obvious authority and power, which meant very few of my former pack members were joining my pack.

“Please gather what belongings you would like to keep to take with you and be ready to leave in an hour at least,” Elder Raven said. Then she motioned for us, the Alphas and Lunas, to follow them down to the dungeon.

The stench of feces, urine, decay and death hung in the air as we descended the stairs. Torches illuminated the way as my vision adjusted to the lesser amount of light.

We reached the end of the stairs and stepped into a huge wide-open arena-like area before passing through to the cells where Alpha Maxwell, Luna Abby, Beta Jack, and Former Beta Shae were chained in separate cells.

“Alright, each of them is going to face two of you at the same time for an hours’ time. Remember, this is not to the death. You are fighting to injure, to punish. Now, you’re going to fight in your mated pairs. Avon, I am not going to make you fight your father or mother.”

“She’s not my mother,” I spat. “She may have stolen me from my real mom and raised me, but she will never be my mother.”

“What do you mean?” Elder Felix questioned.

“Exactly what I said, Elder Felix,” I said, bowing, showing I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful.

“Hmmm. You will have to elaborate later,” he said, and I nodded.

“Future Alpha Jacob and Future Luna Avon will fight Alpha Maxwell, Quinn and Jayla will fight Luna Abby, Declan and Amara will fights Beta Jack, and Cooper and Cali will fight Former Beta Shae.”

They were all released from their cuffs and the air was suddenly filled with the sounds of cracking bones and shredding clothes as we all shifted into our wolves.

Jake’s black wolf and my white wolf were a contrast to each other, but we worked together as a team in fighting my former Alpha.

By the time the hour was up, he was a bloodied mess while we barely had any scratches on us. I looked at Jake’s wolf and gave a satisfying grin before shifting back to my skin side.

The Elders handed us a change of clothes, while the four beaten wolves lay in submission on the floor.

“Doc?” Elder Bristol called out, and Dr. James descended the stairs, four stainless steel syringes in hand.

I didn’t have to ask to know that those syringes contained wolfsbane and silver nitrate, the death serum for werewolves. Doc, as he had always been called, walked up to Shae’s wolf, plunging the syringe into her neck and pressing the plunger. Within a few moments, she was dead. My father howled at the loss of his former mate before he was given the serum, too.

I knew the loss of Luna Abby was going to be more painful for Alpha Maxwell because they were still mated and marked. As soon as she took her last breath, Alpha Maxwell let out a painful, sorrowful howl before his body began quivering with the physical pain he was in at the loss of his mate.

Doc wasted no time in injecting him as well. He shook for a few seconds before he was gone, too.

“Guards dispose of them,” the Elders commanded their guards, who hoisted them up and took them to the cremation oven.