The Discarded Luna

Luna Duties

Turning to my own pack, I put back on my shirt but my injuries and scars stayed. My wolf could not as easily hide them at the moment. Sighing, I just started to walk towards the house. Alex dismissed those there and they left to finish their patrol. Alex walked in silence next to me all the way back to the house. After entering it, we crashed on the couches.

"Wow." Alex said. "You did amazing." He looked over at me but I stared at the ceiling.

Mumbling, I agreed. The silence came again and I let it settle into my bones, making me numb again.

"Alex," I said through my arm as it was draped over my face. "Bring me the Concim agreement, any issues that pack members face, and our current financial situation." Alex nodded and left.

I let the silence invade my senses again. Numbness seeped into my bones and finally the pain and scars disappeared. I stared with wide eyes into my arm, letting the darkness be there.

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of Alex. Again, I had to revive myself from the brink of nothingness.

Alex brought in multiple binders and papers for me. I had not moved from the couch yet, but waved at him. “Please just put it on the kitchen table.” I told him and he moved that way.

Sitting up finally, I watched as he put the papers and binders down.

“I brought all that you requested. Was there anything else?” Alex asked.

I shook my head no. Alex came by the couch. “Ok, well I have to go. There are some things I need to get done as the Beta and to make sure that Dante or Vanessa does not know about what we are doing. If you need anything, mind link me.” Alex leaned over the couch. “Please, anything.”

I nodded but did not have the energy to look at him. Alex left and the silence came in again.

A small tug at the back of my mind, not really my wolf but not really myself, pulled at me. It urged me to get up, to live, even if not for myself. Sighing, I rubbed the back of my neck and stood up. I went to the kitchen and made a sandwich. While I ate, I opened the first binder.

This was the recent complaints and issues of the pack. Going through each, I realized that I wanted a pen and paper. Looking around, there they were on the counter next to the binders. On the front of the notebook was a small note from Alex. ‘For you. Please make sure to eat.’

I smiled at the note and picked up the rest of my sandwich. To appease Alex, I stuffed the rest of the sandwich into my mouth and finished it.

I will live, if not for me then for my pack. Turning back to the binder, I tackled them with new energy.

Luna? Alex mind linked me a few hours later.

Sighing, I put the pen down. Yes?

I will be back around five tonight. Do you need anything? Alex said.

I thought about it. Looking at the binder, I realized that I needed to interact with my pack to help them.

Yes, I do need something. Can you find a place to make it safe where pack members can talk to me? I was hesitant to ask as I knew this was asking a lot.

Alex was quiet for a while but he finally responded. Yes, I can do that. Do you want to meet with pack members tonight?

Looking at the binders made up my mind. Yes.

Alex responded with a confirmation and then silence.

Silence, it was peaceful, comforting, and pain free. Falling forwards into the silence was important, it had to happen. The pen clattered to the floor and woke me out of the trance. Shaking myself, I stood up. I could not afford to go into that silence just yet. The clock in the kitchen said one in the afternoon. I had been working for over twelve hours.

Feeling the ache of my body, I decided that sleep was important. Going upstairs there was a newer looking room. Falling on the bed fully dressed, the darkness and silence of sleep took over.

Waking up, my body took time to come alive. Crawling off the bed the floor rushed up to meet me. The bump on my arm was not feeling good as I got up. I headed for the shower and scrubbed myself alive, again.

Getting out, I realized that I did not have new clean clothes, so I put on the old ones. Heading down the stairs, the clock in the kitchen showed I had been asleep for only an hour. Not really caring I went back to work on the papers.

At five o’clock, Alex knocked on the door. Smiling as he walked in, I stood up and stretched.

“Been working all day?” Alex asked with concern. I smiled at him.

“No, I slept for about an hour.”

Ignoring the sad look in Alex’s face, I turned to the duffle bag swung around his neck. “Fresh clothes I hope?” I asked.

Alex nodded. “Yep, thought you might like more.”

Taking the duffle bag I went upstairs to change. Coming out of my room, I stopped and looked down the hall. I hadn’t explored the rest of the house yet and made a mental note to do so.

Alex was looking over the notes I made for Concim. Looking up, his face was one of adoration and awe. “You made these suggestions?”

I looked around the house. “If anyone else has been here for the last several hours, make yourself known. No?” Looking back at Alex I nodded. “Yeah, guess it must have been me.”

Alex smiled and shook his head. “No disrespect but this is just amazing. We will be able to save this contract if we do it this way.”

I smiled at his compliment. “Well, we have to get the boss to agree to it first and then start people working on it right away for it to work.”

“Yeah, I can get this to Dante today and get something started.”

I smiled. “Good. Did you find a place for me to work with pack members and handle some complaints?”

Alex nodded. “What do you think about your old house?”

“Hmm,” I started, fear itching as it was up my spine. “Maybe. What security will we have and can we keep the pack members safe?”

“We will be minimal security but with your scent already there, you won’t have to worry about Vanessa’s group sniffing you out. If we also do it during times when they are busy or asleep, it will work out. I run evening shifts for the border patrol, so we can keep it on lockdown if needed. With the rogues out that will not be hard to convince them to stay inside.”

I nodded as I listened. “We will have the pack members arrive an hour after dinner. That should help as well. They would still be out but it will be late enough to not get caught. It will help to get pack members complaints done first then work on other things before heading back here.”

Handing me binders, Alex helped me pack up. “I have two pack members in mind for the first meeting. Can you get them?” I asked while handing the names to Alex. He looked at the names and instantly burst out laughing.

“Yeah, these two really need help.” He said while wiping a tear from his eye. “I will send for them after we get you settled for work at your old house.”

I smiled and grabbed the duffle bag as well. “I will need more clothes, so I might as well get some.”

Alex nodded and then opened the door. Looking out, he signalled for me to follow. It was getting to be sunset, so we took the long way to my house.

We were lucky that my house was so close to the woods as we approached it. I noticed that it was undisturbed. A sigh escaped my lips and Alex smiled warmly at me. “I made sure that no one touched it after you were locked away.”

“Thank you. My parents built it and I wouldn’t know what to do if it.” I couldn’t finish my sentence as emotion clouded my thoughts. I really was worried about this, but I had not realized until just now. So much had happened and my emotions had been locked up for these last few weeks. Letting this out now was not the right thing to do. I would be happy later.

Walking forward, Alex entered the house first and I followed. The smell of lavender and my old scent came wafting up. Smiling, I bent to take off my shoes but stopped. If someone came that was uninvited, we might have to leave quickly. Keeping my shoes on, I followed as Alex checked the house. Sitting on the couch I sighed as the familiar comfort enveloped me.

Alex came back into the living room and smiled. “The house is clear. Where do you want to do work?”

Looking around, I waved a hand. “Here would be fine to meet some pack members. I have a desk in the spare bedroom upstairs that I can use for other business purposes. We will need to rearrange that room before it will work well.”

“On it.” Alex said and went upstairs. Sighing, I mindlinked him an image of how I wanted it. I heard a chuckle from the stairs.

“Yes ma’am.” Alex called down and his footsteps retreated. I cleared the coffee table of my old stuff and tidied up the living room. Opening the binders, I prepared to meet the two pack members about their complaint.

Alex hurried down the stairs after thirty minutes. “They are coming.” He looked determined and in full Beta mode. Nodding, I got up and went into the kitchen. Making a cup of tea, I heard a small knock on the door. Alex answered it and I heard two new voices from the door.

“Beta, why are we here?” An older male voice asked.

“Yeah, why was I summoned with this buffon.” Another voice said with gruffness in his voice. The other male started to say something while Alex was about to silence them when I came out of the kitchen with my cup of tea.

“Gentlemen.” I said gently. All heads snapped towards me. Smiling at the men, I indicated the seats. An older gentleman with greying hair and a gentleman in their late forties stood at the door with Alex in front of them. They both stared at me for a moment then moved to sit down.

“Humph.” The one in their forties said. I assumed it was Clark, the one that was the primary aggressor in the situation. Dale was the other and sat in the chair closest to me.

“Why are we here again?” Clark asked aggressively towards me. “We were told the Luna wanted to see us about the stupid complaint.” He turned to Alex at that point.

“Alex.” I warned as he started forward towards Clark with a low growl, not liking the disrespect. “Leave us.” I commanded and Alex bowed his head at me. Alex went to the kitchen to get the tea I made.

Clark and Dale looked at each other then at me. I radiated some of my power to let them know. Sensing it, the both went wide eyed and bowed their heads to me.

“Luna.” They both said. Even if they were unsure about who I was or why they felt the Luna bond from me, they both knew to respect it.

I smiled at them and sat down. Alex came back in with the tea and put it on the coffee table next to the two’s dispute paperwork. Seeing the tea and paperwork, Dale sighed.

“You are going to discuss our disagreement.” Dale said, hope in his eyes.

“Yes,” I said and started serving them tea. Both started to protest. “No, let us Luna.” “Please don’t.”

“Shush.” I said with a smile. “Tell me what has been going on as I get your tea.”

Clark and Dale looked at each other then sighed.

“I guess it started last December.” Dale started. Clark nodded. “Yeah, that was the first time we got into it.”

“You see, we are neighbors.” Dale said. “My wife and I wanted to build a nice little cottage at the edge of our property and give the bigger house to our children. As we are getting older you see.”

I nodded as I handed Clark the tea. Clark continued the story as Dale received his tea. “The edge of his property is the start of mine and where Dale wants to build is at the edge of both our properties. For Dale to build the cottage, he would need my permission to get construction through my property onto his.”

I nodded, as I sat back and sipped my tea.

“Well, I did not like that.” Clark said as he sipped his tea, a little sheepishly now. “I got into it with the old fella, even though we have been wonderful neighbors for over thirty years. He was there when I was a boy.”

“Yeah, I remember you growing up and turning into a fine young man. Your own children are being raised there, how are they?” Dale asked.

Clark smiled at the thought of his children. “They are doing great. Little John is not so little anymore.”

Dale laughed. “Is he almost as tall as you were at that age. Seven right?”

“Yeah, seven. He might even be taller than me at that age.” Clark laughed and the men turned to each other. A small blush creeped on their faces as they realized they got off topic.

Clearing his throat, Clark continued. “Well, anyway, I did not like the idea of construction workers coming through my land. Even if it is to help create a cottage for my neighbor.”

“Why not?” I asked with a small smile.

Clark shifted in his seat. “I don’t want them wrecking the area or contaminating the stream.”

“Ah, yeah that is why we want to move to that side of the property. You see, Luna, the stream is wonderful and peaceful.” Dale interjected.

“Yes, and it is so beautiful. Remember how we used to go on walks there.” Clark added.

Dale nodded, smiling, “yes it was always so peaceful. Does John or Clara go there now?” Dale asked.

Clark shook his head. “Not currently, since this all started.” Clark said with his cheeks going red.

“That is a shame.” Dale said. “Well, hopefully they can go soon. I know we have missed it.”

“Why don’t you go anymore?” I asked curiously.

“We don’t want to offend.” Both started at the same time and stopped. Looking at each other, their eyes grew big.

“I thought you,” “No, I didn’t want.”

“Oh.” They both said and looked at me. I smiled at them and put my cup down.

“It seems to me gentlemen,” I started, “that you both care deeply about each other but also about that land. Dale just wanted to live in a place that reminded him of sweet memories with his neighbor and Clark wanted to preserve the land that has great memories for him and for his children.” I leaned forward and looked at the two. “How about this, could we find a place on your property that is close by but can use a different route to build? That way you can still have the peace but preserve the land?”

Both looked at each other and nodded. “That works for me.” Dale said. Clark grunted. “Yeah, and the kids would love to see you again.” Dale smiled at that and Clark joined.

Both looked at me. “Thank you Luna.” Bowing they stood up and put the tea on the coffee table. I stood and let them out. They thanked me again and left.

Alex stood behind me and just looked amazed. “That was wonderful. How, what?”

I smiled at him as I went back to the coffee table. Scribbling a few notes down, I handed the paperwork for him. “It is all there. I even chose two spots that might work for Dale. Please make sure they look over it and have them choose a spot by week end.”

Alex nodded and went to his own binder to place the paperwork. I flipped through the binder and asked Alex to bring another pack member. He nodded. “Tomorrow, I will have a list for you before it is time so you can work it out.”

“Thank you.” Alex said after he mind linked. Nodding, I waited for the pack member. A small knock at the door signalled the pack members arrival. Again, Alex went to the door first. A small woman was at the door and Alex confirmed who it was. Andrea walked in and looked at me sitting on the couch. c*****g her head she looked back at Alex.

“I thought Luna wanted to see me.” Andrea said. Standing up, I smiled at the woman as I radiated enough power for her to realize. Gasping she looked back at me and put a hand to her mouth. Quickly bowing her head, she said, “Luna, forgive me.”

I gestured to one of the seats. “It is ok, please sit.”

Andrea looked confused but awed at the same time. “You are the true Luna.” She said as she sat. No hesitation or question in her voice.

I nodded. “Yes, but that is not why I asked for you. I am catching up with old complaints to the Alpha. Looking over this record, I noticed you have not received your cut of a business?”

Andrea nodded slowly. “I don’t mean to complain.” She had fear in her eyes. “I made that request but I want to..”

I cut her off. “We owe you quite a bit don’t we. I apologize for the lack of response on this and for not giving your share of the profit that you earned.” Bowing in my seat to her, she gasped. “Forgive the negligence of your Alpha and Luna on this matter and accept your share of the profit as well as extra for your patience in this matter.”

Andrea stood up quickly from her seat. “No Luna, I am sorry that I brought up such a small matter. I shouldn’t have, please forgive me.” She bowed low to me. Smiling, I stood and pulled her up into a hug.

“You have nothing to fear here. We made a mistake and I am proud of you for putting this complaint in. It allows us to correct our mistakes and move forward.” I looked into her brown eyes and spoke from my heart. Tears started to well in Andrea’s eyes.

“Thank you Luna.” She said with a broken voice. “Thank you.”

Bowing again, Andrea turned to leave. Alex showed her out. Sighing, I sat back down. “Make sure what I said happens.” I glared at Alex to let him know that I meant it and if he failed it would be bad for him.

“Yes Luna.” He bowed his head at me, my Beta at the moment and not my friend. “Do you wish me to summon anyone else tonight?”

I looked at the binders and shook my head. “Not tonight. I don’t want to overwhelm everyone yet. Those three are the most trustworthy of the complaints that I know of. They are also the most connected and will tell others who they trust about tonight.”

“Ah,” Alex said, catching onto my plan. “They will tell others who will spread the word about the true Luna being back, but will keep it a secret from the main house.”

Smiling, I confirmed it. “Yes, that will help when we need to overthrow Vanessa and get the Alpha back to his normal self.”