The Blood Moon Luna

Preposterous -Kieran

“Alpha, you had a phone call while you were out at the training grounds,” Xavier said with a note of disdain in his voice.

“Well, who was it? It seems as though it soured your mood,” I asked.

“Alpha Hollis, he said there was a pressing matter he wished to speak to you about,” Xavier answered.

“Great, Rogues last week and Alpha Hollis this week. He can’t possibly want anything good. But I will phone him and set up a meeting if necessary,” I said.

I opened my desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of tequila and two glasses. After pouring 3 fingers in each, I handed one to Xavier and said, “Fortitude. Numb before dumb.”

Xavier chuckled before downing the contents of his glass. After mine, I dialed the number for Alpha Hollis.

Hollis: “Rip Claw Pack, Alpha Hollis speaking.”

Kieran: “Hollis, this is Kieran. I am returning your call.”

Hollis: “Ah, yes, Kieran, I heard you had a rogue problem on the night of the Blood Moon and thought perhaps we could ally against a common enemy.”

Kieran: “I am not against an alliance, but what are your terms?”

Hollis: “Perhaps we should meet in person to discuss terms. I will bring Kendall with me to your office, say noon tomorrow?”

Kieran: “I'm not sure why you need your heir with you, but it's fine. It's noon tomorrow. I will have Frankie join us. See you then.”

Hollis: “See you then.”

As I hung up the phone with Alpha Hollis, I mind-linked my Beta and Frankie to come to my office. Frankie was now sitting sprawl-legged into one of the chairs in front of my desk while Bill sat tense in the other.

“I received a phone call from Alpha Hollis. He would like to establish an alliance with our pack, but was reluctant to disclose the terms by phone. He and his heir will be here at noon tomorrow. I can’t say that I am not concerned that he didn’t want to talk terms over the phone, but I want us to be prepared for him to drop a metaphorical bomb on us,” I told them.

Frankie sat up and said, “Why is he bringing Kendall? He’s almost as much of an asshole as his father is and as worthless as t**s on a bullfrog.”

“Well, son, I don’t know, but I think it would be best that you were here as well. Bill, I want you and Xavier posted right outside the office, so whatever adjustments need to be made for the training schedule need to be decided and posted immediately,” I instructed.

Bill got to his feet and said, “Yes, Alpha. Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“No, just get with Xavier, and let's get this done,” I replied.

After Bill left the office, Frankie said, “Is that all you need, or is there more?”

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck, looking at him. “Your alpha studies going okay? Once that is complete and you find your Luna, I will be ready to hand over the pack,” I said.

Frankie smirked, “Somehow, I think being an Alpha will be easier than finding a Luna. How many more blood moons do you think I should wait before just taking a chosen mate? I want what you and Mom have, and it doesn’t seem possible if I take a chosen mate instead of waiting for the Moon Goddess to bless me.”

“Well, we could host a Blood Moon Ball for the next Blood Moon. Invite other packs to join in. It might help you to find your fated. You are only 20, though; it could be your mate isn’t of age yet,” I replied.

Frankie sighed and replied glumly, “Yeah, maybe. Maybe the ball is a good idea, or maybe you’re right, and she isn’t of age. I just know the ones that were on the hillside the other night were not Luna material, not even chosen.”

The next day

‘Alpha, we have just cleared Alpha Hollis and his heir through border security,’ one of the warriors mind-linked.

‘Thank you,’ I linked back and looked at everyone in the room. “Alright, team, it’s showtime. I will leave the link open for Bill and Xavier to be able to hear the meeting, despite the soundproofing. I brought the desk chair from Bill’s office so you can sit behind the desk with me, Frankie. It will be your space soon enough, anyway. I don’t expect any difficulties. Hollis isn’t an enemy, but I don’t necessarily consider him an ally either,” I said as I gave last-minute instructions.

“Agree to disagree or peacefully coexist?” Frankie questioned.

“Exactly,” I replied.

Alpha Hollis was shown into the room, pleasantries were exchanged, and seats were offered to the guests.

Kieran: “I hope the trip over was uneventful?”

Hollis: “Yes, quite. Forty-five minutes through neutral territory, looks as though the humans are doing a festival of some sort.”

Kieran: “Okay, enough with small talk. What exactly are your terms for an alliance?”

Hollis: “Always straight to the heart of things, Kieran. Some things never change.”

Kieran: “I don’t believe in wasting time. Too many already believe that time is just a magazine.”

Hollis: “Ah, yes, well… straight to the point then. I heard about the rogue attack you had on the blood moon. Perhaps we could ally and help one another out since our packs are close.”

Kieran: “What aren’t you saying, Hollis?”

Hollis: “Rip Claw warriors at your disposal during future attacks in exchange, I want Frankie to make Lady Keegan his Luna.”

Frankie: “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR DAMN MIND?”

Frankie jumped up and was nearly lunging for Alpha Hollis when I grabbed hold of him before he could make physical contact. “Calm down, son! Hold on just a minute and calm down,” I said before facing Hollis.

Kieran: "What in any world made you think that I would make a deal about my son’s Luna? First, we believe in fated mates above chosen mates, and secondly, why would you want to broker your daughter in an alliance agreement? Is she even aware that you’re doing this?” I spat out.

Hollis: “I want my daughter close, and your pack is close. When we both step down from our Alpha positions, with the connection between your pack and mine, our heirs will be the most powerful alliance on the eastern seaboard.”

Kieran: “And what if Lady Keegan’s fated mate comes a month later? Two years later? Will she easily reject the blessing the Moon Goddess sent?”

“Listen, I want a Luna for my people, a soul mate for myself, a warrior who defends our pack just as much as she loves the pack. I am barely 20, and my mate may be a blood moon or two from me finding her. I am not ready to give up on her yet. So I am sorry, if you came here to offer an alliance based on me making Lady Keegan my Luna, you’ve wasted your time,” Frankie said, his voice laced with venom.

Hollis: “How long will you wait for your fated mate before you take a chosen one? If your fated mate does not come along, when will you take a chosen mate?”

“I don’t know, a year or two at the most,” Frankie replied.

Hollis: “I am a patient man. I tell you what, how about if, after the next two blood moons, you don’t find your fated mate, you choose Lady Keegan as your Luna? In return, I will offer my warriors at your disposal for dealing with the rogues.”

Kieran: “You’ve given us plenty to think over. We’ll discuss things and call you on Friday with our decision.”

Hollis: “If you feel secure in waiting, then we will speak on Friday. Come, Kendall.”

Frankie

“Dad, are you considering this?” I asked once we were alone.

“Son, I would never sign you up to mate with someone just for an alliance. And I wouldn’t volunteer you for anything without discussing it first," Dad replied.

I let out a breath and said, “I really want to find my fated mate. I know we discussed this yesterday, but how long is too long? And if I were to take a chosen mate, would Lady Keegan be the right choice for our people?”

“So, what are you thinking? Do you want to wait at least two more blood moons, and if you haven’t found your fated mate, then take a chosen one? And if you do choose to take a chosen mate, do you want that to be a prearranged deal with no choice in the matter?” Dad asked warily.

“Fine, if I don’t find my fated mate after the two blood moons, I will take a chosen mate. However, I think we should hold that mating ball for the next blood moon. Who knows, maybe Lady Keegan and I both will find our mates at the ball,” I sighed.

As I walked to the training grounds, I was caught up in thoughts about the meeting with Alpha Hollis. The guy is a total d**k, and so is his son. Still not sure why he was even at the meeting today. Maybe his daddy was teaching him how to be absurd. I mean, who uses their daughter’s mating to propose an alliance? Probably more than I realize. He doesn’t really seem smart enough to come up with that himself.

I would never do that to a child of mine. Besides, she’s probably ugly or a total b***h or something. I am really hoping that I find my fated mate. I don’t necessarily want a chosen mate, but if I did, I don’t want to mate with a stranger. But maybe I should open my eyes and be aware of who is available and would be a good luna.