Under The Blood Moon

Crimson Moon Pack

Zane Pov

When I walked into that conference room, I was out for blood. I wanted to kill Thomas in the most brutal ways. I didn’t sleep a wink last night; instead, I stayed up all night thinking about ways to make their deaths slow and painful; I needed revenge for Allen, Luca, Kiera, and Ownen. They were more than just my best and trusted friends to me; they were my family, and now I didn’t know if they would ever wake up or if they would ever be the same again, even if they did. There was so much uncertainty; would they be able to function normally again? Would there be lasting effects from being unconscious for so long? So many questions with no answers, but the one thing I knew for certain was that Thomas and Terry die today, and anyone who got in my way would meet the same fate. I burst into the room, filled with rage and anger. I brought the severed head of their head-warrior because I wanted them to see that their plan had failed. Their plan was weak, and they couldn’t get rid of me that easily. My pack has a reputation for being the strongest because we train meticulously daily and plan for attacks like this. We are always prepared, and though this attack caught us off guard, we still came out victorious, and I wanted them to know this.

Seeing the look on both of their faces brought me so much satisfaction. Thomas became dumbfounded; he was sure that his plan worked and that he had gotten rid of me for good. That’s because I made him think that he did after I beheaded his lead warrior. I took his phone and texted that it was done and that Crimson Moon was no more. Thomas replied almost immediately he was all too happy as he talked about the next phase of this plan to take over my territory. I had him right where I wanted him. When I flipped the table, I immediately wanted to run over and rip him from limb to limb, making him bleed out slowly and painfully, starting with each arm and then his legs nicking major arteries along the way. The room would have been a bloodied mess. But there was one thing stopping Knight and me from doing this, Elle. I knew she was watching, and I didn’t want her to think of me as a monster. I remember the night at the club when I ripped the spine out of that fucker who tried to grab her and how she literally vanished into thin air, how I couldn’t find her for so long. I didn’t see her again until now. I didn’t want her seeing that side of me again, so I decided to do the bare minimum, and though I wanted to see that fucker suffer a long, painful death, my mate was more important. I didn’t want to lose her again. I walked over to Thomas; it was as if he was paralyzed and couldn't move even if he wanted to, and I was surprised that he didn’t put up more of a fight, I thought to myself.

Knight

He can’t put up a fight, Zane, because I am controlling his every move!

Zane

Confused, I asked Knight what he meant by this.

Knight

I have the ability to control his actions, thoughts, and movements, Zane. He’s not moving because I told his wolf not to. I want him to look like the weak p***y that he is in front of all of these alphas before he dies.

Zane

But… how Knight, you have never been able to do this before….

Knight

I’m not one hundred percent sure, Zane, but I have my theories that we will talk about later; but for now, you kill this fucker while I make his wolf cower like the coward he is.

Zane

And with that, I slowly ripped the heart out of Thomas’s chest while he looked on in horror. I mentioned how his whole pack was destroyed and that I killed his wife and children just to make it all even worse, knowing that he couldn’t even try to do anything even if he wanted to. I saw Terry rushing over, ready to attack, and I was ready to rip his jugular out, but then I saw him fall to the ground, looking like he had just gotten electrocuted.

I knew it had to be the work of my Elle. Damn, my mate is not one to be messed with. I returned my attention to Thomas as I slowly ripped his beating heart out of his chest after his limp body fell to the ground. I wasn’t satisfied; I wanted to kill Elder Jackson and Terry too, but I decided against it. I will deal with them later. Terry will be my prisoner, and as for Elder Jackson, I will get to the bottom of why he is acting this way. I made my stance on the topics clear. Secured my alliance with The Sapphire pack and turned to leave. I had already planned on taking Elle out tonight before we would leave the Summit tomorrow. We needed to figure out how this would all work. I mind-linked some of my guards to come in and grab Terry and started towards the door; before I walked out, I glanced over at her; being in such close proximity to her was torture. I wanted to scoop her up and take her out of there with me…. my thoughts were interrupted by the vibration of my phone.

I quickly walked out and looked at the name on my screen; it was the pack doctor; this could only mean one of two things. It was either good news or bad news. I hoped it wasn’t the latter. I answered, and as soon as I heard the tone of his voice, I knew it wasn’t good. I listened as he told me that things weren’t looking good. In fact, it was heading for the worse. The antidote in my blood made no difference. The dose of wolfsbane in their system was too strong, and at this point, it was time to say my goodbyes and inform their families so that they could do the same. Their parents are on vacation with my parents. I listened carefully and then thanked the doctor. He tried his best. I hung up the phone and I made the decision to leave immediately. I didn't want to tell Elle via text message, so I left one of my guards Alfie at her door to inform her of my absence. I had made a special key for Elle that I wanted to give her tonight. It was the key to the Crimson Moon pack I wanted her to know that this was also her home and though we have so much to figure out about how this was all going to work, I wanted her to have it. I hurriedly went to my suite and grabbed all of my things. I headed up to the roof where I got on the helicopter and headed towards my pack. I knew Elle would understand she was an alpha after all.

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Elle

Alfie looked at me for a second, as if he didn’t understand what I had said the first time. Alfie, can you please take me to the Crimson Moon Pack?

Alfie

Alpha Elle, with all due respect. I am not sure this is the right time to make a visit to our pack. Alpha Zane is quite busy, and I just don’t think….

Elle

I understand, but I have to go, Alfie. I am sure your Alpha will understand. Besides, he gave me a key to the pack. If that isn’t an open invitation to the Crimson Moon, I don’t know what is. Alfie looked at me wide-eyed. My guess is that he couldn’t believe I had the key. I assume Zane doesn’t give the key to the pack out very often.

Alfie

WowAlpha Elle, you must be very important to Alpha. He has never done anything like that before. Very well, then I’m taking you to Crimson Moon pack.

Elle

Thank you, Alfie, and you can call me Elle. I followed Alfie to the elevator. He let me walk in first, then he followed closely behind. He pushed the button and waited for the door to close.

Alfie

So how long have you known Alpha Zane for Alp… I mean Elle.

Elle

Shit, how do I answer this? Zane and I haven't decided how we would tell our pack members about us being mates, so this is going to be hard to answer. Um... not too long; we met at his club one time a while ago, and then we finally reunited last night when we bumped into each other at the hotel. He looked at me. I could see the wheels turning in his head, and I swallowed nervously. I hope he didn’t figure it out.

Alfie

Hmm.. well, Elle, you must be very important to Alpha Zane. He never lets anyone visit the pack unless they are trusted friends. Though he hasn’t known you for a long time, you must be trustworthy, and if Alpha approves, you have my approval too.

Elle

We continued to make small talk and that's when I realized that instead of going down to the garage we were going up. Alfie, why are we not going down to the garage?

Alfie

Because we are taking the helicopter, driving would take too long, and Alpha wants us all to return as soon as possible given the circumstances….

Elle

He trailed off after finishing his sentence. His face looked crestfallen. And I just knew that something wasn't right. I could sense it, and so could Amethyst. What circumstances are those I tried to pry to see if I could get it out of him?

Alfie

It..it’s not my story to tell Elle. When you get there, Alpha Zane may inform you if she deems it fit.

Elle

I understand, Alfie; thank you for being so nice so far and for taking me to the pack. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. He gave me a small smile when we reached the top floor. We walked towards the helicopter already waiting for us.

Alfie

Elle meet Kevin; Kevin meet Alpha Elle. She will be joining us back to the pack.

Elle

I looked over at Kevin and said hello after a moment's pause; he replied with a smile.

Kevin

“Hello, Alpha Elle”.

Elle

I assumed that he and Alfie had a quick conversation via mind-link about why I was coming back to the pack with them. I can’t blame him. I know Zane is very selective about who visits and Kevin wasn’t taking any chances. I smiled at the thought at least they were loyal and followed the rules to keep their pack safe. We both took a seat and buckled up, and we were off. Hopefully, we get there soon because both Amethyst and myself are getting antsy.

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Katie

While Zane was gone at the alpha summit, I figured that I would step up and help. What better way to practice my Luna duties than to step in when he is gone? Especially since Allen, Luca, Kiera, and Owen were in the hospital. He left a lead warrior in charge over me. I just don’t know why he would do that, especially knowing that I am half beta and that I outrank the lead warrior anyway. I tried visiting them in the hospital but the guards wouldn’t let me in to see them. Absolutely ridiculous, as their future Luna they should have more respect for me. I know we didn’t leave on the best of terms before he left, but he didn’t mean it. I know my Zaney, and he was just stressed because of the summit. And now that our pack was attacked, I figured that he would have even more stress and I wanted to alleviate it and this way I could prove to him I deserve to be his luna. I made sure to keep the omegas on top of their duties every morning. I made sure that they kept all of the rooms upstairs clean, especially Zane's room, which I decided to personally clean. Apparently, he left specific instructions stating that I wasn’t allowed on the top floor. Nevertheless, I think I’m good at this Luna thing. I made sure to tell the omegas to notify me when Zane returned. Since all of his closest friends are in the hospital, he will need someone to lean on, and that’s where I come in. It is now Sunday, and I wait around impatiently. I know that Zane will be back tomorrow, and I am so excited about seeing him. I visited the pack house to make sure everything was still perfect for when he got back home, it was around two in the afternoon when I heard the helicopter landing on the helipad. I ran back to my house, made sure to change into the perfect outfit, and fixed my hair. I grabbed the balloons and flowers I made one of the omegas get me for when Zane came back. See, I knew the first thing he would do was head to the hospital to visit his friends, and I was going to be there for him during this difficult time. Yes, that would help us bond and bring us closer together, back to the way things used to be. I honestly didn’t care if they never woke up. If they didn’t, Zane would be devastated, and that would work even better in my favor. I picked up the pace and made it to the hospital in no time. I needed to make it before Zane reached the room, or else I knew that once he was in there, he would not make the guards let me in. I practically ran to the pack hospital. I saw Zane getting out of the car that he used to drive up here. I timed it perfectly so that I bumped into him when he was walking in also. Oh Zane, you’re back from your trip. I didn’t realize.

Zane

I was already not in the best mood, and now it was even worse. Knight let out a guttural growl in my head.

Knight

Get rid of her, Zane, or I will once and for all, especially since we found Mate. I will not let this w***e ruin it.

Zane

I sighed," Trust me, Knight, I want her gone as much as you do. “Katie, what are you doing here?”

Katie

Katie’s inner thoughts:(Alright Katie time to use the puppy dog eyes): “I came here to visit Allen, Luca, Kiera, and Owen. I am worried sick about them. I really hope they are doing better.”

Zane

Thank you for caring so much, Katie, but I don’t think it’s best if you go in there to see them right now.

Katie

(Tears in eyes) But.. Zane, they are my friends too. We all grew up and went to school together.

Zane

Ugh, Katie is doing my f*****g head in and pissing me off, but I guess she is being nice, and it is true they were all friends at one time. How about this, Katie I will take the flowers and balloons to them if the doctors will allow it I will let you come see them, but for now, just head home. I will have someone come and get you if the doctors clear them for visitors.

Katie

Oh, thank you so much, Zaney!

Zane

She got on her toes and wrapped her arms around my neck to give me a hug. Knight was livid. I was too I didn’t want her to think that this changed anything. I just do have in me to be cold-hearted right now, especially while my friends lie on their deathbeds. Okay, Katie, I say as I remove her arms from around my neck and step backward away from her. I will let you know what the doctors say. Go home for now and also, Katie, one more thing, it’s Alpha Zane, not Zaney. We aren’t in a relationship anymore. With that, I walked away with the stupid balloons and flowers that she had brought. These won’t change anything. No amount of get-well-soon will change the fact that they aren't going to make it, and it was a tough, tough pill to swallow. I needed some kind of miracle at this point.

Katie

I smiled and nodded at Zane, then I turned around as if I was going to leave. I waited until he walked into their rooms, and I went back into the hospital and waited in the waiting room. I sat right where I could see the door to their room, so I could see when Zane was leaving. That way I could walk home with him later. I think my plan is working. He wasn’t as cold as he was before he left for the summit. He even let me give him a hug this time. I think things are finally looking up. Luna Katie Alexander has such a nice ring to it.

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Elle

The helicopter ride was quite uneventful except for my internal conversation with Amethyst. As we got closer, we both felt more and more uneasy. Something was wrong. I had a feeling of dread or doom, and I didn’t know why. Amethyst felt it too.

Amethyst

Elle, I think this bad feeling is coming from our mate.

Elle

I think so too, but how we haven’t marked each other hell, we have only gotten to see each other for a few hours tops. I didn’t know what was going on. Was this normal for all wolves to be able to sense their mate's feelings before being marked? These are one of the times I needed my parents to answer these questions. I still have so much to learn about being a wolf, and fairy books could only teach so much. Mrs. Rose and Alex can only teach so much. Having them is helpful for figuring out my fairy half, but I have no one to teach me more about the wolf half. Look how long it took me to figure out Zane was my mate. I’m sure other girls would have known right away the first night we saw each other. I frowned at the thought of not being wolf enough or fairy enough.

Alfie

Are you okay, Elle? Is the ride making you uncomfortable? Your brows are furrowed.

Elle

Not at all, Alfie. I am sorry I was just deep in thought, that’s all. Kevin announced that we would be landing in five minutes. The feeling of unease kept growing more and more intense the closer we got. I needed to find Zane as soon as we landed; my mate needed me.

Zane

I walked slowly into the room they were being kept in, and I was at a loss for words. My best friends were mere shells of themselves. In a matter of days, they were pale and lethargic. At this point, they weren't breathing on their own; they were all intubated and placed on ventilators. I failed them. I failed at protecting them. In a matter of twenty-four hours, my four best friends were all dying right before my eyes, and there was nothing I could do about it. I thought about how the phone conversation would go when I called our parents to let them know what was going on. My father would be disappointed in me; he left this pack to me in perfect shape, and I f****d up majorly. “Guys, if this is all one big elaborate prank, you got me good now; please wake up, I pleaded.” I was hoping that Luca would be the first to laugh and say something out of the way that usually makes me roll my eyes, but this time, I would welcome it. I would welcome it all. I looked at them, and there was no sign of life. I decided that I would say goodbye to them each individually before I made that dreaded phone call. I won’t take them off of the ventilator until their families arrive and spend enough time with them to get closure. I started off with Owen. This was going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Nothing ever phases me. I run headfirst into battles without a second thought. I was not afraid of anything until now, when I had to say goodbye to my family, and I didn’t know if I had the strength to do it.

Elle

The helicopter started approaching the helipad, and by now, the feeling had my stomach in knots. Alfie, do you know where Zane is? I need to see him right away.

Alfie

I will mind-link him now and find out where he is….

Elle

As soon as we landed, it was as if my body had a mind of its own. I hopped out of the helicopter, and my legs started to move as if I was being pulled in a certain direction. I could hear Alfie calling behind me, but Amethyst blocked him out. I snapped myself to an unfamiliar building, and soon I was standing in front of the pack hospital. It will take a while for Alfie and Kevin to catch up to me now. My eyes widened in shock. The hospital is Zane hurt; is this why I had this bad feeling? I ran straight to the door. I didn’t know exactly where I was going, but I knew that Zane was in there. I burst through the doors, and his scent hit me. I followed it as it got stronger and stronger, until I got to a room with two guards standing in front of it. This must be the room Zane is in, and judging by the guards outside, it must be bad. I talked to the guards in hopes that they would let me in; I’m here to see Alpha Zane Alexander, please. The taller of the two guards spoke.

Guard 1

I’m sorry, ma’am, but we were given specific instructions not to let anyone in. It was a direct order from the Alpha.

Elle

Shit, how do I get them to let me go in there? I wasn’t too proud to beg at this point; I needed to know that Zane was okay. Please, I beg, can you at least mind-link him and let him know that Elle is here?

Guard 2

He specifically asked not to be disturbed at this moment. We will let him know as soon as he comes out, but we can’t go against the direct orders of our Alpha.

Elle

Zane’s pack is really loyal to him, which is a great thing, but not right now. I needed to get through those doors. The feeling of dread hit me like a freight train.

Amethyst

Use the sleeping charm on them, Elle; we need to get in there.

Elle

No, amethyst, we can’t do that. I don’t want them getting into trouble for sleeping. Besides, I don’t want to use any fairy magic out in the open.

Amethyst

Fine, well, you had better think of something fast before I take over and make you kick this door in.

Elle

I felt defeated, but I wasn’t going to give up, yet I did the only thing left that I could think of. I started yelling Zane's name surley he would hear me; he had to.

Katie

I must have dozed off while waiting for Zane to leave and suddenly was awoken out of my sleep by the sound of Zane's name being called by a girl??? What the hell is she doing here, and most importantly, who the f**k is she? I hopped out of my chair, ready to march over there and confront the slut; when the door flew open, Zane stepped out, and he looked surprised. I was happy he would deal with her now. To my dismay, he smiled at her! Smiled f*****g smiled! Then he reaches for her hand and pulls her into the room, and closes the door. I was enraged. I wanted to break s**t. I picked up the chair in the waiting room and threw it. I tried to make sense of this. Maybe she is a doctor or a healer. Yeah, that’s what it is; she has to be. There is no way that Zane would do this to me. I wanted to run back to my house and scream in frustration. But I decided against it. I needed to find out who she was, so I had to stay here until they left the room. I picked up the extra chair that I threw and set it back down. I walked over to the coffee machine and grabbed a latte. This was going to be a long night, but I was willing to stay here and make sure that I found out who this mystery woman was and what she wanted with my man!