Fire Moon

Chapter 3

Beta Tom's POV

If I had not seen the spectacle of Lena acting in that lewd manner with my own two eyes, I would never have believed it. An Alpha’s daughter conducting herself in that manner! I have never seen Alpha Simon so angry. He had to shift to get his daughter under control.

“Lena control yourself!! You are my daughter and the future leader of this pack!!”

“DADDY HOW COULD YOU LET HIM GO ESPECIALLY AFTER HE SAID SUCH TERRIBLE THINGS!”

I thought Alpha Simon was going to strike her.

“WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR DEAL WITH HOW HE TALKS TO YOU! HE’S GONE, HE’S BANISHED, AND YOU’LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN! LEARN TO LET THINGS GO!”

“I CAN’T!!!! WHAT KIND OF ALPHA ARE YOU TO LET HIM TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!” Lena screamed, getting in her father’s wolf face.

The next thing I knew Lena went sailing and hit the side of a cedar tree. She crumpled into a fetal position and held her knees to her chest. Alpha Simon shifted back and started down at her.

“I don’t know what happened between you and that young man. I don’t want to know. All I know is that if you EVER mention his name again, I will strike you each and every time. DO NOT BRING HIM UP AGAIN! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD DAUGHTER!”

Lena gasped out “yes father” before she took off running towards the castle.

I picked up Alpha Simon’s clothes and carefully took them to him. He got dressed and stood in silence for a couple of minutes.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into her, Tom.” Alpha Simon was still shaking from all that had taken place.

“Sir, we really must be getting back.” An Alpha and Beta alone in the woods is never a good thing. We were too vulnerable and open. Alpha Simon and I walked in silence back to the castle. We arrived at the courtyard and sat down on the stone benches. I always loved seeing the castle from the courtyard at night. There were always lights on in the rooms of the castle and on clear nights, we got to catch an occasional Aurora Borealis. That view along with the castle lights was nothing short of spectacular. On warm nights I would come out here and just take the view in. There was always such a calm that came over me after spending an hour or so in the courtyard just observing the still and the occasional werewolf passing me by. Tonight, I was troubled by the events of the day. I looked over at Alpha and saw devastation in his eyes.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do about her. AAAAARGGGGGHHH!!!!” Alpha Simon put his head down in his hands and started to silently sob.

What can you say to a man who is slowly realizing his daughter is not fit to be an Alpha when the time comes for her to take over?

Normally, I stay out of Alpha’s family affairs. But deep in my core, I know the pack’s future is at risk. Alpha Simon’s health isn’t the best. Lena is Simon’s only child and sole blood heir. His Luna has been dead for a few years and they have no other children. I cannot imagine how this tears him apart. As much as I didn’t want to have this conversation, I knew I had to for the pack’s sake.

“Alpha, if I may make a suggestion?”

“You may.”

I mind-linked him though the courtyard was void of people. I didn’t know who could be listening.

“An Alpha doesn’t always need to be of your own bloodline. You could choose one from your pack, or the Elders can assign you one.”

Alpha Simon said nothing, and appeared deep in thought. He started off into space for a few minutes.

“What about Gemma?” He asked through the mind-link.

I was not surprised he brought up Gemma. My daughter is of Beta blood and well respected by all the members of the pack. She’s fair and kind, yet her discipline/correction has only been limited to household staff so far. I was unsure Gemma could handle this magnitude of responsibility. There was also the fact Lena would become dangerous if Alpha Simon cast her aside in favor of Gemma.

“Alpha that’s such an honor, and I am deeply humbled. I ask that we talk with Gemma first and let her decide. ”

“That’s wise Beta Tom.”

“I am deeply concerned about Gemma’s safety if you appoint her Alpha. Lena will not take well to it at all. Alpha I need to know what your thoughts are about this situation with Lena and Ryan Smith. Because both you and I know she accused him falsely. We just haven’t said it out loud.” I stated.

Alpha Simon looked back down, and when he looked up at me tears were in his eyes.

“Due to the delicacy of the situation, I will have to involve the Elders every step of the way. I will make the call tomorrow, and we can talk to Gemma after they let me know what they need from me.”

“Alpha whatever you decide, know I will be behind you every step of the way.” I spoke up, holding out my hand.

“I know Tom. Thank you for being a good friend.” He took it and hugged me, which shocked me. In all the years I’ve known this man he has never once hugged me.

“Whatever comes of this, I will do everything to protect you and Gemma.” He whispered to me and got up.

I watched Alpha Simon walk back to the castle, the gravity of the situation hitting me. This was real. Alpha Simon was literally one night away from taking his daughter's birthright from her. I didn’t know how to feel. She was his blood and to an outside eye, one would think he is a horrible person. They don’t know the Lena we have seen. I have known Lena since she was a baby. Admittedly, Alpha Simon always indulged her and perhaps that played a part, but he and his Luna tried to instill empathy and kindness in her. Then his Luna passed away and Lena was never the same. But I never thought Lena would turn out like this.

I gave the courtyard one final admiring glance and retired to my rooms at the castle. I checked in on Gemma, who was sound asleep. I studied my beautiful daughter and remembered her first cautious steps as a baby, her first day of school, her 18th year ceremony. So many girls are always excited about that birthday-they become adults and the majority of the time find their mates. Gemma will be 19 next month and hasn’t found her mate yet. Never once has she complained about it.

Perhaps the Goddess knows Gemma’s destined for greater things. I say a silent prayer for my daughter's safety and go to bed.