The Luna's Alliance

Chapter 6: Peace Treaty

“Tell our stories to the Goddess,” Lucy whispered.

Lucy knelt down to light the pyre Luna Mary and her two young boys had been laid upon. She tossed in sage before stepping back with the others; another duty that was hoisted on Lucy's shoulders with the loss of their Luna. Her father put a protective arm around her and the tears came. As the new Alpha, Edwin had already lit the pyre for his predecessor. At least they would all ascend together…

Darnaris and Darnell laid with their mothers arms hugged tightly around them, as she so desperately yearned for days ago. They both needed haircuts since they were growing like weeds lately. Lucy had promised to give them each a new big boy 'cool' style next week. They wanted matching lightning bolts shaved into the side like superheros. She thought about doing it for them before they were placed on the pyre, but changed her mind. She couldn't bring herself to touch the cool stillness of their bodies. The boys would never see them anyway, nor argue about who's haircut turned out better. At least they would all ascend together.

It was tradition to hold a separate Parting Ceremony for ranked members before allowing each family to hold their own, but these four were not just ranked members to Lucy. She was grieving this family as her own. She had grown up in the packhouse with them. After her own mother's death, Luna Mary showered her with the love and attention of a daughter. Only a few days ago, they were sitting around the dinner table together laughing at the twins' knock-knock jokes. At least they would all ascend together.

Lucy repeated the thought over and over, trying to find comfort in it. It brought little, but gave her mind something else to do for a moment.

The Southern Forest pack was all assembled on a clearing just outside the main residential area. They would begin their mourning together. So much waste over the years. Yet, this loss of life was the drop that tipped over the bucket.

A lone violin squealed out the sorrowful melody of the Parting song as only that instrument could bemoan. The crowd began to croon at the second interval, but the words stuck in her throat. Lucy looked up at her father. Alpha Edwin was supposed to be the pack's new pillar of strength, yet now he let stray tears flow unabashedly. Lucy listened to the cheerless lyrics as she crumpled into her father’s steady arms, fully releasing her grief.

“Farewell dear lovers,

Goodbye old friends.

So long wistful spirits,

May we know you again.”

As the song continued, harmonizing with the strings played in the background, Lucy imagined a family of wolves playing tag in the moonlight. At least they ascended together.

***

The keening of the Parting Ceremony stretched over the borders of Southern Forest where the North’s pack remained. There was no talking around the campfires tonight. Everyone was solemn. The chill of that September night seemed to penetrate everyone to the bone; Luna Mary’s final gift.

Alpha Brock did not have an official Parting Ceremony. Jace had sent his body back to his mother. She could perform any rituals herself as Luna. Jace knew the men here would have no stomach for it.

With that in mind, Jace also sent his Lycan cousin, Nico, home to Europe. There was no need for his indecency and monstrous behavior here. Few Lycans remained in the world after their millennia of wars. Most now resided in small packs throughout Northern Europe, finding solitude and purpose with the occasional call for mercenaries. The more he saw of his extended Lycan family from Norway, the more he realized how disconnected they were to their humanity. Nico's departure seemed to encourage his men and prove his strength as their new Alpha.

Theo was in Alpha Jace’s tent reviewing points that outlined a peace treaty between the two packs. Elders from both sides had been arguing the entire day away, culminating in this document. Tomorrow morning, the newly appointed Alpha Edwin Butler and Alpha Jace Tila would sign a final armistice at the border lining the two packs.

“Everyone retreating to their own borders, I understand,” Theo was saying. “But are you really comfortable paying them such a large sum? It feels like ransom.”

“They say they need the money to rebuild from the fire, but that's a lie. Everyone knows they are far richer than we are. Have been for the last eighteen years or so. They just don’t display their wealth. My father always warned me they would keep their good fortune close to their chest and not to underestimate them. That is precisely why I have instructed our elders to demand another provision. Northern Forest will pay, but we will also become partners in their key business dealings; lumber, shipping at the ports, and coastal tourism. We may not have gained the land formally, but we will share in its wealth,” Jace explained.

“Fine. A short-term loss for a long-term profit.” Theo sighed and continued, “With the wealth of the coastal land settled, why entertain this notion of accepting a chosen mate from their pack?”

Theo didn’t entirely disagree that this was a necessary provision, but as Beta, he had to play devil's advocate. Yes, it was his duty to support his Alpha’s goal of peace. Theo just knew they had to proceed cautiously. The two men were now officially the Alpha and Beta of one of the largest, most influential packs in the country, and these first few days were crucial to setting up their reputation. A strong Alpha did require a strong Luna. Mating would increase Jace's power. The mating alliance, so it was written, was a logical next step towards peace. Alternatively, Jace was his best friend. Theo hated to see him sacrifice so much for the pack again.

“You know I gave up my true mate a long time ago.” Jace’s voice broke only a little, but Theo caught it. “I saved her life from my father, but I’m sure the Goddess will not grant me a second chance since I threw away her gift with both hands. I will need a Luna eventually. A strong she-wolf with ranked blood has been assured by their elders. Whoever they choose, makes little difference. A Luna from Southern Forest doesn’t just end our conflict now. She also brings inevitable wealth and alliances. Her dowry will be a major port of our choosing; maybe Charleston. The longer our relationship lasts, the more our packs can forgive and forget. If I want Northern Forest to supersede its former glory, I need this peace to hold. A contracted mating isn’t so bad. It has happened to Lycans for ages. I am part Lycan, after all. I said I wanted peace above all else. This is the South’s sticking point. They need to see we are honest. Surrounding packs will know that I am a man of my word. I am trustworthy. Our mating strengthens my claim as a King, as well as Alpha.”

Theo nodded. He heard all he needed to. Jace had made up his mind.

“Head back to Northern Forest, Beta. The details will be finalized, and tomorrow I will sign the treaty. I need you to take half the warriors with you as a show of respect before that happens. Tell my mother to prepare for our new guest and future Luna. At least she will be thrilled to gain a daughter,” Jace finished.

Theo smirked, knowing how badly Luna Samia wanted to see Jace mated. At least now her dinner parties for 'mingling' might become less frequent.

"I know what you're thinking, but mother won't stop until you're mated, too. Nice try," Alpha Jace joked. Theo's smirk faded, only making Jace laugh harder.

"Alright, man. Time for me to go. Good luck with the treaty. I'll see you at home in a few days. And, Jace… I'm proud of you, Alpha," Theo admitted. They hadn't spoken about Jace's part in his father's demise. Theo doubted they ever would.

The men embraced briefly. Wolves of their rank did not often show their emotions, but this was too big a moment. They were leaders now. Theo was glad they were embracing their destinies.

***

"How about Anya? She is tough as nails. I believe her mother came from a Gamma line before relocating here with her mate. I'm sure she could handle that Northern Forest Alpha."

"Anya didn't make it. I watched her dive in front of Alpha Cain to buy him time as we retreated to the packhouse. She brought down one of their warriors, but then came face to face with that Lycan cousin of theirs. Her body is being prepared with the rest as we speak for tomorrow's second Parting Ceremony,"

Several more minutes of uncomfortable silence ticked by.

“What about Missy? The young she-wolf who assists teaching at the school. She was safe in the packhouse, I believe. She is young and healthy enough to bear many pups, plus she is a very pretty little thing. Alpha Jace will appreciate both attributes."

"She is a good choice, I agree. If y'all remember, her human mate rejected her. The weak man didn't wanna be a part of our world. This could be a blessin' in disguise for her. I, for one, hate the idea of forcin' someone else to give up on findin' their mate.”

Lucy had walked into the Alpha’s office - now her father’s office, she realized - bringing refreshments. She heard the elders had been discussing all points of the treaty with Northern Forest for hours. She worried about her father’s sanity, and for his new Beta, Alfred, who looked exhausted.

Alfred was a top young warrior who had also been the valedictorian of Lucy’s graduating class. Alfred got along well with Freddy, Lucy’s younger brother and the now future Alpha. His military strategy was unparalleled in the pack, too. Lastly, he was a huge bulk of muscle. Lucy knew this was a calculated choice on her father’s part. Edwin wanted to be sure Freddy's Beta would be strong when he took over in case peace didn't hold.

Both leaders gratefully accepted the glasses she handed them. Her father gave her a wink before returning to the conversation at hand. They seemed to have finalized nearly all points of the treaty, but were stuck on the choice of she-wolf for the mating alliance.

“Missy is not a real option. The she-wolf must have ‘ranked’ blood. The North will accept nothing else. They are snobs who adhere to the outdated tradition of maintaining strong bloodlines. That is why Brock took a Lycan himself. They have no reverence for the Goddess. The young Alpha was raised to think himself a king,” Elder Williams sneered.

The old wolf speaking had seen much, Lucy knew. However, the elder also had a reputation for holding a grudge.

“Then we have a real problem,” Elder Allen replied. She was the most sensible of the group. Smallest of them all, she commanded attention when she spoke, which she usually used to bring the council’s attention back on topic. “There are few remaining she-wolves with ranked blood who survived the war. I’ve reviewed our census records. Those who did survive are nearly all mated already.”

“Nearly? You seem to have a candidate in mind,” Elder Williams surmised. A self-satisfied grin pulled at the corners of Elder Allen’s lips, but she remained silent.

Lucy cross referenced their surviving population in her head too, and came to only one conclusion.

“Me,” Lucy spoke up, surprising even herself. She instantly captivated the entire room. “I am an Alpha’s daughter now. I was taught the responsibilities of a Luna from our sweet departed Luna Mary. I am not mated. It makes sense, I suppose. I am the right choice.”

“No, Lucy! I will not let you become a pawn to this scheme,” her father barked.

“Perhaps -” Elder Williams began, but was quickly cut off by Alpha Edwin.

“I SAID NO!” he roared. Lucy felt the Alpha tone wash over the room, and observed everyone bowing their heads in submission to him. Change happened so fast now, she thought.

Imogen, what do you think of all this? Lucy asked her wolf. It was deathly quiet in the room.

I agree with you. I cannot explain it, but we need to go to the Northern Forest pack. I can feel our path tending in that direction. Imogen told her.

Lucy's nervousness evaporated with Imogen's words and she was reassured of her plan. She didn't really want to leave her home, but she felt in her heart this was the right thing to do. Peace was a noble goal, worth pursuing at any cost, and she could ensure that it lasted. Lucy hated imagining her brother and Beta Alfred standing before the pyres anytime soon. Her true mate would understand why she gave him up, if she ever found him. This was her path.

Now she just had to convince her father to sacrifice her.