The Handicapped Luna

Chapter 3 Gear Up

Jalen's POV

It's pretty inconceivable that they would just NOT train Octavia. She's not a paraplegic. She has one good leg and half of the other leg. She obviously has a lot of drive. But, they've never even given her the opportunity. This pack has no sight for the future. Otherwise, they would have trained her and expected more of their children.

No matter, I've just dropped Octavia off. I'm headed to this sightless leader they call an Alpha. We need to talk. Too many packs are being practically decimated.

First, I need to get this pack straightened out. Then my mate and I will go back to my pack. I'll have my top Gamma train her. Then, I need to make sure I can squeeze every ounce of strength from as many packs as I can. I will have retribution for my brother, Benjamin.

Benjamin... He was older than me. Normally, the oldest takes the duty of future Alpha. But, the Moon Goddess mated him to an Alpha Female with no siblings to take over. By Goddess, he had been destined to rule the Jade Moon Pack. And I stepped up to take over after my father, Nicholas Malcolm.

Six months ago, Jade Moon was found to have been destroyed. There were bodies everywhere. Though a few, like my brother and his Luna, were missing. My father chooses to believe he is alive. But, I'm a realist. And now, his health is failing. Besides his age, our healers believe he's also losing touch on reality... Grief of losing his son has taken him down. His false hope seems to be all that keeps him holding on. As a result, I petitioned the elders to grant me the Alpha position early.

Thank God the Moon Goddess heard my cry. I'll be stronger with my mate. So, this is why it's important to get her strong. My mate, Octavia. Even the name commands strength. Together, we will show all rogues there is something to fear from the Golden Moon pack. But first, I need to handle the High-Moon pack.

This pack house is far too grand, in my opinion. The leaders are obviously too concerned with their money and flashy lives. Not enough attention is being given to the state of their training centers. The buildings are old, and I'd hate to see the inside. And yet, as evident by the near polished steps, they put themselves first. The front door leads into a hard wood floor mansion. The walls are blue with white curtains over every inch of the walls. Windows are lined with white lace. Decorations are golden.

I head up the stairs to the Alphas office. His office is right at the top with an ornate door. I collect my anger and distaste for this pack and then knock.

"Come in!"

I opened the door and entered. Without being offered, I took a seat. This might take a while.

"We need to talk. First, Octavia is not a paraplegic. Why was she never trained?" I could tell Axel came out a little in that question.

Alpha Valex grimaced, "I apologize. I felt that it would take more funds and resources than were necessary for one girl."

Axel came out full tilt, golden eyes and all. "GROWL...."

"Yes, as evident by your fancy mansion and ornate door. You couldn't possibly have had the money to train one girl. A girl I'm willing to bet has more will than any member of your pack!"

He hung his head low. It was only then that I noticed Octavia's father. Who looked seriously overwhelmed.

"As an Alpha, it is your duty to care, in every way possible, for each member of your pack. Even those that are handicapped. Yet your home is about the only thing worth value within the whole pack!"

"What would you have me do going forward?" Be a real Alpha for starters!

"Going forward, you need to know something is going down. Pack territories are getting cleaned out, and a gew members are going missing. Going forward, you are easy picking if you don't clean up!"

I explained to this Alpha what was happening to all the packs. I also let him know that Alphas are ether being taken or killed. I told him he needed to take the training of all members seriously. He grimaced when I told him selling all his golden fancy decorations might be appropriate for new training accommodations.

"I will send my Luna here every two weeks. She will report back to me about the changes you make. And, if she isn't satisfied at each arrival, the next visit will be me... Replacing you and your son as Alpha! It's time to gear up! Your children should be doing intense training. It should be done two, maybe three times a week. Especially the high school age alone... Your younger children need to run tirelessly and be taught self deffense. By high school age, they should be taught offensive battle. Your adults need to train as much as humanly possible. And, there wolf counterparts, just as much. Explain what is going on out there at your own emergency pack meeting tomorrow. Give them every reason to believe how necessary this is. And get your priorities straight, starting with your pack house."

The Alpha looked mentally put down. Good, I thought. An icy wake-up call. "It will be done, Your Grace."

I stood up. Gave my farwell, for now. "Mr. Blaunch, you will follow me."

"I... Uh. Yes, sir."

He stumbled out of the office, following behind me. Once we were out of the pack house, I told him about my plans regarding his daughter.. I explained that I would be giving her every measure of support and training I could. I told him soon he would not recognize his daughter. She will be stronger. And together, we will be a force. Finally, as we reached his front door, I said, "And you should know that I think you've raised an amazing daughter." I saw his face light up.

"Thank you."

"Despite the lack of effort put forth to train her at all." With that, I opened their door and headed inside.

Mrs. Blaunch and Preston were helping Octavia pack. Octavia came out of her bathroom, having clearly just showered and dressed. She looked stunning in a blue dress. I felt a twinge in my stomach. It was the anxious feeling Octavia had when she saw me. How cute. She's shy. I can feel her emotions. It's because I am Lycan, and we can feel the strong feelings of our mates.

I smiled, "You almost ready, my love? We've got a long drive. And I must get back to my pack. I need to get the Alpha Ceremony planned. And we have to get you trained up."

"Yes, love. Can you put these in your car?" She gestures to a large bag on the sofa.

Her friend Preston stands up. "I'll help. The bag is heavy."

I raised my eyebrows. I know this game. "Sure."

We barely got out the door when Preston started his talk with me. "Alpha Malcolm, please do me a favor and take care of her. You're her fated mate. But, I've known her since we started school. She is like a sister to me."

"Preston, do you have feelings for her?"

"Strong word, maybe? I thought for many years that we had to be fated. But I turned eighteen a few months ago. And... Well, I know I'm not, and nor is she mine. But, I still care for her none the less."

"Preston, I'll take care of her."

"Thank you."

Octavia's POV

Mom pushed me out of the house. My father quietly followed behind. Preston and Jalen were talking. For some reason, I knew it had to be about me. As we were getting me down the ramp, they shook hands. Both were smiling. Preston ran up to me, fluffed my red curles, and told me to hang tight. My mother kissed my forehead. My dad picked me up. After he was done bear hugging me, he placed me on the passenger seat. And he whispered in my ear, "Be strong. Fight with everything you've got. I've watched you grow. Despite everything, I'll always be proud of you."

Jalen shook everyone's hand. My mother forced a hug on him, though. He came around and got in his seat. As he drove away, I couldn't help but feel intense sadness and gratitude at the same time. And the warm hand of Jalen grabbed mine, making it tingle.

"It will be ok. The Goddess knows what she is doing." He kissed my hand and continued, "If you're tired, there's a blanket in the back. Feel free to take a nap. It's a drive, but we should be back by the time the kitchens are done with dinner."

Suddenly, I yawned. I pulled the blanket over me and rested my head over the belt strap.

After what felt like a few hours, Jalen was caressing my cheek to wake me up. He picked me up and took me into his pack house, bridal style.