The Crystal Luna

Chapter 2: War Discussions

~Alpha Mason’s P. O. V~

“What do you mean by that?!” I asked out of horror.

“Did you not hear what they said? They were very specific. It’s only your daughter they will protect. Not you.” I leaned back in my chair. Completely at a loss for words. At least my baby is protected by wolves far greater in strength than those that declared war on us.

“Alpha Mason. We, The Green Mountains Pack, will ally with you.” Alpha Cyril bowed to me.

“The Blue River pack will also stand with you.” Alpha Alistar also bowed to me.

“The Dawn’s Spark pack, will stand with you.” Alpha Atlas saluted me.

“I, Alpha Treyton of the Waning Moon Pack, also stand by you.” I could not have been happier with their help.

“As will we. The Yawning Sun pack.” Alpha Banks took a knee.

“Thank you, all of you. I still need to talk to the other 20 packs. We need as many on board as possible.” I said to them, “Please, enjoy the rest of the festivities.” They bowed to me and left my office. I laid out what those 15 were going to do with my pack. To say all of the remaining alphas were appalled would be an understatement. A few yelled in anger, others were quietly fuming. These were the packs that had daughters of their own. Needless to say, they are on our side.

“How dare they bring an innocent child into this!” One alpha roared in anger.

“I think we are all in agreement, Alpha Mason,” Everyone nodded in agreement.

“I thank each and every one of you. Please, return to the festivities.” I stood and bowed to them. They bowed back and left my office. I sat back down and called my mom and dad. They were currently on vacation. They are currently in Wales.

*RING, RING, RING*

“Mason, my boy. How are you and Tayla?” My dad answered the phone.

“We are okay. Big news, lots of big news,” I replied.

“Oh, did she have little James while we were on vacay?” I rolled my eyes. My mom wanted to try to fit in with ‘The new people.’

“Well, she did have our baby 3 days ago.” I paused. Not really knowing how to tell them that my little girl is their next Moon Goddess.

“Oh, no. Tell me they are both okay?” Mom started crying.

“It’s not that. Her name is Saphyre.” I heard something fall on the other end. “Mom?! Dad?! Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah. Did I hear you right? Her?” My dad asked. I guess they were also shocked.

“I did.” I pushed again to smile before I told them more, “Mom, dad. You have a granddaughter.”

My mom was crying, “Oh, my goddess. Who more does she look like? You said her name was Saphyre? What did you choose for a middle name? I need pictures, Mason.” I laughed a little.

“She is a perfect mix of Tayla and I. She has Tayla’s white hair, my blue eyes and my skin tone. Her middle name is Dianna.” That was when my mom cried harder. Dianna was my grandmother’s name.

“Congratulations, son. Is there more?” My dad was always intuitive.

“Yes. The Elders came today.” This had them hold their breaths. “Dad, you do realize that it has been 200 years since a female alpha was born to this pack, right?”

“Has it really been that long?” My mom asked.

“It has. The Elders believe that she is going to be the next Moon Goddess.” The gasps were heartwarming.

“Why would they believe that?” My dad questioned.

“The Moon Goddess told them to look for her. And the blinding white light that engulfed her at the ceremony kind of made it impossible to deny.” I chuckled. But that happiness died out. “Dad, mom. I need you home. 15 packs declared war on the pack because I refused to have Saphyre take one of their sons as her chosen mate.”

“I’m sorry, what?” My mom stopped crying as a fierce growl erupted from her.

“Declared war for your granddaughter.” I didn’t have to see their faces to know that both of their eyes had gone black.

“We’ll be home soon, Mason.” My mom told me.

“We’re coming home. Love you. Send our love to Tayla and Saphyre for us.” My dad said and hung up. I laid back and thought of what was to come. My baby was caught in a war for her mate. That made Cam pace in my head.. I got up and looked for my wife, my Luna. She wasn’t in her office, or out at the party. I followed her scent to our bedroom. Her sweet cheesecake and cherry scent. It led me to our bedroom where she was pacing with our daughter.

~Luna Tayla’s P. O. V.~

Those good for nothing pieces of shits. They had to bring a f*****g newborn baby into a war? Such disrespect, audacity, and utter selfishness. I started pacing our room. I made sure that Saphyre was in her crib. She was cooing happily as she watched her mobile turning.

Meadow: Those blubbering fools. They will not harm our daughter. I’ll tear their heads off! She roared in my head.

They cannot harm her without risking the Elders' fury. She is protected by them. However, we are not. I think we need to ask Elder Gunner to take her for a while.

Meadow: What?! That would mean we wouldn’t see her! She sounded hurt and betrayed.

I know. It’s for her own safety. Once we eliminate the threat, then she can come home. At least, I hope. All of the Elders have their destined mates. I am sure they would hate what those 15 alphas did.

Meadow: Promise me, then. Meadow was whimpering as she stopped pacing my head.

I will call Elder Gunner and see what we can do.

Meadow: Do it. For her. She sniffled and whined. I turned to see Mason at the door. He came to me and engulfed me in a hug.

“Mas. We need Elder Gunner to take her. Away from this.” I felt him tense up. I almost thought he would disagree, but the words that came out of his mouth had me crying as he cried with me.

“I think that it’s best for her. I am so sorry, my muse.” We fell to our knees still holding each other as we cried for our daughter. After another hour, we both got up from the floor and went back to his office. He sat me in his lap as he dialed Elder Gunner’s number.

*Ring, Ring, Ring*

“Alpha Mason? What do I owe the pleasure of this call?” Mas put him on speaker. I sniffled and tried to keep myself composed as Mason went over what happened after the Elders left. And the plan that I thought of. “You want me to secure your daughter?” His old voice cracked a little.

“We do. It’s her they want and if they can eliminate her pack to get to her, they will. Even if we die, we will know she is safe with you.” I told him, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall.

“I am honored that you thought of me. I will not take her parents away, however. I will come with her to see you. I doubt those alphas want a fight with an Elder.” I smiled at his response.

“Thank you so much, Elder Gunner.” I fell to my knees again and cried harder.

“Luna Tayla, you are the mother of the next goddess, she will need you in her life. Too many pups I have seen are orphaned by selfishness. I will come and get her tomorrow..” Mason picked me up from the floor.

“Please, come get her tonight before we change our minds,” Mason told him.

I heard a heavy sigh, “If that is what you wish. I will be there in 2 hours. Please, say goodbye for now. Pack what she needs.” I have to say goodbye to my daughter.

“Thank you, Elder Gunner. See you soon.” Both men hung up as we just cried. I went back to the room and held my daughter for the last time. Feeding her, burping her, changing her. All she did was smile and play with mommy’s hair.

“I am so sorry, Saphyre. Just know that mommy will miss you.” I kissed her little head.

“We both will, baby girl.” Mason held her for a little longer too. We cried over her as we said goodbye. Those damned alphas! I will kill them for this! They broke our family apart only 3 days after she was born.

Meadow: Let me kill them slowly and painfully. Their heads will roll as I lick their blood from my fangs. I will let Meadow take control when a fight breaks out. She is ruthless, she lives for blood and will make sure they know the fury of taking on a gifted wolf. I am not blessed, but I was gifted with strength equal to my husband. We have only gotten stronger together.

“Tay, he’s almost here.” Mason pulled me from my thoughts. He finished packing Saphyre’s belongings. How could I say goodbye to my only child? How was this fair to her? I kissed her fat chubby cheeks as tears rolled down mine.

“We love you. We will always love you, our precious daughter.” She grabbed my nose and giggled. I smiled down at her with sadness. “That’s right, baby, you keep smiling for mommy and daddy.” I kissed her little nose. Mason took her from my arms as he rocked her back and forth.

“You will grow to be a wonderful Luna. One day, if we aren’t here, I know you will take back our pack with so much force. You have to be strong, sweetie. We love you so very much.” Mason kissed her little hands as she continued to giggle.

“Alpha, Luna. Elder Gunner is here for Saphyre.” We nodded, I picked up her clothing bag, her diaper bag and a bag full of bottles of milk. Before we left the room, I gave my baby one more kiss goodbye. I know we will see each other soon. But the heartbreak was enough to still be soul crushing. Then, we said goodbye.

~Elder Gunner’s P. O. V. ~

I was on my way to pick up Saphyre from her parents. I could not believe what Alpha Mason had told me. 15 packs, 15 f*****g packs wanted him to sell his daughter off to one of their sons? I want to extend that vow now. Just so I could protect her family too. I wasn’t thinking clearly when I made the vow with the others. It was only her we swore to protect. I should have known that something like this would happen. I was just so awe-struck. I will treat her like she is my own granddaughter. Those packs will not have her. They know they cannot harm her, but that doesn't mean they can’t steal her for themselves. I slammed my hand on the back passenger window in rage. My driver knew what had transpired. When we arrived, all of the visiting alphas and their pack members dispersed for the evening. I saw Luna Tayla standing there with wet eyes. I can’t blame her, this was her first and only child. She was doing what she thought best. Alpha Mason didn’t look any better. I promised that I would make sure that they could see Saphyre once a week. I would have volunteered to live with them until Saphyre was of age to take the pack, but my duties required me to travel elsewhere. My own mate was a stay-at-home mom back when we had kids. Now my own daughter and sons are Luna and Alpha’s in their own packs. I might have to make a call to my oldest son and his wife. They have had trouble having their own pups. This will give Saphyre a second pair of parents to look after her. I got out of the car and bowed to the parents of the next goddess.

“Alpha, Luna. I promise to give her great care. I am so sorry this has happened to you.” I reassured them.

“We know.” Luna Tayla came over and handed me her bundle of joy. Those beautiful blue eyes stared up at me as she cooed and smiled. “We don’t want her caught in an accidental crossfire. This is for her safety.” She kissed her baby again. I held her gently as I rocked her.

“We will see her again, right?” Alpha Mason’s voice cracked. Taking his Luna’s hand.

“Of course. If I could, I would help more.” Luna Tayla sobbed into her husband's chest. I hated seeing families torn apart by greed and fake alliances. I will have to meet with the others to see what we can do about those 15 alphas. I will not stand for this.

“Please. You are helping more than we thought. Just keep her safe, that’s all we ask.” Alpha Mason wiped his tears. He too came over and kissed his daughter’s head. “We’ll see you very soon, Saphyre. I promise, sweetie.”

“I promise to keep her safe. Alpha, Luna. We will see you soon.” I bowed to them as I got back in my car with Saphyre in my arms. She started fussing a little, but I made her look at me, making funny faces and rocking her. She knew her parents. It was enough to keep her from crying, but not enough to keep her smiling. She looked out the window as we drove away.

“Sir, what if they die before she remembers them?” My personal guard asked me.

“Then, we will tell her the truth. That her parents died fighting to protect her. We will not keep things hidden from her. My son and his Luna will be her adoptive parents when she is old enough. We will tell her everything.” I responded. I prayed to The Moon Goddess that Mason and Tayla wouldn’t die. Saphyre needs them. Just as they need Saphyre.

“Yes, sir.” We drove silently back to my home. I lived on the other side of Oregon. Being the closest Elder to her pack, I knew we could make weekly trips here. After a while, Saphyre fell asleep in my arms. I am so sorry, little one. This should not have happened to you. The trip from Tigard to Denio was almost an 8 hour drive. I had to put Saphyre in her carseat so I could sleep. I was woken up to her fusing. We pulled over so I could change her and feed her. I forgot how being a new dad felt. After our quick stop, she fell asleep again. We got to my home just after 6 in the morning. My guard brought in her stuff and took a vacant room where I put her crib and other necessities. I was up with her all night as she started to cry again. I know that she misses her parents now. I just hope when she is older she’ll understand. The crying woke up my wife.

“Gunner? Why do you have a baby?” Serephina asked.

“This is the baby we have been searching for, Sera,” I quietly whispered. Saphyre stopped fussing and yawned with little tears still in her eyes.

“And you just took her?” I shook my head.

“15 alphas declared war on her parents, Sera. They asked me to protect her.” Sera held sadness in her eyes. She came over and helped with a bottle.

“Why did they want war?” She put the bottle in a saucepan that contained water. Turning on our stove to gently heat up the milk.

“For her. They wanted Mason to basically give up their daughter in a treaty with them. For their sons.” I lightly growled at the utter audacity of those f*****g alphas.

“Poor baby.” She came back and studied this little girl. “She is beautiful. I will make sure to take plenty of pictures for Mason and his Luna.” I smiled at her and kissed my beautiful mate.

“I am sure they would love that.” Sera went back to the bottle and gave it to me.

“I miss these days, Gunner. Back when Ashland, Orson, Alexander and Kalen were babies.” She leaned on me as I fed Saphyre again. I knew she would be a great grandmother to Saphyre.

“Well, Saphyre isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, my love.” I leaned my head on hers. I was already exhausted from just the travels alone.

“Is that her name?” She quietly asked.

“Saphyre Dianna Parker. Is her full name,” I closed my eyes. This was just the beginning. “I needed to call Orson and Daisy. Saphyre needs good adoptive parents for now.” Sera kissed my cheek.

“I will call them, you put her to bed and yourself to bed. You’re falling asleep, honey.” She took Saphyre out of my arms and laid her down in the bedroom with her crib. I nodded and said good night. Letting sleep take over me.

~Alpha Orson’s P. O. V.~

“I’m sorry, what?” My mother had called me at nearly 6:30 in the morning. I couldn’t keep up with what she was saying. “Mom, repeat what you said. I wasn’t following.” I rubbed Daisy’s arm and kissed her mark.

“I said that your father found the baby the Moon Goddess spoke of. And that she needs parents right now.” I sat up and stared blankly at my wall.

“What happened to her birth parents?” Daisy sat up with me. I put the call on the speaker.

“Alpha Mason and his Luna are alive. They gave Saphyre to your father because 15 alphas declared war over her. She’s not even a week old yet. And they wanted Alpha Mason to use her in peace talks.” That made my blood boil. Daisy and I are so far from Oregon, though. I can’t just leave my pack. “Bring them.” My mom’s thought hearing never failed, even in her old age. “Excuse you? Young man, I may be older than when I had you, but I am not too old to throw you over my knees.” I scoffed as I smiled a little. “There isn’t a pack here in Denio. Bring your pack to this small town. She needs you.”

“Before I do that, why would they give her up?” My heart sank for this baby's parents.

“Weren’t you listening? To keep her out of harm's way. They could accidentally hurt her in the cross hairs.” My mother scolded me.

I gave a sigh, “Alright. We’ll do it. What is her full name?” I got up and put clothes on as I talked to my mom.

“Saphyre Dianna Parker. She’s only 4 days old.” I stopped moving at that number.

“She’s only 4 days old?!” I growled. My wolf even stirred in anger. Anubis wanted to tear those damn alphas apart.

“Yes. I know this is not ideal for you and Daisy, but she needs a mother and father.” I still haven’t told my parents that Daisy is infertile. They think we should just keep trying, but we found out that, due to her past, she can’t conceive.

“About that. Daisy… You see?... How can I put this?” Daisy took my phone and put it up to her ear.

“Mom, I am sorry to announce this. But Ors and I can’t have pups. Ideal or not, we will gladly take little Saph. If she needs a mom, I will be her mom.” She smiled at me as she handed me the phone again.

“Oh, honey. I am so sorry.” My mom said to her.

“It’s alright. Whether we can or cannot have our own isn’t important. Giving this little girl a home is. We will move our pack to Denio. We should arrive within the next 48 hours. Love you, mom.” Daisy was such a headstrong woman. When we first found out that she couldn’t have pups, we looked into adoption, yet the timing never seemed right. Maybe that was the Moon Goddess' plan? Or at least thought that this would happen? I don’t know. But I will raise Saphyre right and as my own daughter.

“Love you too. Orson, keep her safe?” My mom pleaded with me.

“Of course, mom. See you soon.” We hung up with each other.

“That’s so deplorable.” Daisy sat on the bed getting her socks on. “15?! For a baby?!” She looked at me in utter disgust.

“I agree. This Alpha Mason and his Luna are doing a very brave thing for their daughter. I will sign a treaty with them, myself. They need to know that their child is in good hands.” I was lacing up my shoes.

“I cannot even imagine the pain that his Luna is going through.” I looked at the rising sun. We needed to move the pack out of Montana.

Scoffing, “I know. It’s sickening. Those 15 do not deserve to be alphas, let alone have children of their own.” She pulled me down next to her.

“Can we do this? I want to adopt her, I do. But are we ready?” She leaned her head on my shoulder.

“Hey, you have nothing to worry about. You’ll make a fantastic mother. I promise.” I kissed her head and wrapped my arm around her.

“And you will be the best father to her.” She looked up at me, smiling as she poked my nose.

“We need to get the pack up and moving. Come on, babe.” I hauled her up from the bed. Sending a massive mindlink that will leave me weakened because it connects to all 800 wolves. I am prepared for the mental drain it will have. Even if some were not up, their wolves will get the message when they do.

Good morning, Glass Moon Pack.

I was just informed of disturbing news from my mother and father. As you all know, my father is an Elder. I won’t go into details, but we are packing up and moving to Oregon. The reason? My soon-to-be adoptive daughter is there. Again, I will go into details later. For now, you have to trust me. We leave at sunset. I cut the link and nearly fell on my back. Thank goddess for Daisy. She caught me.

“Get packed, love. We have until sunset to get everything done.” I tiredly said. I willed myself to get up and pack up. Hold on, Saph. We will make sure you are loved and away from that war.

Sunset hit and I was bombarded with questions. I said I would explain. But I wanted to explain after I had Saphyre in my arms. It took my Alpha command to shut my pack up. Everyone got in their cars and started driving to Denio, Oregon. I hated moving my pack, but I will also not leave Alpha Mason or his Luna without their daughter. I sent a text to my mother letting her know we had just left Fort Benton, Montana. Daisy was nervous. We had talked about children ever since we found out we were mates, but with the news of her being infertile, we stopped talking about our own and looked at adoption companies in Montana. Now? We are going to see a baby girl who needs our protection. I held Daisy’s hand as we drove away from our home.

The many hours of driving had made everyone tired and cranky. We spent nearly 14 hours on the road with no stops. Daisy and I switched off on who was driving. We made it to Denio, Oregon with gurgling stomachs and extreme exhaustion. My father made arrangements for us to take the abandoned town of Sootcreek, Oregon. No one has lived in it since before guns were a thing. We had a lot of cleaning up to do before we settled in. However, before any of that. My mother met us there. In her arms was a bundle of pink blankets. Daisy automatically went to my mom.

Following her, “Is this little Saph?” I peeked over Daisy's shoulder and was immediately in tears. She was absolutely gorgeous. Her white hair and blue eyes. She had slightly tanned skin and was giggling.

“Orson, Daisy, meet Saphyre Dianna Parker. Daughter of Alpha Mason and Luna Tayla Parker.” Daisy gently took Saphyre into her arms and was crying out of happiness.

“Hello there, little one. I’m going to be your mommy for a while.” She started soothing Saphyre. “She's perfect, Orson.”

“And until this mess is cleared up, she’s ours.” I told her.

“Orson. May I talk to you?” My father motioned for me to join him away from my adoptive daughter and wife. I nodded and kissed Daisy. We went well out of earshot for my mate and mom to hear.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked him. He kept looking at the girl wrapped in pink.

“I fear for the worst, Orson. She might lose her family before she remembers them. If that happens? Promise me that you’ll tell her the truth when she is older? And help her get The Crystal Lake Pack back.”

I looked at him with wide eyes. My father was never wrong about his feelings. “You think they’ll die?” He shook his head.

“I hope not. For her sake, I truly hope not. We just need to keep her safe.” I looked back at the women who were playing with Saphyre. “She’s been blessed by us and given The Moon Goddess’ favor. Look at her right arm.” I took a look and saw the marking of a wolf howling. It was lighter than her skin color, which made it stand out more. “Many will want her for her being the next Moon Goddess. Others will try to kill her for being born as blasphemy.” He whispered. Anubis roared in my head as he thought of wolves trying to kill her.

Anubis: MY DAUGHTER NOW!

Glad you’re on board with this, Anubis.

Anubis: After hearing what those disgraceful alphas did? How could I not be? Saphyre is our daughter now. Fern will make a great mother to her.

Both Fern and Daisy will be great moms. I will send Alpha Mason a treaty and help him with this war.

Anubis: If they do survive, will we get to see her?

I don’t doubt it, Anubis. We’ll be the ones to raise her. And we’ll do it right.

Anubis: What if they do die? Do we tell her everything?

Of course we will. When she is 8 years of age, we'll tell her. Again at 10, and again at 15. When she turns 20 and gains her wolf? We’ll tell her again. No secrets between us.

Anubis: If you think that is best, I will follow.

That was the end of our discussion. I made it a point to tell Saphyre everything that happened. Father filled me in on what exactly happened. They used the guise of treaties to try and force a match with one of their sons. “That makes me f*****g sick to my stomach.” I growled in anger.

“Alpha Mason has 25 other packs willing to fight. But the 15? I looked into what they were doing after they left. Orson, they are forming one huge alliance with each other. Those 25 other packs? They do not number what the 15 do now.” That made my heart skip two beats. If they are that huge, then how do we stand a chance?

“They will not get their hands on Saphyre. I will have a fail safe in place in case it comes to them finding her location.” He tilted his head. I looked directly into his eyes. “I’m asking him for help. Gilgamesh.” My father’s eyes widened.

“Will he accept? He’s been in hiding for who knows how long.” I looked at my wife and smiled sadly.

“He will. He’s loyal to The Moon Goddess. And he’s the only immortal werewolf in existence. Knowing who Saphyre is meant to be? He’ll help.” I said in confidence.

“Alright. I leave her in your care. Be safe.” We hugged each other.