The Forgotten Luna

JADE MEETS SILAS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Jade sat up and rubbed her eyes. The last thing she could remember was running through the forest with Victor and then it all went

black.

Nice to see you awake, said a male voice.

Jade gave a start before regaining her composure. Who are you and where is Victor? She demanded.

Well, to answer your first question, you fill out who I am. All in good time, as for your second question, Victor is fine and, on his

way, either back to the pack to gather reinforcements or he’s on his way back and making plans to find you. Either way, he’s busy for

the moment.

The man stepped out of the shadows and Jade saw his face.

He was a young man with a clean-shaven face and dark brown eyes. His blonde hair fell across one eye and under different

circumstances, Jade would have found him handsome.

Allow me to introduce myself, he said with a bow.

I’m Silas Noth, leader of the River pack.

I have brought you to my house. You are safe here and as long as Victor behaves himself you will stay that way. It would be a

shame to have to torture such a lovely creature. I saw your wolf, Saphira, is it? She is something to behold. I have never seen a wolf

glow like that. Of course, could it be the Fae blood that makes her glow?

Jade drew in her breath and Saphira let a low growl.

How did you know about my Fae blood? Asked Jade.

I only just found out about her.

News travels fast in the land of the packs my dear. Said Silas.

Make yourself at home. You will find what you need in the closet. You may wear anything there, but seeing you in your natural

state is fine with me, smirked Silas.

Jade drew the coverlet around herself tighter and cringed.

Silas noticed this and laughed.

Now I must attend to some things. We will have dinner at seven, which is in one hour. Please meet me in the dining hall. If you get

lost just ask someone for directions. Said Silas.

Turning to leave, he stopped with his hand on the doorknob. Oh, one more thing, Jade, you are free to go anywhere in the mansion,

except for my office and outside. I have placed guards on all the exits, so escape isn’t possible, but if you should try to test that

theory, I want you to understand there will be unpleasant consequences and they will be harsh!

“Now please shower and dress for dinner, he said.

Silas. With that, he disappeared outside the door.

Jade stood for a moment looking after him. It was Saphira that shook her back to reality.

Who does he think is giving us orders like we’re common wolves, growled Saphira?

Jade drew in a ragged breath and sank onto the bed as the tears began to slide down her cheeks.

Oh, Saphira, what are we going to do? She asked.

I don’t know what the reply came, but I know what we aren’t going to do, we’re not going just to sit here and do nothing. Shower

and dress, we will have dinner, which will give me time to formulate a plan of escape. Whispered Saphira.

Jade chose a lime green sun dress and white strap sandals for dinner. She didn’t feel much like eating, but she knew Saphira was

right, they would need strength for their escape, and it would give her an opportunity to see if she could find out what Silas’s plans

were for both her and Victor.

Making her way out of the room and over to the staircase, her feet felt like they were made of lead.

You can do it coached Saphira.

Jade took the stairs slowly, not wanting to face Silas any sooner than was necessary.

There you are and just in time, said Silas.

Jade jumped at the sound of his voice she hadn’t expected him to accompany her to dinner. After all, he had said she should ask

someone if she became lost.

Stepping back, Silas looked her up and down. I can see why Victor is so taken with his mate, more than the usual feelings of

affection. You are a sight to behold.

.You are a sight I never care to see again in my life, snapped Jade.

Unfazed by her remark, Silas took her elbow and guided her into a small room. He had a table set with fine bone china and elegant

stemware. Walking to the table, he pulled out a chair for her and Jade sat without saying thank you.

I decided this was a more intimate setting for our first dinner. I prefer to use the dining hall only when it’s necessary, said Silas.

Jade folded her hands in her lap and looked down. She didn’t reply. After a few minutes, a small girl wearing a maid's uniform

appeared and placed a bowl of beef soup in front of each of them.

It smelled delicious and Jade was reminded that she hadn’t eaten since yesterday evening. Her stomach growled and she picked up

the spoon without waiting for Silas to begin, she placed a spoon full in her mouth and was surprised at how good it really was.

Wasting no time on conversation, Jade scooped the last of her soup from the bowl just as the small girl appeared again pushing a tray

with two covered dishes on it.

Placing one in front of Silas and the other in front of Jade, she turned to Silas and bowed. If that is all Alpha I will retire to the

kitchen until you are ready for dessert, she said.

Waving her away, Silas said, Yes, that’s all for now Caroline.

Jade noticed that Silas didn’t thank the girl like Victor always did and what was up with the outfit? Instead of asking, she looked up

and said to Silas, Can I know what your plans for me are or is it a surprise?

Without looking up from cutting his steak, Silas said," I’d be happy to tell you, as it’s no secret that I plan to take everything, Victor

loves, so I intend to take you, my dear. I shall make you, my Luna. An evil smile spread across his face.

Once he no longer has you, he will be a broken man. It’s no secret that he loves you very much and will give anything to get you

back. I will tell him that it’s a matter of a simple trade. You for his pack and lands.

He would never do that! Spat Jade through gritted teeth.

Silas laughed and looked directly at her.

It’s obvious you have no idea just how much you mean to him and what he will give to get you back. But I, my dear, know just what

you’re worth a lot to Victor and so, rather than have to face him on the field of competition where I could never win, I have chosen

instead to barter for something or rather someone he loves.

Jade drew in a ragged breath. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts before she spoke again, she began to eat her dinner.

They had finished dinner and dessert before Jade trusted her voice to speak again.

I don’t understand you said you were going to make me your Luna but also offer my return in exchange for his pack. How can you

do both?

This question seemed to take Silas by surprise. After a few minutes, he replied" That’s right". I had forgotten you weren’t raised in the

pack and have no idea of how things work. It’s quite simple Jade, once I mark you, Victor will not be able to claim you as his Luna.

To do so would cause a war. Once a mate has been marked, no other can claim or mark her. To do so is dishonorable and will not be

tolerated by any of the other packs. He would be a rogue and, for Victor, that would be worse than death.

He clapped his hands together. Now shall we retire to our room for the evening? I cannot wait to place my mark on that beautiful

shoulder of yours.

He pushed his chair back from the table and made his way to where Jade was sitting.

Saphira growled low and threatened to overcome Jade. He will never place his mark on us, she said.

I know, said Jade, but we have to play along until I think of a way for us to escape.

Saphira withdrew into the shadows but said to Jade. I will allow you to have control, but if he tries to mark us, I will rip his throat

out!

Jade had never seen Saphira so angry, and it frightened her. I thought you couldn’t appear unless I allowed you to, she said.

The silence was all that Jade received an answer.

Standing, she allowed Silas to take her elbow once more and guide her toward the stairs.

Standing outside the bedroom door, Jade turned to Silas.

Speaking in the sweetest voice she could muster, she said," I’m really very tired after all the excitement of the last twenty-four hours.

and since I assume I will be in your company for many years to come, what can waiting just one more night hurt?

Yes, you’re right. You must be tired after such an ordeal. Said Silas

We will say goodnight and I shall see you in the morning. With that, he smiled and kissed Jade on the cheek before turning to

leave.

Jade stepped quickly into the room and shut the door. Leaning against it, she tried to contact Victor through their shared link.

Victor, she called, can you hear me? I need to know that you are okay. Silence met her repeated pleas. Exhausted from trying, she

fell down on the bed and cried.

Please, Jade, don’t give up hope, said Saphira. I know Victor would answer you if he could. Something must have happened to him

or is preventing him from answering.

I know sniffed Jade but I’m so worried about him and to know nothing is torture.

Maybe I can reach Jake, suggested Saphira.

Jade brightened and shook her head.

Saphira opened the link between her and Jake.

Jake, can you hear me? She asked. No answer.

Let me try again, Saphira said.

Jake, are you there?

I’m sorry but he’s not answering either, she said to Jade.

Well, that does it then we are on our own, said Jade. I suggest we get some sleep because tomorrow is going to be a very long day.

Agreed came Saphira’s answer.

Jade changed into her nightgown and crawled under the covers.

You sleep, said Saphira I will keep watch. I don’t trust that snake Silas not to try something anyway.

Thank you yawned Jade.

She was so tired it only took a few minutes for her to fall asleep.