The Forgotten Luna

A SISTER REACTS

CHAPTER SIX

Her jet-black hair flew wildly behind her, and her violet eyes shone like Amethyst jewels.

I came as soon as you called dear brother. Is everything okay?

Everything is fine dear sister; Victor walked across the room and took her gently by the hand. There is, however, someone I think it’s

time you met.

He led her to the stand in front of Jade. Taking her shawl, he laid it aside and said, Abby, please allow me to introduce you to my

Luna and your new sister Jade.

Without waiting for any further explanation from her brother, Abby squealed and wrapped Jade in a hug as tight as her brother’s.

Sitting her back on the ground, she took a step back and said," Now let me look at the one who has captured my big brothers’ heart.

Oh! Victor, she’s beautiful! Look at the color of her eyes. Tell me what color your wolf is. Is she white? I bet she’s wonderful. We

must make time for a run, just the two of us without my overprotective brother.

Linking her arm with Jades, Abby began to steer her toward the door. Now you look like you could use a good meal, so how about

you let me buy you something to eat and you can tell me all about yourself.

You can tell me all about yourself. Jade looked back at Victor, but he only threw up his hands as if to say, Hey! That’s Abby. What

can I say?

To her surprise, Jade found Abby easy to talk to and she found that she liked the older of Victor’s sisters very much. Abby said their

parents were now retired and living in Florida and enjoying their golden years. Whatever that was supposed to mean. She said that

Victor had been the reluctant Alpha. He had not wanted the responsibility of caring for and leading a pack, but their father would

have it no other way and, in the end, Victor had relented. Of course, the promise of a beautiful Luna hadn’t hurt, and it seemed that,

as usual, their father had come through as promised.

Victor sat quietly all through brunch watching the interaction between the two women. He had been reluctant at first to make this

introduction as his sister could be, at times, unpredictable and hard to control. He had worried that her precocious nature might

entice Jade to become willful. Watching them now, he thought it might be working the other way. Jade, with her soft voice and easy-

going style seemed to have a calming effect on Abby.

The two of them talked about the latest fashion, and how Jade was trying to adapt to her life and newfound powers

I just don’t know how you did it, Abby was saying, spending all those years not knowing your identity. I don’t think I would be sane

if someone had kept me from changing all those years. I’m sure my fairy blood helped with that, said Jade over her coffee.

Abby’s cup fell to the floor, and she began to shift. In the blink of an eye, Victor was straddling her chair and ordering her to stop.

Back in her human form, Abby looked at her brother and ground out, How could you? After what the Fairies did to our pack, how

could you?

Jade took a step back, surprised at Abby’s reaction to her.

Victor?

Without turning from Abby, Victor spoke in a quiet voice, Jade go to our room, and I’ll be there shortly.

Without a word, Jade turned and fled to the safety and comfort of the room she shared with Victor. Slamming the door, she leaned

back, letting her heartbeat slow.

Walking to the bed, she sat down. Her mind raced with a thousand questions.

What had just happened? They were having such a good time and then, with the mention of her Fairy blood, Abby had changed. The

hate and anger Jade had seen in her eyes.

What did Abby mean by how could he? What had the Fairies done to make her hate them so and why hadn’t Victor said anything to

her?

Slowly, Victor backed away from Abby’s chair.

As long as Jade is my Luna and as long as she lives in this pack, you will tell no one of her Fairy blood. Do I make myself clear? He

snarled at Abby.

I don’t like it. You can’t trust the fae. You know how the pack feels about Fairies after the great conflict.

I know better than any of you. He turned to face his sister. But, Abby, you have to know Jade isn’t like the other Fairies and she

could be the answer to peace. We have been at war with them for so long and so many lives have been lost. She could be the path to

the end of all this senseless bloodshed.

How do you know she’s different, asked Abby.

I just know, said Victor, Abby, trust me on this. She is different.

Abby stood and crossed the room. Laying a hand on her brother’s arm, she said. I will abide by your wishes, my dear, but know this

if she does one thing to harm you or this pack, I will kill her!

Knowing that nothing he could say would make her feel any different,

as you wish” said Victor, and shook his head. Without another word, Abby turned on her heel and left the house. To punctuate her

point, she slammed the door behind her.

Victor sighed and looked at the stairs. He knew that he would have to explain all of this to Jade, but not right now. Now he needed to

run and clear his head. He wanted to explain in a way that she wouldn’t blame herself. In the last few days, he had spent with her, Victor

had come to know Jade was a kind and gentle spirit. She would take the information he gave her and blame herself. She would take

on each and every soul lost to the bloodshed and this time she might not find her way back. Stepping into the crisp night air, Victor

threw back his head and let loose with a cry that shook the whole valley.

Taking one last look back at the mansion, he leaped from the porch and changed in midair.

Victor had no idea how long he had been running when he thought he smelled a strange wolf’s scent. Stopping, he raised his head

and sniffed the air again. This time he caught the full scent and knew it wasn’t one of his pack.

Jermaine called Victor through the mind link.

Yes Alpha, came the reply.

We have strange wolves in our territory meet me at the creek west of the mansion and bring five of our best.

Yes, Victor. Can you tell me how many there are? Asked Jermaine.

I’m not sure their scents are mixing together but at least six. Hurry Jermaine, I think they are heading for the mansion and Jade.

Already on our way and with that Jermaine closed the link.

Victor crouched low on the ground, not wanting the rogue wolves to catch his scent. They were moving slowly and with caution.

Good, thought Victor. I see that my reputation for taking care of rouge wolves proceeds me. It was then a group of six wolves came

into view. Victor watched as they walked slowly toward the mansion. Something was different about them, thought Victor. They

were not the usual raiding party, and they certainly weren’t dangerous looking. These wolves looked more like females and their

pups. Not waiting for his backup, Victor rushed into the clearing and stood in front of the group.

Caught off guard, the rouge wolves froze in place.

Why are you trespassing on Prairie Pack lands? Boomed Victor.

We mean no disrespect Alpha. We seek only asylum, answered the biggest

wolf. He bowed in front of Victor and the others followed suit. Rise said

Victor. Tell me what brings you to my territory and in the middle of the night, no less.

The largest wolf stepped forward and said. We cannot live under the rule of that tyrant Silas and his gang of thugs. We mean no harm

to you or your pack. We have heard that you are a good and just Alpha, so we come in the hopes that you will allow us to become

part of your pack.

Victor looked at the faces of the wolves before him. He saw no deceit, only faces that looked tired from having traveled a long way.

Sit down everyone and rest, said Victor, we will talk and consider what is to be done.

All but the largest wolf sat. He stepped closer to Victor. Just then a low growl came from behind them. Victor knew who it was

without turning around. It’s okay Jermaine, these aren’t dangerous wolves. They come seeking asylum. Jermaine stepped back but

never took his eyes off the big wolf. He was ready to attack if this wolf took one more step toward his Alpha.

We had a good and just Alpha once, but then something changed, and he became cruel and vile. He takes the young ones; the males

he trains as soldiers and the females he mates off to the members of his special forces. We live in terror, and no one dares to make a

move against him for fear of what will happen to them. His eyes darted around always fearful and watching the shadows. Please, you

are our only hope. If you reject us, there is nowhere left for us to go.

Victor motioned for the wolf to step back. Before the wolf could comply, a howl followed by a scream filled the night. Rushing

forward Jermaine didn’t wait for his Alpha to call.

He slammed into the shoulder of the wolf, who sprang from the woods, sending him flying away from his intended target. Victor,

seeing the look of terror on the faces of the wolves in front of him, growled hide. To his surprise, none of the others moved. As if

frozen in place, they stayed sitting.

Whirling around, Victor saw the reason for their inaction. Standing before him was the alpha of the small, seated band.

You have no rights here, snarled Victor.

And you have no right to give my pack members any orders. Sneered the younger wolf.

That’s where you’re wrong, growled Victor. They are no longer your pack members. They came seeking sanctuary and I have

decided to grant it.

You cannot grant them sanctuary when I have not relinquished my authority over them. I demand either payment in kind or freedom

by fire, cried the younger Alpha.

Look at them, spat Victor. They will not be able to withstand freedom by fire. They are too old or too young. You have become a

twisted and cruel leader and I will not subject any of my pack to your rule.

Then they belong to me and will go home, back to our lands. Round them up and drive them home, gloated the younger Alpha.

Not so fast, said Victor, stepping in front of the other wolves. Let us settle this leader to leader.

Go on, said Silas, the other Alpha.

Let us have a leader’s dual in two weeks’ time. If you win, they will return with you, but if I win, they will be allowed to live here on

our pack lands in peace.

Silas seemed to consider this for a moment, okay, but I want something in return for my pack members and more than just too old

and too young wolves, he said.

And what might that be, asked Victor, leery of the answer.

If I win, then I get the pick of your ready females and if you win you can have a pick of my best fighters.

Victor narrowed his eyes and took a step closer to Silas.

I have a different wager in mind if you think you are up to the challenge, Victor sneered at Silas.

The winner takes all the pack and lands. The loser will be cast out and must leave never to return.

Silas threw back his head and laughed:" I couldn’t have thought of a better wager myself!

Without another word, Victor turned and headed for home, the little pack of lost wolves following behind.

Silas called his beta Zek over and, speaking so that only the two of them would hear, gave the order for him to stay and observe

Victor’s pack.

I want to know everything about Victor, but I especially want to know where his weak spot can be found. He has to have one and I

need to find it before the contest if I am going to win this thing and take over his pack. He said to Zek.

Yes, Alpha said to Zek, I will find out what I can and report back to you in the morning with that Zek turned and melted into the

darkness.

All the way back to the pack house no one said anything. Victor’s mind was on the woman at home and how he was going to tell her

about the upcoming fight. She wouldn’t understand that most of these resulted in a fight to the death and banishment was not a

kinder punishment. Coming to a stop in front of the pack house, Victor linked up with Jermaine.

Take these wolves to the pack house and make sure they are fed, bathed, and given beds for the night. Also, see if you can round up

some toys for the little ones to play with, I will decide what to do with them in the morning. Oh, and Jermaine place a guard on each

door we don’t want our guests getting lost in the middle of the night.

On it came back the reply.

Without turning to look at them, Victor ran toward his home and Jade. He knew she wouldn’t like the idea of him fighting for such

high stakes, but she would just have to trust him. Getting rid of a rogue wolf like Silas and acquiring his pack and lands was the best

way to keep a fresh infusion of blood into the pack. Besides knowing that Silas had thought so little of them as to bet them on a fight

would insure that most of his pack would willingly come alone with Victor. He was counting on the sense of betrayal and

Silas’s own vile actions are enough so that most of his pack would gladly pledge their loyalty to a strong and fair leader like Victor.

Stopping to shift back into his human form, Victor drew a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cool night air. Now he must ask this

woman who barely knew him to either stand beside him in victory and rule one of the largest packs in the Midwestern territory or

become an outcast and have no home.

Shaking his head, Victor climbed the stairs and walked into the house. For the first time, he began to doubt his decisions and he

knew. It was because of Jade.

He didn’t go directly to the room they shared, choosing instead to stop by the den and pour himself a whiskey. He closed his eyes

and let the smooth liquid run down his throat. He wasn’t worried about beating Silas, which he could easily do, but going against the

woman waiting for him up those stairs was another matter entirely. He didn’t know if he could stand against her. She was the

deadliest opponent he had ever faced, and she didn’t even know she it.

Stepping into the room, Victor saw her slight frame on the bed. She was curled into a tight ball waiting for him to return, but sleep

had overtaken her.

Moving quietly around the room, Victor gathered his things and retreated into the bathroom for a shower. Stepping into the hot water

felt good on his cool skin, so he stood for a moment and let the water wash over him. He finished the shower, brushed his teeth, and

made his way to bed. Suddenly he felt more tired than he ever had in his entire life. Sliding into bed beside Jade, he felt her move

closer to him. He reached out and drew her into the fold of his arms. Her hair smelled like fresh jasmine and her own special scent

that only he could smell. She was so small and fit perfectly into the space between his chest and lap. She let out a small sigh as if she

too felt this was the way it was supposed to be. For the first time in a very long time, both Alpha and Luna slept a deep and restful

sleep. Locked in each other’s arms, each finding the space between them no longer there.

It was daylight when Victor opened his eyes. He found that Jade had already showered and left. It was odd how he felt incomplete

when she was not by his side. Last night was the first time she had allowed him to touch her as she slept, and he had to admit it felt

good.

Silas spent the rest of the night planning his strategy for winning the fight. He knew that Victor was not one to underestimate. His

prows as a leader and fighters were known throughout the nation.

Silas would not have been able to beat him without some help from his most loyal soldiers. Opening the link between himself and

Zek, Silas called out to his second in command.

Yes Alpha, came the reply.

At dawn I want you to gather five of our fastest, strongest, and most loyal soldiers and meet me at the practice field.

Yes Alpha, anything I should know beforehand?

No just meet me there at dawn.

Silas closed the link and poured a drink. He hated Victor and this was his chance to be rid of him forever. Victor might think that the

loser was going to be banished, but Silas knew that the loser was going to be killed. He knew this would be the only chance to rid

himself of Victor forever! Downing the last of his drink, he crossed the room and took the stairs two at a time.

Dawn found Silas and Zek with five of their best soldiers on the practice field.

Walking in front of the assembled group, Silas changed into his human form and began to speak. First, let me start by saying you

have been chosen for a very special assignment.

It came to my attention last night that some of our pack has become unhappy with how things have been going and they defected to

the Prairie Pack. This is unacceptable and I have challenged Victor to fight for the rights of both packs. If he should happen to win,

then I have to relinquish my position as your Alpha. I will also be banished from these lands and Victor will become Alpha over both

packs.

Taking a step closer, his voice became softer and more deadly. That is where all of you come in. I don’t intend to lose this fight and

Victor will not be banished, he will be dead! You will train day and night for the next week until you are strong enough, fast enough,

and cunning enough to will against his best soldiers. Let me assure you, gentlemen, Victor trains his pack to be the best of the best,

so you are going to have to be better than

that. If I lose this fight, I will kill you myself without hesitation. Do you understand me?

Without waiting for them to reply, Silas shifted into his wolf and ran for the mansion. Back in his office, he began to work out a

strategy for placing his soldiers around the war circle. He would have to be cunning so that none of Victors' people would suspect.

He would have to make it look like all of his people were huddled around the circle watching the conflict.

He would take some of the slaves from the dungeons and promise them freedom if they would act as his pack members. If not, then

he would put them on stake and trial by fire.

Silas had just thrown his latest sparing partner into the pile of other disappointments when there was a knock on the door.

Enter, said Silas.

The smaller wolf bowed deep and waited for Silas to speak.

Well, what is it?

Alpha said the other wolf, straightening up to his full height.

I have news which I think will be of great interest to you.

Well out with it and don’t be slow! Growled Silas.

We have just received intel from Graystone that something about Victor’s Luna has been discovered.

What would that be his Luna is of no interest to me.

Because Alpha, we have learned that she is something so much more than just a Luna. She’s a Fae!

She’s a What? Gasped Silas, not sure he had heard right.

She’s a Fae! Repeated the lesser wolf.

Her mother was of Fairy blood, and it was rumored that she was the Queen Fairy.

Silas sat down in the chair and turned to look out the window. If this were true, it was a game changer. It meant that his winning

would ensure his connection to the Fae. She was indeed the daughter of the Queen that would mean that his loyalty would forever be

sealed with the Fae. Then another thought took hold in his brain. What if this was the child his father had spoken about? His uncles

Luna, before his father had killed her, had given birth to a child. His uncles Beta had taken the child and ran before anyone could

stop him and the child had disappeared into history. His family had always assumed the child had died and that was the end of it, but

maybe it had survived and now here she was.

A smile crossed his face. This was going to turn out better than he planned. Not only was he going to get both packs and all the

lands, but he was going to kill his rival and take his Fae Luna as a bride.

Leave me, he said to the other wolves, “I have much to do in the next week and before you retire for the evening send in another

fighter, but this time make sure he is a worthy opponent.