The Alpha's Abused Mate

Chapter 8: The New Moon Pack

If you expected my relationship with Xavier to be much better at this point, you are correct. Yes, I am still to follow the rules he gave me when I first arrived at the pack, but I have begun to warm up to him. 

This morning, I had awoken to find myself laying on Xavier's chest as he softly snored and held me firmly. We have yet to become more physical than sleeping together and the occasional quick kiss on the cheek in passing, but it was something. Sometimes, I think he is scared that he may break me more than I already am. When I am changing, I often see him looking at my scars with a look of anger and hurt. 

When I brought this up to him, he explained that he was angry at my father for doing such a thing to me but upset that he could not have prevented it. 

Today, though, I was leaving the mansion with Xavier to visit a neighboring pack, the New Moon pack. This pack, as I have learned from Xavier and Leigh, is peaceful and known for being fair and welcoming. This, as Xavier put it, is why I am allowed to join. 

So, here I am, sitting in the back of the same black SUV that brought me to the Blood Moon Pack as Edric drove Xavier and me across the border. 

I was dressed in a simple but elegant way. My ginger hair flowed down my back in waves as a sage green dress covered my arms and body before stopping at my knees. The scars on my legs were no were as noticeable as the rest of my body, so I did not fear onlookers noticing them. 

I was nervous, I will not lie. I am not entirely sure if I am ready to be the noble Luna who assists her Alpha on trips like this, but I know Xavier. He will not allow me to assist in decisions and I will just nod and agree with him.

Before long, though, we were pulling up to an elegant mansion. This was nowhere as large as the one Xavier and I lived in, but large non the less. As soon as the three of us began to exit the car, a large man walked out of the front door.

"Alpha Fortescue," The man greeted him, "Alpha Bruton is waiting for you in his office. Follow me."

Xavier nodded in acknowledgment and put a protective arm around my waist before walking into the building. The office was not far from the entrance, thankfully, and soon we were all sitting in large chairs as Xavier and Bruton talked.

"Xavier," The man greeted my mate as though he was an old friend. When Xavier did not acknowledge this lack of formality, I assumed they were.

"Akule," he greeted the other Alpha, "As you probably noticed, my mate has joined us today for our discussion." Xavier motioned to me.

"Ah yes, I did hear that you find your mate, Xavier. From the Eclipse pack, correct?" Akule addressed me near the end.

I gave him a strained smile as I was still a bit anxious, "Yes, I am Alpha Bruton."

He laughed, "Such formalities. Please call me by my first name, Aliya."

I nodded my head before looking to Xavier to ensure it was alright. He nodded his head in approval.

"Okay, it is nice to meet you, Akule." 

He laughed once more. It was a lasting laugh that lifted the spirit momentarily in the room.

"As much as I hate to get right into business, but this is quite important," Akule's face became serious as he spoke and looked to Xavier and Edric. "As you know, The New Moon pack has been at peace for years now, but issues have arisen lately that I do hope I can count on your pack for assistance."

"Lately, many of my deltas have been going missing and I can not avoid it any longer. I suspect that the Winter Haven Pack has something to do with it."

The Winter Haven Pack... I tried to remember what Leigh had explained to me about them when she was giving me a lesson about the different packs within the area. From what I can recall, the Winter Haven Pack was ruthless and hot-tempered. They have been at war with nearly every pack at some point. Now, apparently, they are trying to pick a fight with the New Moon pack. 

Xavier looked at the map that Akule had spread across his desk and nodded, "I believe we could assist you. Tell me where the majority of the kidnappings have occurred." 

For the next hour, Xavier and Akule discussed plans of protection and attack (though Akule explained that he wanted attack to be the last option).  During this time, I nervously listened to the conversation and fiddled with my mother's necklace. 

For some reason, the Winter Haven pack sounded familiar in ways that did not include what Leigh had originally told me about. But why would I know about this pack? My old pack was quite far away so we never had to fear them. The only pack that we feared was the Blood Moon Pack, and that was due to Xavier being known as a ruthless leader (though, as time goes on I see this to be untrue. He may be ruthless in times of war, but his pack is far happier than my previous).

Xavier agreed to send some of our deltas to join in the protection of Akule's pack before we left and were on our way back to the comfort of the Blood Moon Pack.