White Fur

Chapter 38

Skyler’s POV

I put on my best fake smile before replying to him. “Of course, elder Abraham, I would be honored.” Dripping in my typical subtle sarcasm, in the same tone I used with a couple annoying parents from school.

Councilman Abraham offered his hand which I reluctantly grabbed, I felt Kanto’s glare as Abraham led me to the dance floor. I turned my head slightly to look back at Kanto, gave him a soft smile and little air kiss which seemed to relax him. Not much, but he looked away and focused back on his conversation.

The band started to play and Abraham began to guide me through the movements. This was one of those moments I was eternally grateful that I took ballroom dancing as an elective course in college.

“You dance beautifully future Luna.” He said with a smirk, clearly disappointed that I was skilled at this. Nice try, I got an A in ballroom dancing. “You look beautiful tonight as well.”

“Thank you.” I respond, suppressing an eye roll. “I must ask, do you prefer councilman Abraham or Elder Abraham? Seeing that we will be working together for some time, I would like to address you appropriately.”

“Councilman Abraham is fine. I’m not as old as the other on the Elders Council, I would like to pretend I’m still young.” I groaned internally, already hating that I agreed to a dance but didn’t falter in my steps. “Speaking of pretending, how long do you think you’ll last as Luna?”

I refuse to let him catch me off guard, I kept up with the dance. And I’m ready to dance circles around this old dog all day long. “Well I’m 26 now, humans tend to live until their 80s and I’m pretty healthy. So I think another 54 years, or until my mate, Alpha Kanto, and I determine we want to pass down the titles. Alpha Kanto and I haven’t talked much about the possibility of children, so we will have to discuss it when the time comes.”

“Do you think the Alpha will truly be happy with a human mate?” Abraham gives me a smug look.

“I mean he hasn’t complained yet, if anything he keeps coming back for more.” I blush at my slightly lewd comment as I gracefully spin with the music.

“Yet you have no mark.” I faltered a bit at his words but quickly recover. I glance at the man with a slight smile but don’t speak. I knew this would come up and I prepared many responses but I wanted to hear his next words before responding. “Miss Skyler, I want you to live a long and happy life, but you are not suited for our world. A pack needs a Luna who knows our way of life, who lives and breathes pack life. Sure you can try to learn it but it’s not the same as being born into it. I just want you to be happy and I don’t think you will be when Alpha Kanto pushes you to the side for a better candidate.”

“Councilman Abraham, are you underestimating my abilities just because I’m a human? Are you suggesting that the Moon Goddess made a mistake in making me Alpha Kanto’s mate?” His words did hurt me but there’s no way I’d let him see that. I just tilted my head to the side as if I was more confused by his words than offended by them.

“I bet you are a fine woman, Miss Skyler, but there’s a reason why the Moon Goddess offers a second chance mate.” Abraham gave me a smirk as I remained silent. It wasn’t specifically because he was getting to me but honestly I didn’t know there were second chance mates. The band was wrapping up the song. “Congratulations for tonight future Luna Skyler, I hope you enjoy your time in the pack.”

Abraham gives me a smirk before giving a bow at the end of the song. He walks away, I could tell he was feeling victorious, dumbass. Little does he know it’s me holding out on being marked. I bet if I were a werewolf I would have been marked after meeting Kanto for the first time. Hell, even as a human I craved him, but that logical-human side of me kept yelling at me to wait. I’ve rushed things before and regretted it, I don’t want to regret this.

I walk off the dance floor heading towards where I left Kanto, but he wasn’t there. There were easily hundreds of people here and being 5’6” was not helping me at all in the crowd of tall giants. I walked around a bit, people gave me small head tilts and smiles, as I continued my quest to find Kanto. I felt my heart start to race again, that nervous feeling still present when a bleach blonde woman stormed up to me. Oh goodie. She gave me a death glare as she approached.

“Hello again.” I said coolly to her as she got closer. “I think introductions are in order. My name is Skyler, Alpha Kanto’s mate and the future Luna of the Silverfang Mountain pack. And you are?”

Her eyes squinted are me with rage but then suddenly lifted as if she noticed something. “I’m Jasmine, the woman Alpha Kanto really loves.”

I suppress my laugh as best I could at this delusional woman while trying to keep my fake smile plastered on my face. “Is that so?”

“Yes and once he’s done being distracted by a worthless human like you, he’ll come back to me.” She hoisted her chin up in a snooty manner.

“So you claim that he loves you even though he introduced another woman to the whole pack as his mate and future Luna?” I gave her a confused look, there was also a small hint of pity. A very tiny part of me felt bad that she truly believed the words she said.

“You’ll see, we already started the mating ritual, it won’t be long before he comes to me to finish it. And I think I have plenty of time seeing that you don’t have his mark.” Damn I thought this dress was better at hiding my marking spot. But what did she mean by already started the mating ritual. “And once I’m Luna, you have to bow down and know—“

“Enough Jasmine.” A voice said behind me, I would have those it was Kanto if it were for the clicking of high heels on the wooden floor.

“Iliana.” Jasmine mumbled her name through gritted teeth.

Iliana walked up beside me with her arms across his chest a disappointed look on her face. “Do you need something urgent that requires so much of the future Lina’s time?” Her stare was cold but fixed on Jasmine who was shooting daggers back at her.

“We will finish this conversation soon Skyler.” Jasmine grumbled.

“I believe you mean future Luna Skyler.” I corrected keeping a serious expression on my face. Jasmine replied with a huff and stormed off, I silently let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding in. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Iliana turned to look at me. “Don’t pay much attention to Jasmine. She always thought she would be the next Luna every since her escapade with Alpha Kanto, but it was never going to happen.”

“Sorry…escapade?”

“Yes.” Iliana studied my confused face for a moment. “Oh I’m sorry, I thought Alpha Kanto told you.”

“I had my suspicions, but it was never confirmed.” I gave a slight, weak smile. I did think they had a past together but I hoped it was a more one sided infatuation. I didn’t want to know but I had to find out. “Do you mind further explaining their ‘relationship’ to me?”

“It’s not my place to say future Luna.” Her face seemed reluctantly, but something in her eyes told me that she would tell me if I pushed just a little.

“Please, if she is seeking to cause problems, I think it would be best to prepare.” I said still feeling uneasy. Maybe it was from the conversation.

“Well it was a couple years after becoming Alpha. From my understanding and memory, there was a vampire crisis and Alpha Kanto was having a difficult time adjusting to the position still as well as having no mate. So he and Jasmine slept together a couple times. Once the vampire threat was over, so was their ‘relationship’, or at least for Alpha Kanto it was over.” Iliana explained with her still cold expression, maybe it was slightly warmer but not by much.

“I see.” I kept my composure even though it did hurt a bit to hear about Jasmine and Kanto’s past. “Thank you for your honesty, I appreciate it.”

“Of course, the role of Luna is highly respected. Can’t have a person who is unprepared or unknowledgeable about the pack have the position.” Iliana looked back at the crowd. I followed her gaze and spotted Leilani and Jack heading towards us. “Well, I’ll leave you to the Gammas. Have a pleasant night.”

“You too and thank you again.” I said with a wave. I took a deep breath as Leilani and Jack walked up to join me.

“That looked like it was fun.” Leilani said glancing back at Iliana as she disappeared into the crowd.

“Yea no kidding. Have you seen Kanto?” I asked still feeling anxious.

“Last I saw he was talking with some of the new pack warrior recruits.” Jack answered. I gave him a smile and was going to continue the conversation when my heart dropped. Then it started beating like crazy, my breathing getting rapidly faster. It was like I was having a panic attack. Jack and Leilani noticed as concern spread across their face. “Luna what’s wrong?”

“Where’s Kanto? I need Kanto.”

“Why, what’s wrong?” They asked

I answered with the first thing that popped into my head. “The patrols? Something is wrong with the patrols.” Jack tilted his head confused. “Look I know it sounds crazy but I’ve been having a bad feeling all day and I don’t know why but my gut is telling me it has to do with the patrol security. We need to find Kanto. Where’s Kanto?”

“Alright, I’ll mind-link Alpha Kanto and check the perimeter guards.” Jack said before tuning out Leilani’s suggestion and attempt to calm me down.

“Skyler maybe we should go inside for a se—“

“Brody and Jensen didn’t answer back.They are on duty at the Northeast post but they didn’t answer.” Jack mumbled but just loud enough for us to hear.

“What?” The panic seeped into my voice.

“We can’t contact Brody and Jensen, something’s wrong.” Jack was looking around the dance floor, probably for Kanto and Brett.

“We need to get people to a safe place.” I snapped out of my panic and started to command. “Jack, connect with Kanto let him know what’s happening, send reinforcements to the northeast to check the situation and have the warriors alerted. Leilani, try to get as many people into the pack house without raising alarm, the last thing we need is a panic.” They nodded and instantly got to work, while I spotted the group I was going to evacuate first.

I walked over to the group with a big smile on my face despite my panic. “Hi everyone, I’m Skyler it’s nice to meet you.” The group of kids stopped playing to greet me with a small bow and big smiles. “I was wondering if you could all help me. I’m feeling a bit tired and could really go for a movie marathon right now, would you mind joining me?”

A lot of the kids’ grins grew like crazy and they bounced with excitement. Others just nodded, well except one. “Do we have to?” They said.

“How about this. We can make a giant fort in the theater room and you can pick the first movie.” That instantly perked her up. They all started to scurry towards the pack house and I followed for a bit, happy that my plan worked when I saw Ryan and his friends. “Ryan, can you do me a favor?”

“What’s up Ms. McCa— future Luna Skyler?” He corrected.

“Can you escort the kids to the theater room and setup a movie for me? I’ll be there in a bit to join.” Ryan and his friends looked confused and a bit hesitant. So I put a bit more seriousness in my tone. “The kids will be safer there and you will be too. Please help me with this favor.”

I guess he picked up my seriousness because he and his friends nodded and led the kids inside. I watched as they walked through the pack house doors. I started looking for Kanto again when I heard a blood curtailing scream come from my left. I whipped my head around and saw a wolf pounce on one of the men.

“Everyone get into the pack house. NOW!” I shouted and everyone started to scurry in that direction. Well almost everyone, many of the warriors that I recognized from the training grounds were holding their ground to getting ready to fight. I look about the chaos when someone caught my eye.

A boy had his leg caught in a chair and was struggling to break free. I didn’t hesitate to make my way over to him. When I finally got to him I saw the tears that filled his eyes and stained his face. I made sure to put on a warm smile to hopefully calm him as I talked. “Hi, I’m here to help you but I need you to stop moving, ok?”

The boy nodded, gasping for air as if he didn’t want me to know he was crying. I was able to get his foot out but not quick enough. The boy gasped sharply and I whipped my head around to see a light grey wolf with yellow eyes snarling at me. The wolf lunged with its fangs ready but I dodged and rolled with the boy gripped tightly to my body. When I positioned myself again I noticed the wolf looked pissed. I tried to step back but realized I was cornered against the stage and turned over tables blocked me in. The only way was through the snarling wolf in front of me, that was positioning its body to get ready to pounce.

I scowled at the rogue while gripping tighter onto the boy. The rogue lunged with its claws out and I spun around using myself to protect the boy. I braced myself for the pain but all I felt was a light sting. I peek over my shoulder to see a big black wolf tackled the rogue. The smaller grey wolf snapped its jaws trying to get out from underneath the black wolf’s grasp but there was no escape. The black wolf sunk its teeth into the rogues neck and ripped out its throat, the rogue’s body went limp.

I turned to face the black wolf as he turned fo face me. I would recognize those beautiful dark hazel eyes anywhere. Relief washed over me as tears threatened to spill over my face. I walked over to Kanto’s wolf form with one arm out and was greeted with his snout that nuzzled me for a moment. “Thank you.” I whispered to him placing a kiss on the top of his head. He slowly pulled back before nudging me in the direction of the pack house. I nodded and he turned back to fight the other rogues that were attacking the pack.

I sprinted to the pack house with the boy clinging to my dress. When we were finally safe inside I place the boy on the ground and he sprinted towards two adults. The woman gasps and scooped the boy up in her arms and I released a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding. The man looked up at me and gave me a slight nod, I smiled at the reunion but my joy was short lived.

I turned around ready to head back outside to help Kanto and make sure he was safe. I was almost at the door when someone grabbed my elbow. I turned to see it was Minnie. “Future Luna Skyler, where are you going?”

“Back outside.”

“Like hell you are.” I turned to see a lightly blood splattered Andrea walking up to me from the side.

“I have to go out there and help, Kanto’s out there. I need to help him.”

“Alpha Kanto is the pack’s best warrior, he-“

“Just because he’s the best doesn’t mean he doesn’t need help! What if there are injured people out there, what if Kanto’s injured? I can’t just sit here doing nothing while others are risking their lives for this pack.” I said forcefully but in a low tone so only Andrea and Minnie could hear.

Andrea let out a sigh, walked up to me and grabbed me hands. She looked at me with a concerned expression on her face.” Skyler, we have been friends for years and I care about you. I know you want to help, but the best way you can help is by staying in the pack house.”

“But-“

“Skyler, those are rogue werewolves out there. I’m sorry… but… you’re human.” She hesitated saying that last part “One day after lots of training, yes I believe you will be able to take down a rogue or two. And I know you will be a great Luna but right now the best thing you can do is help the people inside the pack house.”

I nodded my head reluctantly as Andrea gave me a pitiful expression. I knew she wasn’t trying to hurt me with her words but they stung. It was everyone’s biggest reason to hate me and right now I was living up to their words. ‘A worthless human like me’. Jasmines words came across my mind. I hated feeling so useless and being looked down on. Kanto deserved someone who could help protect the pack, someone who could protect him. ‘Do you think the Alpha will truly be happy with a human mate?’

I guess I was quiet for too long, Andrea sighed again and pulled me into a hug. I hissed as her hands touched my back. Andrea jumped back and put her hands up in surrender, confused. “Future Luna Skyler your back is bleeding.” Minnie voice cracked as shock spread across her face. I reached back and lightly touched my back, I brought my fingers back and noticed them shimmering with blood. “Let me take you to the pack doctor.”

Minnie offered her arm to me which I took. Andrea was about to follow but I stopped her. “Andi can you please keep me updated on what’s going on? Don’t go outside, just please make sure Kanto is safe.” She nodded and walked to check on another family nearby.

Minnie walked me towards the clinic at the other end of the pack house. We pushed the door open to see the chaos that the attack brought on. Seeing so many people here increased my anxiety over Kanto’s safety. I was going to wait but Dr. Garcia spotted me first, concern briefly on his face. “Future Luna Skyler, are you alright?”

I was about to deny the urgency but Minnie spoke first. “She needs attention, her back was injured.” I would have argued with her but I’ve never seen her so bold. I was actually more impressed.

“Let me see.” I turned so the doctor could see. “We will clean the wound and bandage you up, then you’ll be good as new.”

“Then, I can help you here.” I glanced around the room, I needed to help somehow. “Please.”

“As you wish.” Dr. Garcia said with a gently smile and led me over to a bed. He worked quickly as Minnie nervously stayed by my side. After he finished, I hoped off the bed and began to start help in any way I could. Minnie also helped out and I appreciated her assistance, she was a very sweet girl.

I kept helping for what felt like forever, nervous since I haven’t heard from Kanto. There weren’t as many injuries as the amount of people would make you think, most people were here just to get as far away as possible. Minnie would tell me the mind-link messages from Andrea about the updates, but that didn’t make me any less nervous. But talking to pack members and I being useful in the clinic distracted me, not fully but enough. Well that was until I heard the doors bang open. Kanto spotted me and practically sprinted over to me. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, I held back the whimper from the pressure on my back. I wrapped my arms arms his waist and Kanto nuzzled his face deep into my neck holding me as close to his body as possible. I felt tears roll down my face, not from the pain but the relief that this man was safe and in my arms.