White Fur

Chapter 32

Skyler’s POV

Kanto guided me into the conference room towards the head of the table. I noticed there was only one chair at the end of the table. Without hesitation, Kanto pulled out the chair and motioned for me to sit in it. I scooted in as Kanto took his post on my left side.

“Thank you everyone for meeting today.” Kanto addressed the people in the room. I looked around at the 8 new faces. Everyone looked about 50 or 60, only one or two looked older. In the corner of my eye I caught Brett standing near the wall. He gave me a small smile before returning to his more serious expression. Kanto continued to speak. “The purpose of this meeting is to officially introduce the next Luna of our pack. This is Skyler McCarthy and she is my mate chosen by the Moon Goddess. She will be the next Luna of the Silverfang Mountain Pack.”

I sat as straight as I could, I gave a confident smile to the council members trying to show strength. The room was silent until an older woman spoke up. “Congratulations Alpha Kanto, your mate is truly beautiful.” I was relieved that the first thing said was good.

“Thank you councilwoman Rosemary.” Kanto gave a slight grin and bow to the woman. I also gave her a warm smile trying to show my appreciation.

“She is very beautiful.” A man said in a calm tone that made me feel nervous about what he was going to say next. “But beauty doesn’t lead a pack. What was your profession before you came here?”

“I used to be a high school math teacher.” I said clearly.

“A school teacher?” Someone else said with too much disgust.

“Yes. I have my degree in mathematics and chose to teach.” I wanted to make it clear that I’m smarter than what they are trying to imply. “Everyday I managed and educated one of the most difficult groups of people. Teenagers. And I’ve been doing that for three years.”

“Children are a lot different than a pack of wolves.” The same person who questioned my career said.

“You’re right but it wasn’t just the students I interacted with. I also had to communicate and work with their parents as well as my fellow educators.”

“Future Luna Skyler has also been vital in planning how we will catch the Alpha of the Steelridge pack.” Kanto said. “Without her brilliant ideas we would be further behind in catching him.”

The group of elders mumbled amongst themselves for a bit before someone spoke up. “But she doesn’t know about our ways of life.”

“I’ve been learning from Luna Maribelle and Alpha Kanto everyday. And when they are unable to help me, I’ve been reading and studying. All my free time has been dedicated to learning about this pack.”

“That’s all good but a lifestyle is one that is lived. Would it not be better to have a Luna who has lived with us or another pack for their whole existence.”

Kanto growled a bit at the suggestion, I put my arm on his to help him reign in Zenith who was probably pissed. “I understand that this is different than the life I’ve led before meeting Alpha Kanto, I admit I’m not as knowledgeable about the wolf half of your lives. But the other half is human-like, you interact with people and work together for the common good of your pack, I understand that.” I felt Kanto ease at my words.

“With all due respect, Miss McCarthy I have no doubt that you can be taught our ways.” The man with the calm voice spoke again but something didn’t feel right. “But your words don’t reassure me. I believe that you will require too many resources in order for you to be remotely close to being our Luna.”

“Educating the future Luna has always been the job of the current Luna and the future Luna’s mate.” Kanto argued on my behalf.

“But not educating her on how the supernatural world operates on a basic level.” The calm man quickly replied with a smirk on his face. “And we have to spend a great deal of resources on just protecting her due to her human nature.”

“Aren’t Colton and Dustin already both assigned to her?” Someone whispered.

“And they are two of our greatest warriors. To put them on guard duty is like a demotion.” I wanted to slap the calm tone out of his voice.

“Councilman Abraham. Protecting the Luna of this pack has always been a priority, or have you forgotten that.” Brett spoke up, even I could tell he was getting angry.

“I haven’t forgotten, Beta.” Abraham said putting venom on the last word. “All our previous Luna were at least about to protect themselves a bit. But this human comes in and ends up in the hospital after falling down a couple of stairs.”

I felt Kanto was about to rip Abraham’s head off, but I spoke first. “You’re correct councilman Abraham I was in the hospital a few days ago. And in response I’ve learned a lot. First is that, as you suggested, I should learn how to fight. Which is why Alpha Kanto has permitted me to train with the warriors as soon as my leg has healed. Second I’ve learned I shouldn’t trust everyone just because they are members of this pack. I naively thought all the pack members would respect the words of their Alpha, it was made clear to me that they didn’t when one of them shoved me down those stairs.”

“Wait. You were attacked by a pack member? That’s why you were in the hospital?” Councilwoman Rosemary’s was shocked. I looked around the table and noticed they all were. I guess Kanto didn’t tell them that part. This would be an excellent opportunity for me.

“I asked Alpha Kanto to keep the details of my attack a secret. I didn’t want to cause a distrust amongst pack members. I wanted to find my attacker discretely thinking that it would be just that pack member who disobeyed their Alpha.” I paused for a moment to let my words sink in. “But I’ve learned that there are more pack members who have the same sentiment.”

The room was quiet for a while before someone spoke again. And of course it was Abraham, a grotesque smirk on his face as if he was about to win. “With all due respect, you’re still just a human. You will not be able to match our physical abilities. If a werewolf was charging at you, what hope do you have in stopping it from tearing you to shreds?”

“With all due respect, councilman Abraham. I think you underestimate humans and their intelligence. Werewolves may have a physical advantage, but if I’ve learned anything in my 26 years of living is that everyone has a weakness.” I got up from my chair and locked eyes with councilman Abraham. “I will find the weaknesses of my enemies and I will use that to my advantage to protect those I care about.”

The room went dead quiet. I looked around the table, some faces were in shock while a couple had smiles. Brett had a big smile on his face. I took a side glance at Kanto and he was all smug with pride. The silence would have continued if councilman Rosemary didn’t raise her hand. “I support the Alpha’s decision to make this woman our Luna.”

“I agree.” Hands were raised as many began to support my appointment. Eventually we’re we’re down to the last person.

“I’ll support Alpha Kanto.” Abraham said with a smile, but you could see the displeasure in his eyes.

“If we are done discussing this topic or there are no further questions, our future Luna must go. Luna Maribelle would like to see you.” Kanto announced. No one asked for me to stay.

“Thank you for having me at your council meeting, it was most educational.” I gave the council and Kanto a slight bow before walking towards the door. Kanto must have mind-linked Brett since Brett started to follow me out of the room.

I walked towards the door as gracefully as possible until I heard the door shut behind me. “Those f*****g assholes!” I vented. I let the rage consume me, but it was more than I anticipated. Next thing I knew was my hand was clenched in a fist flying at the wall closest to me. I punched the wall with all my anger and might. I guess I didn’t know my own strength because I managed to punch a hole in the wall. Bright side, I felt much calmer.

“Easy there Luna. If you keep doing that you’ll bring the house down.” Brett joked behind me.

“Sorry I’m just pissed.” I started looking up and down the hall frantically for something to cover the hole.

“Yea I know, that’s why Kanto told me to take you to the training grounds.” Brett was already carrying over a table with a vase of flowers on it. He placed it right in front of the hole, it wasn’t perfect but it worked for now.

“I thought I was supposed to see Luna Maribelle?”

“No, he made that excuse so he could get you out of there.” I need to repay Kanto later then. “He actually told me to take you to the training grounds. He’s right you need to let out some steam before more walls become victims of your wrath.”

I held back my laugh at Brett’s comment. “Sorry about that.”

“Luna, please. We are a house full of werewolves. I’m shocked we still have a stable pack house.” Brett reassured. “Anyways we’ll get changed first then head to the training grounds.”

I nodded in agreement. Brett talked to me the whole walk towards our rooms. I started to truly understand why Kanto picked him as his Beta. Brett knew when to be serious, but was a major goof any other time. Which also reassured me of his relationship with Andrea too. We split at the fourth floor, I went to Kanto’s bedroom and headed straight for the closet. I changed into a sports bra, tight high waisted shorts, a loose tank top and running shoes. I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail before checking myself in the mirror. I headed down to the main floor where Brett was already waiting.

We walked down the hall until Brett slowed his pace. “If you were wondering, this is the game lounge in case you ever need to find it on your own again.”

“Ha. Ha. Very funny Beta.” I said with a serious face before giving up a smile. He must have noticed me tensing up while walking down the hallway.

We continued our walk until we made it to the training grounds. It was like a huge outdoor arena, there were some bleachers, water stations, a couple smaller building that had various equipment. It was a really nice space. There were other people there brawling, some in human form some in wolf form. Some stopped as we walked up. They all would slightly bow their heads as we walked through the training grounds, but I could feel their eye fix on me. They seemed confused as to who I was but also like they knew. Their suspicions were confirmed when Colton and Dustin came up to us.

“Hello Luna, Beta.” Dustin gave me a slight head bow as did Colton. “Here to train?”

“Yes, hopefully I’ll train well enough that you two won’t have to waste your time guarding me.” I joked.

“Absolutely not. It’s an honor to protect you Luna.” Colton seemed like the more serious out of my two guards.

“We’ll let you get to it. Let me know if you need another sparring partner in the future Luna.” Dustin said excitedly before going back to their sparring space with Colton.

Brett lead me to a space before beginning his instruction. “So today we are going to focus on falling. If you chose to fight, you’ll probably get hit at some point.”

“So I need to know how to fall so I don’t further injure myself?”

“Exactly. I’m going to go as easy in power as possible at first when start. But hopefully over time we can push up the power so you can slowly adjust to werewolf strength.” Brett said. I nodded and we began to train.

We trained for what felt like hours but I was enjoying it. I caught on really fast, I was even able to dodge a couple times which shocked Brett. I don’t know how to explain it, it was like I saw his attack in my mind before it happened.

“Alright Luna, this time dodge for as long as you can. Maybe even try to throw a punch back.” Brett said. “That is if you can.”

I smirked in acceptance of his challenge. I got into my starting fighting stance that Brett taught me. He lunged at me slowly so I was able to jump out of the way. He came back again with a punch, which I was able to dodge and return with my own. I almost got him too, but he was able to grab my wrist and use it to throw me down. I tumbled down but rolled over to get back up. But he was expecting that and already had a punch coming towards my face. It was too fast for me to dodge so I braced myself for impact instead.

But it never landed, another arm caught it as I felt the owners other hand pull me back towards them. I saw the fear on Brett’s face as he saw my protector. In one swift movement, he pushed me to the side gently as he spun, turning his back to Brett but grabbing tightly onto Brett’s hand. He released me using his new free hand to grab onto Brett’s arm and pulling him over his shoulder to slam Brett on the ground. Brett let out a groan gasping sound when he hit the ground signaling that he was done fighting.

“Kanto that’s not nice. He was only trying to help me train.” I scolded my protector.

“But what kind of mate would I be if I let you get hit.” He said with a seductive smile as he walked closer to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist.

I tried to push him off me. “Let go, we need to make sure Brett is ok.” Kanto’s smile dropped but he didn’t release me.

“Don’t worry Luna I’m good. That show-off of an Alpha obviously wants your attention more than I need it.”

That got Brett a glare and growl combo from Kanto. I laughed at these two ridiculous men. “How may I help you Alpha?”

Kanto’s smile returned, he slipped his arms off of me but grabbed onto one of my hands. “Come on I wanna show you something.”

I willingly followed him until we reached the edge of the woods. I stared up at the beautifully, big green trees. I took in a deep breathe of the rich forest air. “What are we doing here?”

“I think it’s time I showed you the rest of the pack lands.” Kanto said with a smile as he reached into a tree that I suppose was hallowed out. In his hands were gyms shorts and a t-shirt. “Do you mind holding these?”

I grabbed them and Kanto started to undress from his business outfit. “Good idea, something tells me we will be walking for a while.”

“Walking? Who said anything about walking?” Kanto’s smile turned mischievous. That’s when I noticed the last thing he needed to take off were his boxers. My face turned crimson as he took them off and stood there completely naked. He enjoyed my reaction because his smile got bigger. That’s when I heard the pop of bones and writhing for a second, then a huge wolf was standing in front of me. I’ve only seen Kanto’s wolf once but I felt familiar with him already. His darker hazel eyes stared at me as I took steps closer.

I reached out my hand and began to stroke his black fur. “Hello Zenith, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this.” The wolf in front of me started to wag his tail and nuzzled into my chest almost knocking me over. I took in the view of the creature in front of me. His fur was pitch black except right behind his ears, I noticed they were dark brown like Kanto’s normal hair color. From his neck to his left front leg I noticed spots where his fur wasn’t as thick. That must be the 4 scars he has on his chest. The big wolf nudged me again before lying down and glancing at his back.

“What?” Zenith jerked its head back motioning for me to do something. “You want me to get on?”

Zenith nodded as he tried to sink further into the ground so I could get on. I sighed at the thought of his crazy plan before approaching the wolf again. I bundled up the change of clothes under my arm before I placed both hands on his back and pushed myself onto the wolf. “This is crazy.” I said under my breath. I adjusted myself into a position so I could hold onto Zenith.

He slowly began to walk into the woods, I adjusted accordingly to his movements. Then he paused and looked back at me. I could tell Zenith was grinning. I gripped on tighter nervous that that grin was the same mischievous grin Kanto gives me. Unfortunately for me. It was.