The Luna's Journey

Chapter 9

Theron

A wisp of smoke escaped my lips as I exhaled, burdened by the weight of thoughts that filled my mind. Unexpected events had unfolded in the past day, causing certain plans to shift. What troubled me even more was the obligation to announce Lisa as Silverclaw's Luna, though I had no intention of claiming her—my wolf vehemently opposed it.

"Should I disseminate the news about Lisa as your Luna in the homestead?" Zach inquired. He was responsible for managing matters in the more remote areas of the pack, a realm somewhat removed from the pack's central hub.

"No, let the news circulate naturally," I replied succinctly.

If it were solely my decision, I would announce no Luna unless it was Hope. However, my parents had pushed for this arrangement from the start. It was the plan all along. I could only reign for the duration specified in the contract, and if my mate failed to appear, I had to claim someone else. My mate had indeed shown up, but in the most convoluted manner.

"Let's not burden Lisa with this. She accepted the offer out of respect for my parents," I expressed, showing consideration for her in this complicated situation.

"Very well, if that's your decision, Alpha," Zach complied.

It wasn't just the upcoming ceremony for Lisa that raised my concerns, but also certain matters I had been covertly working on. Alex's report regarding Hope's father and his trail had been a source of unease for me.

Just as I was deep in thought, Alex abruptly entered the office with a certain expression etched on his face.

"What's the matter this time, Alex?"

He handed me a set of photographs of a port and ships. However, it wasn't the scenery that caught my attention but the man featured prominently in the images.

"He's arriving in the region," Alex announced.

I was certain he had no knowledge of Hope's existence. His daughter. However, his arrival in the region was already a red flag that warranted close monitoring. The last time he had visited, he had committed a host of atrocities, inflicting unimaginable harm upon she-wolves.

"Have you informed the frontliners about what to do if they encounter this man?" I inquired aloud.

"Yes, Alpha," Alex responded.

Rogues were not supposed to roam freely, but this man seemed to be an exception. Ports should not have granted him access to travel, but the individuals protecting him must be far from ordinary werewolves. There had to be someone of greater influence and greater power enabling them to control the ports.

"Another matter, Alpha. I've heard that the Luna of Stormfang is in search of Hope Miracle," Alex added.

I extinguished the lit end of my cigarette and placed it in the ashtray. There was no way I would allow the woman to leave my pack, regardless of the circumstances. Hope was now under my protection, and I wouldn't permit anyone to take her away.

However, it wasn't just this notion that had crossed my mind but also the fact that her father was coming to the region, and her mother was actively searching for her. Hope had been here for almost two weeks, and the Stormfang Luna should have initiated a search for her daughter from the very first day she went missing, yet there was something amiss.

"You guys are up to something behind our backs?" Zach interjected, peering at the photographs. "Hold on, isn't this Mago? That rogue leader who has never been captured?"

Alex and I remained silent, as Zach already knew the answers to his own questions.

"Do you have any insight into why the Stormfang Luna has only recently begun searching for Hope?" I inquired.

There was clearly something going on. Mago hadn't set foot in the region for a decade. Sightings of him had been reported years ago, but he had disappeared. Most of the time, he had been seen roaming in Europe or North America, but never in Australia.

"Our investigation shows that Mago and the Stormfang Luna have had no communication in recent years. So, I assume his arrival has nothing to do to her search," he replied.

"What are you two discussing? What does Mago have to do with the Luna of Stormfang?" Zach inquired, looking perplexed.

"They are Hope Miracle's parents," Alex responded plainly.

Zach's eyes widened in shock, appearing entirely unconvinced. He even shook his head, as if he believed Alex's words were nothing more than a joke. When he recognized that this was no jest, he became serious.

"That's quite a complicated situation. A Luna for a mother and a rogue for a father. But, how did that happened?"

This was initially meant to be a confidential matter between Alex and me, but Zach, as one of the pack's leaders, had the right to be informed, especially regarding what lay ahead.

"Perhaps we could get rid of Hope, return her to Stormfang, and then we won't have any issues to contend with," Zach suggested after being informed.

Anger welled up within me at his proposal. Nobody would be taking Hope away from my sight, not her mother, not Mago, and certainly not anyone else.

"Zach has a valid point, Alpha. If the Stormfang Luna discovers that we have her daughter, there could be consequences. Moreover, they have been one of our long-term rivals," Alex voiced his support for Zach's perspective.

The dart I had picked up earlier sailed through the air and struck the bullseye on the door. It was my signal for them to cease speaking, as their suggestions did not sit well with me.

Hope had fled her former pack out of fear, and they want her to return there. She was my mate, and it was my duty to ensure her safety.

"Hope is not leaving. She will stay here... she's already part of our pack. So, if I ever hear either of you utter such nonsense, rest assured, these darts will find their way into each of your throats," I coldly warned, idly toying with the darts.

As my gaze bore into them, they immediately lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact. They were well aware that I didn't make empty threats; my actions matched my words. They had better be cautious.

"Leave... both of you," I ordered, and they promptly complied.

I was determined to protect Hope and ensure that no one could harm her under my watch. As long as I held power and she was under my protection, no one would be able to mistreat her.

'Then why not claim her as your mate?' Cosmos, my wolf, suddenly appeared in my thoughts.

Claiming her was a different matter. At the moment, protecting her was the best I could do. Perhaps, in time, when everything was settled, I would mark her as mine.

'Is that truly your concern, or is it because Hope is an omega, the daughter of your rival pack, and the offspring of a rogue father? Your parents won't approve of her, and you're afraid that if people discover your mate's background, they will reject you and compel you to relinquish your position,' Cosmos concluded. 'It's not that she's unprepared, Theron, it's you who isn't ready. You can't take the risk for her.' Then my wolf vanished.

His words struck a chord deep within my chest, leaving me utterly dumbfounded. Realization eventually struck me, shattering my ego into pieces. Am I really afraid to take a risk for her? Perhaps the answer to that is... maybe.