Blue Moon Alpha

Taking Back Cassandra

Jackson

Pulling up to the pack house at the Open Plains Pack, Jackson smirked at the sight of the Alpha and the other ranked wolves lined up to greet the King and Queen of the Lycans.

Behind them was a second SUV that a member of the Blue Moon Pack was driving. The plan was that once they had their people, they would get Midnight Pheonix, and they could ride back to the pack with him. The King felt that they would not want to be surrounded by too many shifters.

When King Dmitri was in charge, it was rare for the Lycan King to be seen outside of the Council house or the Kingdom, but Marcus and Marcia were trying to visit every pack their first year. They had discussed taking the trip as soon as they were crowned, but with the pup, they did not like being away for more than a night at a time. Because this was their first trip to the Open Plains Pack, they had rolled out the red carpet.

Scanning the crowd, he was surprised to see that Cassy and her mate were not present at the welcome. He had assumed that he would not want the King to notice her missing. He glanced over at Marcia and saw her smirk. “It looks like the Alpha does not think Marcus will notice a missing woman, probably because he does not see their value.”

Marcus started laughing, and he was joined by Francis and Xavier, who sat in the front of the vehicle. All of them had seen the damage that came from disregarding the talents of women. Clearing his throat, Marcus addressed everyone in the car. “Ok, so we need to go in royal and serious. Jackson, you are accompanying us as a tag-along. Do not speak until I let you know it's time. Boys, you are both playing the Queen's guard today. Don't worry, I will not tell your wife that you are taking her job.” He hesitated, knowing that the next task he assigned would not go over well.

Meeting Marcia’s eyes, Marcus chose his words carefully. “My love, I need you to feed into this Alphas bias.” When her eyes narrowed, he quickly continued. “He thinks women are to be seen and not heard so let’s allow him to hang himself with that idea. We need you to use your skills to see what is going on while giving him the impression that you are nothing but a pretty face on my arm.”

The growl that echoed through the car made Jackson smile. Clearly, she did not like this idea. The fact that she did not voice a complaint was a silent agreement to the plan.

Taking this as his last chance, Jackson placed his hand on her shoulder. “Got that? You are pretty and empty-headed. Who cares if you are the Queen of all species? Everyone knows that Marcus is the ruler, and you are simply there to plan parties and make pups.” When he caught the glare in her eyes, he quickly shut up and prepared to be silent alongside her.

The plan was simple. They were going to tour the pack with the Alpha. At some point, they would encounter Cassy and her mate Ryan. Marcia would turn on an act of shock and make it seem as if she was surprised that Ryan was no longer Gamma. Once the Alpha lets them know that he was demoted, Jackson would speak up and request their transfer to the Blue Moon Pack because the council had already approved the request. There was no way for the Alpha to prevent it. This had to be done in front of them and the Alpha to work. Once the Alpha agreed, they would get out as fast as possible before heading to the rendezvous with Midnight Pheonix before returning to the Blue Moon Pack.

When the car pulled to a stop, Jackson jumped out, running around the car to open the door for Marcus and Marcia. “Don’t get used to this.” As soon as he linked the words, he saw the ghost of a smile cross Marcus’s face before he schooled his features once again.

“Welcome, King; I am honored to host you here in our pack. I have arranged a tour before our meal and am excited to hear how I can serve you, your Highness,” Alpha Tristian grinned as he opened his arms in welcome. It did not miss his notice that only the King was greeted.

Linking all those in the group, Jackson said what everyone was thinking. “Suck up.” The twins took their places on either side of the Queen and actively used their gifts to watch for danger or anger. While they were far from the best fighters the Kingdom had to offer, their ability to detect auras and read minds made them the perfect guards for this trip.

“Thank you so much for the warm welcome, Alpha Tristian. Your pack is beautiful. May I ask for introductions?” He gestured to those behind the Alpha on the steps as he spoke.

“Of course, these are the ranked wolves of the pack. My Beta Alfred, his mate Rita, Dalton, our Gamma, Grayson, our lead guard, and of course, my lovely Luna Ann.” As the Alpha introduced each member, they inclined their head to the King out of respect.

Seeing the expectation on the Alpha’s face, Marcus decided it was time for them to put on a show. Reaching back, he grabbed Marcia’s hand, pulling her forward. “This is Queen Marcia Isabella Stone. Behind her, you see her guards, Francis and Xavier, and finally, Alpha Jackson, a dear friend who is accompanying me on a task after this visit.”

Stepping forward, Jackson plastered a fake smile on, shaking the Alpha's hand and lowering his head in respect, even though it was all an act. In his mind, Loki fought to get out, hating to bow to anyone other than his King and Queen.

The Alpha ignored all others and began to lead the King away. Linking Marcia, Jackson allowed Loki to release his pent-up frustrations to the Queen. “That mangy mutt has the nerve to insult me? Did you see how he ignored you, my Queen? Clearly, you are beneath his notice even though you are stronger than any other shifter alive. What does that matter?” She allowed it to continue for a bit before cutting the connection.

Loki was just about to try to take over when he caught a familiar scent in the breeze. Hanging the wash on the line was Cassy. Her healthy glow seemed to have faded in her time in this pack, and the bruises on her arms proved that more was going on than they knew.

Rushing to her side, accompanied by the Queen, Jackson struggled to hide his horror at her gaunt features. She looked years older than she had when she left, and it was clear that someone was harming her. “Who did this? Was it Ryan?” The hushed whispers were enough to prevent the wolves from hearing, but all the Lycans present could clearly hear what was being said.

Her eyes widened in horror at what the Alpha was asking. “Of course not! My mate would never harm me. He was demoted for defending me.”

Reassured by her words, Jackson allowed himself to calm down before he spoke again. “Then how did you come about gaining these pretty marks?”

Looking at the ground, she mumbled her answer so quietly that he would have missed it had he not been focusing on her words.

“Yesterday, some of the Alpha warriors caught me training in the woods. I knew it was forbidden, but I did it anyway. When they found me, two held me while one of the others administered the punishment for ignoring the Alpha’s command.” Jackson growled, struggling to control Loki at the sight of the healing wounds.

“What did you mate do about this? Why is he not here?” Jackson knew he needed them both to pull off the plan they had devised successfully.

Looking away, Cassy's eyes filled with tears as she stopped speaking. Unable to link with her former Alpha, she was quiet as she said, knowing that their time was limited. “He is in the dungeon. When he saw what was happening to me, he intervened and was punished for it.”

“Get anything that you cannot live without in a bag. As little as possible. Whatever you need will be purchased for all three of you when we get you out of here.”

Joy filled her expression at the thought of freedom with her mate until a dark shadow crossed over her. “What about Mary? We cannot leave her, and the Alpha wanted to claim her for his mate before she reached the age to find her mate.” Her eyes widened slightly with panic at the thought of the girl she considered her younger sister being taken by the Alpha.

“Do not worry; we have a plan. All you need to do is fill a bag for all of you and act as if I just offended you. From there, link Mary and have her come to your cottage; she should stay out of sight until this little play is over. Quick, head inside. The Alpha is looking, and he cannot think that you want to come. It is going to be the king’s command.”

Gasping for joy, Cassy allowed her tears to fall freely, letting the Alpha see them. Turning, she rushed back into her house, trying to look dejected.

Returning to the King and Alpha, Jackson walked to the back of the group. He knew that he had to contain his emotions if they would pull off their plans.

By the time they had returned to the pack house, everyone knew it was time. Marcus waited until he was in a large crowd of pack members as they approached the front of the house. He could see Cassy hovering by the trees to his left, but her niece was nowhere to be seen.

He took his place at the front of the congregation and looked at the Alpha. “I noticed that Gamma Ryan was not present, has something happened?”

Looking caught off guard, the Alpha quickly responded. “Unfortunately, King, I have discovered that he was derelict in his duties and had to relieve him from them. It was a sad day, but as Alpha, I need to watch over the good of the pack above all else; I am sure you understand.” His words were spoken with such confidence that they made Jackson upset. It was clear that this man thought he would succeed with his plans.

“That is horrible! You are entirely right; you cannot have a Gamma who does not do his job without question. It would weaken the pack.” The vehemence of the King’s reply caused the Alpha to smile, clearly believing his plan was working.

The Queen saw it was time to play her part and stepped in. “Alpha, what has happened to his mate Cassandra? I remember her from our old pack.” The sentimental words caused the King to snear in her direction.

“She is continuing her duties as an Omega just like her mate is.” He smeared with the word Omega, having no idea that the King and Queen thought this kind of prejudice was disgusting.

Jackson fought to control his excitement at hearing the Alpha say exactly what they needed. It was time to put their plan into action.

“Pardon my interruption King, Alpha.” Lowering his head in submission, Jackson fought the urge to kill the Alpha where he stood. “If Cassandra and her mate are both Omegas, I respectfully request their return to the Blue Moon Pack.” The Alpha’s eyes widened, and his jaw clenched. Jackson continued quickly, knowing he had little time to pull this off.

“Shifter law states that so long as the couple wishes, mates shall be admitted into the pack of which the mate holds a higher rank. At the Blue Moon Pack, Cassandra was one of our guards, and I would like her back, even with an Omega in tow.”

As the Alpha looked at the King, his face was covered with a range of emotions, from anger to disgust, before finally settling in a slight sly smile.

“Of course, you can take both of these useless wolves. I will have Ryan brought up from the dungeons now. Please never allow them anywhere near our pack lands again.”

Immediately they went to the Alphas office to complete the pack transfer paperwork. The King signed and witnessed every page before they left the pack house.

When the bloody and beaten man was dragged unconscious into the van Jackson released a slight growl. “What happened to him?”

The Alpha smiled. “He attacked the guards for doing their duty.”

As soon as they entered the van, Mary came walking forward. Having been linked by Cassy, she knew that what was about to happen would decide her fate.

The Alpha calls out to the young teen. “Mary, come here, child. You Aunt and Uncle are leaving the pack, so I think that it's time for you to move into the pack house. Please get your things.”

Instantly the King stepped forward, acting as if this was a new development for him. “Child, please come here.” Calling out using his aura, he forced her to follow his command. “Are you the neice of these two?” He gestured toward the two wolves in the van, intentionally not using their names. He wanted the Alpha to think the matter was not necessary to him.

Lowering her head in submission, she spoke quietly. “Yes, King Marcus, I have lived with my uncle for the past three years.”

The Alpha stepped closer to her, causing her to stiffen. “Mary will be well cared for in our pack house King. Run along and pack. I will send some guards to carry your things with you, do not delay.” While he tried to hide it, the command in his voice was evident.

Marcus decided he was uncomfortable allowing the girl out of sight. It was clear that Travis had told the truth about the Alpha being obsessed with the child. “This might change things, Alpha Tristian. Council law states that the child would remain with her guardians unless they were made rouges. Alpha Jackson, I command you to take the child as well. No paperwork is needed as she is a minor.”

“What!” The alpha bellowed before he could control his response.

“Do you have an issue with shifter law, Alpha?” Dax pushed forward, deepening Marcus' voice and adding a level of threat that was not previously present.

“That is not it, King; I just question why this young girl would be forced to leave her friends and home due to her uncle's betrayal. I promise she is more than welcome to stay; this would be a better place for her.”

The King seemed to consider the words for a moment before faking a resigned look on his face. “Shifter law is clear; when the young pup comes of age, she will be given a chance to return, should you still be willing to accept her. Until then, she will stay in the care of her Uncle and Aunt.” Without another word, the king linked his entire contingent to get into the cars, not trusting the look on the Alpha's face. As they pulled away, it was clear that this matter was far from over.