Captive Luna

For Your Consideration

    Bailey grunted in pain. Not serious pain, but he was put on his ass by a mere warrior. That was not a regular occurrence. It was too early in the morning to be put down on the ground by a lesser opponent, but his mind was elsewhere.

    “Bailey!” Alec called out to him as he sauntered over. “What’s good, man?”

    “Nothing,” Bailey grumbled as he got up. “Just out of it today.”

    “Well, keep that up and you’ll be demoted in no time,” he threatened as he walked away. Alpha Xander was partaking in training today, and sure enough, Bailey had to be distracted.

    It had been a few weeks since Claude broke up with him, and his wolf was very unhappy. Bailey still didn’t think she was his fated mate, though something was pulling him toward her. He was still confused as to what it meant, or what it actually was. She was beautiful, sexy, and even with a pup in her, he still dreamed of having his way with her on a regular basis. He quickly sat down in an attempt to cloak his erection. He decided to take a break, leaning back to grab his water bottle. He took a long sip.            

    “You okay Bailey?” Alpha Xander asked as he neared Bailey. He sat down on the ground next to him, opening the bottle of water he brought with him. “You know he can’t make those decisions, only the Beta or I am able to.”

    “I’m fine,” he replied, taking another long sip. “Just woman issues, I guess.”

    “You found your mate?” Xander said, surprised. Xander was a little older than he was and still had not found his mate. Age wasn’t really an issue with werewolves, as they aged incredibly slow after they matured at age eighteen. It was about 10 human years to one werewolf years. Even if he found his mate in ten, twenty years, looks-wise, he would have aged two years and a few months in looks by then. Most wolves did not care and often, they found their mates in their middle-aged human years if they did not find their mate as soon as they turned eighteen. Wolves lived for some time; the oldest wolf in history clocking 180 years old before he died of age. Even then, the old wolf didn’t appear to look older than any 60 years old.

    “I’m not so sure,” he responded, taking great care not to give away who it was. Claude was still down in the prison and he loved her regardless of the state of their relationship. “I met a wolf a few months ago, I feel a strange pull to her, but I cannot mind-link her, nor can I feel the sparks every mated pair seems to tell everyone about. But I feel deeply for her or some reason, and so does my wolf.”

    “That’s weird,” Xander said, eyebrows furrowed. “Maybe ask Dr. Brennan?”

    “I will ask him next time I see him,” he said. Too bad he already knew it was probably because Claude has a mate.

    “Is she from our pack?” Xander asked, wagging his brows. “Have I seen her?”

    “No, she isn’t,” he laughed. He missed talking like this with his childhood friend.

    “But actually… Daniel may or may not have found his mate. I’m still unclear about it.” Bailey added, effectively changing the subject. He was asking too many questions for his liking, and he couldn’t go on lying to his Alpha either.

    Xander’s eyes grew wide. Daniel was even younger than Bailey. How is it they may or may not have found their mates, and he hadn’t even had the inkling of his own being nearby?

    “Say that again?” he asked, dumbfounded.

    “Y’all gossiping little biddies,” Daniel said dryly as he sauntered over with Michael, their Beta.

    Xander was the biggest and tallest of the four gathered, at nearly 6’7 feet. Michael was close behind at 6’5. Their Gamma Gavin, Alec, Daniel, and Bailey all stood at 6’4 feet, with the Gamma at just between 6’4 and 6’5. It’s no wonder the Midnight Sun pack was considered large and ruthless. Just their leaders were massive in size, with chiseled faces to match.

    Xander had a mop of black hair with piercing blue eyes. They were the shade of the sky in the summer. It was complemented with a perfect nose, and full lips, he kept the 5 o’clock shadow which only accentuated his sharp jawline and cleft chin. He raised his brow to look at his Beta.

    Beta Michael, in contrast, had blonde hair, and bright sea-foam green eyes. His lips were thinner than the Alpha’s but carried the same strong jawline. He kept his face clean-shaven, given they werewolves and had fur everywhere. Michael snickered.

    “We all just love some gossip!” He declared, laughing.

    “We were just discussing Daniel’s love life,” Bailey laughed. Daniel narrowed his eyes at his best friend.

    “Should start ending all your sentences with ‘XOXO Gossip Girl’ soon,” Daniel retorted, saying the XOXO part just like the show itself.

    “We should call you Kristen Bell since you seem to sound just like her when you say XOXO,” Bailey teased.

    Most wolves wouldn’t dare to act like this in front of their leaders but contrary to everyone’s perception of the Midnight Sun pack, they were very relaxed. The Leadership team was extremely comfortable around their pack members and often hung out with everyone regardless of rank. The Alpha made sure to instil the diversity of rankings, races, ages among the whole pack, as it was in the onboarding once the pups were of high school age, and in training when they started. Discrimination and bullying were against their pack rules. Everyone seemed to get along. Well, most of the time.

    “So, tell us,” Xander began the line of questioning. “How did or did not, you find your mate Dan?”

Daniel coughed. He knew that if he explained, the Alpha might freak out. But if he didn’t, his wrath in not explaining would be much worse.

    “Okay,” he began, shifting uncomfortably. “Keep in mind, I was drinking a lot.” He warned them.

    “I went to a bar, further out from the one we all regularly attend. I met this woman who was just so fun and full of life. We flirted until I felt something in the air. I felt this weird sensation, and then my eyes landed on this other woman. She was so beautiful. I followed her, and we chatted for a while. We slowly made our way back to the crowd and then suddenly I left her to go back to the first woman I met, and we ended up at my place. I woke up the next morning and she was there and explained what happened,” he said quickly. “I apparently found my mate, then deserted her to dance with the first one, and then took them both back to my home.”

    “You Casanova, you,” Michael teased, grinning like a Jack-o-lantern.

    “I found him the next morning, looking under his bed for his mate,” Bailey snorted at the memory of Daniel, big as a tree, kneeling ass-up and peering under his bed. He could laugh at that memory all day long.

    “You cheated on your mate?!” Xander boomed.

    “Why does everyone keep saying that?” Daniel whined. “I don’t recall exactly what I felt toward my mate, but I don’t know. I remember enjoying hearing her talk, but I think I remember feeling like I needed to leave and go back to the first woman.”

    “So maybe it was just the wolfsbane,” Xander reasoned, getting up and dusting himself off.

    “Or maybe the first one is your mate,” Michael added.

    “I really don’t know,” Daniel trailed off. He was confused. Bernadette and Sandra were both constantly on his mind, with the latter not being as frequent. Maybe that meant something. He had been texting back and forth with Bernadette, and he was definitely attracted to her.

    “Well, worst case, choose the first one if anything,” Bailey stated. “You seem more into her than Sandra.”

    “You don’t have to rush, Dan,” Xander said, looking at him. “I’m waiting for my mate.”

    Michael snorted with laughter. “You, wait? Puh-lease!”

    “I didn’t say I was saving myself for her,” Xander countered, rolling his eyes. “I’m merely waiting to commit myself to her and her only. The rest is just to keep me occupied until I find her. It’s why I have never had a girlfriend and only… bedmates.”

    “I’ll figure it out, Alpha,” Daniel said, laughing. “Thank you, Alpha, Beta.” He said, baring his neck to his superiors. Bailey did the same.

    “Why were you gossiping about me?” Daniel teased. They were walking back to Bailey’s to have some breakfast. Bailey wanted to cook for Claude, and he decided today he would see her regardless of whether she wanted to still be together or not. Bailey was having a hard time focusing without things being okay with her.

    “Alpha was asking me what was troubling me, and I said it was woman issues,” he replied. “He started asking questions and I felt like if I answered any of them, he’d find out about Claude.”

    “Ah, ok,” Daniel responded. “I get it. Not funny though, but I get it.”

    Bailey pulled out the makings for some eggs, bacon, hash browns, and grits. He cooked a lot of it and saved some for Claude.

    “Are you going to see her finally?” Daniel asked through a mouthful of hash browns, eyes rolling at how good Bailey’s cooking was.  “Are you sure you want to be an Elite? Because the kitchen is hiring, you know.”

    “Yes, to both accounts,” Bailey replied, digging into his plate. He had only started to eat just then because he stopped to cut up some fruit for Claude. Daniel’s hand reached for the plate of fruit, but Bailey slapped it away. “Those are for Claude, not for you, mongrel. You can take the leftover on the cutting board.”

    They ate in comfortable silence and then Daniel left to go home and take a shower shortly afterward. Bailey took one of his own, ensuring he washed up properly. He didn’t want to see her for the first time since their breakup and smelling like he’d run a marathon. He thought about her, their situation, and what could possibly be happening between them. As he got dressed, he decided to stop in and see Dr. Brennan before he went to see her.

    “Bailey,” Dr. Brennan greeted Bailey as he walked into the pack hospital. He was waiting by the elevators, presumably to go up to his office. “What brings you by?”

    “I wondered if you had a moment, I just had some questions to ask you,” Bailey answered, standing next to the doctor. He shuffled the bag of food in his hands.

Perhaps I should feed her first before seeing the doctor, he sighed internally.

    “Is that breakfast for me?” the doctor teased as they stepped into the elevator. “You shouldn’t have! I normally don’t take bribes from pack members, but depending on what it is, I could be swayed.”

    “I could make you something another time, Doc,” Bailey laughed.

    “Well, I have some time before my next appointment,” Dr. Brennan replied, motioning him to follow him to his office. “Please, sit.”

    Bailey took a seat, placing Claude’s food down on the chair next to him. Dr. Brennan went around to his desk, sitting across from the Bailey.

    “Is everything okay?” he asked.

    “I feel that this may bring up more questions, but I’m hesitant to tell you the back story,” Bailey began, fidgeting in his chair.

    “I can keep your confidence until a superior becomes suspicious,” Dr. Brennan replied. “If they ask me specifics, I would be forced to tell them should it come up. But rest assured, I will not divulge a patient’s medical history unless Alpha forces me to submit.”

    “I understand Doc,” Bailey sighed. He hoped that Alpha Xander would not figure out something is amiss. Dr. Bailey smiled at him.

    “You remember the woman at my house, the one you helped me with?” Bailey started. Dr. Brennan nodded.

    “Yes, Bailey, I remember the rogue,” he answered.

    “Well, I don’t know what is happening in terms of a relationship.”

    “Bailey, I am a doctor, not a therapist. I mean that in the sincerest way possible.” He told Bailey.

    “Just let me explain,” Bailey said, holding up his hand. He paused, waiting for Dr. Brennan to hold his thoughts. “I think she may be my mate, but I’m not entirely sure.”

    “What do you feel when you’re around her?” Dr. Brennan asked, typing something on his laptop.

    “I feel happy around her. I have this urge to protect her. I love her. When we’re together, it’s as if time stands still for me.” Bailey said.

    “And what about when you aren’t with her?”

    “We broke up, so to speak. Well, she said she needed time. I feel gutted like I can’t focus, and all I do is think about her.” Bailey sighed.

    “How does Grey feel about everything?” the doctor asked, looking up from his laptop.

    “Grey is pissed at me. He won’t speak to me hardly, and I know he is there. He hears me when I talk to him,” Bailey answered honestly. “It feels as though Grey has claimed her even if I haven’t yet. I know I love her, but I think I have a mate somewhere out there. When she broke up with us, it was Grey who was the one present. He took charge.”

    “Do you feel any of the other mating signs?” Dr. Bailey asked as he typed more into his laptop.

    “I don’t feel sparks like everyone does when they’re with their mate. I cannot mind-link her at all. But I do feel the warmth of her skin when it touches mine, like when I shook her hand and introduced myself. Her hand felt warmer than any other she-wolf I have ever shaken hands with. When we are intimate, I feel warm. Almost like wearing clothes that just came out of the dryer. So comfortable.” Bailey said, remembering the way she felt in his arms.

    Dr. Brennan was scrolling on his laptop, holding up his index finger indicating he needed a few moments. Bailey leaned back in his chair. Deciding to relax.

    “Bailey,” he finally said. “I think I have figured out what’s happening.”

    Bailey sat up, leaning forward toward the doctor. “Okay, tell me. Lay it on and don’t hold back.”

    “You two are not fated mates.”

    “I already know that, Doc. Tell me something useful!” Bailey said, heavily sighing this time.

    “What do you know about second chance mates?” Dr. Brennan asked, leaning back in his chair.

    “But I haven’t found, found my mate,” Bailey replied, confused. “I came here because I’m not sure if she is my mate.”

    “You feel drawn to her, you feel you want to protect her. You don’t want to be apart from her, she’s broken up with you and you feel so lost you’re distracted,” Dr. Brennan began, holding his index finger up yet again, signaling to Bailey to let him speak. Bailey snapped his mouth shut.

    “The only thing missing is the ability to mind-link her, and the sparks,” Dr. Brennan continued, turning his laptop toward Bailey. “I have just pulled up an article in the general archives regarding a situation such as this.”

    “Okay, what does it say?” he questioned the doctor. “I can read but I don’t have a lot of time.”

    “The gist is that she is your second chance mate, and you are hers. The difference is you have not found your fated mate first. You found your second chance mate first. This appears to only have happened a handful of times, based on this article.”

    “So, I have two mates?” Bailey asked, confused.

    “Technically, only one.” Dr. Brennan answered thoughtfully. “Because your fated mate and you do not end up accepting each other. Consider it as…. you are destined for your rogue mate. I do not know who rejects who in your specific case because I am a doctor, not a fortune-teller. But know this: The Moon Goddess blesses only those deemed worthy to have a second chance mate.”

    “Okay,” Bailey said, deep in thought. “So, in order for me to be with my second chance mateogue, I should find my fated mate first? Do I reject her off the bat?”

    “No,” Dr. Brennan answered him, jerking his head up to look at him. “You must let it play out. The Moon Goddess could very well decide the rogue is no longer your second chance if you change fate by rejecting your fated mate. My professional opinion is that you should let your fated mate find you, let it play out, the rejection happens and then return to the rogue mate of yours and claim her. The Moon Goddess pairs wolves for a reason. Let fate play out and you will have your little family.”

    Bailey nodded and stood up to leave.

    “Bailey,” Dr. Brennan said, forcing Bailey to turn around and face him. “How is… the patient?”

    “Her name is Claude,” Bailey said smiling. “I haven’t seen her for a few weeks since she broke up with me. But prior, she was great, very spunky.”

    “Would it be okay for me to check up on her? I know she is due rather soon,” Dr. Brennan asked. “I am not sure why she is there, and I don’t wish to know unless I need to. But I do want to ensure a safe pregnancy and a safe delivery.”

    “Yes, Doc. I actually meant to ask you earlier, but it slipped my mind,” Bailey said.

    “Okay, let me know when you wish to have me pay her a visit,” Dr. Brennan smiled as he ushered Bailey out of his office and locking it. “I will make sure I have everything I need to check up on her properly. I will not breathe a word of her existence unless forced to submit.”

    “I will, Doc,” Bailey nodded as they stepped back into the elevator. “I know there isn’t much time.”

    “I understand,” Dr. Brennan replied. “Are you able to talk about how she ended up here?”

    “No,” Bailey shook his head quickly. He peered around, looking for anyone who might have heard that part of the conversation. Werewolf hearing had its perks, but the drawback was being unable to keep a private conversation private if you were speaking to another in public. “I will let Claude decide to tell you if she chooses to.”

    “Noted,” Dr. Brennan said.

    Bailey left the pack hospital and headed to the training field. The guards would be taking a break soon, so he would slip into the prison at that point. He sighed as he waited. He debated whether to tell Claude about what he learned. He wanted to be with her so badly, fated mate be damned. If he was going to end up with Claude, perhaps he should tell her. It’s not as though she goes out or anything, since she chose to stay down there.

    There was a lot to consider.