Broken Moon

Chapter 12

James POV

I arrive at Marty’s and see Altic waiting at our table. I sigh. It is not that I have something against him personally but I was really hoping for some time alone with Lizzy. Just to understand what was going on. Was she at all interested in me? Or was all this confusing mate but not a mate something only happening in my head. I think back to the car where my hand had connected with her. Nothing had ever felt so right in my life. I had wanted to pull her into my arms and mark her so everyone would know we belonged to each other. I wanted to make sure she felt safe and loved. I wanted her to be my future Luna because I could not imagine going to bed next to anyone else.

I go sit down and we greet each other. Then there is a long awkward silence. What should we talk about? Usually when

two Alphas meet then we would be discussing a dispute or putting the finishing touches on a treaty. My mind goes through many avenues before deciding work must be the best entryway. Recently all people seem to talk about is the new economic system Maron had written. While honestly I was not completely sold on it almost everyone I spoke to only had great things to say about it. I therefore hoped that if I mentioned it it would make Altic start talking and maybe the

evening could start in a good place.

Unfortunately, that backfired quickly as Altic clearly had a strong dislike for the proposition and suddenly I don’t know why this made me defensive. My honest thoughts were that I saw a lot of flaws in the proposition even though I felt it came from a good place of heart. Maybe it is the alpha blood rearing its ugly head. It is really hard for alphas to truly be friends because of the competitiveness and fighting instinct. If we don’t have something real to fight about then we just make it up. Against my will too. I wanted this dinner to be friendly. I bring up the only thing about the proposition I could find which seemed to be a good thing, the help to packs like the Moon Paws and the Snowclan.

The moon paws live in the forest of the north. Very few humans live there and little trade occurs. They basically live like we had centuries ago. In the description were stories from interviewed members about being forced to watch family member failing to heal until irreparable damage was done or even dying due to malnutrition. There were pictures of a funeral for a little girl of maybe five who was just skin and bones. In fact, all pictures were of very thin people.

The Snowclan were well-fed but had other issues. They lived in a mining town where there was a large amount of human males but a very small number of human women. As a result of lack of funds the alpha and willing fathers had starting selling nights with their daughters. As the women got their wolves this was much harder to do so the focused mainly on girls under eighteen. There was one story of a mother who had tried to save her daughter and been beaten to death for it. Another of a mother who had said goodbye to her baby-girl and put her up for adoption in order to keep her away from the men selling girls.

The argument is not enough to persuade Altic to change his view. I can’t really blame him as it was not enough for me either. We were sitting in silence again when the girls arrived. In that moment the start of the evening seized to matter. Lizzy walked in a pair of tightfitting jeans and black t-shirt with the word Explosive on it. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

They sit down and ask us about what we were talking about. Not again. Altic does not say anything so I do.

“We were talking about Marons new economic system. Have you read it?”

Lizzy’s sister Lina answer and words my skepticism in a way I had not yet gotten to. But she was absolutely right and I found myself nodding and agreeing. Lina was very small compared to her sister but they shared similar features. We order food and then Altic seems to decide to grant my unspoken wish and asks Lina to go look at something with him. I am left alone with Lizzy.

Our milkshakes arrive. Lizzy takes a sip and lets out a small moan.

“That is so good!” she says. “Maybe the best milkshake I have ever had.”

That little moan made me hard in an instant. How are people able to be out in public with their mates? I’m going to look up statistics for mated werewolves arrested by humans for indecent exposure later tonight.

I realize my time is running out so I ask:

“Are you my mate? I know I should not need to ask. But my wolf and I are confused.”

“Honestly I don’t know. My wolf and I are not seeing eye to eye on this issue.”

I reach out my hand to her and she takes it. It is strange how this can both make my blood pump so much faster while still calming me down. I move a stray lock of hair from her face and she tilts her head slightly. I was just about to grab the opening when she grabs a hold of her stomach and in a discreet manner falls to the floor. I both see the pain on her and feel a small replica of it in my heart.

“What is happening?” I ask.

“Darkness, ow, my wolf.” She exhales heavily and says through gritted teeth. “Find Altic. Help.”

I don’t want to leave her but I do as she asks and hurry towards the area I saw them leave. Altic has Lizzy’s sister pressed against the wall. Her arms and legs are wrapped around him. While I am pleased the competition for Lizzy has moved on I am dangerously pissed off at the same time. This jerk has the nerve to kiss the sister of a girl he was flirting with! I meant to simply pull him off her but accidentally punched him instead.

“Stop, you are hurting Lizzy!” I say.

Lina looks at me startled and regretful. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course she is in pain.” She rushes over towards our table.