Her Own Luna

Chapter 16

The Alpha who had called the meeting started it by telling of an incident a week before that. His warriors had gone out on a patrol after reports of fencing and cameras down along the border. They were attacked by bears and killed. Soon after, they sustained an attack by foxes. They went for the weak and the children first. By the time a full defense was on the warpath, the foxes scattered and only a few were captured.

"That should prove once and for all that the foxes and bears are working together," one man said.

"But why?" another voice spoke.

"We know that foxes and bears hate wolves. They always have. They are working together to take us out and take our packlands. Wolves have the best land."

"Because we worked hard for it."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean anything to them. They want it so they are taking it and taking us out to get it."

"What happens when they get it? They won't get along."

"I'm sure they have that figured out among themselves, bears among bears, foxes among foxes."

The room grew silent as everyone looked thoughtful.

"We're going to have to fight back and fight back hard enough that they can't regroup for decades to come," Damian said. "I'm talking a full scale attack deep in the heart of their territories."

"Do you understand what that would mean?" Christian said.

"Yes... but what do you think it would mean?" Damian asked.

"Slaughter foxes? Just like that? We'd lose so many warriors. The bears are stronger. What if you're wrong and the foxes aren't to blame?"

Anna looked at him, horrified. Was he going to put Vera's feelings over the lives of their own kind?

The Alpha who'd called the meeting stood and looked down on him with contempt. "Are you calling me a liar?"

"No!" he defended. "We just need to think this through!"

"And how long would you spend thinking? Until every one of us has been attacked? All of our children and elderly are dead?" Damian asked.

"You're being unfair," Christian said.

"No, I don't believe he is," another Alpha said. "Why do you wish to save the foxes so badly? You didn't mention the bears' possible innocence."

"I mean both, obviously," Christian said. He looked incredibly uncomfortable. "I just want us to think before we get too deep in anything."

"Noted," Damian said.

The meeting went on, everyone, except Christian, agreeing an attack may be the only option. They adjourned the meeting, agreeing to each prepare to take action sometime in the next two months.

It was late in the day, so everyone would leave in the morning. That meant another dinner. Christian didn't want to go, but not going would look worse than going under dressed. However, he ate and left early leaving Anna there alone. She put on her best smile and socialized. She was afraid Christian's action would reflect badly on them, so she was attempting to get ahead of it. Politics were everything when it came to pack relations.

She stood off by herself after hours of making polite conversation and drinking. She felt a presence beside her. She knew it was Damian before she even had to look.

"Hello Anna, are you doing alright?" he asked. The softness in his voice surprised her.

"I am okay, thank you."

"Are you sure? I can tell something is going on."

She sighed, wishing she had someone to confide in. "I'm alright, really. Sure, there's things going on, but I wouldn't be a very good Luna if I discussed them with you."

He nodded. "I admire you, you know that? You're confident, strong, you can work a crowd, you show such beauty and grace no matter what. That's priceless in a Luna."

The compliment was nice, but she wished it was coming from Christian. She wanted him to see her that way. She wanted his appreciation. Instead, she smiled at Damian. "Thank you, you are too kind. I must be going now. We do leave very early tomorrow."

He dipped his head and walked away.

She watched him go. Wondering what secrets that man kept close. He seemed to be full of mystery.