The Luna Who Couldn't Love

Selene Vale slammed her palm on the heavy oak table. “Enough!” she bellowed as the din of the Council threatened to take over the meeting. She stood from the head of the table, and the bickering quietened instantly. Every eye turned toward her. “We are going to have an orderly meeting,” Selene said, settling back into her chair. “If you have something to say, raise your hand.” Elder Marrow cleared his throat, folding his arms. “We cannot keep pretending these rogue attacks are random, Luna. The Beckley family was nearly slaughtered three nights ago, and these scentless wolves grow bolder with every moon. We can't just do nothing.” “The rogues have been apprehended,” Selene replied, her voice cold as steel. “They are in the dungeons as we speak, and Beta Aldric is leading the interrogation. We will have answers soon.” “And if the answers point inward?” Aldric asked smoothly, breaking his silence. “A pack without an Alpha is seen as easy prey. Other packs smell weakness, and our own people are starting to whisper.” The room grew deathly quiet. Selene kept her spine straight, her face an unreadable mask. She rose slowly. “I have held these walls for five years without faltering. If any of you doubt my ability to protect this pack, speak plainly.” Elder Ashley raised his hand hesitantly. “Perhaps it is time to form an alliance with another pack for added strength?” “Do you know of any pack who is interested?” Selene asked, her gaze sweeping the room. “Er... No.” Selene smiled thinly. “Moonridge has stood tall for generations. We are prosperous and stable. What we lack in raw military strength, we make up for in structures, resources, and our treasury reserves. An alliance must benefit us, not just protect us.” “But you won't deny that our situation is unique,” Beta Aldric pushed, seizing the opening. “We are the only pack ruled by a Luna. You cannot continue to rule Moonridge without an Alpha.” The council chamber went ice cold. Selene's fingers pressed into the armrests of Rowan's chair; her chair now, no matter what any of them thought. “Say that again,” she said. “Louder this time.” Aldric's jaw tightened, but he backed down, lowering his eyes. “Forgive me, Luna. I spoke out of turn. I have simply heard the rumors for too long.” “Lucian is the rightful heir,” Selene stated, her voice echoing in the silence. “He is ten years old. Until he comes of age and claims his wolf, I rule Moonridge. It is what Rowan would have wanted. No?” “Definitely, Luna,” Aldric murmured. “Good. I will look into whether any worthy packs are open to an alliance,” Selene concluded, giving a sharp nod. “We meet again in a fortnight. In the meantime, Gamma Garrick will double the patrols. May the Moon Goddess watch over us all.” Selene walked out of the council chamber with rigid shoulders and fury simmering beneath her skin. How dare they? They dare to question my authority. Have I ever failed them? Do I even have a time when I don't think about Moonridge? You shouldn't bother about them. As for Beta Aldric, he is jealous of you, her wolf replied. Jealous? Humpf... What a silly idea. When next you see him, try to sense his aura. Smell him and you will find his jealousy. Selene walked into the kitchen and saw Mira. “Good day Luna.” “Thank goodness you are here. Come with me.” Mira followed Selene to the west wing of the palace. The moment the heavy bedroom doors closed behind them, Selene sank into a soft donut-shaped chair and sighed. “I don't know how I have coped all these years with the Council. Each time we have a meeting, they make me want to pull out my hair.” Mira tried to stifle her chuckle. “Men will always be men.” Mira stood at the door. “Mira, I need a massage. Can you help me out?” “I'll be delighted.” Selene removed her clothes, tied a towel and lay on the bed. As Mira worked the tension from her shoulders, Selene finally asked the question that had been troubling her since the council meeting. “Do you think I'm not doing a good job with Moonridge?” “As far as I can see, you are doing the best you can.” “But they don't see it that way.” “Do you need them to validate you?” “You are holding Moonridge together till Lucian comes of age. That's not a small feat.” “Hmmm...okay.” After a few minutes, Mira was through. “I feel like jelly,” Selene said as her arms dangled limp beside her. Mira chuckled. “But I'm taking Lucian for a walk. He loves the outdoors.” She stretched her hand for her robe which Mira handed over to her. “He will make a fine Alpha someday.” Selene smiled. “And that's all I've ever wanted.” There was a knock at the door. “Mama, it's me.” Mira gave Selene a knowing look. “I'll see you later,” Selene told Mira with a nod as she reached for her robe. Mira slipped out of the chambers and shut the door, leaving mother and son together. As Selene and Lucian walked into the garden behind the Moonridge Palace. “Mama, everyone has a wolf except me.” “Your wolf will come to you soon. Besides, most young boys and girls like you haven't met their wolf yet.” “What is it like?” “Your wolf is first your inner guide. You will shift when the Moon Goddess decides it's time. That's not in our hands. When it is time to shift, you need to be with someone you can trust…” “You?” “Yes, you can trust me but I may not be with you at the time. So it is important to be around people you can trust so that if it happens, they can keep you safe and guide you as you shift.” “Is there something else I need to know?” “Definitely,” she smiled and ruffled his hair. “Tell me!” his voice became impatient and insistent. “It's painful. You would feel like all your bones are broken.” “Ouch, sounds painful.” “It is but on the other side of that pain is your wolf. You are the future of Moonridge, your wolf will be strong. Your wolf is the Alpha and you won't have to worry about having me around because with your wolf and the Moon Goddess, you have everything.” “And you know I'll always love you.” “I know, but let's see how you feel when you finally meet your Luna.” “Nothing can surpass my love for you,” Lucian pushed out his chest. “When you meet your Luna, we shall revisit this conversation. Until then, don't make promises you can't keep.” As they kept walking, they passed some guards at the Moonridge gates who bowed in respect. “There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you. It's your sword training.” “Oh Mama, you can't be serious.” Lucian groaned and glanced at Selene's face. There was no humor in them. “I can't even lift a sword.” “You will use a practice sword.” “But I'll have my wolf to defend me.” “Which wolf are we talking about now, eh?” “The one you haven't met?” Lucian kept quiet. “I'm glad you see it my way.” They got to the stream that divides the Moonridge Palace from the pack's forest. “You will be Alpha someday and the responsibility of this kingdom will rest on your shoulders. You must be ready to defend them and even die for them. They will look up to you for protection and guidance; you will provide that. You are smart and you have your life ahead of you. I'm only holding Moonridge together till you grow into a man. Do us all a favor and be the leader we need.” Lucian picked small stones and threw them into the water. They both watched the water flow peacefully but the stream moved with the kind of peace Selene no longer trusted. Suddenly there was rustling in the leaves in front of them. Selene pulled Lucian to herself and positioned him behind her as she looked around. Relying on her sense of smell to pick up the danger, then she saw a deer run by. Selene sighed and tried to calm her racing heart. “What was that Mama?” “A deer.” “I know a deer. I mean you were scared for a moment.” “I wasn't.” “You know you can always share with me.” “Let’s go home and not a word of this to anyone.” “Not Beta Aldric, or Gamma—” “Lucian?” “Mama, can I meet your wolf?” “Not yet.” “Why?” “I don't want to scare you.” “I am a big boy, I can't get scared easily.” Selene snorted. “I’m your mother, remember?” Lucian nodded. “When do I start my training?” “We shall wait for the next full moon, if you meet your wolf then, I'll be glad that you get to train both your wolf and your sword tactics. If not...” Selene shrugged as she trailed off. “Has your governess taught you how to read maps?” “No.” “Then what has she been teaching you? I need to have a word with her.” “Please don't box her ears.” Selene laughed. “I promise you, I just want to have a word with her.” By the time they returned to Moonridge, Lucian was tired but Selene wasn't. It was time to pore over the map once again. The movement at the stream was not a deer. That was a decoy. Someone was following them. Someone was watching but she had no clue who it was or if the spies had already crossed into their territory. This unsettled her a great d eal but before she would call Beta Aldric and Gamma Garrick, she had some findings to do. “I’ll be in Rowan’s study. I am not to be disturbed.” Selene told the guard stationed in front of the study. “Yes Luna.”