The Unmated Luna

The Sankofa Wolf pack had been experiencing unprecedented shifts and changes in leadership since the former Alpha Mubaka (moo-bach-a) decided to break the mate bond he shared with Luna Thandi (Tahn-dee) a little over a year ago. Each wolf in the wolf pack was given the option to choose which leader they wanted to serve under, allegiances were tested during that time and in the end there were wolves who decided to leave the Sankofa lands with Alpha Mubaka. On the other hand, there were also those who chose to stay and protect their Luna and the pack land and mission that had been passed down in their bloodline for generations. The pack’s leadership council had been growing uncomfortable with the idea of the pack not having an Alpha male leading and protecting it for over a year. They had been pressuring Thandi to move on and mate with a new Alpha to ensure the safety and longevity of their way of life. But Thandi was just not ready to open up to a new mate yet, at least not in the way that the Pack Council was insisting she do. The pack was still protected by the usual Sentinel/Watcher wolves, the Guardians and of course the Warrior Wolves so they were not technically vulnerable to physical or spiritual attack from rival packs or predators but order did need to be restored, on some level. Since the Alpha’s departure, Thandi had assumed the role of leader with the guidance of the Pack council who were a committee of Elders and selected pack members that provided their expertise and some “checks and balances” to the Alpha and Luna of the pack. It was not uncommon for packs to be co-led by an Alpha female (called Luna) but often this meant that that pack had to prove themselves to other rival communities who did not necessarily respect the leadership (nor a pack led by) a female Alpha. Luna was well aware of the whispers that were moving through each of the neighboring (and not so local) wolf communities and she didn’t like it. It wasn’t her fault that her mate decided to break the bond, she had done all that she could to keep them together but it was outside of her control and there was no way for her to make things return to the way they used to be. In the midst of all the gossip, the Council and a majority of the pack voted to install Luna Thandi as the official packs leader and her primary role would continue to be protecting the packs emotional well- being,as well as ensuring the pack remained unified and strong. Alongside Thandi, the protector wolves of the pack (and there were many) would assume the Alphas role of leading hunts and defending the pack physically. It was decided that in lieu of an Alpha making the decision, all major pack decisions would be made by the Council (to include Luna Thandi) and at different points in the decision making process, the entire pack would have the option to vote on what they felt was best, as well. This was the proposed structure for the next few years and Thandi was more than willing to accept this proposal if it meant she didn’t need to rush and mate with someone who she wasn’t naturally bonded to. In preparation for her official “Transfer of Power” ceremony, Thandi had to sit through a ton of lectures and read up on all of the pack laws to ensure she was equipped to participate in Decision making conversations that might arise once she was fully installed as the Alpha Luna. She was nervous and found herself feeling stressed and worried that she might not perform well in this new role, even though she was very comfortable and very good at being a regular Luna who made sure her packs emotional needs were met. Luna sat in a private room tucked off in the back of the library (only available for reservation by pack Leaders). She sat with her sticky notes and her highlighters and her head in hand as she ready about all of the ways she might have to discipline her community, if a member disobeyed the laws. (FLOP) **Mentor drops a thick booklet onto Thandi’s desk** “Here you go, Thandi. More Reading for you”, said Elder Ester as she let the thick booklet flop onto the desk. “These are the newly established laws that were recently voted in by the pack during this unprecedented time. Be sure that you read this booklet, in its entirety because it outlines some really important details pertaining to ‘The Luna Guard’” “The Luna Guard?”, whispered Thandi. “When did that become a thing? And what is it exactly?” Thandi asked as she looked up at Elder Ester for some much needed clarity. Elder Ester just chuckled, turned towards the door and as she was leaving out she insisted “read the booklet in its entirety… by tomorrow, Thandi” Thandi was intrigued! What in the world was The Luna Guard? She needed to know and she needed to know NOW! So, she put her other reading aside and she immediately started scanning the new booklet for answers! She went straight for the table of contents and found what she was looking for with ease. Turning to page 114 she read: “The Luna Guards sole responsibility is to protect the Alpha Luna of the pack”, Thandi read. “Ooooo, I like the sound of this already!” As the regular Luna, Thandi had been use to having one body guard for protection but this Luna Guard was apparently a few wolves from each area of the packs defense teams who were assigned to protect the Alpha Luna at all times. Thandi’s curiosity peaked and so she kept reading to learn more about the Guard. “Each wolf is combat trained and battle ready but there are some who hold specific protective powers that include (but is not limited to): protecting from supernatural/spiritual threats and magical threats.” Thandi would be surrounded by a small team of wolves who would protect her spiritually and physically throughout her day, never leaving her side. At all times, there would be at least 3 Guardians protecting the Alpha Luna, according to the manual Thandi was reading. “Since the Luna Guard will operate as the Alpha Luna’s protector (while also taking on a few of the significant responsibilities of the Luna’s Alpha mate) a BONDING CEREMONY is required to take place on the night that the Alpha Luna is initiated into her new role” “Bonding Ceremony?” wondered Thandi as she read those words over again. “What type of bonding ceremony could they possibly be referring to?” She read on further to see if there would be a more detailed description of this BONDING CEREMONY that she was required to participate in. (Thandi turns to page 115) THE BONDING CEREMONY. In the absence of a natural mate bond, a wolf may choose a mate and activate a chosen mate bond instead. All members of The Luna Guard will be required to volunteer to activate a mate bond with the Alpha Luna that they’re sworn to protect with their lives. In turn, the Alpha Luna must voluntarily choose to accept each bond that is initiated. If a bond is rejected then that wolf will be unable to perform its duties as a member of the Luna Guard and will be reassigned to a different role within the community.” “Oh, okay… that seems understandable”, Thandi whispered to herself. “Activating a chosen mate bond doesn’t sound so bad.” She continues to read. “This mate bond will be officially activated when each wolf arouses the Alpha Luna to the point of climax and receives her verbal acceptance of the bond.” Thandi rereads that last line again and with a confused look on her face she blurts out loudly in the library, “WAIT !? WHAT?”