His Luna

Coinless

“Don't you think they would question my presence here?” Kirsty was mindful of her actions as she took a step beside the old woman. Kirsty had initially thought that the old woman had forgotten about her request to join her in the kitchen. However, to her surprise, the woman was waiting for her with a wide smile when she finished her tasks and left the house. It was clear that the old woman wanted Kirsty to accompany her to the castle. As they approached the heavily guarded castle, Kirsty's apprehension grew. She couldn't help but wonder how she would pass through the security without raising any suspicions. After all, she was not a regular member of the pack or one of the expected guests.

However, Kirsty also understood the need for such tight security measures. The Alpha's presence in the castle meant it was a vital and sensitive location for the pack. Protecting their leader and the guests was of utmost importance,

As Kirsty expressed her concern about being questioned, the old woman turned toward her with a reassuring smile.

"They won't, as long as you are with me," she replied, instilling a sense of confidence in Kirsty. The old woman seemed to possess a certain authority or influence within the pack, which gave Kirsty hope that her presence would be accepted without any issues. She understood that anyone who wished to enter the castle had to provide their reasons and specific duties. Additionally, they were required to receive a coin, serving as a gate pass, before gaining access through the entrance door. This system of security checks demonstrated the pack's strict protocols and their commitment to maintaining order and safety within their territory. Kirsty realized that these measures were in place to protect not only the Alpha and the guests but also the entire pack community.

As Kirsty's thoughts wandered, her mind momentarily drifted back to the day she had first arrived at the pack. She vividly recalled the feeling of uncertainty and trepidation as she entered alongside a group of other slaves. Their presence in the pack suggested a complex dynamic, possibly indicating a history of human involvement or servitude within the pack's structure.

Interrupting her reflections, the old woman's voice broke through the momentary silence, calling Kirsty's name again.

"Kirsty?" she repeated this time with a hint of anticipation. It was as though the old woman sensed Kirsty's temporary detachment and sought to bring her back to the present moment.

“Kirsty?”

She had no idea that the woman was repeating on calling her name as the soldier was looking at her. She was lost in her thoughts once again.

“I…I apologize.” She started to get nervous about it. The soldier’s eyes were skeptical, but Kirsty know her advantage upon knowing the guard’s weaknesses that were shown in his skeptical eyes.

Even if she has the ability to know anyone’s weaknesses, she can’t just use it to her own advantage, as she can't do anything about when these members of the pack know that she’s a rogue. Hating her would be an understatement. And she wondered how would Kirsty react, even the old woman, and anyone she had known in her stay inside if they know she belonged to the kind that was hated the most.

“State your name.” Behind the strong and authoritative voice lies the weaknesses that Kirsty and the guard were the only ones who know about.

With confidence, Kirsty replied.

"Kirsty. Kirsty Lincoln." She stated her name clearly, not allowing any hint of apprehension to seep into her voice. It was important for her to appear composed, despite the underlying uncertainties she carried within.

“Kirsty Lincoln?” The guard's response betrayed a flicker of recognition and surprise as he repeated her name slowly as if trying to place it. Perhaps Kirsty's name carried significance or triggered a memory for him. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused this reaction and whether it would affect her entry into the castle.

As the momentary pause lingered, Kirsty's mind raced with questions. Was her name known within the pack or the castle for some reason? Had she unintentionally drawn attention to herself, or was there a deeper connection at play? The guard's reaction only served to deepen the mystery surrounding her presence and purpose in this intricate world.

Nevertheless, Kirsty maintained her composure, affirming her identity once again.

"Yes," she confirmed, asserting her name with unwavering resolve. She hoped that her straightforward response would satisfy the guard and alleviate any concerns he might have.

The guard’s eyes widened as if stating her name rang a bell inside his head. He looked intently into her physique. It was a discomfort on her part as her appearance might be familiar to those who were present during the night they arrived, that slaves that were brought and she was one of them.

“The coin.”

She had no idea what the guard was talking about. And the old woman nudged her on the side.

“I dont-”

“Mr. the young lady is with me, I am tasked in the kitchen, in the preparation of the food to be served tonight.”

“The coin, Ms.”

As the old woman tried to vouch for Kirsty's presence, informing the guard of her assigned role in the kitchen, the guard remained unmoved. His response was direct and uncompromising, demanding the coin that served as a gate pass for entry into the castle. Kirsty's heart sank as she realized she didn't possess the necessary coin. The realization that she lacked the required item sent a wave of frustration and disappointment through her. She had hoped that the old woman's explanation would be sufficient to gain her access, but it seemed the guard was resolute in his duty to enforce the established protocols.

With a heavy sigh, Kirsty mustered her courage and confessed,

"I... don't have one." Her voice wavered slightly, reflecting her growing apprehension about the possibility of being denied entry. The reality of the situation was becoming clearer with each passing moment.

The guard's response was firm and decisive. "Then you are not allowed inside the castle," he declared, his tone leaving no room for negotiation or exceptions. His position outside the entrance door emphasized his authority and control over access to the castle.

As the guard remained resolute in his decision, Kirsty cast a quick glance at the old woman who had accompanied her. Their eyes met briefly, conveying a shared sense of disappointment and concern. It was clear that the old woman's influence was limited in this situation, and Kirsty would have to find another way.

"Mr., I need the help of the lady," the old woman pleaded, her voice laced with a sense of urgency. "I can't do my duty properly, and we are running out of time as the festivity is mere hours away."

The old woman's words aimed to convey the critical nature of their predicament. She emphasized that Kirsty's involvement was essential for the successful completion of her own assigned tasks. By highlighting the time-sensitive nature of the festivity, she underscored the potential consequences of not allowing Kirsty entry.

“The explanation why she doesn't have the coin?”

She felt that the guard was trying to understand her situation as she was accompanying the old woman, and Kirsty knew that the woman was speaking facts. The event is hours from now, and it was already past noon time, and they would do an important thing inside the kitchen. The old woman was responsible for the dishes and Kirsty had to help her. She was contemplating it as the castle was not a safe place for her, with the fear that perhaps someone might be able to recognize her.

“She was not tasked inside the castle, but she had been in the ranch for weeks now.”

“The ranch?” The guard turned his head on Kirsty who started to get nervous.

As the guard turned his head towards Kirsty upon hearing the mention of the ranch, her nervousness began to intensify. It seemed that her response had piqued his interest and raised further questions. However, she quickly composed herself, realizing the need to tread carefully and maintain proper decorum.

“Yes, Mr. In the ranch. I…I was tasked by Sam-the beta.” She almost said the name of the beta but she immediately took it back, as it was informal, and who knows saying the name of the beta was not allowed.

“The beta…I see.” The guard was in the depth of his mind but remained alert of the surroundings.

There was a moment of silence while they were still outside the door. And Kirsty was thankful at least that no one was with them outside.

"Please, let the woman be with me. I can't fulfill my duties properly without her assistance, and it was never my intention to hinder the preparations for the festivity tonight." She emphasized the importance of their collective responsibility, highlighting that her presence was crucial to ensuring the smooth progress of their tasks.

The guard, still lost in his thoughts, maintained his alertness to the surroundings, demonstrating his commitment to his duty. Kirsty could sense the weight of his decision hanging in the air, unsure of how he would respond.

“Alright. But don't let the woman escape the said place. Some of the guards inside would still check the coin of each person inside the castle, and the moment they would notice you don't have it, the Alpha would personally check the said person.” With a mixture of relief and trepidation, Kirsty heard the guard's response granting permission for the old woman to accompany her. However, his words also carried a note of caution, highlighting the importance of ensuring the woman did not escape the designated area. It became evident that there were further security measures inside the castle, with guards assigned to check the coin of each person who entered. Any deviation from the established protocol would not go unnoticed.

“The…Alpha?” Kirsty uttered. It was the last person that she would expect to cross paths with, aside from her mate who never find the time to look for her.

“Yes.”

The guard's confirmation of the Alpha's presence further emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Kirsty's mind raced with questions about the potential ramifications of being personally scrutinized by the Alpha. What would it mean for her? What judgments or decisions might stem from such an encounter? The unknown loomed large, both daunting and enticing.

As much as she wanted to know the reason behind it, she can't just let the man know that she was interested in it. It might catch his attention to such interest and it would do her no good. The guard opened the entrance door and the buzzing sound of people inside was loud yet it was that kind of buzz that signified that people were careful of what they were doing.

While they were walking inside, Kirsty felt the old woman holding her arm and whispered.

“Let’s be careful.” It was so low that she might not be able to hear it if the woman did not hold her arm to catch her attention to what she was saying.

“Yes.”

The realization of the potential encounter with the Alpha brought a mix of excitement, anticipation, and apprehension to Kirsty's heart. She knew that navigating the upcoming challenges and ensuring her presence went undetected would require utmost caution and strategic thinking.

“And don't leave my side, don't worry.”

Kirsty let the woman drag her to where they were going, to the kitchen of the castle. And something inside was pulling her, the bond that she felt when she was in the household of Sam, outside with the man she waited for to come back. And her heart was pounding with every step that she took.