Rise of the Broken Luna

9 Reaching the Pack

Fawn POV

The feeling of soft warm fur surrounds me like a blanket as I wake from sleep. I'm not sure how long I've been out, but I raise my head slightly to take in my surroundings. I can't stop the gasp that escapes my lips when I see what can only be described as a huge gray castle in the distance. It looks surreal against the moonlight. Panic washes over me when I realize we are approaching the royal pack. Why the hell would Derek bring us here? Are his parents part of the royal pack?

Ten minutes later, the wolf under me starts to slow down. The wolves that are leading us start to shift one by one into their human form. The biggest one, which I assume is Derek's brother, shifts last. I quickly cast my eyes down, my face flaming when I take in his very naked back side. "It's a very fine back side," Juniper says.

I ignore her as my eyes find him again despite the heat on my cheeks. He approaches two men who immediately drop to their knees in front of him. I can't quite hear what is being said before the guard's rise, stepping aside. What the hell is happening? "It looks like the good doctor has connections in the royal pack. Warriors don't just take a knee for anyone," Juniper says.

"Why are you so calm? Do you not realize that even if Derek's brother is a high-ranking warrior, they could be in trouble for helping a Luna escape her fated Alpha? Hell, the royals might not even see a problem with him using a breeder since I was born an omega. They could agree that I am too weak to give him a proper heir. Seth isn't the first alpha to do such a disgusting thing. We may be forced to return Juniper. I can't, I won't." My heart feels like is going to pound out of my chest as the wolf carrying me lies flat on the ground.

"Fawn, we don't know anything for sure yet. Besides, I don't think Derek would bring us here if we wouldn't be safe. He has risked himself to help us. You need to breathe. Getting this upset isn't good for you or our pup," she says. I try to do as she says as Derek approaches to help us down. "Fawn, you look pale. I'm going to take you to the infirmary as soon as we get inside. You need to be checked out," he says. I'm just about to protest when he lifts me but doesn't set me on my feet.

"Derek, I can walk. Please put me down." "Not until you are checked out properly. It's only a short walk to the castle entrance," he says. He starts to walk behind the group that have all slipped on shorts. Images of Thorn's naked behind flash in my mind. "Stop it Juniper. We haven't even broken our bond, and you are ogling another man." "First, calling Seth a man is a stretch. A real man doesn't f**k around on his mate. That is a little boy's move. A little boy who listens to his daddy's orders," she says.

I know my face is the color of a beet, so I try to keep my eyes focused on my knees. Praying that Derek doesn't notice the flush of my cheeks. "Second, he stopped being our mate the minute he stuck his mediocre d**k in wh*riella," she says. I can't stop the giggle that erupts from my throat. "Are you alright Fawn," Derek asks. "Yes, Juniper just said something that made me laugh." "If your wolf is anything like mine, I can only imagine," he says.

I smile realizing that Juniper's antics have me relaxing. That is until I hear a woman squeal. I tighten my hold on Derek. "There is my baby boy," a soft feminine voice says that is definitely getting closer to us. "Mom, I'm twenty-five. How about not calling me your baby boy. Besides, she is already freaking out about being here. How about letting me take her to see dad, and then you can cuddle me," he says. I pick up my eyes and come face to face with one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.

She offers me a warm smile that has my body relaxing. "Absolutely not," she says, looking at Derek. "She is a guest in our pack. I will be personally making sure she is taken care of. Let's get her to the infirmary. Your dad is already there waiting for us," she says. Anna moves to stand next to Derek.

"Who is this lovely young woman," Derek's mother asks. Anna smiles, offering her a hand, but she immediately pulls her into a hug. I giggle at Anna's awkwardness as she looks in my direction. "Mom, this is Anna. She is Fawn's guard. She goes wherever Fawn goes," he says. "Of course she does. We are excited to have you both here. Follow me," she says, after releasing her hold on Anna.

"What am I chopped liver," Thorn asks. She turns to look at her other son. "Always so needy, my oldest baby. I just saw you this morning at breakfast. Your brother has been gone for months, much to my chagrin. I still say that you should have let me send that tart to your aunt's kingdom instead of leaving your own home," she says.

"Mom, can we please not do this now. Fawn needs to be attended to and needs to rest. She had her first shift today," he says. "Oh, you poor girl. You must be exhausted," she says. She turns, effectively ending the conversation. Derek starts to follow her. "I will see you at breakfast, brother. We have a lot to discuss," Thorn says as we pass him. My eyes meet his for the briefest second and I swear he looks pissed. Did I do something to offend him? When we step into the castle, I gasp again. It's amazing. It reminds me of the story books my mother read me as a child.

Derek continues to carry me through a large foyer and then down a long hallway. Derek's mother pushes the door open and we step inside. "Timothy, my love," she calls out. An older version of Thorn steps out of a door on the left side of the room. A wide smile spreads across his face when his eyes land on Derek. "Son, we have missed you. I hope you plan on staying," he says. I feel like I'm intruding on a private moment. I start to squirm in Derek's arms hoping he will set me on my feet, but he tightens his hold on me.

"I'm glad to be home, Dad. I do plan on staying this time. This is Fawn and Anna. I'd like you to check Fawn out with me. She shifted for the first time today, and she is pregnant," Derek says. Concern flashes in his father's eyes. I notice his scent is not of a wolf. I wonder exactly what kind of creature he is. "My wolf protected our pup," I blurt out. His features soften, and he motions for Derek to set me down on a bed I hadn't noticed in the corner. He gently places me on the bed and steps back. Anna is immediately at my side.

"Fawn, it's nice to meet you. I'm Timothy, Derek's father. You met my wife Georgia. I want to reassure you that you are safe here. Derek hasn't told us everything because he felt you should be the one to share your story, but we know enough we approved of him bringing you here. I'm going to check your vital signs and do an ultrasound on your little one. Do you trust me to do that," he asks. I feel tears stinging my eyes.

"Thank you for helping me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all that Derek has done for me. You have raised a really good son. My wolf and I trust you both." "Good, after we get you all situated we will get you something to eat, and then I want you to rest. Would you like to share a room with your guard or have separate rooms," he says. "Together please. I trust you, but Fawn is my Luna even if we aren't part of that disgusting pack anymore," Anna says. I take her hand into mine, giving it a squeeze.

Fifteen minutes later, Timothy is moving the wand over my still flat stomach. Georgia, Derek, and Anna's eyes are glued to the screen. The room fills with the sound of a steady, strong heartbeat. I can't stop the sob that escapes me. That's my pup. No matter what happens, my pup is safe. "The pup looks good. Your wolf did an excellent job protecting your pup," he says. I giggle when Juniper puffs her chest out in my mind.

"Your wolf liked the compliment, I'm sure. She should. Not many could shift, run for hours, and protect a pup at the same time. Your wolf is very special," Georgia says. "Thank you, Georgia. Juniper appreciates the praise." "I know we have a lot to talk about, but my husband is right. You need to eat and then rest. Tomorrow after breakfast we can meet and discuss exactly what happened in the Fire Moon Pack," Georgia says.

That feeling of panic washes over me again. "As much as I appreciate all you have done, I don't want to get you in trouble with the royals for helping me. I don't want Derek or Thorn in trouble. I know alphas are respected among our kind even if they violate their bonds. I will not put any of you in danger because of me. I can live among the humans if I need to." Georgia's eyes move to Derek and her eyebrow rises in question.

Derek moves closer to my bed ignoring his mother. "Fawn, I promise you that you are safe. Nothing will happen to any of us. My mom's right. We can discuss everything tomorrow after you've rested. I need you to keep trusting me. Can you do that Fawn," he says. "I can. I trust you, Derek."