Alphas prefer fiesty Lunas

He has to watch his mouth

*Zac*

I stand in front of the Morningstar mansion, staring at the servants' entrance. I had seen a look of sheer panic in Meg's eyes before I had agreed not to accompany her inside. I scowl, worried that she might be punished for returning so late from the market.

Although I have met the Alpha and Luna of Crows River on several occasions, when it comes right down to it, I don't know much about them. I have no idea what kind of household they run. Some of the high packs treat their servants abominably. And although I refuse to believe I feel anything other than lust for Meg, I am terrified that she might be turned out or beaten.

I have a strong urge to march right into the Morningstar kitchen and make sure that Meg is being treated like the heroine she is. I sigh, slightly irritated at the extent of my concern. I am not at all sure that she has completely recovered from her fall. All I really want to do at this moment is to take Meg into my arms, carry her up to her room, and tuck her into bed with a nice cold compress on her head. I groan at the vision I am painting in my mind. If I managed to get her tucked into bed, I doubt that I would be able to stop myself from climbing in beside her.

"Zac!" Summer pokes her head out of the carriage. "What are you waiting for?"

I tear my gaze away from the mansion. "Nothing, Sums, nothing at all. I'm just a little concerned about Meg. Do you suppose she will be all right? What kind of people are the Alpha and Luna?"

"Oh, they're lovely. I've met them several times at parties." She says.

"So have I, brat, but that doesn't make them paragons of virtue."

Summer sighs and rolls her eyes. "If you ever spent more than one minute at the parties that Mama and I force you to attend, you would know that the Morningstars are simply wonderful. They're very kind and not at all stuffy; Mama is extremely fond of Luna Norah. I think they have tea together at least once a fortnight. I don't think we have to worry about Meg now that we know she works here. I cannot imagine the Luna allowing anyone to be mistreated in her home."

"I hope you're right. We owe Meg a great deal. It's the least we can do to see to her welfare." I say.

"Don't think I don't know it, dear brother. I intend to call on Luna Norah this week to tell her how Meg saved Charlie. I am certain that she will not allow such bravery to go unrewarded." My sister says.

I climb into the carriage and sit back into its plush seat as the wheels start rolling. "That's a good idea, Summer."

"I could go tonight, of course, but I really don't feel up to it." She sighs.

"What do you mean you could go tonight?" I ask.

My sister roll her eyes, "Really, Zac, you must keep track of things. Luna Norah is throwing a huge bash tonight. I'm sure you were invited. You're always invited to everything even though you never go. If you don't start..."

"Spare me the 'you'll-never-meet-a-nice-marriageable-she-wolf-and-produce-an-heir' lecture, please. I have heard it before, and I'm not interested."

Summer shoots me an irritated glance. "Well, it's true, and you know as well as I that you cannot remain a bachelor forever. All you do is carouse with your friends, and they're just as roguish as you are."

I grin rakishly. "Really, Sums, it's not as if I'm lacking for female companionship."

"Oooooh!" Summer splutters. "You say these things just to annoy me. I know you do. Those she-wolves are hardly worth mentioning in my presence."

"Those she-wolves, as you so delicately put it, want nothing from me other than a few baubles, which is exactly why I choose to share my bed with them. They, at least, are honest about their materialistic desires." I tell her.

My sister huffs, "There you go again! You know that I hate to hear about your torrid affairs. I swear, Zac, I'm going to box your ears."

"Cease the histrionics, Summer. We both know that you love to hear about my so-called torrid affairs. You're just too prudish and proper to admit it." I grin.

Summer slumps in defeat as I arrogantly lift one eyebrow. I am absolutely right. She loves hearing about my adventures... amorous or otherwise. She just doesn’t want to give me the satisfaction of admitting it. Besides, how is she to keep up her crusade to get me mated if I know how fascinating she finds my lifestyle? Still, she makes one last attempt. “You know you’re going to need an heir, Zac.”

I lean toward my sister and smile at her wickedly. “I would imagine that I will be physically able to sire a son ten or even fifteen years from now. But if you like, I will be happy to give you the name and address of my most recent mistress. I’m sure she can vouch for my virility.”

“Mama, what’s virility?” Charlie pipes up.

“Nothing you need to worry about for many years,” Summer says breezily. And then in hushed tones: “Zac, I swear you’ve got to watch what you say around him. He absolutely idolizes you. As it is, he’s probably going to be telling all our maids about his virility for the next month.”

I laugh. “All right, brat, I will watch my speech, if only to protect your maids from falling prey to his lustful desires. Now, will you just be a good girl and tell me about this ball tonight?”

Summer arches her eyebrows. “Suddenly interested in the social scene, are we?”

“I just want to check up on Meg. I’ll go for my usual fifteen minutes and then leave.” I say.

“Luna Norah wants to introduce her American niece to pack society,” Summer explains. “I hear it’s to be a grand affair.”

I look at her, “Then why aren’t you going?”

“I just don’t feel like going out with Oliver away, and...” She smiles shyly and pats her stomach. “I’m expecting again.”

“Are you serious! That’s wonderful!” I smile broadly and sweep my sister into an affectionate hug. As dead-set as I am against marriage and children for myself, I do love spending time with Charlie and am thrilled at the prospect of another nephew or niece. “Ah, here we are,” I say as the carriage comes to a stop in front of Summer’s home. “Take care now, sister. Don’t overexert yourself.” I kiss Summer on the cheek and pat her hand.

*Summer*

I take my brother’s hand as he helps me out of the carriage. “Really, Zac, I’m not even showing yet. I hardly think I need to take to my bed.”

“Of course, dear, but you should be careful. Riding in the park is definitely out of the question.” He tells me.

I smile at my brother’s concern. “For all your rakish ways, Zac, you really are an exemplary uncle. Just look at how Charlie adores you.”

He glances down at the boy. Sure enough, he is tugging on his coat, begging him to come inside and play. Zac tousles his hair. “Another time, scamp. I promise.”

“You know, Zac,” I begin. “I just know you’d make an excellent mate and father, too, if you would just take the time to look for the right she-wolf.”

Zac crosses his arms. “Don’t start with me now. I have had enough lecturing for one day. Besides, I have got this damned ball to get ready for.” With a wave, he climbs back into the carriage, instructing his driver to take him back to his bachelor’s residence.

I wave back, standing on my doorstep, holding Charlie’s hand. At least he is going to the party tonight. That is a start. With luck, he will meet someone suitable.