The Luna’s Throne

Feud

Hera

I looked out of the window at the wings of the plane as it descended onto the runway; I'm back home, the same place I ran away from. I walked out of the airport and I was met almost immediately by my Dad's bodyguard,

“Ma'am” he said as he helped me into the car and we began a long ride to the pack.

We arrived at dusk in front of a white semi detached duplex with nice hedges,

“Welcome back Miss Baines” Taylor, our family butler said cheerfully,

“Thank you very much” I responded with a smile as he helped me with my luggage into the house, my body still ached from sitting in the Notorious New York traffic.

“Hera” I heard my Dad's voice, as I headed towards the staircase,

“Dad, Hi” I said a bit awkwardly,

“How are you doing?” He asked,

“I'm doing okay You?”

“I'm alright, go take a shower the chef will make you something to eat. I'm heading out and I won't be back till tomorrow so take care of yourself”, he said as he stepped out.

My Dad has been like this for as long as I can remember, cold, I wasn't even expecting a hug or anything. We don't have the best relationship in the world and that's one of the reasons why I left the city. I don't know my mum, she died while giving birth to me and nobody has ever said a word about her.

“I missed you” I said as I fell face planted on my rose pink covered bed with multiple throw pillows, my room was as if I never left the walls were painted beige, pink dresser and wardrobe, fairy lights, house plants. It's the typical girly bedroom. I managed to get myself off the bed and into the shower, headed downstairs for my dinner then came back to sleep.

I woke up to streaks of sunlight penetrating through the blinds, I got up, managed to put my brown hair that looked like a bird's nest into a very messy bun, brushed my teeth and went down for breakfast. The smell of fresh pancakes entered into my nostrils, ushering me gently as I descended the grand stairway.

“You're up, finally” My Dad said tight lipped as I entered the dining room,

“Good morning” I said as I sat down,

He sipped his black coffee without even bothering to acknowledge my greeting,

“There's a charity event at the pack house this evening, I need you to make sure everything goes smoothly”,

“I'm expecting a lot of dignitaries" he continued, “Don't disappoint me” He got up and left without waiting for my response.

I quickly finished my breakfast of pancakes drizzled with honey, freshened up and began heading to the pack house which was just a short walk away from my house. The pack house is a mega three storey building with strong architecture surrounded by dense woods and an eerie atmosphere.

“Hera, love” I turned at a very familiar voice Dr Bridget, the pack Doctor, she practically raised me as my Dad was very negligent,

“Hi Bridge” I said smiling as she scoped me in for a big hug,

“You look so good, I didn't even know you were back. France looks great on you, you even picked up a lil accent” mimicking the French accent terribly,

“Thank you very much” I managed to say amidst laughter,

“You're here to prepare for the event right?” She asked

“Yes I am” I replied

“That's great, I'm on a break now so you can tell me about all your adventures in Europe as we set up” She said enthusiastically,

“Sounds like a plan” I said as we entered into the building.

Decorations were already ongoing in the ball room; There were huge chandeliers, balloons, ribbons, chairs, tables and glassware were still being organized.

“it's been a while, Hera” The Beta female said,

“Yes it's been” The head pack warrior echoed, “How are you doing?”

“I'm doing okay You?” I asked

“We are doing great as you can see” The Beta female replied laughing,

“How many guests are we expecting?” I asked while taking a look around,

“Hmm roughly a hundred, The Alpha is expecting Alphas from other packs and their entourage as well as members of the Mafia” The head pack warrior explained.

“It's an art exhibition, the proceeds will be donated to charity. Hopefully this events will be able to get us some powerful allies” The Beta female added,

“Okay I'll make sure everything goes well” I said as I walked away from them.

“I just got a call, I need to head back to the pack hospital” The pack doctor said,

“Awwn so soon? I'll see you later” I said to her as she left.

“Hera” The Beta female said, pulling my arm lightly, “There's something you need to know although I'm not supposed to be telling you this as you just arrived but…”

“No go ahead, What is it?” I asked as we moved away from the others

“Its rumoured that rogues have teamed up with the local cartel and they are planning to lead a rebellion” She whispered

“What?” terror flowed through my spine,

“Yes that's what I heard although the Alpha and Mafia heads are trying to keep the news silent. We haven't had rogue sightings in a long time which is very rare as they often roam around the borders, that's enough evidence to show that they're plotting something catastrophic. Anyway, don't tell anyone I gave you this information okay?” She asked looking around to see if there's anybody listening,

“I won't tell, I promise, Thank you”.

I walked away from her and started directing the available pack members on how to set up but I couldn't help but think about what she said. Rogues and Cartels? That's such a lethal combination although this is a job for the Mafia to handle. I know for a fact that we're going to be caught up in this mess. Dad doesn't have a lot of fans because of his ruthlessness and impulsive decisions and we've been in a feud with the Veyra Mafia family for a long time, long before I was even born.

I can't believe I left the South of France for this…