The True Luna's Kiss

Chapter 4

"They're all coming,” Alpha Lucas Hunter said, turning to his daughter with a smile.

Alice, his eighteen-year-old grinned back at him. She had been running her fingers through her long blonde hair, trying to make it behave. “Oh, so many Alphas to choose from,” she giggled. “Even the Ebony Glade pack has a single Alpha! Even though he is so old!”

Lucas set his hardened gaze upon her. “An alliance with the Ebony Glade pack would protect this pack from any threat that ever showed its head!” He chastised. “If you don’t find your fated mate in this event, I may very well approach him for your chosen mate anyway. So keep your thoughts and comments to yourself.”

Alice pouted, her face falling at the thought of being given away to anyone other than her fated mate. She silently prayed to the Moon Goddess that she would find her true mate at this gathering and that he would be a young, sexy Alpha - not someone the Moon Goddess forgot. She continued combing through her hair as her Father went on, all the while sending silent pleas.

“He’s not that old anyway,” Lucas continued. “And his pack is impressive, the largest in the Country. The Alpha’s age is not a factor in your search for a mate, should he want you, he can have you!”

“And what about me?” Alice said, her eyes wide. “What about what I want?” She looked up at her father through her eyelashes, playing the sweet and innocent game. But her sullenness was evident, especially to her father. She wasn’t fooling anyone.

Lucas looked at his daughter, brows furrowed. “The need of the pack is more important than your own choices, my girl.” He snapped. “And you would do to remember it. Especially at the meeting, no Alpha wants a strong-willed insolent Luna for their pack, so keep your eyes low and your mouth shut!”

Alice clamped her mouth closed and turned her head back to the mirror. She picked up her brush and began pulling it through her locks. Her dream of being swept off her feet by a loving mate was crashing down around her, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Alpha Lucas leaned back on his chair and sighed, picking up on his daughter’s discomfort. He did love her and wanted her to be happy, but he had the best interests of his pack to consider. Sometimes being an Alpha was hard. He rose from his chair gracefully, despite his large muscular size and moved behind her. Placing his hands onto her shoulders, he placed a delicate kiss on top of her head.

“I truly want you to find your mate, Alice,” Lucas started to explain. “I don’t want to see you unhappy. Any alliance we make would have that clause heavily included, even if it is with Alpha Gabriel or your fated mate. If i hear one word or rumour of your mistreatment, i would bring you home.”

Alice smiled up at her Father, catching his eye in the mirrors reflection. Lucas kissed her on the top of her head again.

“I didn’t think he would even come to the gathering, Alpha Ballard that is.” Lucas said. “He was invited as a formality, since all the other Packs have been invited. He would not take lightly to being excluded, but I had thought he would pass.”

Alice nodded, concern showing through as she took in her Father’s grave expression. “I shall help Mother set up the rooms in case any of the Alphas need to stay the night.” She said, trying to find any way to ease her Father’s strain. It worked, and he smiled at her his eyes softening at her thoughtful offer.

“You are a good girl,” he said, squeezing her shoulders affectionately. “You will make your mate very happy and be a wonderful Luna.”

“If I find him,” Alice countered, tipping her head to one side, and letting her hair flow down in golden waves.

“You will find him,” Lucas said encouragingly. “The Alpha’s will arrive tomorrow morning so off you go and find your Mother, make sure everything is perfect.”

Alice nodded, standing and kissing her Father on the cheek before she walked out of the room.

Heading into the hallway of the pack house, Alice froze at the top of the stairs. An unfamiliar scent filled her nostrils and she carefully walked over to the banister. Two men were standing there, taking in their surroundings, looking calm and disinterested. Definitely unimpressed with what they saw. They looked up at Alice, the taller one giving a small smirk at her.

“Is this customary?” He drawled. “For no one to greet your guests?”

Alice swallowed hard. The man’s dark eyes bore into her, making her skin crawl. The other, lighter in every way, gave her a broad smile, but said nothing.

Alice quickly composed herself and walked to the top of the stairs. “My apologies,” she said sweetly. “I believed all the guests were arriving tomorrow.” She was halfway down the stairs now, her cheeks slightly pink. “But of course. Welcome to the Moon River Pack, Alpha...?” She trailed off, unsure which Alpha this was. Although she had a strong suspicion.

“Ballard.” The dark-haired man snapped back. “Alpha Gabriel Ballard.”

“Thought so,” Alice thought. Her wolf, Kira just whimpered at the aura this man was giving off. He certainly was a powerful Alpha.

“Of course,” Alice answered, flashing a bright smile. “The Ebony Glade’s Alpha. And you must be Beta Marcus.” She turned her attention to the blonde man standing next to his Alpha and reciting her knowledge from the lessons she had to learn - All the pack families and their high ranking wolves.

“That’s right!” Marco answered cheerfully, earning himself a glare from his Alpha. The Beta ignored him.

“I’m Alice Hunter.” Alice said, “If you would like to follow me Alpha Ballard, Beta Marcus, I will tell my father you are here.” She led them into a side parlour, richly furnished with ornamental rugs, rosewood furniture and a roaring fire. She offered refreshments, to which they both accepted, and she swept, gracefully out of the room.

One Alice was out of earshot, Marco flung himself down onto one of the couches.

“I still don’t understand why Max couldn’t come with us,” he whispered.

Gabriel stood against the fireplace, staring into the flames. He didn’t answer for a heartbeat. When he finally did respond, he didn’t turn around. “He needs to turn up later, otherwise it wouldn’t work!” Gabriel whispered back. Even though they were alone, they couldn’t be too careful. Wolves had exceptional hearing and didn’t need to be in the same room as someone to overhear a conversation. Marco, sensing he wouldn’t get anything more out of his Alpha, stayed quiet and took in his surroundings.

“This pack is nice,” he mused, using a normal volume. It didn’t matter if anyone else heard there chatter now, this subject was meant to be overheard. “Very affluent, and the lands are beautiful.” Gabriel just grunted in agreement.

“And the Alpha’s daughter, what was her name again?”

“Alice.” Gabriel responded with another grunt.

“Right, Alice,” Marco said brightly. “Very pleasant and pretty girl, don’t you think?”

“Uh huh!” Gabriel said, not taking his eyes of the dancing embers.

“I’m glad you think so,” the voice came from the doorway. Gabriel looked over, whilst Marco jumped to his feet. Alpha Lucas was standing there, leaning against the doorframe, observing the two men. He strode forward, hand outstretched in greeting. Both men shook it, nodding their heads respectfully. Gabriel’s nod was barely perceptible.

“An honour to have you here a day early Alpha Ballard and your Beta of course,” Lucas gave both of them a warm smile. “Will your Gamma be joining us? The invitation was for you all.”

“My Gamma is on his way,” Gabriel said sharply. "I received word that he has ran into some trouble on the border. I arrived early to aid him if needed.”

Alpha Lucas looked surprised. “Trouble?” His eyes glazed over, clearly mind linking someone, irritated that he had not heard about the trouble already. Gabriel admitted to himself that he liked this Alpha, he would have reacted the same. Although there was never any trouble at his borders.

“Yes, rogue trouble.” Gabriel said, leaning back on the fireplace with one elbow. “I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience, our early arrival.”

“Not at all,” Alpha Lucas said, without hesitation. “It’s a great honour to host you, Alpha Gabriel.”

Alice returned with a tray, adorned with snacks and their chosen refreshments. She set it down gently on the table, her eyes kept low.

Marcus gave her a wide smile, whilst Gabriel merely nodded his head in thanks.

Alpha Lucas looked at his daughter with approval, before speaking again. “Once you are ready, Alice will show you to your suites. Give you chance to relax. I hope you will join us for dinner this evening?”

Gabriel nodded. “I would prefer to take this refreshment in my room,” he said curtly.

A brief frown passed over Lucas’ face, but it quickly faded as his hospitality took over.

“Of course,” he replied with a slight nod. “Alice, please take the tray to the Alpha’s suite, and show them the way.”

“Certainly, Father.” Alice’s response was soft, her lips curling into a wide smile. She collected the tray and turned. “This way, if you please.”

Gabriel followed the girl from the room, Marco close behind him.

As Gabriel walked to the main staircase in the pack house, he caught a faint sweet scent. Orchids. Not native to this land. His eyes narrowed, unable to locate the source. A soft growl escaped him, which made the tray in Alice’s hands rattle. Gabriel ignored her and followed her up the stairs. The scent had gone. He sighed, as a single thought passed through his head.

This pack had more secrets than he first thought.