The Red Moon Pack

Season One. Chapter 10.

Two weeks passed and it was time for the gathering. Due to the amount of guests from the four different Packs, they were hosting the event in their large training field. Marquees had been put up with strong lights crisscrossing the roof and down each side post. There were a couple of bonfires set up around the outside of the marquee to put some warmth into the night. Being end of mid May it was not cold in Australia, but there was still a slight nip in the air so the fires would make it perfect. A feast of food was sorted out, spits with a pig, lamb, kangaroo and a few chickens were turning over coal fires. A long grazing table was set up with all the bits and bobs, a portable bar was ready for drinks and music was playing for some background sounds. Guards had been planned to keep watch, a few selected from each Park, as they all felt that was only fair and more trusting for the night.

Halfmoon Pack of course were the first to arrive and had the most from their own pack attending. While Redmoon the majority were there. The other two packs, Newmoon and Ravenwood Packs, bought at least one hundred members each, which filled the space. There were lots of joyful conversations and laughter between everyone. Some slight tension from the Halfmoon pack, but that soon fizzled out and the differences over what happened with Adira and Julian were pushed aside for the night so everyone could really enjoy themselves.

Sebastian on the other hand, knew not everything was pushed to the side. He knew his father Alpha Gabriel had spoken with the other three Alphas. Alpha Brent of Halfmoon. Alpha George of Newmoon and Alpha John from Ravenwood. They varied in ages, Alpha John being the oldest of them all and Alpha George being the youngest. Yet they all had a common goal. To make sure their packs lived well and thrived. What ever they had discussed, it seemed to have lightened the mood and they had all came to an agreement.

The other thing Sebastian knew, after wondering around and greeting the guests as he went, yet again, as a gathering… he had not found his mate. Racheal had, she could be heard squealing in delight. A guy from the Newmoon Pack it seemed. She was seventeen and he was nineteen. They seemed very shy at first, but as the night went on and they talked and got to know each other, they relaxed and just seemed perfect. That was something in which Sebastian had wanted. He wished so much to find his own mate and have that special bonding moment with them.

While walking around and trying to scent his mate, he had been keeping a close eye on none other then Willow. She was acting like nothing was going on. Of course, she did not suspect a thing, that Adira was actually awake and healed and going to be showing up soon. He looked down at his watch, checking the time.

Time for action.

With a look to his father, Sebastian saw as Alpha Gabriel stood up from where he sat, the other three Alpha’s, their Luna’s, Betas, Delta’s and their partners sitting around him. Showing her powerful Alpha aura, he cleared his throat, the noise surrounding the sounds of the night and catching the attention of every werewolf present.

“Firstly, I wanted to thank you all for coming tonight. This gathering was in fact a suggestion made by my son, Sebastian VanDawood. He came up with the idea because he wanted the Packs to have a chance to come together, not because there was some major celebration, but just to come together and enjoy a night of festivities and Pack relation strengthening.” Alpha Gabriel spoke with a proud smile. “My son, who will soon be taking on the Redmoon pack as Alpha, has really done me proud with this whole event and I could not be any happier!”

The crowed roared with a cheer, clapping, whooping, whistling. Sebastian nodded his head at his father, a small smile on his face, grateful for the recognition he was given. It was nice to hear he was doing well. He knew also that this conversation was soon going to change. Sensing somebody approach, he looked to the side and saw Maximus and Stacey standing next to him now and Willow had followed. She looked like she wanted something and he could imagine, just what was on her mind.

“Now… I wanted to just say… while we had hoped maybe tonight he would find his mate, it does not look like my new daughter is here tonight.” Alpha Gabriel said and everyone gave a small laugh. “So maybe, we will still find her. My son recently asked, if he needed his Luna before he was Alpha. While it would make him stronger, I am sure we can all agree that no wolf should rush it, that they are destined mates and will one day cross paths.”

“Here here!” Alpha John said raising a glass of wine with a smile.

“Festives aside.” Alpha Gabriel continued, holding the attention of everyone. “Tonight, was also about reconciling with the Halfmoon Pack, whom we share boarders and schools with. Recently, there has been some tension due to a recent attack at the school.”

“Kick Julian in the ass I say!” somebody yelled and others cheered.

“I have news on that matter.” Alpha Gabriel boomed. “While Julian was indeed at fault for tying up a guard and harming one of the visitors in my Pack. We have learnt recently that he was not the only one involved. I have had this discussion with Alpha Brent already and while we agree Julian’s actions still should be punished so should the others involved.”

Whispers ran around the crowd. Sebastian never looked away from his father but he was paying attention to Willow who had come to stand beside him when they were talking about him becoming Alpha. That was what she wanted, to be his and become Luna. He did not like her and would never make her Luna, no matter if she had been involved or not. As the words graced the crowd, she had been standing calm and proud, but the moment it was mentioned somebody else was involved, Sebastian could feel the girl beside tense up. If that was not a giveaway, then he would have been blind. She was guilty, no doubt about it.

“What we know, is that the young girl known as Adira, who came to our pack just before New Years, was attacked while she was completing some work in a classroom after school. She was firstly attacked from behind with a knife, made of silver. The person who attacked her left her, believing the silver would kill her.” Alpha Gabriel explained.

A few uneasy comments run through the crowd of werewolves. Willow fidgeted, like she wanted to walk away already, but wanting to know where things were going. Sebastian saw his father take a quick glance his way and then looked else where. She was trapped, they had her cornered and right now, she was going to be falling from grace.

“Sadly, because Adira, who had been working at the Pack Hospital, going to school, doing all I asked of her to prove she was here not to cause harm, was different, she has indeed become a target of differences between beings.” Alpha Gabriel stated. “That ends here. While she was left for dead, we are aware that Julian found her, and as it has been seen before, he attempted to attack Adira while she was weak. This caused more harm to her then what was already done. She has been in the pack hospital since, her wounds gravely damaging her and leaving her for dead.”

“Is she… is she dead?” Stacey asked in a trembling voice.

“My dear Stacey.” Alpha Gabriel looked to her and gave a kind smile. “I can tell you, that it will be ok. Because we know who attempted to kill her and we know why.”

“Tell us!” somebody called eager to hear.

“Well, we got informed by a being that the knife used was a weapon known to the Mortem Coven. And if you do not know who they are, that is a coven of Vampires, who do not do things lightly. They are ruthless and cruel and this person was there on orders to kill Adira.” Alpha Gabriel claimed.

Willow shifted and ever so slightly looked around, Sebastian glancing at her from the side. He could see she held a surprised look on her face, acting, as if this was news to her. Yet, he knew it was not. He knew sooner or later she was going to be running and they were ready for that.

“Why would the Dark Lord want to kill Adira?” Kinley asked unhappy.

“We believe, as our informative has told us, that he wants her out of the way… war apparently is coming and that is why I have had words tonight with the Park Alphas. We will prepare for what ever this war may be and fight back.” Alpha Gabriel explained.

“And we will not be taking this lightly either.” Alpha George boomed. “This is a serious offence. One, harming another in such a way regardless of if they are a visiting guest, rouge welcome to stay on pack lands or a pack member directly. This is not ok and I fully support Alpha Gabriel on his actions to address this matter!”

“We love you Alpha George!” a member of his pack called out.

“How can you be sure this information is current?” somebody up the back asked.

“When is the war starting?” another asked.

“One… we do not know when things will start, so we need to be prepared.” Alpha Gabriel advised.

This was what they had been waiting for, the moment he said that, it was what Willow had been waiting on. It was clear what she intended. To run back to the Dark Lord and inform him they knew but not when. She took one step back, then another, making it look like she was heading to the drinks table.

The moment she took those steps a number of large guards blocked her way and she turned, looking confused and found herself face to face with Sebastian, his arms crossed, giving her a look of disgust. He saw the panic in her eyes, and he could hear people muttering around them. They had seen and noticed these actions and it did not take long for them to figure it out. She was suspected.

“Anything to say Willow?” Sebastian asked.

“I… am… thirsty… this is big news.” She claimed.

“Oh, I am sure it is!” he returned angry. “Big because you have been found out and failed your Master’s task.”

“NO! It was not me. Your informant is wrong. I had nothing to do with this.” Willow pleased.

“Where were you the week after the attack?” Alpha Gabriel asked.

“I… I went to visit my cousin.” She claimed.

“Your cousin… as in Young Mr Avery from Ravenwood.” He boomed.

“I swear it!” she said with fast nods. “Ask him, he will tell you.”

“Step forward!” Alpha Gabriel commanded.

A young man stepped towards the crowed from the side. He had clearly been waiting there. He looked guilty, his eyes flicking to Willow and then bowed his head.

“I had no idea what was going on cuz. They have already asked me… and I can not commit a crime by lying in front of the packs. You never came to visit.” He stated sadly.

“Stop lying!” Willow snapped angry.

“You stop lying!” Sebastian snapped back.

He grabbed her by the back of the neck, pushing her forward so she was standing right in front of the Alpha table. They were all looking at her in disgust and disappointment. She was caught lying in front of Alphas. While this was not a rightful court hearing, it was clear this was almost like a trial and she was lying to not just the Alpha’s but the one they worshiped the most, the Moon Goddess.

“This is all a set up, please… I did nothing.” She begged, tears running down her face.

“You have been accused of being a traitor and working for Dark Lord Alexanda. The evidence against you can not be denied.” Alpha Gabriel stated as he stood. “Reveal the proof.”

The whole crowd watched as a guard came forward carrying a bag, the knife in which had been used to attack Adira resting inside, still as the day it had been found, with the broken tip laying in the bag with it.

“There is a mark on this blade, a moon and thorny rose.” Alpha Gabriel told them all. “Sebastian, if you may please.”

Sebastian nodded and even though Willow struggled, he tore the sleeve of her shirt off, revealing the very top of her arm just before the shoulder blade started and pulling a cloth out of his pocket, he dipped it into the jug of water on the table and holding Willow tight, moving her with his actions, he rubbed the cloth against her skin and when he was done, the once bare skin now revealed the same mark as was on the blade.

The whole crowed shared different emotions. Anger, betrayal, confusion, sadness. Willow had fooled them all and for how long they did not know. Even so, this was the proof they needed, that it really had been her. The anger that crossed not only Alpha Gabriel’s face, but also the faces of the other pack Alpha’s and all their side leaders was very evident. Being a traitor was a high offence in any Pack life, and most of all, being a traitor for a Vampire like the Dark Lord. That was the worst of it.

While everyone else seemed to be coming to terms with this news, calling out suggestions on how to deal with her, imprisonment, banishment, death, Sebastian could feel her laughing. She knew she was caught and there was no need to deny it anymore. She laughed loudly enough that all over voices died down and watched her, as she seemed to become erratic in her actions, still trying to get out of Sebastian’s hold but had no chance to do so.

“So… you think this means you have won? Hah! He will come. He will kill you all.” She claimed. “You can not win this war no matter what you do.”

“Why does he want her gone, Adira. What is his reason?” Alpha Gabriel demanded.

“I do not get affected by your orders! I have only pretended to, so I could mask it all. Seems that is pointless now.” She claimed with a grin. “So, you have me, but that changes nothing. I did what was asked, get Adira out of the way. I may not have killed her, but nobody can fight that silver from their system. She is laying in hospital as good as dead!”

“You really think so?” a voice spoke up.

Heads turned, surprise running through the whole crowed. Sebastian knew she was going to show up, but he still found himself surprised. She looked… like she had not even been hurt. In two weeks, she looked healthier and stronger then ever. She was leaning against one of the posts, wearing a black singlet and dark denim shorts. Her long hair was pulled back, loose strands gracing around her face and neck. Since coming to the pack, she always wore her hair down, maybe to keep her face half covered. Seeing her like that, he felt that strange twist in his stomach. She was not his mate, but she sure did have an effect on him. She was young still, but she also seemed very different from everyone else.

The moment Willow heard her and snapped her head around, she tensed. This was not something she had expected and it put her in the worst position possible. She once again tried to get away from Sebastian but he would not let her go. She was never going to get away again.

Adira stood from the post and uncrossed her arms, her strong hazel eyes seemingly to glow as she walked towards where he stood with Willow. The crowed even parted for her. It seemed, like they could sense she was not there for pleasantries and she did not have to be introduced. Honestly, as Sebastian watched her, he himself wanted to move aside for her, lay out his jacket for her to walk on, bow to her like she was his Alpha. Could she… possibly be an Alpha? It was not common of a female werewolf to be an Alpha but it was not unheard of. Maybe that was the strange pull people felt towards her. Maybe they were sensing her power this whole time and tonight, she was showing more of it then ever before.

As she levelled with where Willow was being held, Adira stared her in the eyes and then looked around at Alpha Gabriel, giving him a bow of her head. He watched her too, something clearly going through his mind, but he did not speak on it. In turn, he gave her a nod and with a smaller nod back, Adira turned back to Willow and within second a power slap rang the air and a painful gasp from Willow followed.

“You deserve so much more.” Adira stated. “But I will save my energy on somebody much more worse then you. You thought you defeated me… it is a pity you can not warn Alexanda that you failed. Maybe this is good for you, that he wont find out, so he will not kill you for being incompetent.”

“Kill me?” Willow asked smirking like it was a joke. “I am his faithful servant.”

“What do you think this is? Harry Potter verses Voldemort?” Adira asked back. “You are not Bellatrix. You are Willow, a weak werewolf that he moulded to use and throw away when he no longer needs. You failed and now, he will just have you killed. I am sure you realised you got followed when you returned. You made it back in time, before they killed you.”

“How… how do you know?” Willow asked shocked and confused now.

“Because I am not somebody you should have messed with.” Adira claimed.

She said no more to Willow after that, instead, she turned back to Alpha Gabriel and nodded yet again to him, showing her respect to him very openly.

“She is the only threat currently here tonight.” Adira told him. “Nobody else has the smell or mark of Dark Lord Alexanda.”

“Thank you child, for your help.” Alpha Gabriel replied. “Do you need to return to rest?”

“If you approve Alpha, may I return to the pack house… I would… like to change into something…. A bit more me.” She stated.

“Yes… that is fine.” He accepted with a nod. “In the mean time. Have that traitor taken to the heavy Cells. Give her some water and a blanket for the night and she can await official punishment for her crimes.”

Four guards quickly stepped forwards and grabbed Willow. She did not want to go easily, trying to get away from them, cursing at them, but it did her no good. They had a good grip on her, pulling her away and soon the air was quiet again. Alpha Gabriel called the crowed to attention once more and apologised for the way they had to confirm the truth tonight, but it was needed for them all to understand, that the matter was quite serious. He did request however, that for now, they all relax and enjoy the rest of the night.

Sebastian stood by the Alpha table and looked at his father, sensing Maximus stepped up next to him. There would be a lot of questions that needed to be answered about what had just happened, but right now, Sebastian had another thing on his mind.

“Father… Alpha…” he stated, looking his father in the eyes. “Is she… is Adira….”

“I sensed it too.” Maximus stated.

“Alpha’s… do you have any missing children?” Alpha Gabriel asked.

“No.” all three said in reply.

“Then we need to work out what Pack she was born in.” he replied.

“What do you mean Gabriel?” Luna Iras asked.

“Mother… I think… it is possible… that pull we have been feeling… Adira is an Alpha.” Sebastian said.

“Are you sure?” Alpha John asked leaning forward looking interested in this news.

“Did you not notice the pull when she walked over to the table?” Alpha Brent stated. “I surely did and now I understand what you all mean… the pull… almost like… she is my mate… but not.”

“More and more are starting to feel that pull and I think it is happening the more and more she becomes stronger and confidant while here.” Alpha Gabriel stated.

“Do you think… Lord Vincent knew of this? Would he have sent her here because of this?” Nathanial asked, sounded like he did not trust her yet again. “Could she be here… to confuse us… and then challenge us and take over?”

“She might be strong and maybe an Alpha… but I do not think that is why she is here.” Sebastian defended her surely. “I think… maybe it is more for her to help us. If it is true, that Dark Lord Alexanda is planning war… maybe Lord Vincent knew and sent her here to help us.”

“Why not just tell us directly?” Delta Danial asked. “I think it is suss. I think there are still too much unknown and I can not help but to have a bad feeling.”

“I am still having guards keep a close eye on her.” Alpha Gabriel informed. “I understand the worry you all have. And I will do right by you all to get answers.”

“Have you heard back from Lord Vincent?” Beta Luke asked.

“Not yet. I sent some guards a couple of weeks ago to his territory tomorrow, to request a meeting.” Alpha Gabriel told them. “I can no longer delay it.”

“And what of this threat regarding Dark Lord Alexanda?” Alpha Brent asked.

“As we discussed. We will prepare our warriors, make sure we have extra look outs over both our lands. We keep each other in the light and if anything is to happen to other Parks, we need to know and be ready to help and defend.” Alpha Gabriel told them all.

The conversation continued to turn into war strategics, and knowing that it was important, Sebastian stayed around, Maximus staying with him, as they listened to the older men and their mates discuss options to go about doing things. Kinley and Nathanial gathered some judges of water and some dishes of food to place among the group before they joined in, taking in everything there was to learn.