Hidden Among Humans

Chapter 6

“A pack without a Luna is weak,” the elders spoke with great worry. “Our future is unclear,” I hated these meetings. It was always one thing or another. They were never happy with anything. The smug faces of the elders said it all. They wanted an heir. I was only eighteen, too young to have children if you ask me. Just as I was about to speak, another voice came from the back.

“We must also address the rumors; you have not shifted since your 18th birthday.” Another jumped out of turn, causing the room to break out in whispers. Who dared defy an Alpha’s right to rule? I would have their head. I looked back to find Fiona’s death stare, challenging me to speak. Of course, it would be this she-wolf.

“Enough, do not act as if I cannot hear your whispers.” As I stood, everyone came to a halt. No one dared to speak another word. I took a few steps forward, ensuring no one missed my presence.

“I do not forsake the future of this pack. What she-wolf do you suggest I take?” I stared directly at Fiona. No one dared to answer. I even paused to wait for a reply. “No suggestions, maybe your granddaughters are fit to be Luna,” the elders kept their heads down as I spoke. They knew better than to speak. Only the fire inside Fiona’s eyes remained lit, but what was she planning?

“I will be your Luna,” my eyes wrinkled as she finished her sentence. At least now I knew what she wanted. Her plan had some sanity to it. Maybe her hope was I would not reject her stake as my chosen mate in front of the elders. But I was no fool. Just then I was surprised to find Fiona taking large strides in my direction. As if she anticipated that I would receive her in a warm embrace.

The same she-wolf that had pointed out my lack of shifting moments ago now stood feet away from me, confident I would make her mine. I cannot deny Fiona’s enchantment over any man, even my own. She was no mere she-wolf, but a she-devil vixen.

“I do not deny your strength as a wolf,” I looked away before drool made its way down my lips. “A Luna is more than her wolf, but her compassion and loyalty to this pack,” I said as I addressed my mother. I bowed in her direction, allowing everyone to see what any future Luna had to live up to.

“A she-wolf who will place her needs before her pack is no Luna,” I glared straight back at Fiona. The fire in her eyes was soon extinguished, knowing her plan had failed. I had no doubt Fiona would let the pack burn if it meant her safety.

“Ugh,” she snorted as she slowly made her way back to her chair. She kept her head up high, informing me she had not conceded defeat. She was just as relentless as the elders. I would be damned if I gave in to either of their suggestions. I cleared my throat before I spoke again.

“Now to the matter of these rumors,” I stood up tall to address the rest of the assembly. “Who here questions my authority,” my voice echoed into the souls of my people. I may not be able to shift, but the power of an Alpha still resides within me. As my voice floated through the room, each wolf bowed in submission, including Fiona. “This pack will get its Luna when I see it fit, now if you will excuse me, this meeting is over.” There was no doubt in my mind Fiona tried to confuse me with her outburst about my shift.

“But Alpha…” an elder tried to speak but was met with my cold glare. Immediately, he submitted to my will as I made my way out. I headed towards my office when I caught her scent. I followed it to the edge of town, right along the riverbank, where she was bathing.

“I knew you would come,” she whispered into the air. She slowly emerged from the water, revealing her busty bosom. I told myself to leave before anything further occurred, but I could not stop myself from staring. With no mate in sight, I needed someone, anyone, to subside the urge of my wolf. Even though he hid, it did not change the lust I felt for a woman’s body.

“My love,” she spoke in a seductive tone. The moon hit her silhouette perfectly, enhancing her rich bosom. Her words were not of my desire, but I lusted for her touch. I took a step forward as I removed my shirt.

“Don’t you understand,” I said as I threw the shirt behind me. “You will never be my Luna,” I smirked as I made my way closer to the fiery vixen before me. I stared into her eyes, for a moment I saw the evil that lurked within them. There was always something she was hiding behind them. Still, I was lured by her essence.

“Maybe one day, I will change your mind,” she slithered her way closer to me as she revealed more of her body to me. Her ember hair draped down to her hips, giving her figure more depth. She drove me wild, in such a way, I wasn't sure I could ever turn her away. “I see you are ready to play.” She let out a giggle, knowing she had accomplished what she wanted. This had not been the first time I had encountered her, and I knew it would not be the last.

We continued to inch our way closer to each other. I knew I was ready to explore every last inch of her frame before letting her go that night.

Under the moonlight, I took her yet again. Just then, she appeared again. Her plum-colored eyes blazed into my soul, telling me that I was doing wrong. Why did she continue to hunt me? She had all day to do it. Why now? I pushed her out of my mind as I took Fiona’s lips onto mine. It had been a mistake; her lips were as bitter as could be. A clear sign she was not meant to be at my side. Still, I had no intention of stopping.

I looked up to find her still staring at us. I stared back, challenging her to remain there.

“Enjoy the show,” I whispered to her.

“I am,” Fiona replied, believing I was speaking to her. It was not long before her apparition gave up and left us alone. Now I stared into the darkness and Fiona, and I continued to devour in our lust until the dark of night engulfed us in its blanket.

“Get up,” the next thing I knew, Jace was yelling into my ears. He had done it knowing it would hurt.

“F*ck, I’m sleeping,” It was still dark outside. Why would he bother me at this time?

“You i***t, get up. What am I going to do about you?” He rubbed his temples as I stood up. It was only at that moment that I realized I was laying on the edge of the forest in the nude. I looked around for Fiona, but I could not find her. “Don’t bother, I already sent her away.” He sighed before he continued. “What kinda sh*t is this? First, you embarrass her in front of everyone, but here you are spreading her leg open, what the f*uck man.” I had no words for him, he was right.

“What time is it?” I suspected it was slightly past midnight based on where the moon sat.

“Almost 1 am, now stop standing there like a moron and get dressed. I don’t need to see any of that.” He threw my clothes in my face. “We have a problem.” His face went blank as he spoke, I knew it was serious.

“What are you waiting for,” I said as I pulled the shirt over my head.

“For you to get dressed,” he glared. “Follow me,” he took off running towards the prison.

“A trespasser was caught at the edge of our border, but it’s strange.” Before he continued, the smell of death penetrated the air. The wretched smell was unmistakable.

“Vampires,” I growled.

I increased my speed, toward the prison. I had to get to the bottom of this. Without my power to shift, I would not stand a chance against a vampire attack. I tossed every defense plan in my head around, trying to pick the best choice. Securing the compound is all I could think, I must keep everyone safe.

“Where are you when I need you? You damn wolf.” I hissed out loud, hoping he would hear me. But still, everything remained silent. “Fine then, I will hand it myself. You good for nothing wolf,” I hissed again. I had been growing tired of this whole endeavor. I didn’t understand how much longer my wolf would continue to mourn a mate he had never met. I would be lying if I didn’t feel the same loss, but I had managed to put it behind me. Why couldn’t my wolf? I could not think more about the matter as I approached the prison.

The prison was werewolf proof, so no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t make a sound inside. Although we had a prison, we never used it. It mostly held extra supplies for the kitchen.

I was not expecting what my eyes laid upon. A child, no more than twelve years old, kneeling in the corner of the cell. His eyes were dark as night, giving away his story. The thirst that ran through his body was evident. Turning children had been banned ages ago, due to their unpredictable tempers. They could wipe out several villages in the blink of an eye. Even vampires knew better, but here we are.

“Who are you?” I began to circle the cell, hoping to find his mark. To my surprise, he bore none, it would be difficult to identify his master without it. “Who are you?” I let out a roar that sent shivers down his spine.

“Don’t hurt me,” he cried.

“Jace, you know what to do,” I stepped back to give the young vampire a sense of safety. For a second, I had forgotten he was just a child, regardless of his nature, his mind would always be of a child. I turned back to Jace “Jace, groups of two or more. We don’t know what we are dealing with. Everyone be on full alert.”

“My man, done and done.” Why did I even have to say anything? Of course, Jace would have everything under control. “It might not be the best time, but you reek of Fiona.” Facing unknown danger, only Jace would point out bath time. But he was right. Well, there was no point now. Not like I could gingerly stroll into a bath tube at this moment. “If we're going to die, let it be a wench-free death, don’t ya think?” he laughed.

“Send for my mother,” I waved Jace away, trying to ignore his comment. Plus, I would need her expertise in this matter. I watched the child as he moved restlessly around the cell. His hunger only grew as the seconds passed. He lunged at the bars, but just as he hit them his skin began to burn.

“Silver,” one of the guards touched the bar with his knife. “I would stay away if I were you,” The child hissed as he spoke.

“Vampires,” I heard my mother as she entered the room. “A newborn!” She gasped as she noticed the child in the cell. “This is not good!” She began to pace around the room, trying to decide the next step. “Who is his master?”

“He bears no mark,” I replied. “How do you know he is a newborn?”

“His stench son, it's still weak.” I took a whiff of the air, realizing she was right. I had only come across a single vampire in my life. I would not have noticed the difference. “Now the question is who is creating newborn children and for what purpose?”

With that she turns in my direction, taking another whiff of the air. I immediately knew what she had caught, Fiona. She only shook her head in disappointment before she returned to the matter at hand. “I will speak to the elders immediately,”

“Mom, how serious could this be?”

“If this is what I think,” she paused, thinking about the possible outcomes. “We must prepare for war.”