The Rising Moon Pack

Chapter 34

Jake POV

The rest of the morning dragged by slowly, discussing new alliances since the departure of Alpha Thorn, discussing defence strategies in case his departure came back to bite us on the ass, but also discussing Maria. A few of the Alphas had concerns that her power would make her a target in the supernatural world, a wolf of any rarity let alone a wolf born to two alphas, one being a goddess, would bring a hefty price from the right buyer. The thought made me feel sick, but it was a possibility we would have to prepare for.

Noah returned from his call to Mae, happy and relaxed, whilst we were in the middle of discussing ways to protect Maria. He crossed the room quickly, taking his seat at my right hand side.

“What’s this?”he asked, referring to our conversation.

“Maria. Alpha Taryn believes she could become a target once word of her powers gets out.” I told him, and he nodded thoughtfully.

“Well,I should imagine this isn’t a secret Alpha Thorn will keep,” Noah replied, grimly. “Is there any way to keep an eye on him?”

“We share a border.” Alpha Taryn answered.

“I’m sorry, Alpha. Which pack are you from again?” Noah asked him.

“Blue Lake, Beta.” Alpha Taryn answered.

“That makes sense.” Noah replied, shaking his head.

“What does?” I interrupted.

“Black Mountains Pack shares a border with Blue Lake Pack. I’m assuming the border they share would be the one in the valley, am I correct?” He turned to Taryn.

Taryn nodded. “Yes, that’s right. They’re on higher ground than we are. They would be overlooking us were it not for the lake separating our territories, and the forestry covering our town.”

“How big is your pack, Alpha Taryn?” Ben asked him.

“300, give or take a few pups.” He answered.

“How many are in Black Mountains?” Noah asked Ben.

“At least 450. Not as many as us, we have over 700. But still,more than a lot of their surrounding packs. I’m assuming that’s why you held your alliance?” Ben turned to Taryn again.

“Yes. They could slaughter us in the blink of an eye.” Taryn looked to the ground. “A lot of our fighters are getting old, and weak. This is why we try to keep the peace.”

“So what are you suggesting we do, Taryn?” I asked him.

“I ask that you keep my pack out of your business with Thorn. If you can promise me that, I will grant you permission to use our borders to keep an eye on him.” He looked me in the eye respectfully.

I looked to Ben, wondering what he was thinking. My mind buzzed, and I let the link through.

“Dude, we can’t promise that. What happens if Thorn finds out Taryn gave us access? His whole pack would be toast.” Noah told me, and I rubbed my hands across my face, tiredly.

“What other choice do we have?” I asked him, raising my eyebrows.

“Personal bodyguard.” He shrugged, and I stared at him.

“Personal bodyguard? You know Maria will lose her damned mind if she had to be with a bodyguard 24/7!” I retorted.

“Not if it’s someone she cares about.” He reasoned. “I’ll volunteer! We don’t even have to tell her.”

“Gentlemen?” Ben inquired, interrupting our link.

“Sorry.” I cleared my throat. “My Beta and I were just discussing possible outcomes of your request, and whilst we appreciate you want to keep your pack safe, that isn’t something I can necessarily promise you, given what you’re offering. What would happen to your pack if Thorn found out that you’d allowed us to spy using your shared border? They could invade and there is absolutely no way we would know in time to stop it.”

Taryn looked down thoughtfully, he chin resting on his hand.

“You’re right.” He said, slowly. “So what if Sapphire Moon and Blue Lake merge, and you take over my pack?”

Silence fell over the room as the other Alphas watched intently. Ben looked at me, then to Taryn, and back again.

“Sorry, what?” He asked Taryn, shocked.

“Listen, everyone. I’m getting old! I don’t have any children of my own, my wife died a long time ago. There is no one in my pack I trust implicitly not to run it into the ground. It’s inevitable that another Alpha was going to invade and take over some day, so why not choose to go out this way, ensuring the safety of my people? Why not choose to merge with one of the largest and safest packs in the country? That way,you get to keep an eye on Thorn, my people get to be safe, you’ll be the biggest pack in the country,and you’ll be the only pack surrounding Rising Moon.”

I looked at Noah, dumbfounded.

“What do you think?” I asked him,seriously.

“I think it’s time to get Charlie down here.” He responded.

Maria POV

I followed Jase to the kitchens, where Mrs Davies was pulling her apron on. I walked up to the counter,pulled my apron off the rack and tying it tightly around my waist. Jase took a seat at the island, watching us happily as he snacked on an apple.

“Afternoon Mrs D!” I greeted her, smiling happily.

“Good afternoons Maria!” She replied, beaming up at me.

“What are we making for lunch?” I asked her, wiping down the surface ready.

“Well, for our guests we have roast beef,with mashed potatoes and veg. We are also making takeaway boxes for those in training today, and for our guest in the cells.” She whispered, winking to me.

“Ah yes, that guest.” I replied, smiling softly. “We will be joining them for lunch this afternoon. If you could point me to their lunch, I can take it down. Jase and I intend to eat all together, if that’s alright.”

“Of course. Help yourselves to the meat, and whatever you’d like to go with it. It’s all on the stove!” She replied, busy lining the sideboard with takeaway trays for the warriors.

I wandered over to the stove, the smell of roasting meat making my tummy rumble loudly. Pancakes were good, but nothing was as good as Mrs Davies’ legendary roast dinner. I piled 3 plates with meat, mash and roasted vegetables before covering it all with thick gravy and placing a plastic dome on top. Jase began setting up a tray with cutlery and napkins whilst I made Mom a cup of tea and got us two big glasses of squash. I placed the plates on the tray with the glasses, and watched Jase carefully lift it.

“You got it?” I asked.

“Yep, I should be fine. May need guiding down the stairs though!” He answered cheerfully.

I nodded,and turned to Mrs Davies who was working quickly at the counter.

“I’ll be back up soon!” I promised her. “We’re going to eat with Mom,but I’ll be back to help with the lunch rush. If you see our dad,or Jake, please let them know.” I smiled, and she nodded,waving me out of the door.

“Let’s go!” I told Jase, and we made our way to the dungeons.