Blood Moon Rising: Book One of The Moon Series

Chapter Two || Harvest Moon

Chapter Two || Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon celebration was under way; there were hundreds of wolves mixing and mingling, laughing and flirting. Xander looked around at his people in careful observation. It’s been 5.. no, 6 years since his ascension to the throne as Alpha. He would like to think he was well liked and respected as there haven't been any major problems within the pack or the territory and his father hasn’t shared a single complaint. Positive right? Xander thought to himself, before shrugging and returning to his father’s side at the table.

“You remember I retired right?” Michael, his father looked over, his silver eyes looked playful. Xander treaded carefully with his answer, “Y.. yes..?” His eyebrows knitted together as they studied his father’s hands roaming beneath the table. “That means leave Xander. LEAVE.” His father's random fling of the week giggled and his stomach felt ugh. Xander didn’t know his mother, she died in childbirth with him and technically he was an only child. Only mated pairs can have children and Michael, even with his strong physique and handsome features of silver eyes and hair, never mated again after Xander’s mother had passed.

Standing abruptly, Xander cleared his throat; “You do not have to say that again.” He turned and scanned the crowd for Kane and Remus. Xander’s longtime best friends as well as his beta and his gamma, in that order. Kane who stood 6’2 which was a little shorter than Xander’s 6' 3; with red-ish hair and green eyes, was making out with some female pack member that Xander couldn’t really make out from his position. Remus, standing 6’0 was really good looking with blond hair and blue eyes but absolutely stand-offish around everyone. So he was standing with his back to a corner, arms crossed, watching the activities of the evening. Choosing patrol over fun as usual.

Remus and Kane both are the pack’s fiercest warriors. Top of every league they’ve ever competed in from any form of martial arts to any high school sport, a lot of it’s probably their enhanced abilities as wolves. Like most beta/gamma options for the alpha, they have usually been friends for a very long time and at 27 years old, Xander would absolutely say it’s been a long time. He watched his friends and family enjoy their night before retreating to bed for the evening.

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“Sir?” Kim, an omega of the pack or someone who served the royals of the pack, questioned lightly as she was holding out a paper towards Xander, causing him to look up from his pack binder, something he had to organize trades, alliances, and money generation. “What’s this?” He took the paper from her and she adjusted her mini skirt, something he could tell she specifically picked out for him. Something she did every day. Stuttering as she blushed, “I.. It’s a letter from the Blood Moon pack requesting the alpha’s presence for a throne ascension.”

Looking over it, Xander nodded and set it down. “Seems as though James and Cassidy are ready to settle down, and let their...” he tilted his head to double check the paper, “unmated?? Daughter inherit the throne?” He was only confused because she was a female. It was common to see a male alpha and just as common to see an unmated male as alpha but it has been decades since a female ascended the throne, much less an unmated female.

Kim nodded quickly, “I hear she’s an only child and it’s that time for the alpha and Luna of their pack. Do you have an issue with a female alpha?” She smirked, clearly used to questioning him. This caused him to let out a low growl at her, causing her to perk up frightened then back away from his desk. “I didn’t mean any offense, Alpha Xander.” Kim apologized quickly, lowering her head.

“It’s not that. It’s just a rare occasion. And it surprised me.” Xander stood quickly, adjusting the collar of his tie-less gray suit. He stepped around the desk and passed her, “I’m going for a run, you can see your way out Kimberly.” She shuddered at his closeness and nodded.

Xander opened his mind to Kane and Remus, Are you two up for a run?

Kane groaned, I was just getting to the best part. You should see this chick, she’s so flexible and..

Remus audibly gagged as he interrupted the thought, Ew. I’m in, he can stay. No one wants to see that while it’s fresh in his mind.

Good. Meet me at the edge of the woods. Xander went to his room to grab a pair of basketball shorts to leave at their spot for the change back; then he left the compound.

The link between Xander and his pack was something that came with the title. When in their wolf forms, they were able to read each other’s mind and sometimes things slipped through from the moments before the shift. So, yes, he would prefer if only Remus went on this run. No one wanted to see Kanes prey of the night as it still confuses both Remus and Xander because they knew Kane’s true orientation. He always felt the need to hide it for appearances. Xander sighed inwardly as he approached Remus.

Remus was stretching when Xander arrived. “How’d you beat me here? My house is right there!” Xander laughed and pointed behind him.

Remus chuckled, “Well unlike Kane I have nothing better to do than to patrol the area. I was like 50 ft that way when you called on us.” He thumbed the direction behind him, opposite of the house. “Plus..” Remus shrugged his shoulders, rolling them as he began his shift, You’re slow, Alpha! His final words were across their link as Xander took his form too.

Xander stood huge compared to Remus, a perk of being the alpha. Fur was jet black like his hair, hazel eyes matched his own as he scanned the area ahead of him. Remus coming up to him, shoulder to shoulder, Wanna race? He asked.

You don’t want none of this, kid. Xander smirked.

Remus said, Ready. Set. GO!

Like the wind, they took off. The cool night air flowed through their fur. Xander had the lead and wasn’t letting up. Remus knew what he had gotten himself into.

Had enough yet? Xander’s voice playfully flowed through Remus’ mind but he pushed through it. He was panting, and the run was going on and on. Xander was barely breaking a sweat as they dodged trees and leaped over logs. It was as intense as ever, just like every time they ran as wolves together. Remus let out a howl of surrender, of course with a smirk on his muzzle. Xander kept going as Remus came to a stop.

Rest Kid. Give me some alone time. Xander said gently with a chuckle.

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His run came to a trot as he was realizing they crossed territory lines. Shit.. Xander looked around quickly through the wood lines. Is that..? The ocean? He eased up to the tree’s edge to look out at the moon in all its glory reflecting on the water’s surface. He knew it was around here but he hadn't had to make a trip this way so he had never seen it.

Peeking through the clearing, Xander’s eyes landed on long black hair swaying in the moonlight. And like a painting sat a girl, staring at the moon. Knees pulled close to her chest as her mind must not be here in the present because she had not sensed his presence just yet but that was short lived. Her face pale in the moon's light, flawless, perfect. Something rumbled in his chest, a deep longing feeling as he let a paw step forward unmonitored and tousled through the bushes; not loudly but just enough that the girl spun around like a warrior ready to fight. And when their eyes met, her deep blue eyes matched the ocean behind her. His heart stopped for a moment as a word formed in his mind, Mate.

Xander! XANDER! We gotta leave man! Remus broke through his trance and Xander quickly sent a wave of energy that caused the girl to pass out. It was an ability of the alpha, one of their many secrets and he could use mind-“control” sort of; it's more of a really lame way of being able to link to just about anyone in the lands that he personally knew. As an alpha, however, he is able to add a little umph to it and she won’t remember tonight.

He looked over her body one more time before he turned and ran. Good night, Sea Princess. Xander’s mind wandered back in her direction, he knew she would get up and return to bed without a thought on what happened tonight. He knew he would need to see her again... if it was the last thing he ever did.

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Arriving back at the pack house, Xander stopped for a moment. Leaning on the pillar of the pouch just above the stairs. He crossed his arms before bringing one arm up to cup over his mouth.

What the hell was that? He wondered as Remus came up the stairs to stand in front of him.

“Care to explain?” The man before him could see everything that had happened across those lines because of their link but he couldn’t feel the mate pull. Xander glanced at Remus in contemplation. “I found her.” That was all he could force out. “Your mate.” Remus mused in partial understanding. “It was bound to happen. I’m only confused as to why you wiped her memory.”

Xander nodded with a huff of air, “The situation was complicated. She spun ready to defend her territory and I wasn’t ready for that fight.” He pushed himself off the pillar to begin pacing slowly, “You should’ve seen the beautiful, ferocious look in her eyes. Eyes color of the sea behind her.” He trailed off, Remus’ eye roll could be heard. “We were across territory lines. You did the right thing, no matter how confusing it is to wipe the mate part.” Remus patted Xander’s shoulder and huffed a large puff of air hisself, “I think you need a good night's rest. Given… we will be there within the next few days. And you will have to experience it all again.” He chuckled lightly and walked off.

Xander watched as his gamma left, deciding to take the advice and contemplate how he will continue forward with the fact that not many people tend to be happy about having their memories erased. In the end, he would do whatever she needed him to do. Even if it meant sending him away…

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There once was an ancient tribe of warriors. It was one of the largest tribes in the world due to a merger. With this merge, they became one of the most fearful and powerful wolf tribes to exist. It is said that their leaders were a mated set of alphas, and that no one and nothing could come between them.

“Xander. You must learn to guide her. Let her lead but protect her from her side.” A mysterious voice echoed in his mind, while he was in a deep sleep causing him to stir slightly before waking up. “There are powerful forces at work right now and she will need you.” The voice spoke one more time, its sound fading at the end of the sentence.

Xander looked around, but there didn’t appear to be an intruder. He imagined he might have just heard the moon goddess. He scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to wake up and with a groan he rose out of bed. It must be almost morning as the horizon was beginning to lighten up so he decided to go take a shower and get ready for the day.

By the time he came out, a towel wrapped around his waist, Kane was relaxing at his study table. “Hey man.” He glanced up from some paperwork.

Kane had been his best friend since they were kids. They have been through a lot in a little over 23 years. There was no wonder as to why Kane could stride in and out whenever he pleased and that’s because there was no one he trusted more than Kane, besides Remus. “So Remus let me know the good news.” Kane drew out, smirking which caused Xander to roll his eyes before walking to his closet to grab some clothes. “Let’s not talk about her right now. I’m trying to remember what territory lines I crossed last night so I can send an apology card or something. Goddess I hate having to do that.” The last part was murmured more for himself.

“Actually I know where you were. Remus figured it out earlier this morning… Blood Moon’s territory was where you found your mate, friend.” Kane sat back and crossed his arms as he stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankle. Looking real freaking comfy. s**t. Xander cursed at himself, “Well I hope they didn’t think we were sniffing around with the ceremony only 3 days away. That could cause problems.” Xander pulled his shirt on before stepping into the bathroom to finish dressing. “Remus has already sent them a card, if that makes you feel better.”

Xander peeked his head out, “And here I was wondering why I had you two around… Good Job, brother.” He smirked and ducked into the bathroom again as a lightweight book came flying at the door. At the same time, Remus walked into the room. “What’s up? I have some financial paperwork here for you.” He waved a small stack of paper before setting it on the table Kane was at. Xander walked out, dressed in a white tee and black slacks. “Greeeeaaat…” obviously enthusiastic about more paperwork.

“It must be great to be alpha right?” Remus chuckled, catching a look from Xander. “Oh you are gonna help. Right gamma?” Xander smirked again and Remus rolled his eyes. “Anyways, we have to prepare for the Blood Moon pack’s ceremony here in a few days. Father obviously won’t be attending.” Like that was of any surprise… Well, a little because Michael usually jumps at an opportunity to bed just about any she-wolf available and parties were usually the best time to do that. “Also, thank you for sending our apologies. I didn’t want to make it look like we were going to take advantage of such a transition. The Blood Moon pack was there during mine so I wanna show the utmost respect.” Xander picked up the paperwork, looking it over as he handed a few pages to Remus and Kane.

Kane mused lightly as he leaned onto his palm which was positioned at the elbow on the table, “Do you guys feel a sense of impending doom?” He looked up from the corner of his eyes before scribbling something onto the paper, “I mean I feel like something is brewing behind the scenes and the Blood Moon pack has something to do with it… And no, I'm not saying it in a bad way but more of an indifferent sense.”

Xander looked up a lot quicker than he meant, the goddess’ words resonating with him again. He was beginning to wonder if the ‘to-be’ alpha was the “her” he would be looking for. Letting the question hang in the air, the men continued to work through the paperwork unknowing to just how right the beta was.