Blood Moon Rising: Book One of The Moon Series

Chapter Ten || Ingredients For War (Valus)

Chapter Ten || Ingredients for War

Valus’ eyes fluttered open, a heavy warmth was wrapped around her. It was kind of suffocating, she thought as she shuffled a little bit. Turning over, coming face to face with Xander. She had never seen him so... child-like. Peaceful as he slept. She wincing slightly as her body reminded her of the night before.

She hadn’t told Xander that it was her first time, that he’s actually had most of her firsts so far. So he wasn’t entirely gentle with her and that was her own fault. Xander began to shift and wake up, she froze watching him. “Good morning.” Xander’s voice was this sexy gravelly sound rumbling through her. Is this what it will feel like all the time? Valus wondered. “Probably.” He chuckled, peeking one eye at her as he rolled onto his stomach stretching.

“Don’t do that all the time.” Valus laughed and got out of bed to grab some clothes. “I can only hear your outward thoughts and feel your emotions. Most of your thoughts are still your own unless you share them with me.” He yawned, keeping one eye open as he looked at her, “What are you doing?”

Xander sat up and the blanket revealed everything down to the v of his lower stomach, stopping there. Valus groaned and ran into the bathroom, locking the door. “You’re going to be the death of me.” And all she heard was a laugh from Xander as she brushed her teeth and hopped into the shower.

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She walked out of the bathroom tying her hair back into a ponytail. Xander stood up and kissed her head as he took his turn in the shower. Valus smiled before looking at the bed where there were a few books laying around, “What's this?” She called into the next room.

His voice was muffled due to the door and what she assumed was his toothbrush, “Reading up on those witches again.” He stepped out, still running the brush around in his mouth, “If we’re going to fight, we need to know as much as we can about them.” Valus nodded quickly, “Novan has a powerful one with him. I got to meet her very briefly... who do you think we can ask to do this? My father isn’t going to let us tap his warriors for an evening of bloodshed.” She sat her hip on the bed.

Xander shrugged, turning his head to spit. “I got pull on my own. And you need to speak to Liam, he was a regular witch expert at that compound. He may not be able to cast spells but potions are easy to make and he’s good at it. I still have the freezing potion for Novan.” He turned the water on and rinsed his mouth out, thinking to her.

But I wanna use it on the witch. Take out Novan and kill the witch. Check page 92. It says that if the witch is tethered to her wolf when he is killed, she dies too.

Valus raised her eyebrows, “You’ve been studying.. that’s cute.” She chuckled, thumbing the pages. Opening a link to Liam, Got some time to meet me? My room.

Liam replied, be there in just a moment.

She went back to the book, bringing her legs up, crossing them as she studied it. Valus couldn’t help but peek up at the door for a moment though. Any moment Cora would have run in, perky even though it was morning... Xander cut in, Don’t do that to yourself darling. The shower started and she eased away from the door and to the pages but not before asking Xander, Have you heard from Remus?

Xander shushed her, Let me shower and then we can talk. Valus rolled her eyes and started reading.

Liam came walking in, his own bag full of things. “How are you Valus?” He sat gently next to her and looked at her, Valus smiled at him. “I’ll be okay eventually... but right now, it’s time to make sure those rogues cannot hurt anyone else. Are you prepared for a fight?” Liam chuckled, “Of course but even if I wasn’t, I’d follow you anywhere. Title or not, you’re the alpha this pack deserves.” He patted her shoulder before turning to dump his bag on the bed.

From the bag fell books and books on witches, ingredients for things Valus had no clue and bottled up potions. “Wow.” She shifted her body, “what is this?” She picked up a potion and a root of something. “Um, cloak removal potion and Hyssop Herb.” Liam squinted at the book he had while taking the root from Valus.

Xander walked out in a towel, drying his hair and Valus almost fell over. Liam looked away, “Did you two have fun?” He smirked at her. “Not now perv!” Valus’ face flushed and radiated. Xander chuckled, “The rest of my clothes are in the guest room so I will return.” He walked out, clearly proud of himself.

Valus watched after him and as she turned, Liam was just sitting there with a wide smile. “I didn’t see it before but congratulations are in order here.” He reached over and poked her neck. “That’s permanent you know.” He winked and laughed loudly as she smacked him with one of her pillows. “I didn’t ask your opinion, you fiend.”

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After a little while, Xander returned. Valus and Liam had moved to the floor to spread everything out. “Kane and Remus will be here soon. They’re all filled in and I linked the pack warriors back home. We’ve got a good sized army behind us. We just need to figure out where this will take place that doesn’t immediately put anyone in either community in danger.”

Valus agreed, “I think I know just the spot. It’s near where Remus and Cora had been attacked. It’s a very large clearing, the trees could provide the most cover for some of the warriors as a surprise.” She sat her back against the bed looking up at Xander.

Just then her father walked into the room, “You will also have our own warriors behind you as well as myself.” James graced at Liam, brewing his potions with a confused look. Liam looked up, “It’s not as good as having a witch on your side but it’ll work right??” He grinned and James just shook his head.

Xander chuckled, “Well then. Are we going to send this message? I would like a moment with Valus.” James glanced between them, obviously taking note of Valus’ neck. Raising his eyebrows he turn and spoke to Xander, “I’ll be in my study ready to give the plans to the warriors.” Xander nodded, “We will let you know.”

Valus watched him leave, “I should be able to link Novan because he is my birth father.” Xander spoke up, “Are you ready for this?” She smiled at him, “Of course. I won’t let that man rattle me.” Valus shut her eyes and concentrated hard on Novan, opening a link.

I always knew you’d seek me out. His voice spoke through the link before she could even speak.

I’m not looking for you, for the reason you think I might be. Valus said with a voice set in stone.

Novan chuckled, So you still choose their side?

No. I’m avenging the death on your hands. The things you made a child do. Everything you have and will do. There is a clearing, She sent an image to him. We will meet there tomorrow at dawn. And there will wage a battle until one of us no longer stands.

He grew quiet, You think I could kill my own daughter? Novan asked, he didn’t sound as concerned as he would like to think.

If you can’t, it’ll just make it easier for me to kill you. Until then, Novan, goodbye. Valus closed the link.

Xander bent down next to her and caressed her cheek, “This will not be easy, but just know we are all here with you.”

Kane and Remus walked in, “Always.” Kane chuckled and Remus looked solemnly at her, nodding. Xander stood, pulling Valus to her feet, “Now if you excuse me, I would like a moment with my mate.” Valus smiled as he pulled her away, down the stairs and out of the house.

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He had just held her hand quietly as they walked through the surrounding forest. Life was getting back to like it was before the attack in the community. Valus stared around her just taking in the air. “So what I wanted to talk to you about,” Xander had broken the silence, looking down at her, “is the possibility of you coming home with me?”

Valus stopped walking, Blood Moon had been her home forever even if they had done those things to her. And Harvest Moon was no better if she thought about it. She shook her head, “Honestly after all this, I don’t know if I could live in either place.” Valus’ eyes widened as the words just kind of came out and they were true... “But if I wanted to be anywhere, it would be with you. So if you want me to come home with you. I will.”

Xander smiled, “Are you sure you’d be able to call it home after everything?” Valus nodded, “Eventually. But again, you’ll be there to help me through that. I honestly wonder if Liam would come too.” She thought. “You could ask him. We have plenty of room, and I think a spot will be opening on the elders bench for an apprenticeship. He would be a great asset to the team.” Xander spoke his thoughts out loud to her. Liam would like that. Valus laughed, “Speaking of Liam, we should get back. Who knows what kinds of things they will think we’re doing.”

Returning to the house, Remus walked up to Valus causing her to stop. Xander patted his shoulder, and continued to walk inside. “How are you?” Valus asked gently, and Remus looked around before a heavy sigh left his body, “Honestly. I think it hurts more that we never got a chance.” His body seemed a lot more slumped than his usual taunt tone. Valus nodded, “She was supposed to be here to help guide me as I ascended. Luckily for me, I don’t have to do that anymore.” Remus smiled a little for the first time in a while. “You will. You do know they have ceremonies for Luna’s right? They aren’t nearly as big but it's a ceremony all the same.”

Valus arched an eyebrow, “Luna?” Remus’ mouth shut before he quickly seemed apologetic, “I thought he spoke to you about coming back? Damn it.” Valus laughed, “Oh! Yes he did. But the details haven’t been worked out.” And Remus almost deflated in relief. “He would have killed me. Thank goddess. Well anyways, it seems Kane has hatched a brilliant plan. And he took it to your father already. I’m sure Xander is being briefed right as we speak. Battle plans will be drawn by the end of the night and tomorrow we avenge Cora.” Remus grinned, it was an amazing sight even though it was brief, and Valus agreed, before having a thought.

“What if we put together a banquet for tonight..? Don’t all big battles have one right before?” Remus looked at her confused, “Yes but I am not the one to ask for decoration opinions.” Valus laughed, “Oh don’t worry. You’re hanging them. My mother is who you’re going to have to watch for because celebrations are her thing.” She winked and Remus’ groaned.

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“A little to the left!” Cassidy yelled at Remus who was on a ladder setting up lights for the banquet under the stars. He looked tortured. Valus let a childish giggle slip out as she turned and almost ran right into Xander.

“What’s this?” He looked around, raising an eyebrow as once again Cassidy was yelling and gesturing vigorously at Remus. “A small celebration before our battle. Figured everyone could use it to relax. Remus got roped into it.”

Valus’ ran her hands up his arms with a smile, “Starts in an hour so you might wanna go get dressed.” She had taken a moment already to slip into a black strapless maxi dress with strap up heels, her hair in waves down her back with a light amount of eye makeup.

Xander growled playfully, “I’m sure you could come help me undress.” He winked and she chuckled, “And risk you messing up my outfit. No thanks.” Valus went on tippy toes and kissed him. “See you in a bit okay?” Xander looked like he was almost pouting and he turned and went to start getting ready.

As soon as he left, Liam and Kane came walking up. They seemed to be having a nice little conversation, Valus waved. “Hey guys!” Liam grinned and patted Kane’s arm before walking right up to Valus. Kane waved at her with a smile before taking off towards Remus. Valus waited before looking at Liam with a raised eyebrow, “Getting cozy?” Liam looked like he was blushing before he coughed nonchalantly and shrugged, “He’s great to talk to. There’s so many cool different things to do where their pack is located. I was hoping to visit sometime. He was just telling me about it.”

Valus smiled gently, “I’m really glad to hear that. I did have a question for you though... How would you feel about coming with me if I decided to go there permanently? It’s not something you have to decide now, you’d be leaving your home and I would understand if not. Just let me know after the battle... if we survive it.” Liam seemed surprised, “That’s a big step. I’ll definitely think about it, Valus.” He grinned and walked towards Kane.

“There’s something going on there.” Xander mused as he walked up, once again scaring her. After a moment though, she took a look at him in awe. He was dressed up in a black tieless suit and his usually messy hair was... mostly tame. He really was godly looking. Thank you Goddess, Valus prayed to the moon with a snicker.

Xander shook his head chuckling, hearing her outward thoughts. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and they stood watching the area fill with all their warriors. Valus didn’t recognize a few, “Who are..?” Xander cut in, “Harvest Moon. I had them head in tonight before all this for preparations before tomorrow.”

They walked over to the head table where her mother and father sat, and stood there as Xander raised a glass causing everyone at the table to stand as well. “Thank you to everyone here. Tomorrow we will be tested as two packs become one. It will not be easy, but we will fight with valor and honor and with all the strength the Moon Goddess has graced us with.” Valus smiled up at him before raising her own glass, “Now let’s feast!”

The cooks came out with a feast alright. From meats to vegetables to breads and potatoes in all forms, fruits and desserts. The pack whooped and dug in as Xander and Valus sat as well. They listened to the conversations around them. Valus’ face fell as she looked around her, guilt setting in. She could be leading these people to their deaths...

Xander places a hand on hers, shaking his head. “We will prevail tomorrow. You’ve got to believe that or we will fail.” She looked at her mate, her heart feeling like it’s beating a hundred miles a minute. She could feel everything he felt for her and she knew he believed in her. It was time she started believing in herself.