In the Luna's shadow

Chapter 8

Theo

I walked into my bedroom and flopped onto my bed. I kicked my shoes off and heard them thump as they fit the floor.

“Are you home already?” Mum called out from in the hallway.

“Yep.” I yelled out. Placing my phone on the bedside table.

“Can I come in and talk to you?” Mum asked. I watched as the doorknob twisted and the door pushed open. I wanted to reply ‘you’re in here already’ but held my tongue.

“Sure…” I muttered and pushed myself up to sit on the edge of the bed.

Mum walked into the room and sat on the edge of the bed beside me. She placed her hand on my knee before turning to face me.

“I just wanted to talk to you because the elder Harry called not long ago.” Mum said, taking a deep breath before continuing, “he said you wanted to attend the Honorary Alpha Ball being held at the Red Shadow Pack this weekend. I just thought it was a bit strange because you are never interested in those events usually.” Mum raised her eyebrows to me curiously.

“That is right, I want to attend. I am going to be alpha of this pack soon, so I should be included in those events to make myself known.” I nodded.

“Right. I understand that, but why now?” Mum pushed. I could feel the irritation building within me. Why couldn’t she just leave it alone?

“Why not, Mum?” I asked. A tiny bit of my annoyance slips through my tone of voice.

“Ah, I don’t know…” mum muttered, shuffling on the edge of the bed.

“Why shouldn’t I go?” I sighed. I could tell there was something behind this chat.

“Just be wary of the Red Shadow Pack members. The Alpha family has never had a great relationship with ours.” Mum mumbled as if she didn’t really want to talk about it but had been forced.

“I think I’ll be ok. Thanks for the warning though.” I said, placing my hand on Mum's shoulder for reassurance. I fought the eye roll that I desperately wanted to finish.

I am the strongest wolf in the surrounding territories! What do I have to be afraid of?! Axel muttered, annoyed.

Who knows? Something is bothering her. I stated.

“Well, just be on your guard. I will not be able to attend with you. Perhaps you could take Tom with you?” Mum suggested as she walked towards my bedroom door.

“Good idea. I will.” I smiled politely as she walked out the door and closed it behind her.

I was about to lay back down on the floor when my phone buzzed on my bedside table.

I picked it up and glanced at the name attached to the text message.

Leia: Feel like having a cheeky visitor?

I rolled my eyes.

Maybe… it’s helped ease the tension before? I suggested.

The goddess has plans. They are not with Leia. Axel argued.

Fine… I groaned and typed my reply.

Me: I’m going to bed.

I turned my bedside lamp off and pulled my shirt over my head. My phone lit up again in the darkness.

Leia: are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? ;)

I groaned out loud.

Me: Good night.

I put my phone back down on the bedside table, pulled my pants off and jumped into bed.

I growled as my phone lit up again.

Tom: Leia keeps asking where you are…

Me: she’s a nut job. I have told her I’m going to bed twice already. By the way, do you want to come to the Honorary Alpha’s Ball at the Red Shadow Pack next weekend?

Tom replied quickly.

Tom: Sure! Are we going to see that hottie from the football???

Me: fingers crossed!

Tom: I’m in like sin!

I chuckled as I plugged my charger into my phone and rolled over in bed.

Now I need to find a suitable suit for the event… I muttered to Axel.

Don’t forget to wear the pack's crest somewhere. Axel reminded me.

I might ask Mum if she still has Dad’s old pack tie. I replied absentmindedly.

That’s killing two birds with one stone. Axel laughed.

I walked down to the kitchen for breakfast. I could hear my Mum and Jenny chatting as I walked down the hall.

“Good morning!” Mum smiled as I sat down on the stool beside Jenny. Jenny was shovelling pancakes with maple syrup and cream into her mouth. She smiled up at my making some of the maple syrup drip down the side of her chin.

“Did you save any pancakes for me?” I teased Jenny.

Jenny laughed, making tiny bits of pancakes spray across the benchtop. Jenny was my ten-year-old sister. She had our Dad’s red, curly hair and our Mum's green eyes. We didn’t look like brother and sister. I had sandy blonde hair, and hazel eyes with our Mum’s tanned skin.

“I made you some and put them aside for you.” Mum smiled and placed a plate of pancakes in front of me.

“What do you want on your pancakes?” Jenny asked.

“I’ll have what Dad used to have.” I winked.

“Strawberries and cream!” Jenny giggled, running to the fridge and grabbing the strawberries and cream.

Strawberries and cream… Axel murmured, remembering the scent on Sienna.

“Here you are, Theo!” Jenny smiled as she placed the ingredients on the bench beside me.

“Thanks!” I said as I opened the packet of strawberries and began placing them onto the pancakes.

“I’ll do the cream!” Jenny squealed. I nodded and handed her the tub of cream. She flicked off the lid and began pouring it over the strawberries and pancakes.

“Woah!” I moaned as a large glug of cream poured out onto the plate.

“Whoops!” Jenny giggled before pulling the cream back on the bench, picking up her fork and stuffing more into her mouth.

“Mum,” I asked as I cut up my pancakes. “Do you happen to know where Dad’s old pack crest tie is? I will need it for the ball this weekend.” I continued.

“Umm… I think it is in the trunk of stuff in the shed. I will have a look this afternoon.” Mum nodded, her expression remaining impassive as she replied.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“You’re going to a ball?!” Jenny squealed with excitement.

“Yep!” I nodded. Picking up a forkful of pancakes and putting them into my mouth.

“Will there be princesses there?” She giggled, looking between me and Mum.

“Not exactly…” I shook my head. Mum laughed from where she was washing the dishes in the sink.

“Hopefully, it will be wonderful.” Mum smiled a small smile.

Hopefully? Axel questioned. We could both tell that something was wrong.

I wonder what she is so worried about… I sighed with confusion.

“I’m sure it will be great!” Jenny cheered, adding more pancakes into her already stuffed mouth.

“Don’t shove too much in there Jenny! You’ll choke!” Mum shook her head and smirked.

“Sorry!” Jenny tried to say in return but it came out sounding more like a mumble of food than an actual word.

I finished the pancake on my plate and walked my plate over to the sink.

“Thanks for breakfast.” I smiled as I placed the empty plate into the sink of bubbly water.

“You’re welcome.” Mum grinned.

“Just as Dad loved them!” I nodded. A tear welled in her eye as she smiled up at me. It had been a year since Dad died, he had gone out to survey the border of our pack's territory and never returned. We were told that a group of rogue wolves were waiting to attack and he didn’t stand a chance. It always hindered me. I should have gone with him. Something I have regretted ever since.