The Last of The Moon Light Pack, page 9
Walking up to the pack house, I spotted Blade and Neko standing out front. They both glanced at each other before bowing their heads in respect. “What?” I ask, irritated. Neko shook his head, I am sure after our last conversation he didn't care to share his opinions. Blade however didn't care, one of the many reasons he was the Beta. I needed someone to be honest even if I didn't want to hear it. “You could have handled that better.” Blade says, “She isn't some weak she-wolf.” I growl but he ignores it, “She all but ripped my head off when I found her.” I feel Artemis puff his chest in pride, “Mate is not weak” he says again. Alright I get it. Stop rubbing it in, I say to him. “She could use some training though,” says Blade, “but I’m glad she didn't have it or she could have sunk her teeth into my jugular and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” Neko pipes in, “I’m not surprised she reacted that way. This is why we need to introduce her to the pack. She could have hurt someone.” I nod, “This is one of the reasons we are here. Let’s go to the office, we need to go over some details and protocols” I say, walking into the pack house, both Blade and Neko follow. We make our way to the second floor and into the office. This one is different from my personal one. Still at a large size, the room has everything you would expect to see in any office. However, Instead of a desk it has a longer table suitable for meetings. Normally this would be my office but because I tend to use the one in my own house Blade and Neko use this one as theirs. They also execute my pack orders to the pack warriors and this makes it a lot easier when smaller recon missions need to be discussed. Taking my seat at the head of the table, Blade sits to my right and Neko at my left. I want to go over plans to fully introduce Accalia to the pack but first we should make sure we are all on the same page in the silver issue and the Argent. I turn to Blade, “I take it that you and Neko already discussed the visit I had with Drake?” Blade nods, “Guy still being a prick I hear.” I grunt, Blade has the same vibe from Drake as the rest of us. “Have we decided on a plan of action?” asks Neko. I sigh, “This is going to be tricky. We are still trying to locate the main facility. But if Drakes Intel is correct and that is a big if. We may be out of time to stop them from doing a test run of their new weapon.” This was something we had been trying to prevent. This war had been going on between the Argent and Werewolves for centuries. We knew that the main hub for the Argent was in Europe but they had slowly been setting up bases in the states. “This new weapon could take down a whole pack in one go” says Blade, “A lot of lives would be lost at least on our end.” I nod. “Where do you think they will strike first?” asks Neko. I lean back in my chair in thought. “I believe they will strike one of the smaller packs first. They are still in the testing stage so they don't want to draw too much attention. They obviously need time to perfect it.” I say. “This makes sense, they have a pattern for first striking smaller packs” says Neko, Blade and I nod in agreement. “Two possible packs come to mind,” I say, “The Meadow Stone Pack and The Freedom Runners Pack.” Neko nods, “either of those would be a top choice for the Argent. They lack large numbers and are more peaceful packs. They wouldn't really put up a fight if something went wrong.” “Agreed” says Blade, “With their smaller numbers and lack of warriors it would be easier to pick the rest of them off before they could spread the word.” “I know we are not bringing the council in on this, but do you think we should at least speak with some of the surrounding pack Alphas?” asks Neko. I mull the idea over, “I don’t think that would be a bad idea. We will be present in the area and they will want to know why. The council and I are already planning on discussing the threat at the next Alpha meeting. So it wouldn't hurt to clear a couple packs beforehand.” Blade and Neko nod. “We will need to send a small unit to both surrounding packs. Do you know which packs they are?” I ask. “The Moon Beam Pack and The Silver River Pack” says Blade. I nod, “Alright, send a unit to both.” “Yes, Alpha” they both say. “Now, let's get to the matter of my mate”.....
After spending the remainder of the day putting things in order, running patrol and holding a meeting with the two units we would be sending out. I found myself back in my office going over yet more paperwork. “You're avoiding Mate,” says Artemis. I sighed, he was right. I had been hoping she would come find me but after being in my office for over three hours but I haven't heard a word from her. I wonder if she was still mad. Would she even want to see me? Throwing my pen down I decided if she wasn't going to me I would have to go to her. She couldn't avoid me forever and let’s be honest I wouldn't allow it if she tried. I took the steps two at a time, not stopping until I was outside the bedroom door. Her scent was strong, so I knew she was there. Should I knock? Don’t be ridiculous, this is my room, our room. Why was I so nervous? Yes, I was not proud of the way I had acted but she wasn't acting reasonable either. Goddess what is the matter with me, I'm never so indecisive. “Scaredy cat” pipes Artemis and I growl. I am not scared. He puffs in response, “Yea, ok.” Taking a deep breath I walk through the door. The room is dark but my werewolf vision makes that no problem. I can see her on the bed, I can tell she is asleep from the steady beating of her heart. I walk slowly to her, trying to be quiet. She has her head under the covers, I just want to see her beautiful face. I love to watch her sleep. She is always so peaceful. I pull back the comforter. Her face is wet, puffy rings under her eyes show she has been crying. Artemis howls and my heart clenches. She is in pain and we are the cause of it. I feel like a complete ass. How could I let her be alone like this? Had she even moved from the bed? I noticed yesterday's clothes still on her. Shit. What have I done? She looks exhausted. I don't want to wake her but I need to do something. I kick off my shoes and climb in bed behind her. I stay on the outside of the covers and slowly pull her to my chest. She lets out a sigh, turning and rolls into me. I feel her relax as she takes a deep breath in. I don’t dare move, I know she is fast asleep and I just want to comfort her. I doubt she would allow me to if she was awake. I lean my head down to her hair, taking in her scent. Goddess she smells so good. I lay like that for hours, not moving. Just listening to the sound of her breathing, letting her scent calm my nerves. When the sun starts to come up I am forced from the bed, I have to go run a patrol. Mind-linking Blade on the way from the room I say, “Tell Melony she needs to come see Accalia.” “Everything ok?” he asks. “I don’t think she should be alone.” I say. “Yes, Alpha” says Blade and we cut or link.
~Accalia’s POV~
Later that day….
I hug Melony, sobbing. At some point we both sat back down. She doesn't say anything, just lets me cry all over her nice pink top. “I… I’m s-s-sorry” I babble, “I g-g-got y-y-you-r s-s-shirt w-w-wet.” she pulls back and smiles “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take the wet over shredding them when my wolf loses her temper.” I half laugh, half sob. “Now tell me why you think you have to leave,” she says. I take a deep breath, “Because Ryker and I had a fight and he said…” “Something stupid?” She interrupts. I shake my head. Melony sighs, “Men say stupid stuff Accalia. They don't have a filter between their mouth and their brain. Trust me I know from experience. I can identify it, my filter is broken.” I can't help but smile. She really didn't know when to stop talking. “Look,” she said, taking a spoon full of ice cream into her mouth, “Ryker cares about you. Now I am not going to defend his comments because we both know they were probably stupid. However, I know he truly cares about you.” I don't say anything for a few minutes. “Why haven't I seen him then?” I ask, more to myself but Melony answers. “He was in here last night.” I look at her shocked. How did she know that? “Who do you think told me you needed your best friend?” I blink in surprise. He told Melony to come see me? “Well, he told Blade and Blade to me but still the same thing.” she says, taking another bite. “Now, I’m going to get into some real talk here,” she says, putting the spoon down. Was she not already giving me real talk? “You have to realize that things are hard for Ryker, he is an Alpha male and you guys haven't... Well, you know.” I blush, she doesn't need to further explain, and I’m not that naive. She continues, “That's hard for any werewolf, especially Alpha males. I am not saying you need to take that step. I mean make him wait girl it's in your own time. But, you need to give the man something.” “I thought you weren't going to defend him.” I say, narrowing my eyes. She holds up her hands, “His comments and I am not picking sides. I am being honest, it's what best friends do.” I sigh. “At least open up a bit more to him. Talk to the man, let him get to know you better. I mean how much have you told him about yourself?” She asks. I think about it “Not a lot” I admit and she nods, “Well start there. The rest will fall into place.”
Chapter Nine
~Accalia’s POV~
After hanging around with Melony I started to feel better. She had given me a lot to think about by the time she had left. She was right, I wasn't being fair to Ryker. I had been holding back a lot from him and he needed to know the truth. I paced the room. I was a ball of nerves, I had no idea if he was going to come back tonight. But if he was here last night it was more than likely. I had thought he didn't care, Goddess I almost left thinking he didn't want me. Pain squeezed my chest as I thought how I would feel in his shoes. He was right, I hadn't realized all the steps he had taken to provide for me. I just wasn’t used to all of the attention and caring, I didn't know how to react to it. Then again he doesn't know my past so how could he understand? I turned, hearing the door knob. Ryker walked into the room and froze. I could tell by the look on his face he probably expected me to be asleep. We both stared at each other for a few minutes. I could feel my wolf perk at his presence and this time I didn't fight her control. We crossed the room and smashed into him, hugging him tightly. He was surprised at first but wrapped us in a big hug. Nuzzling my hair, he breathed deep. “I’m sorry” I said into his chest. He squeezed me tighter. “No, I am sorry” he said, pulling back, looking into my eyes. “I over reacted, I shouldn't have stormed out on you.” I shook my head, a tear rolling down my cheek. “You were just worried about me.” he wiped the tear from my cheek, “Please no more crying, I can’t bear to see you cry.” This just made more tears spill realizing Melony was right. He pulled me close to his chest until my tears stopped. Taking a deep breath, I pulled away and started pacing again. He watched me for a few moments without saying anything. Finally I stopped, turning to him. “Thank you” I said and he looked confused. “Not just for just trying to keep me safe and taking care of me, but for having Melony come and talk to me. I was about to leave when she knocked on the…” “You what!?” he interrupted, striding across the room, grabbing my forearms, “Leave!?” I blinked a few times before nodding. He shook his head, pulling me into a hug, breathing my scent. After a minute I looked up at him, his eyes were green, “Mate will NOT leave.” I knew it wasn't up for debate. There was no way he was letting me go. Ryker lowered his head and ran his nose across my neck. I shivered at the sensation and Neoma purred. A small smile played across my lips. I don’t know why I was fighting this so hard. He might not know everything about me but even an idiot could tell he cared, and I was being an idiot. “Yes.” Chimes in Neoma, I sigh. She could be mad at me if she wanted. I was just glad she had spoken to me. I missed you, I say to which she purrs in response. She might at times hate my stubbornness but she did love me. I feel her puff in response. I’m distracted as Ryker starts kissing and nipping up and down my neck. Sparks shot through me and my body heated. My breath catches in my throat as he lifts me up and makes his way to the bed. Kissing down my neck to my collar bone. His hands go up under my sweater as he lays me down. Sparks of pleasure shot through me and warm throbbing pulsates between my thighs. Ryker growls, pulling my shirt off and tossing it aside. His eyes drank me in. I had not intended to wear anything sexy but when getting dressed this morning I had realized Melony pick out all my bras and panties and not a single pair wasn't some revealing type of lace or sexy cut. I had opted for a tan push up bra with black lace and matching panties. Seemed to be the least sexy thing at the time, but the way Ryker’s eyes raked over me I think it was anything but. He slowly traced his hand over my chest and my back arched. Goddess how this man's touch did things to me. He leaned down and started kissing me from my breast, to my stomach, to my pant line. I couldn't breathe. Goddess help me, he was going to be the death of me. “Ryker!” I gasped as he nipped my waist. He growled, rubbing his tongue along my skin and nipped again. I panted, my brain turning into mush, “Wait, stop” I said, breathless and pushed his shoulders. He growled but pulled back looking at me, his eyes glowing green. I sat up on my elbows, “We need to talk first” I said, he shook his head. “Mate” he purred, sending shivers down my spine. Goddess, give me strength. I don't know if I can resist him. I cleared my throat “I won't go anywhere I promise.” I say, sitting up “But I do need to have a talk with Ryker.” I know Ryker could hear me but right now his wolf was in full control and I needed to be sure he understood everything I was about to tell him. Ryker leaned back down over me, gently pushing me onto the bed. I moaned as he ran his nose from my waist line up to my neck. “Keep making noises like that and Artemis won’t let me be in control for long” Ryker says, near my ear. I bite my lip and nod. He pulls back, His wolf is right at the surface, and I can see flecks of green in his eyes. I grab a pillow and cover my chest with it. Earning me a disapproving growl, I shake my head “I need to be able to focus and I can't with you staring at me like that.” I say. Ryker smirks and says, “Ok, let's talk.”
Taking a deep breath, I say, “This is going to be hard for me. So, please don’t interrupt or I might not get it all out.” Ryker nods, sitting next to me on the bed. I look off across the room, trying to find where to start. “You already know I lost both my parents,” I say, “I lost them and my whole pack” I say, pushing past the lump in my throat and look at him. I can see his surprise along with other emotions but he doesn't say anything. So, I continue, “I was only six at the time, so I am not sure what all happened” Ryker lets out a low growl, “My mother had put me in hiding when the attack started and I was lucky enough to escape in the hidden tunnels.” I glanced at Ryker who was watching me closely. “I stayed in the tunnels for a few days after, I didn't know everyone was dead at the time. I figured it out later when no one came for me. So, I left. I don’t even know how long I wandered or how far. All I know is that I was eventually found when I accidentally crossed into another pack's territory. I was half dead and even though they took me in. I was never considered part of the pack. To be honest I’m glad they didn't, they are greedy and cruel. Because they couldn't locate where I came from and I was too scared to say anything they made me a pack omega. I was put to work taking on most of the labor. And if I didn't listen or agree I was beaten.” Ryker growled loud this time standing to his feet. “Which pack!?” He demanded, his eyes shifting from green to grey. I shook my head, looking away. “Ryker, Please.” I could feel his eyes on me, I thought he might argue but then he sat down. I relaxed a bit, “I left, and they never made me stay. Just take a whole lot of shit. Eventually, my wolf and I had enough and she convinced me to leave. As I said, we come from Beta blood. A Beta cannot be an omega. I kept my power status hidden from the pack. They never treated me with kindness so why would I share anything with them? That is why I didn't know I had more than Beta blood.” I said, making eye contact. “That's also why you found me on the outside border. I didn't have anywhere to go, I was just running.” Ryker took me in his arms. I hadn't noticed the tears running down my face until he pulled back and wiped them. “No one will ever hurt you like that again. Not if I have anything to say about It.” he growled, his wolf flashing in his eyes. I lean into him, breathing his scent. I feel as though a weight has been lifted. “See,” I hear Neoma say, rubbing against my skin, “Mate will protect us.”
~Ryker’s POV~
My mate lay asleep in my arms, as my thoughts drifted over everything. I wish she had told me who the pack was. No doubt she was worried I would go to war, and she might be right. My pack may be known for its ruthlessness but we never mistreated children. It didn't matter if they were from a pack or not. A child is innocent and a pack ok with abusing them wasn’t ok with me. I looked down at my mate. After all she had been through any other wolf would be broken. The Moon Goddess had truly blessed me. Between everything she had told me, I had not gotten the chance to tell her about The Luna Ceremony. I hope she will be accepting. Normally a ceremony was conducted after I had marked her. Then again we didn't meet under normal circumstances and mark or no mark she was my Luna. I plan on taking her to the Alpha Meeting and she would not be introduced as anything less.
The next week passed in a blur. Most of it was spent in my office. With the preparations for the Luna ceremony, the council breathing down my neck, upped pack runs, new training exercises, and trying to get the Alphas to cooperate at having my small pack units on the edge of their borders, I was stressed out. “I don’t give to shits about his bullshit. This is a matter of life and death.” I snap at Blade. He wasn't really the one to blame, we had one Alpha giving us a hell of a time. He was demanding we follow tradition and have a sit down before any decisions were made, but I didn't have time to do introductions. We were in the middle of trying to stop a war which he had been made aware of and still he was insistent on a face to face meeting. I growled and slammed my fist on the desk “Why is he so insistent that I come and do a face to face?” Blade shrugged, “He says it's the way things are done, but in all reality a small patrol on the edge of a pack border is the Beta’s area” says Blade. “Exactly,” I say, grumbling more profanity under my breath. “I guess we will have to set a meeting. If he wants to meet the Alpha he is going to meet the Alpha.” Blade nods, as I lean back in my chair. I really didn't have the time to deal with anymore today. I had promised Accalia we would spend some time together. As Blade had suggested she had been on the training field with Melony for the past two weeks. She was so excited when approached with the idea I had a hard time getting her to do anything else. She was normally in bed by the time I was done. Which didn't surprise me, our training was rigorous, but she was a fast learner. I believe every wolf needed to know how to defend themselves and being a Luna was no exception, especially being in this pack. I wasn't about to let her go on the front lines but let's face it I had enemies and as most Alphas wanted to protect their mates they would fail to realize they are doing more harm when not allowing them training. I finished going over the last of our details with Blade and made my way to the training field. It was earlier than I had originally planned so I knew she would be there. Making my way onto the field I noticed a circle of pack members. They were more than likely doing a challenge as was normal to help place pack members in rank. What I didn't expect to see however was my mate in the center with Rachel. I hadn't heard what Rachel had said to her but judging by her smug look and the flash of anger on my mates face, it had the effect she wanted. I hung back on the edge of the crowd. I wanted to intervene but doing so would cause embarrassment to Accalia. We had rules when it came to a challenge. I myself have been in the circle a few times with some younger wolf who thought he could take me out. This of course never ended well, for them. My hands were tied, if I stepped in I would essentially be ranking her as lowest in the pack. Rachel dropped into a stalking stance but Accalia just stood there. I glanced between them, Artemis prickled at the sight of our mate in possible danger. Our need to protect her was overwhelming, Rachel launched at Accialia.
