Alpha and the Luna of power

01

This is what I loved.

Running on my own through the forest, wind rippling through my thick, silver shiny coat, without a care in the world. My paws hit the ground with a rhythmic thud, the earth beneath me vibrating with the force of my speed. The scent of the night, the sharp tang of pine mixed with the freshness of the forest's deep breath, filled my senses. Every inch of me was alive, every muscle stretched and glided in perfect unison. The wind tangled through my fur, cooling my heated body as I raced through the night, as though nothing existed beyond this moment.

This is what I do each night. Escape my house, slip away from the eyes of my pack, and race through the woods in my wolf form. If a human had seen me right now, I would have just looked like a silver blur, nothing more than a flash of motion, impossible to catch. I was running that fast. But like I said, this is what I loved. The exhilaration. The rush. The feeling of freedom that could only be experienced in my wolf form, where I could forget everything else and simply be.

I slowed to a light run, feeling my muscles stretch and loosen as I gradually shifted my pace. The crisp air filled my lungs, my paws barely touching the ground now, as I tilted my head, eyes rising to the vast expanse of the black night sky. The moon was full tonight, its silver light spilling across the landscape, casting everything in a soft glow. For a brief moment, I felt like I was part of the night, like I belonged to it.

But it wasn't the moonlight that guided me. It was my werewolf senses. My eyesight, my hearing, my smell-they were all enhanced, sharp, attuned to the smallest detail of my surroundings. Being the Beta's daughter came with its perks. We were trained to be the best, and our senses, our strength, were heightened in ways most wolves could only dream of.

I slowed my pace further, coming to a stop. The cool earth beneath my paws felt comforting. I sank back on my haunches, resting my body against a sturdy tree. My head remained tilted back, staring up at the sky. The stars. They were so distant, so unreachable, yet they always calmed me. I've always had an affinity for the stars. It was as if, when I looked hard enough, I could see the patterns in them, make pictures, form constellations. I had done this since I was a little girl.

I closed my eyes for a moment, remembering the feeling of being a child, carefree, innocent.

I remembered the night I was five, laying beside my mother in this very forest. The air was warm then, the scent of spring filling the air. She had been telling me stories, laughing and joking, as we stared at the stars. The memory was so vivid, so real, that it felt like she was here beside me now, her soft laughter echoing in my mind.

My heart tightened with the memory. My mother. Miranda. She was gone. And every time I thought about her, a sharp pang of grief gripped my chest. I had been only six when she was taken from me. Six years old. Too young to understand death, too young to grasp that I would never see her again.

I remember that night so clearly. The sound of her hurried footsteps as she ran through this very forest, her powerful wolf form cutting through the trees. The pack was on alert that night; there had been rumors that the Dark Moon pack was getting closer, making moves to expand their territory. My mother had been making her way home when it happened.

She had crossed the Boundary Line. That was all it took.

The Boundary Line was a sacred, dangerous place. It marked the divide between the Fire Daze pack and the Dark Moon pack. It was a no-man's land, a line that no one dared to cross. But my mother had done it by mistake. She had been unaware of the proximity of Alpha Tony, the ruthless Alpha of the Dark Moon pack.

The moment he felt her cross the line, he wasted no time. There was no mercy. No hesitation. Just death. My mother was gone before anyone even had a chance to react.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block the image of her lifeless body, of the pain that had lingered in my heart ever since. She had been everything to me. Kind. Loving. Strong. Dedicated to her pack, always putting others before herself. She had been a beacon of light, and without her, my world had felt like it was plunged into darkness.

The night she died, I had been waiting for her to come home. I didn't know then. I didn't know that by dawn, I would be an orphan, left to face a world without my mother's love.

I sighed deeply, my breath visible in the cold air. There was no escaping the grief. It had shaped me, molded me into who I was today. But it also filled me with a burning desire for justice. For revenge. And one day, I would have it.

Alpha Tony's death came two years after my mother's. The disease that had taken him was rare, something that even his Alpha blood couldn't fight. Cancer, they said. A disease that had no mercy.

I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction at his death. Good. The Dark Moon pack finally knew what it felt like to lose one of their own. I had been only eight when it happened, but I had known even then that it was karmic justice. I had heard the whispers around the pack, the rumors that Alpha Tony had been a cruel, merciless leader, and that his death had been a relief to many, even within his own ranks.

But his death didn't bring my mother back. And it didn't change the fact that the Dark Moon pack was still out there, still a threat to my pack.

Now, the pack was led by his son, Tristan Ryker. A young Alpha, only 23 years old, but already known for his strength and coldness. There were whispers about him, about his lack of a mate, and the darkness that seemed to radiate from him. Some said he was more dangerous than his father. Others said he was just as ruthless.

Tristan. His name haunted me. Every time I thought about the Dark Moon pack, his name followed. The son of the monster who had killed my mother.

I stood up from my place beneath the tree, shaking off the sadness that had threatened to consume me. My wolf form was strong, and I had learned to keep my emotions in check. There was no room for weakness, not when the world was so full of danger.

The night air was cold now, and I could feel the chill creeping into my fur, but it didn't matter. My senses were heightened. I could hear every crackle of the leaves in the trees, every rustle of a distant animal. The forest was alive, and so was I.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of pine and earth, and I began to run again. My paws pounded against the earth, my body moving effortlessly through the forest, as if the very woods were part of me.

Tonight, I would be free.

But tomorrow? Tomorrow, the fire of vengeance would burn even brighter.

I shivered. I've never met or seen him or any of his pack before, but the mention of his name has me shivering, and it's making me feel all fuzzy inside. Weird. I dismissed the feeling and thought about the Dark Moon pack. I hated them with every ounce of my soul. And so did my pack, too. I hated Alpha Tristan's father, Tony, for killing my mother and not giving her a chance to live. I bet my mother didn't even get time to register what was happening before Tony snapped her neck without a second thought. The very thought of it made my chest tighten.

The Dark Moon pack had always been a thorn in our side. Ever since that day, my hatred for them had only grown, and I wasn't alone. My father, Will, had spent years raising me to despise them. He said that if they had the chance, they'd wipe us out without hesitation.

But then I heard his name-Alpha Tristan-and my body betrayed me. My heart raced, and I felt a strange heat coil in my stomach. I shook my head, trying to dispel the sensation, but it lingered, like a whisper in the back of my mind. What was wrong with me?

« LUCIA! » My father's deep, authoritative shout cut through my thoughts via mind link. His voice echoed in my head, making my ear twitch from how loud it was.

« Lucia, you were supposed to be home half an hour ago! Where are you? »

I sighed inwardly, pushing the confusing thoughts aside. There was no point in arguing with Dad. « I'm sorry, Dad. I just lost track of time. I'm on my way home now. »

My dad's voice softened, though I could still hear the tension in it. « Okay, sweetie. Come quickly. The Alpha needs to address the pack about something. »

I frowned. That was strange. If I was in human form, I would've thought he meant it was an emergency, but we'd just had a pack meeting this morning. So why was another one necessary? It wasn't like we were in the middle of a war or anything. Picking up my pace, I tore through the woods towards the village I called home. My mind was racing with questions, but I couldn't figure out why this felt different.

I slowed to a stop just at the edge of the woods so I could shift. The trees around me swayed gently in the breeze, and I could smell the damp earth and pine. It felt comforting, like home. I trotted to where my belongings were hidden beneath some brush and quickly began the process of shifting.

I could hear the sickly popping sounds my bones made as they rearranged themselves, reshaping into my human form. When I shifted for the first time, I was sixteen, and it hurt so much I thought I was going to pass out. But now, at eighteen, after two years of shifting back and forth, I hardly felt a thing. It was almost second nature, like breathing.

I quickly dressed, feeling the fabric of my clothes settle over my skin, and headed out of the forest. My heart rate picked up again as I hurried across the grounds toward the main hall. The large building loomed ahead, its stone walls standing tall and firm against the sky. I wondered what could be so important that we needed another meeting.

I reached the entrance and slowed down, taking a deep breath before walking through the doors. As soon as I stepped into the main hall, every conversation, every whisper, came to a sudden halt. All eyes turned to me, and my stomach flipped. I swallowed nervously, trying to steady myself, and scanned the room for my father.

« Luce, up here! » I heard my dad's voice calling from the front. My eyes lifted to see him standing at the foot of a small stage, his posture slightly hunched as if the weight of something heavy rested on his shoulders.

I smiled to myself, relieved that I'd found him. I made my way toward him, my steps echoing in the quiet hall. As I approached, I noticed that my father seemed a bit off-nervous, even. His usual calm, confident demeanor was missing.

I took a moment to study him. My father was forty years old, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. His dark brown hair had streaks of gray now, especially at the temples, and it looked like he'd been running his hands through it more than usual. His round green eyes, which were usually bright and full of energy, were tired. There was a slight crease between his brows, one that had deepened over the years, but he was still handsome. Even with the stubble on his chin and the fine lines on his face, I thought he looked good. My dad had always been a man who looked comfortable in his own skin, and that's something I admired.

As I reached him, I gave him a quick hug, feeling the familiar warmth of his arms around me. « You look a little frazzled, Dad. What's going on? »

He chuckled softly, a nervous edge to his laugh. « Just a lot on my mind. I'm glad you made it. The Alpha wants to talk to everyone. »

I raised an eyebrow, glancing around the room. The pack was seated in neat rows, a mixture of older and younger wolves. There was a low murmur, but everyone seemed to be waiting for something. What was so urgent?

We stood at the front, and my father stepped to the side, signaling for me to stand next to him. The room grew even quieter, and I noticed Alpha Mike was standing at the center, his hands clasped in front of him as he waited for the final people to settle in.

I didn't know Alpha Mike well, but I respected him. He was fair and always made sure the pack was taken care of, even if his methods sometimes seemed a bit... too gentle. His reputation was solid, and under his leadership, the pack had flourished. But today, there was a palpable tension in the air, and it made me uneasy.

After a few moments, Alpha Mike cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. His deep voice echoed through the hall, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

« I know this isn't something we've expected, but there's a situation we need to address. » His words hung heavy in the air. « It involves the Dark Moon pack. We've received word that they may be moving closer to our borders. »

A collective gasp spread through the room, and my heart dropped. Dark Moon. They couldn't be serious. Were they really preparing for another war? My hands clenched into fists at my sides, and I could feel the anger bubbling up inside me again.

« As you know, we've always been on high alert when it comes to them, » Alpha Mike continued. « But the situation has become more... urgent. They're not just moving toward our borders; they're planning something. And we need to be ready. »

I exchanged a look with my father, who seemed even more tense now. The pack meeting wasn't just about a simple update. It was about preparing for something big, something dangerous.

I couldn't suppress the feeling of dread in my stomach. The Dark Moon pack had always been a threat, but this-this felt different. They were up to something, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something far worse.

Just as I was about to ask my father what he thought, I heard the door to the hall creak open behind me. I turned my head quickly, my senses on edge, but I froze when I heard the unmistakable growl.

« Mine. »

It was low, guttural, and filled with an intensity that sent a chill through my entire body. Every hair on the back of my neck stood up. My heart pounded, and I turned to see who had spoken, my mind racing with possibilities.

People say I look like my father, but who I really look like is my mother. My mother was beautiful. Well, from the photos I've seen. With long caramel hair and startling blue eyes. I guess you could say I look like her. But I will never be as beautiful as my mother had been. That's something I've accepted over the years, though it's never been easy.

To be honest, I never thought I was that pretty. As conceited as this sounds, I had long caramel brown hair and blue eyes with a tinge of green to them. And although I had a slightly freckled nose and high cheekbones, I didn't feel beautiful. Not in the way my mother had. I shake my head slightly and focus on what's in front of me. There's no use dwelling on that right now. I have bigger problems to face.

I finally reach my dad, and he pulls me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around him, savoring the comfort that only he can provide. I always feel safe in his embrace, protected from everything outside.

"Luce, what took you so long?" My father's voice rumbles against my ear as he pulls me out of his big arms. I glance up at him, a small frown tugging at my lips.

"Sorry, Dad. I went further into the forest than I usually would have," I reply. The lie slips out before I can stop it. It wasn't the forest that kept me. It was my mind, wandering through memories of my mother and what happened to her. The pain never truly goes away, even with time.

It's then I realize that the room is still deathly quiet. My gaze flickers across the gathered wolves, and sure enough, everyone is watching my father and me. I blush and quickly avert my eyes back to my father. I don't really like attention. Never have.

My dad chuckles softly, clearly not bothered by the attention, and shakes his head. He turns towards an empty seat and pulls me with him, placing me gently in it. I glance around the room, seeing the faces of my pack. There's a mixture of curiosity, concern, and a touch of apprehension on each of their faces. It's clear they're all wondering why we're here, what's so urgent.

My father steps back, and I watch as he goes up the stage steps, sitting with Joe, the third in command, Alpha Mike, and Luna Whitney. The leaders of our pack. I can't help but feel a bit of pride swelling in my chest as I look at them. My father might be the most important figure in the room, but his leadership never overshadowed his kindness. He wasn't just a father to me; he was a father to the entire pack.

Alpha Mike, the leader of our pack, stands up, his commanding presence immediately filling the room. The tension rises, and I know this isn't a regular meeting. Something is wrong.

He clears his throat, his voice carrying across the room with powerful authority. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know it was only just this morning that we had a meeting, but this one is necessary." His gaze sweeps across the gathered wolves, the gravity of his words sinking in. He doesn't pause long before continuing.

"As you all have heard just last night, one of the members, a child, from the Dark Moon pack had been brutally murdered." Mike's voice drops, his words hanging in the air like a thick fog. The room goes silent. The news is shocking, though not entirely unexpected.

Mike pauses once again, letting the weight of his words settle before he eyes the crowd. The tension in the room is palpable, and I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Everyone knew the Dark Moon pack was dangerous, but this was a new level of brutality.

This wasn't exactly news to us, but still, a few people gasp in horror. Most of our pack hated the Dark Moon pack, from what they had done to my mother, their Beta's mate. The memories of what had happened to my mother still haunted us all. But even though we despised them, no one expected this.

The thing that shocked us the most, though, was that someone had gotten onto the Dark Moon territory and killed one of their pack members. No one dared to trespass on Alpha Tristan's land, let alone kill one of his wolves. Alpha Tristan wasn't like other alphas. He was cruel, dark, and kept to himself, rarely showing any signs of weakness. But one thing was for sure: he was fiercely protective of his pack, and anyone who threatened that protection would feel his wrath.

I shudder at the thought of what Alpha Tristan might do. No one wants to be on his bad side. If he finds out who did this... I don't want to imagine what he would do. The rumors about him were terrifying. He was a man who got what he wanted, and if someone dared to harm his pack, they wouldn't survive to tell the tale.

I stop my train of thought and turn my attention back to Alpha Mike, as he continues speaking, his voice steady but laced with concern. "We don't know who did this yet, but we believe it was an attack from outside forces. The Dark Moon pack has a long history with us, and while we've had our disagreements, this goes beyond that. Someone has crossed a line, and we don't know their intentions. What we do know is that Alpha Tristan won't rest until he finds the one responsible."

The room is tense, and I can feel the unease spreading like wildfire. My mind races as I try to process the gravity of the situation. Who would dare attack the Dark Moon pack? And why? The implications are terrifying. If it was an attack from a rival pack, it could spark a war-one that none of us are prepared for.

"Now, I need all of you to be on alert," Alpha Mike continues, his voice now commanding. "Our pack will be on high watch for any signs of retaliation from the Dark Moon pack. We'll be working closely with other neighboring packs to ensure that the threat doesn't spread. Stay vigilant, and if you notice anything unusual, report it immediately."

I can feel the weight of his words pressing down on me. The world outside feels like it's shifting, and the tension in the room feels like the calm before a storm. Everyone knows this situation could escalate at any moment, and the consequences could be dire.

My mind drifts back to the Dark Moon pack. I've heard stories about Alpha Tristan's ruthlessness. He wasn't just a powerful Alpha; he was a force of nature, someone you didn't cross. The idea that someone dared to take one of his own is unsettling. I've always wondered what it would be like to face him in person. But now, I realize that it's a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone.

I glance at my father, who's sitting at the front with the rest of the pack leadership, his face grim. He's been through so much already, and I know he doesn't want another war. But I also know he'll do whatever it takes to protect us. He's always been that way.

The meeting continues, but my mind is elsewhere. I can't shake the feeling that this isn't the end of it. There's something bigger at play here, and I can feel it in my bones. Whatever happens next, we're all going to be affected.