#2 When the Moon Turns Red
Chapter 44

Noah

Dealing with this prick was the last thing I wanted from today, or anyday. Greyson and Sawyer joined me in the meeting at my request. I needed them to keep my sanity. For 45 minutes, this graying menace droned on and on about the duties of being an Alpha and maintaining a strong pack, as if I hadn’t been leading a fearsome pack since I was sixteen. I knew this was all just a lead in for the real reason he came; my human Luna.

“I just had to deal with a similar situation in Rhode Island,” Elder Jacob said, finally catching my attention,

“The Crescent Moon pack had a run in with a coven of vengeful witches. If it weren’t for Alpha August’s human mate, the situation may have been resolved more peacefully.” I stared at the elder.

This was the first time I was hearing about a pack having a conflict with witches. It was extremely rare for other species to attack wolf packs. The Council did a disturbingly good job at keeping the species separated, even in conflict. Somehow I doubted it had anything to do with the Alpha’s mate being human.

“Alpha August was mated to a human?” I asked with an eagerness to my question that clearly upset the elder.

I knew of Alpha August’s pack. They were up and coming after facing a massive slaughter generations back and the recent death of their Alpha and Luna. Alpha August was extremely resilient, I admired the work he was doing in Rhode Island. I had visited once several years ago to see if I could lend a hand.

“Technically she’s wolfless. Her father was the past Alpha and her mother a wolfless Luna.” Elder Jacob explained in disgust. I ignored him.

“Good for Alpha August in finding his mate. His pack has had a hard time, they deserve a kindhearted Luna.” The elder glared at me.

“They needed a strong Luna, just as this pack needs a strong Luna.”

“I can’t speak for the Crescent Moon’s Luna, but I’m certain Alpha August would accept nothing less than strength and kindness from his Luna as I have been granted the same from my own Luna.” I exchanged glances with Greyson and Sawyer who were smierking, clearly pleased with my clever avoidance of Elder Jacob’s jabs towards my mate.

“You have done a fine job here, Alpha Noah. Your pack is feared and respected more than any other pack in the country. As a species, we rely on your pack to ensure peace,” The elder said. I interrupted him,

“I appreciate your support, Elder.” Elder Jacob frowned, obviously not finished with his speech yet.

“It is imperative that your strength continues.” He added.

“And it will. I have a strong Beta and Gamma, an effective patrol, dedicated pack members, and a devoted and inspiring Luna. What more could you ask for?” I said.

“A Luna who is a werewolf.” The elder stated plainly.

“Ah yes, well, it would seem that’s not what the Moon Goddess had in store for me.” I shrugged lazily.

“The Moon Goddess has been known to make mistakes.” I gripped the arm rest of my chair, my nonchalant attitude beginning to slip.

“I’m sure you’re not suggesting that my Luna, my mate, is a mistake?” I said threateningly. The elder didn’t seem to pick up on my tone, or didn’t care. His mistake.

“A mistake you can surly undo as I see you have not been marked.” Elder Jacob said carelessly.

“Elder Jacob, I have done my best to be patient and respectful. I’m finished with that now,” I growled, standing from my chair. Sawyer and Greyson stood on either side of me. The elder shakily stood from his seat, leaning on his wooden cane as he glared at me,

“I know the elders of my pack and my father sent you here today. I know they disapprove of a human Luna. They don’t control this pack anymore, they don’t matter. The opinions of my pack matter. If you would spend five minutes with them you would be able to tell how much they love, adore, and respect my mate. She’s strong, kind, compassionate, and the best person I know,”

“Just today she ordered me to involve her in our training sessions so she can better protect the pack. She doesn’t care that she’s a human and we’re wolves, and neither do I. You’ll do best to adopt the same attitude and remove yourself from my pack’s business and the affairs of this Alpha and Luna.” I yanked open the door to my office.

“Sawyer, go find Evie and make sure she’s not in this guy’s path.” I ordered Sawyer.

I sensed that Evie was downstairs and not in our room like I had suggested. Sawyer nodded and rushed out of the room.

“You’re free to go.” I spoke out loud.

“You young Alpha’s don’t realize how good you have it because of the laws the Elders have created. You haven’t had a war in generations because of the guidelines we have set. You will all find yourselves in a mess you can’t get yourselves out of if you keep this up.” Elder Jacob grumbled.

“Change is the face of progress, Elder Jacob. A new generation is taking over.” I told him, gesturing towards the door. Elder Jacob huffed before sulking out of my office. I turned my frustrated expression on Greyson,

“That guy was a hoot.” Greyson grumbled.

“I knew it was coming. Our pack elders were so pissed after my announcement of a human Luna at the last meeting and my father’s outburst, that I knew something was going to happen.” I said, pacing the office as I tried to get myself under control.

“What was all that about the Crescent Moon pack?” Greyson asked.

“I’m not sure, I think I’ll give Alpha August a call and find out.” I said, pulling out my phone.

“I’ll go check on the pack and make sure Elder Jacob didn’t cause any trouble on the way out.” Greyson said. I nodded in his direction as he left my office and pulled the door closed behind him.

“Hello?” Alpha August answered on the first ring.

“Alpha August, it’s Alpha Noah of the Blood Moon pack here in New Orleans.” I replied.

“Hey, Alpha Noah, how are you?” Alpha August perked up as he recognized my voice.

“Not too bad. Let’s drop the formalities if that’s okay with you. I have something personal to discuss.” I said.

“What’s going on, Noah?” August addressed me informally and I knew we were on the same page. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“I just had a visit from Elder Jacob who told me some things about your pack.” I heard August sigh on the other end of the phone,

“Oh I’m sure he did.”

“Did your pack fair okay with the witch conflict?” I asked.

“Yes, we came out okay, very few casualties,” August said,

“And I’m sure the elder made it out to seem much more disastrous than it really was.” August confirmed my suspicions that Elder Jacob was telling tall tales.

“He was more focused on your new Luna.” I admitted.

“Of course he was. Elder Jacob visited me after our conflict with the witches with the very same topic in mind. My mate, Josie, is the daughter of an Alpha, but she’s wolfless.” I sensed August’s voice turning defensive and was quick to ease his mind,

“I recently found my mate and she’s completely human.” August was silent for a while before he finally replied,

“Damn. The elders must really love you.” August said. I groaned,

“They’re giving me the same condescending threats I’m sure you got. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had about enough of these power hungry geezers thinking they control us.”

“My pack has been thinking the same thing. My Beta discovered that his mate was a witch during our battle. He’s planning on going out looking for her. My Luna is adamant on making sure that he’s given the freedom to be with his mate no matter what the law says.” August sighed.

“I think our mates would get along,” I chuckled,

“If you need any help, you know where to find me. I’m game to take on the Council.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I’m afraid I might have to take you up on the offer in the near future.” August sighed,

“My mate is pregnant, so I’m focusing on her and my pup’s health right now. All the best to you and your mate, Noah.”

“Congratulations, August. I hope we can see a peaceful resolution but if not, we’ll protect our families at all cost. Keep me updated on your situation and I’ll do the same.” I said.

“You got it.” August agreed and we ended the call. I couldn’t believe that the Council was overreaching so much, daring to try and keep mates apart. I had the overwhelming urge to be with my own mate. I hurried out of my office and followed her scent down the hall.

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