A LUNA'S SHADOWS (RE-WRITE IN PROGRESS)

Three weeks, Vlad’s pack had been making a name for themselves. Instead of working with other packs, they had murdered them. As if this war hadn’t been hard enough. Rubbing my temples as I mutter my thoughts. A part of me hoped she wasn’t in his sick clutches. Instead, I could more willingly accept her death. But the whispers, anyway they were hard to ignore. They say that the Alphas had begged for the sake of their pack, but the shadows had killed them, anyway. Time felt like it was ticking. Another minute closer to us. Could we win against a spirit gene? I had my reservations. Perhaps when it was still in its young stages, but it sounded much, much more mature now. Staring at my map, I eyed the coloured pins we had stuck for each pack Vlad had taken. Something I had never realized before appeared to me. Every time they had been on route to us, the pin diverted?

“Kaylee!” I called.

“Alpha.” She smiled.

“How did you get here so quickly?” I questioned.

“I was in my office.” She shrugged.

“Can you tell me something?” I asked.

“Anything.” She answered.

“Have any trackers seen why Vlad has diverted from our direction?” I asked.

“Ahh, as far as I have been told, they thought it was by threat?” Kaylee said, confused.

“I plan on a scout mission tonight.” I muttered.

“Ah, Alpha. You can’t!” She argued.

“Its only fair an Alpha puts in the work.” I said.

“It’s not about the work. It’s about her? Isn’t it?” Kaylee growled.

“What is your obsession with that pitiful wolf? She’s killed many of our friends!” Kaylee growled.

“You think she willingly killed our people? Yet diverts when he gets close to us?” I questioned.

“I think the girl’s got issues and my brother can have her.” Kaylee growled.

“You grew up with him? Do you think anyone deserves that?” I muttered.

“She’s nothing, their nothing.” Kaylee hissed.

“If I ordered you to hand Elijah over to his kind, would you?” I growled.

“You can’t, mate laws.” She spat.

“And so what makes her different from him?” I questioned.

“Because she’s clearly mateless?” Kaylee said.

“And what if I told you she wasn’t?” I growled.

“Then I would tell you to reject her and move on. She’s a lost cause. My brother won’t just hand her over and you would risk this pack. I would sacrifice one life if it meant many more can live!” She exclaimed.

“So if they captured Elijah, would you move on? Without even trying?” I asked.

“If it was an impossible mission, then I would accept my loss.” She huffed.

“Let the scouts know, I will run with them.” I ordered.

“Yes, Alpha." she sighed.

Stepping out of the packhouse, I looked up at a glimmering set of stars above me. Somewhat hopeful, I would get confirmation of where Adira was. It’s crazy, I felt crazy. But when she’s not here and when her scent is fading, is when my mind goes wild. Needing just another dose as an addict would a drug. I was an alpha and I couldn’t chase a wolf just for my sanity. Kaylee was right, to an extent. I couldn’t risk the pack for her. Even if I wanted her and needed her by my side. We weren’t strong enough, and to go on my own would be reckless. Tonight, I wanted to see if to save her or even prove to myself that she wasn’t dead. Was I just sending myself into a black hole? For a girl I barely knew. A girl who had killed packs that had simply just wanted to be independent? And not bothered anyone. There had to be a reason. Or maybe the mate thing is clouding my judgement.

“Alpha?” I heard Jerry call my name.

“Yes, sorry. Go on?” I murmured.

“If you’re not feeling okay, can we schedule a run tomorrow?” Jerry said.

“No, the rumors were that Vlad would hit the Unity Pack tonight.” I said.

“If you don’t mind me saying so, is it worth you coming? We are risking him catching our scents and we need an Alpha.” Jerry said.

With other voices mumbling in agreement.

“None-sense, I have a duty to work just as you do.” I sighed.

“Alright. But I will flank you tonight.” Jerry sighed.

“Right, you lot shift and scent the pack.” Jerry ordered.

“Alpha, you understand the risks if they caught us up with the other pack?” Jerry asked.

“Yes.” I said.

“Then could I enquire why you’re certain it has to be his pack we sent? There’s closer pack with a better chance of alliance?” Jerry whispered.

“I’m looking for someone.” I sighed.

“Then they must be worth it.” Jerry sighed.

She’s my mate. I just didn’t want to accept her, now my head’s gone crazy without her." I mumbled.

“That is both fantastic and terribly tragic. Vlad won’t let anyone near any of his pack, but if you order it, then I will remain at your flank and help.” Jerry sighed.

“Thanks for the input.” I said sarcastically.

“Didn’t mean to offend Alpha.” Jerry panicked.

“Let’s just go, before we miss it.” I said.

We shift and follow the tracks of wolves already gone. The path leads to a junkyard just out of town, thirty minutes from my packhouse. Streets remained empty, lights off and buildings empty. It looks like the officials had evacuated more of the city. I sighed, knowing full well what that meant. More raids, fewer chances of hiding. We trot up the old driveway, a once fully functional junkyard owned and run by the Siara Pack. Now the humans hunt them and Vlad is about to end them. I wanted to help them, but our numbers wouldn’t be enough. It felt selfish, but as an Alpha, I need to keep my pack safe. Until our time comes until Vlad finds us. We had to stay hidden and grow as well as train.

“Alpha, we need to stay hidden.” Jerry warned.

“Wheres the best spot for a view?” I questioned.

“Among the tower of cars, the Siara Pack cleared a circle to keep them training private. Unless Vlad intends to climb the piles, then one would assume he will walk the path and weed them out. No doubt most, if not all, the Siara family are hidden right below us.” Jerry sighed.

“Ugh, what kind of pack does this?” I whispered.

“The kind we do not want to get involved with.” Jerry answered.

“Have you seen him attack before?” I whispered.

“Once, and it was ruthless.” Jerry shivered.

“Would anyone willingly sign up?” I asked.

“Only those with a hunger for power…” Jerry sighed.

The patter of paws killed our conversation. We both watched on as wolves filtered into the circle. Followed by a man. Even from here, his golden eyes glowed. The alpha glow. This must be him, Vlad. The brother of Kaylee and the power hungry Alpha who had stolen my Luna to be. I stare down at the man below, a rage building within me. Feeling my nostrils flare, a common instinct, the Alpha kicking in. I fought to have my place as Alpha and I fight to live everyday; I deserved to have the girl that had been fated to me. But it’s as if whatever celestial rules us is determined to punish me for a wrongdoing I wasn’t aware of. I watch as the wolves sniff around the trunks of cars around them, then I hear a small cry of a child and I watch them rip apart the old BMW’s rear. They pull her out and her screams. They will haunt me. Just that trick alone draws her parents out and the pack rips itself from their hiding spots to defend their Alpha and Luna. In seconds, the small pack is lined on their knees. A trick Vlad never needed to mutter a word for.

“Alpha, there’s another wolf...She’s heading up the path.” Jerry whispered.

We both watch on as she strolls into the ring. Vlad grabs her arm and pulls her into him. Forcing her face to stare at the wolves who whimper below her.

“Show them your little party trick, my Luna!” the man roars.

“Maybe give them another chance to sign the treaty, Alpha?” She answered.

He wrapped his hands around her neck and threw her to the ground a few inches from where a she-wolf helped her get to her feet with a growl at Vlad. His Beta dragged the women away and although we couldn’t catch what happened, we heard the screams until they went silent. I watched Adira climb to her feet, dust the dirt off her, and walk back to Vlad in disgust. He pulled her close and whispered something we couldn’t catch. The earth beneath us rumbled. Cracks fractured around the ring and from each crack, a shadowy creature pulled itself out with a growl. They circled the line of wolves, snapping at any who made a sound. Vlad mumbled something to Adira and in one minute, not a second later, not a second sooner. Shadows had killed the wolves. The ring was a bloody mess, and they had barely time to muster a scream. I trembled at the sight, horrified.

“Get them to search for any that were too cowardly to defend their Alpha. No mercy, you know what will happen.”

“Yes, Alpha.” I heard her murmur.

“I plan on a little celebration. So, hurry back…” Vlad growled.

Vlad turned around and strolled back up the entrance he had come from. Shadows were searching the wreckages. I glanced at Jerry; he shook his head in panic. But that annoying trait where I don’t follow common sense kicked in and I leaped down. Right in front of two hissing shadows. Jerry jumps down and growls at them. Neither one of us gets them to budge as they stalk closer with talons stretched and bloody. Just before the closest creature took its first swipe, it circled away. Her scent was so close and I nearly fell forward into her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” She growled.

“Why are you helping him?” I asked.

“Look, I don’t have time for this!” she hissed.

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to face me, storm clouds hazed in her eyes. A spilt lip and dark rings from lack of sleep were prominent on her face.Adira ripped her wrist from my grasp and growled.

“I want to help you!” I whispered.

“Leave, before he finds out you survived.” she warned and spun around, walking out the entrance.

“Adira!” I called.

But the shadow creatures blocked me, they disappeared when she had gone, even her scent was faint.

“Alpha, I think it’s best we head home…” Jerry sighed.

Why wouldn’t she leave with me?