Heart of the Moon

Kieran’s POV ~

We were up and away from our pack by the crack of dawn. We are traveling in a caravan of ten vehicles. I had called the council and told them what we had uncovered in regard to this Rogue King.. and was going to investigate the two packs where all this talk of rebellion originated. I did not tell them I may be eradicating both packs today.. I am hoping it doesn’t come to that.

I asked Calista “Would it be too much to ask that you hang back.. and not involve yourself in any fighting, if it breaks out?” She simply says “Yep” so I knew it was futile to pursue that hope. I linked Axel 🐺 When we reach Black Pine.. I want warriors to fan out along the borders.. search any outlying shacks that might look like breeding sheds. They will be secluded and possibly hidden.. These packs that continue this practice do everything they can to hide it from authorities.”

Axel said “They have already been instructed on just that, Alpha.. I will be going with them. Cole should stay with you and the Luna.” And Calista snapped “Gosh Damnit! Do not mindlink when others are in the car! How rude!” I laughed and apologized “I’m sorry, baby. It’s a battle hardened strategy.. I will do better” She seemed appeased, but I know better than to underestimate her.

We arrived at Black Pine just after eight.. and arrived at the gates.. The guards asked for our papers. Papers? What? Axel snarled “The fuck out of here with that! No one has to have travel papers anymore! Tell Alpha Jameson the Devil has arrived for pack inspection..NOW!”

They kept us waiting at the gates for over ten minutes. Not a good way to introduce yourself to me! As we pulled up to the pack house, the Alpha was waiting.. his Luna was a mousy little thing, doing her best to remain unobtrusive.. and immediate, Calista gravitated towards her. Now I’m thinking “Fuck! Here we go!”

Jameson sticks his hand out, with a leering smile, and says “Alpha Knight! What a pleasure!” I look at his hand and muttered “I’m sure it will be!” He introduced his Luna as Hazel.. and I nodded at her.. holding Calista’s hand. She reached out and took Hazel’s elbow, asking “Would you be able to show me to a restroom? I admit to having too much coffee.” As they turned, Jameson said “We have servants for that kind of thing.”

Calista whirled on him and asked “Servants? You have servants? Is this the twenty first century, Kieran? Or have we stepped back into mideviel times? Now, come, Hazel! I don’t get an opportunity to visit many Lunas!” I raised an eyebrow.. and know I am right. My smartassed mate is definitely going to cause a few ripples in the pond!

Jameson turns to me and sneers “What brings the devil to my door?” I smile.. hugely.. and tell him “Little birdies talk, Jameson. The council has asked me to conduct pack inspections on some of the lesser packs who have been flying under the radar for too long. Shall we go inside? I have need to speak with your delta!”

I look over my shoulder at Cole and he nods.. linking “On it” and takes off to locate his Luna. We are sitting in Jameson’s office when Cole knocks.. bringing Calista to me. Her face looks like a thundercloud and I know we are in for it. Jameson immediately says “Oh.. forgive me, Luna.. she-wolves are not allowed in my office” Fuck! She sniffs disdainfully and remarks “Yes, I can understand why. It reeks of whiskey and sex. You should probably open some windows and air this dump out!”

He growls.. Growled at MY Luna?! I said “Stand down, Alpha! I won’t stop her from beating your ass before I kill you!” She comes over and climbs into my lap saying “This is the only clean seat in the room!” Of course, my love.. stir the pot!

I look at Jameson and say “Your delta?” He asks “What business do you have with Donald?” I smile and say “Exactly! My business, for the moment.. is with Donald!” His head snaps up and says “For the moment?” I didn’t respond.. instead I asked Calista 🐺 What’s the story with the Luna? 🐺 She’s abused. I healed current injuries.. but older ones I can’t. She has several bones not healed properly. 🐺 How do you want to handle it? 🐺 There’s nothing we can do.. unless there is actual illegal activities going on. 🐺 true! We are in a holding pattern for now, until Axel completes his investigation.

When Donald finally arrived, I introduced myself and asked him about his son. He told me he hadn’t seen his son since he was fifteen. Apparently, there was an altercation with the high school crowd, that resulted in a she-wolf from another pack being assaulted. He ran. Seems to be a genetic issue.. an entire family of runners! I explained to him what Cecil had done.. and that he had committed suicide in my cells. He merely shrugged and asked if he was excused. The fuck is wrong with these people!?

Jameson offered a walk around his pack, which Calista jumped on.. She said “I would love to meet some of your people! Maybe even check out the orphanage?” He immediately responded that there was no orphanage.. any parentless pup was placed in a sponsor family. I asked “Are they adopted?” And this fool says “Of course not! They stay with the sponsor family until their debt is paid.” And my mate screeched “What debt!? What fucking debt can a pup incur? You fucking idiot! You better pray to whomever you pray to that not one of those pups have been abused!”

I watch the man start to sweat.. and I know he’s regretting every poor decision he’s ever made. There’s only one reason the Devil makes a surprise visit to your pack. It is seldom good news!

As we step outside, I breathe deeply.. sucking in as much clean air as I can. Axel links me 🐺 Alpha, there are four sheds.. two women in each. Three are heavily pregnant. And Onyx overpowered me.. shifting on the spot. I linked Calista to get on my back.. We took off for the border. I alerted our warriors and told them to stand ready.

I could hear Jameson and his beta behind us.. trying to keep pace. Good luck with that, asshole! All of us are so much faster since the marking, it’s nearly impossible to maintain our speed

We arrived, just as Axel had all the women unshackled and out in the open air. As I shifted back, Axel laughed “Thought that through, did ya?” I grumbled “Fuck off! He freaked out and caught me off guard.” Cole handed me a pair of shorts he’d found somewhere.. and I swear to Goddess! I am standing here in Daisy Dukes!