‘*Did Noah, Rich, and John make it out safely*?’ I mind-link Uncle Alex as we sit in my newly appointed office.
‘*I got them out at three this morning. They’re driving to St. Paul, then flying to Georgia from there*.’
‘*Was this office swept for listening devices*?’
Uncle Alex gives a nod. ‘*There are two bugs. One is in the penholder, and the other is in the fake plant above the fireplace*.’
I nod. “Thank you for meeting me so early, Uncle Alex. I thought we could go over the guard schedule for the Luna,” I say, acting naturally.
“Of course, Athena. Who would you like to assign to your team?” He grins, already knowing the answer.
“I’d like senior warriors only. I was looking at Leah, Luca, and James as a reward for their good work yesterday.”
“Of course. I will advise them at training and have someone cover their patrol duties.”
“I’d also like to take Tony on as a trainee. Do you know when he will be accepted as a full pack member?”
“I believe that’s supposed to happen next week.”
There’s a knock on the door, and I can smell that it’s Ryna. “Come in,” I call out, and Ryna enters my office.
“Good morning, Delta. It’s time for training,” he smiles, looking around my small office.
“Great, let’s get going then,” I smile, and we head to the training fields.
#
I’m walking around the mats, observing the warrior’s training techniques, when I look up, and I’m shocked to see Alpha Damon heading towards us.
“Good morning, Alpha!” I hear Uncle Alex greet him.
“Gamma. How’s training going?” Alpha Damon asks flatly.
“No issues, Alpha,” he answers, his brows furrowed. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, fine. Has Delta Athena spoken to you regarding the Lunas’ guard detail?”
“Yes, Alpha. She has chosen three of our most senior warriors.”
“Very good. I have a meeting. I will be back later tonight,” he tells Uncle Alex and walks away from the training field.
Ryna and I approach Uncle Alex with puzzled expressions. “What was that about?” I ask.
Uncle Alex shrugs and says, “I have no idea.”
I look around at the warriors, and many of them look like they are unhappy to see the Alpha walking away from training.
“Listen, I was thinking that we should try to get other packs on our side in case things go sideways here,” Ryna says quietly, so that only we can hear him.
“Who, though? We don’t know who Alpha Damon has been talking to,” Uncle Alex says.
“What about Moonstone and Red-River?” Ryna suggests.
“You know we didn’t part on good terms with Alpha Peter… And besides, they’re too far away to help,” I say.
“It couldn’t hurt to reach out to others in the pack…” Uncle Alex says. “What about Alpha Peters Beta?”
I think about it for a moment and then nod. “I’ll call them after training.”
#
I take a seat on a rock near the river where Enyo and I used to swim and listen to make sure no one is nearby. Then, when I feel it’s safe, I call Jason’s number.
“Athena?” He answers.
“Hey Jason, how are you?” I ask, sounding a little too cheerful.
“I’m great. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks. How’re things going with you?”
“Fantastic. Jess and I had our marking ceremony last week,” he says, the smile on his face clear in his voice.
“That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you!”
“Thanks… What can I do for you, Athena?”
“How has everything been going in Moonstone since I left?” I ask nervously.
He pauses for a moment, and I hear a door close in the background before he answers. “To be honest,” he sighs, “they haven’t been great.”
“I’m so sorry about how things turned out. With the elder council, Alpha Peter, everything…” I trail off. “I didn’t even have time to say goodbye to you…”
“I understand why you left the way you did. The Elder council was furious that Alpha didn’t question you more about Doctor Shields. Alpha Peter has basically shut himself in his office since they left. He still hasn’t found a replacement Gamma… Things are kind of in shambles…”
“Oh Goddess, I’m so sorry. I feel like it’s all my fault,” I say, ashamed.
“You were the one who was betrayed and nearly killed, Athena. I just wish a lot of things had gone differently,” he says sadly.
“Me too…” I trail off, unsure of how to talk to him about everything. Maybe this was a mistake. “Jason, I know we have only known each other a short time, but I came to admire and trust you in that time…”
“The feeling is mutual, Athena. Are you okay? Are you in trouble or something?” He asks, concerned.
“Yes, and no. I’m not sure how to even bring this up…” I admit.
“You can tell me anything, Athena.”
“It’s not really something that can be discussed over the phone… I was wondering if you and Jess would be interested in coming for a visit?”
“To Blood-Moon??” He asks, a little stunned.
“Yeah, you could come and visit our pack, and I can fill you in on everything that’s been happening. I was thinking of inviting Nick Teresi as well,” I tell him.
He’s quiet for a moment, then says, “I’m not sure if the Alpha will allow it. Things are tense here, and while I think he’s being unreasonable, he blames you for Gamma Richard…” he explains.
“I see…” I say, my heart sinking.
“Maybe me leaving for a while will help the Alpha get out of his rut…” Jason thinks aloud.
“Put the phone on speaker,” I hear someone say in the background.
“Hi Athena, it’s Jess. I hope you don’t think I was eavesdropping. Jason came into our room to talk privately,” she explains. “You want us to come to Blood-Moon?” She asks.
“Oh, hey Jess. I’m sorry. I know it’s a lot to ask, but we have things happening here, and honestly, I don’t know who else to turn to for help,” I explain to her.
“Think nothing of it. Any friend of Jason’s is a friend of mine. We need a couple of days to make sure our duties are covered, and we’ll be there next week,” she says happily.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out or anything.”
“Of course, Athena. Jess is right. We’ll be there next week. I’ll text you to sort out the details,” Jason says.
“You guys are amazing. Thank you!” I say, excited to see them again.
“We’ll talk soon,” Jason says, and we end the call.
I sigh with relief. One down, one to go. Pulling up my contacts again, I call Nick.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my favorite chosen one,” Nick answers after a couple of rings.
I laugh, “Hey Nick, how are you?” I ask.
“Never better! How’s my cousin going as Luna?” he asks.
“She’s doing well! I’ve actually been promoted to be her Delta,” I tell him.
“That’s great. Congratulations! I wouldn’t want anyone else, Athena.”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling.
“How’re things with Enyo? Are you guys getting along any better?”
“We’re getting there slowly. Things have been better since I’ve been giving her more control.”
“See! I told you that would help!” he laughs.
“I was wondering if we could talk more about this chosen stuff. We didn’t really get a chance to talk about it much before I left Moonstone.”
“Of course, Athena! What’s on your mind?”
“I’ve found some things out, but it’s not really something I can discuss over the phone. So, I was wondering if you’d be willing to come for a visit?”
“Well, I am coming to the mates’ ball next month. I could fly in a few days earlier?”
“That would be amazing, Nick. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Athena!”
We talk for a few moments before saying goodbye and ending the call.
‘*Jason and Jess will be here next week, and Nick will fly in a few days earlier before the mates’ ball*,’ I mind-link Ryna and Uncle Alex as I walk back towards the pack house to meet with the Luna.
‘*That’s great, Athena. Hopefully, they will be able to help us find the truth once and for all*,’ Ryna responds.
#
I meet Luna Cassia in her office and take a seat on the couch while her assistant, Lisa, pours us coffee and then leaves.
“Thank you for meeting me, Athena,” she smiles as she sits back in the armchair with her coffee.
“Of course, Luna, I’m here to protect and serve you,” I smile back.
“As you know, the mates’ ball is coming up in a few weeks, and Damon has invited so many packs, including those from outside the surrounding areas. Despite any peace treaties, tensions may be high as a few packs don’t get along with each other, so we’ll need to make sure there’s extra security.”
“Of course, Luna. But that kind of security is usually handled by Gamma Alex,” I explain.
“Yes, I understand. I have spoken with him, and I’ve asked him to include you in the planning,” she explains. “I’ve also informed Gamma Alex that Nick has offered to bring his warriors with him to assist with the additional security.”
“Oh, that’s great! It will be nice to see Nick again,” I smile.
The Luna clears her throat as her face pales slightly.
“Luna? Are you okay?” I ask, as her hand goes to her mate mark.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she says as I notice droplets of sweat on her brow and I hear her heartbeat quicken. “It’s just… I’m…” she begins to hyperventilate, and I rush to her side.
“Breathe, Luna,” I tell her as I take her coffee away from her before she burns herself. I put my hands on her shoulders, hoping to draw her attention to me. “Take deep breaths, Luna,” I say, her panicked eyes widening, and then she slumps forward, passing out. “Luna?” I ask as I shake her gently. “Shit,” I curse out loud. I lift her up bridal style, her small frame light in my arms as I run out of the office.
‘*Doc, I have the Luna. She’s unconscious, and I’m bringing her to you*,’ I mind-link with Doctor Apollo, running as fast as I can the short distance between the pack house and the pack hospital.