Chapter 9 Chapter nine
People say wolves stick together—that a pack’s strength is in its unity.
But the Red moon clan had different kind of strength: pride. Cold, sharp, and old as their bloodline. They believed in the moon Goddess, in fate, in mates. And when fate failed, they believed in shame.
That’s why Stetson left.
He was eighteen, unmated and tired of being the Alpha’s biggest disappointment. So, he walked out under the red crescent sky and never looked back.
But back at the mansion in Romania, his father couldn’t stop writing.
The fireplace was still burning that night, the room heavy with smoke and silence. Donovan Easton, tall and graying but still carrying the weight of an Alpha, sat in his armchair, holding the latest unopened envelope. Across from him stood his nephew, Viktor, dressed like he was born for command—pressed shirt, black slacks, a polished Red moon pin glinting on his collar.
“He didn’t respond again”, Donovan said quietly.
Viktor shrugged, his voice calm—too calm. “He’s made his choice. You can’t run from the clan and expect mercy from the goddess”. Viktor didn’t sit, he hovered—standing close enough to remind Donovan he deserved to be the next to lead.
“He’s my son”
Viktor’s eyes flickered, annoyance passing through them. “And I’m your Beta. I’ve held this pack together while he’s been out there pretending to be human. You can’t keep mourning him, Uncle”.
Viktor was there to fill the empty space after Stetson left and he secretly hoped to take over peradventure his cousin never comes back—which he swore to make sure of
Donovan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. The man looked tired—not physically, but the kind of tired that comes from missing someone who’s still alive. “You wouldn’t understand. A father never stops hoping”.
The old man could remember when his son left, like it was yesterday. It was partially because of him—obviously you can’t have two alphas and expect peace all the time. He rebuked his own son several times, they always seemed to have different perspective of things.
The corner of Viktor’s lips twitched. “Hope doesn’t lead a pack. Strength does”.
“Strength that we possess. The old man’s a fool and his son isn’t any better—a disgrace. We are the leaders”, said Viktor’s inner wolf.
The silence was thick. The only sound came from the fire crackling between them. It’s true the West family are a long line of alphas—natural born leaders but Viktor felt it was time to give other people a chance. He’s been preparing all his life to be first in command and so had his dad, until he passed away. He believed in change… in chances. It was his turn and he was going to take it whether the pack is ready or not.
Finally, Donovan said, “Send one more letter”
Viktor turned slightly, hiding the small smirk that tugged at his lips as he fisted his hands. “Of course.”
He left the room with a quiet, deliberate steps—like a man who already owned the floor he walked on. At least he would, soon enough.
A pair of grey eyes followed his figure as her walked out as her hands ball into fists. Viktor hasn’t been on her good books since he took her son’s spot in the pack, greedily wanting more.
Hester peaked into her husband’s office then back at Viktor’s disappearing figure. All she prayed for was her son’s return so he could set things right, so many things had changed and no one dared speak of it.
“Mother, it’s late. I’ll escort you to your room”, a woman stepped beside her. Hester sighed, “I’ll go myself, tell my husband not to stay up late”, with that she walked away. “Yes Mother”, the woman called after her.
She just wanted her son back and what fueled her anger was the fact that Viktor kept trying to talk her husband out of Stetson’s case. Stetson was still their son, not some disgrace to hide. Now her daughter left too—disappeared without a trace.
Stetson and Sarah were all she had, now they were both gone. A pack stays together, everyone would emphasize but the wolves she had a real connection with were probably in another country. The pack was already crumbling from within.
Hester crossed to her room, her robe trailing behind her as her long grey hair cascaded down her back.
Her son would come back soon, she could feel it.