Chapter Thirty-Four

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There most certainly was a bear in that direction. Not only did it supply fresh meat for the following weeks of travel. But Andy thought it hilarious that it matched Sage's in color.

Over the course of the next few days, which turned into a week as they trained long and hard with their gifted supplies of mined silver ore—It was strenuous and long, but Sage started to favor using the duel blades. And if she started to get tired, Andy thought it best to give her two halves of a whole.

It did require more work to learn either formation, but it was worth it.

Especially when Sage found herself leaving the cabin inn all dressed and ready to return home.

"Hey, maybe if we're lucky. We'll make it in time for Christmas!" Grey cheered, and Sage's smile turned wide. It wasn't the pup's first Christmas, but it certainly would be a blessing to return in time for the festivities.

However, Torin had eyed Sage closely, knowing full well that the she-wolf was nervous. And with proper cause if anything, he didn't mask his confusion about her situation. But after hearing out the finer details, he understood that Alpha Andy had left her in a bit of a bind, though that didn't escape the feelings either had for the other.

You know...I don't think he's taken a good look at your tattoo.

My tattoo? Yes he has, he likes it a lot.

That's the symbol of an Alpha female, those markings are claiming that you're Luna.

The surrounding wolves were currently working on packing the bags and pouches to already shifted wolves, but Sage stood her ground—Her nose twitching underneath the bear's head.

Be prepared for a fight.

That's what Luna Alanna said in Oak Woods. I'm worried.

As you should be. I've never met Remus Moon, but I've heard plenty about the family—I'm surprised he didn't figure it out yet.

I told him adopted last name. He doesn't know about me, Half Crescent not connected with packs in America or Canada.

From there on, Torin had sworn that he would attempt to stop any fighting from happening. Especially if the young Luna was indeed pregnant. While that will come as a shock and a disagreement—He had hope that it wouldn't turn out as horrific as his wolf was planning it as.

That's if Remus is still alive and well after facing a missing then presumed dead mate.

However that was beside the question, Torin would relay any and all hopeful details that her mate was probably doing alright. And while he didn't have constant contact with his own mate, he wouldn't know what he'd do if she was stripped away from him so suddenly.

His morals were different than those in the states, and most defiantly different from a female who spent her whole life in captivity.

Though either admired the other just the same, he found her little quirks adorable—But in a fatherly sort of way, now that he knew who she is and what she planned to do.

Besides, his own children were much older than herself.

"So how far is Crescent Moon from here?" Chase questioned, setting a pack onto the next shifted beast in line and Torin laughed. "Oh, about a few hundred miles give or take. You're up for a run?" The indication of a run caused Sage to pique her interest, but that was certainly not an option when there were dozens of others to keep up the pace.

Including two precious little wolves that had their bunnies strapped to their backs. "I bet Sage is, come on...This isn't a race, you'll see your pups soon." Severin said, placing a hand on her shoulder to firmly grasp that this was the final stretch.

It was the first week of December, and it was taking its toll on her heart. A Luna shouldn't be nine months from her pack, it was unheard of.

She could only hope it was in at least somewhat the same condition as she last saw it in. Had she known it was going to be this long, she would've hugged Remus and Luke—Everyone just a bit tighter.
But that dream would turn into a reality soon enough.

Looking down at her chest she caught sight of the newly crafted necklace—Andy didn't spare any expense in gifting her the bear's claws and teeth, having worked with the witches and wolves to design it. Goddess, she couldn't get enough of it. She hadn't taken it off since. Nor did he want her to.

He mentioned that a mate, of any kind, would gift their female presents to show how thankful they are. Whether it was a fresh kill or otherwise, she recalled Remus' gift near their anniversary. Their first deer skull, a body pillow to help her sleep, and maternity clothes.

This was Andy's version of that, though presented well before Sage's wolf had made any sort of demand of it.

Once she shifted to fur, Andy placed her pack onto her shoulders—Most of it was her clothes and stones, all of which were weightless in the end due to the enchantments.

Wiggling out her fur, she felt the straps tighten, and the laughter started through. "You want me to hold this stuff?" She barked in retaliation to his offer and stepped away the second he finished.

All set! Let's go!

Her excitement would annoy Andy at times, and he certainly felt awful for feeling this way. His promise was going to expire soon, and he would have to make the sacrifices necessary to keep her and his pup safe.

His sanity was relying on that notion and what he said to Alanna. Severin and Grey held true to stand behind whatever it is that their Alpha decides, though they remained silent on their opinions and thoughts.

Thankfully the skies remained silent for the first day, but the second day didn't hold out the same. Meaning they had to backtrack to the safety of the cave—Leaving Torin to watch in awe on how Sage was not only a titled Luna with a baacking, but a mistress to the coven surrounding them.

When they stopped in the late afternoon, it didn't mean their activities were cut short. Torin took special care in training Half Crescent, if they were going to supply Sage's pack with the knowledge they held about the Draugr then they'd need to be fully prepared to continue to pass it forward.

Torin had more responsibilities than just America and undead wolves running around, but Sage hoped that she could one day meet Sigrid, his mate. Or even his children.

"Ander! It's time you show me what you've learned." Andy huffed and stepped away from Severin, his sparring partner. Sage turned over her shoulder in catching his aggravation, making her pout.

"Salvie, join us! Come and watch your male!" Torin had become the pack's designated Master in Arms with the way he function and pushed the pack to be better. Not only that, but he reminded Sage of Leo outright. She smiled in greeting and stood right alongside Severin as they watched their Alpha's movements in an attempt to overpower Torin.

It was difficult for the Luna to watch, not in the sense of violence, no. She was more than numb at this point in time to blood and gore. Instead, she was having trouble not pouncing on the growing male that fought victoriously against Torin.

"He's getting stronger...I'm guessing you can smell the Alpha in him a lot better than the rest of us." She nudged him in the side and scoffed. "He wants to kill Draugr and protect me from bad vampire man."
"That bad vampire man is going to regret everything he's done to you and then some, you know that, right?" She nodded. Usually, she fell asleep with the beautiful thoughts of decapitating this selfish and cruel man.

Torin spoke on the horrors it took to actually mandate and control the Dragur. That they were made solely for the purpose of hunting them, as it'd seem.

The witches claimed that once they were situated properly, it would be best to track him through the wolf remains. With the theory of a blood ritual, there could be the possibility of finding Armond that way than waiting for him to appear.

"Salvie! Join in!" It gave Andy a heart attack to see that she joined in without hesitation and the sudden clanking of silver, yet when Sage separated one half she took the first slashing of Torin—Causing the large male to laugh at the temptation. "Choosing sides already, Luna?" He taunted, and she grinned with another strike followed by Andy's interception.

"You can't corrupt her against me, Torin. She's carrying my blood." They spoke as if it was a true positive, but there was no sign of Sage's sweet scent returning, nor any more hints than the spike of nausea in the morning.

They spoke into the future, and it would be a horrible day when Elena or another female started to smell of a pregnancy, and the others were left without the blessing.

"Until there's sure sign, Salvie isn't excused from practice and training...Sword up, for Anderson!" That had certainly played a role in it, especially when Torin had pointed off towards Sage's stomach. "You don't tell me that you want to name pup Anderson." She said, her slight nudge to his shoulder catching him off guard. Leaving him to struggle with his next move against a very determined male—And now his female not aiding him either.

"That's what a son would be called hun, my name with the word 'son' afterwards. I wouldn't just decide a name without you." He deemed, talking over his shoulder to the side only for Sage to dock her sword.

"He speaks the truth, Luna...No fowl play here," The male claimed. Though he quickly undermined Andy he tripped his stance and caused the Alpha to fall onto his back.

There was no legitimate challenge here. Torin swore, in the beginning, to train Half Crescent to its limits. They had an army to fight and an Alpha to plead with.

"Sir!" The panicked voice from Chase had caused everyone in the training field had turned to look over to him, and he certainly laughed. "There's a gas station just a few miles away, could we go?"

Alanna did not allow Andy to board the plane without taking some cash, and by some, it was a lot more than just a few hundred. Oak Wood did have its fair share of human stocks and was well versed in managing funds, so he didn't doubt that there was plenty—Even with the cost of gaining supplies being so expensive. But that didn't mean she had to pass over a thousand.

The only mistake in that manner is that Andy had told his higher-ups and Chase, who wouldn't shut up about a snicker bar—And damnit, he couldn't deny the captive women anything more in their lives and so he decided that if he gave a few small groups a fifty, they could divide it between themselves or share the pot of snacks.

This caught Sage's attention outright.

"Money?" She questioned, and he handed her over some cash. "I don't want anything." He groaned out loud, of course—Of course, she'd have an issue with it.
"You don't want any snacks from the store? You sure?... How about you come with me to check before you say no." The gas station itself had indeed been a few miles away, but the run had done them justice if it meant leaving with a full belly and providing snacks on the way.

That, and Andy wanted the pups to have more meat on the bones now that they shared their strength with their wolf.

In approaching the said destination, he had allowed a few groups to go while another was back at camp to secure all their belongings and such. Both Severin and Elena had given them suggestions on what they wanted, and Andy would surely deliver.

They weren't the only ones that wanted snacks but didn't want to face the presence of a human.

When it was Sage and Andy's turn, however, they took the pups in with them. Hand in hand.

It made it easier to stick together as they cruised the aisles, and the children pointed and laughed at all the ridiculous snacks there were. Even if they couldn't read it, some things naturally made sense.

With the loaded basket, Andy was surprised that they made it under fifty in their combined order. Until the very last second, he took hold of a bear statue that was just beside the checkout—Along with a few lighters, as that was becoming a necessity as well.

"Have a good day." The human said behind the register, and that surprised the pups tremendously. Their bright smiles widened and they repeated the phrase, the Underground had offered the only humans they've ever meant, making the standard unbelievably beneath the bar.

Andy handed the two their chocolate and chips as they followed the small pathway back to the woods and nodded off between the trees to call in the next group.

There were a few benches and such, but he could feel Sage's eagerness to get a bite of her hotdog. When he asked what toppings she wanted, she couldn't make up her mind until it was decided she needed all of them.

He thought it would taste godawful, but she hardly breathed until it was completely gone. And Andy felt his wolf purr in response. Not only had she devoured it within seconds, the strong urge to provide and cater pushed through.

Having ordered three to her one, he pushed over his spare. And while she did shake her head, the defiance earned her another glare. "I don't need to eat hun, for the pup." He said, placing a hand over her stomach. It always earned him a smile when he showed any signs of caring for pup or mentioning them.
Yet even now she was skeptical.

"How about when we go back in for Sev's and Elena's stuff, I'll get myself a new one." She perked her lips together and tried to look away from the temptation.
Who knew a gas station hotdog would be that good?

Though nothing compared to Papa Leo's grilling.

Sage shyly continued to eat her little container of vegetables and hummus, Andy hadn't understood why she was so damn excited—But it was one of her comfort foods right beside tea and chicken.

While she caught him enjoying these little square peanut butter crackers, it was rather adorable for him to go straight for those within the store. It was probably a strange sight to see the cluster of people in minimal winter gear just sitting outside in the park, but their wolves weren't as bothered by the cold.

Not when they were so used to the Canadian weather and constant snowfall.

They remained for some time, enjoying the benches and just relaxing—For a moment, Andy pretended that both Poppy and Clementine were his daughters. Which made absolute sense, given their names were so close to one another.

With the pups remaining with the rest of the pack off at the rest stop's park, Sage returned with Andy hand in hand. Of course, the owner smiled once more, eager to make a profit.

There was no doubt that this was probably the most he's ever had at once. "Where you folks headed? Whole lot of you out there." Andy smiled off at the human, though the resentment started to reign true as Sage squeezed his hand.

"Up the road away, actually came down from Canada to escape the winter for a bit. Visiting family." That took the human by surprise, and Sage smiled seeing his confusion.

"All of you?" Andy nodded along, before explaining that a few were just friends as well—That they were taking the Appalachian trail challenge. Half in car with their necessities and such, or would save them if they needed to be picked up due to the conditions and weather.

He thought it was crazy to even think about it, especially with so many people at once in a group. Though the power in numbers made it better on his conscious as he gave the group the week's forecast. 

Andy thanked him and gave a tip, already opening up Sage's new hotdog and watching with a suppressed grin. She couldn't help herself, and it was an adorable quirk that she hummed when she enjoyed her food.

"I don't mind going hunting a lil more if you're hungry." He whispered, and she turned to look up at him. "What?"
"Is the pup hungry in there?" He said, tapping her side and that's when she finally understood what he meant.

"Sometimes, but I'm full now. I'm okay." He was slightly suspicious if she was telling the truth, but she did have a whole lot of leftover snacks that she could eat throughout the last few days.

The last few days...It was gnawing at Andy's mind knowing that there was going to be hell to pay. The strange situation that he aligned himself with mating with Sage was going to cost him greatly, and he was going to pay the hefty price.

He was just hoping that Sage and the Moon Goddess herself could forgive him for the action against her mate—The father of her pups.

"I bought you something else..." He said rather shyly, and that certainly didn't match the same tone that he usually spoke with. Causing her to hold onto his arm further as looked at his offering.

"A bear?"
"Yeah, I couldn't help myself." She started to laugh, her delicate hands taking hold of the little souvenir and instantly giving him a small kiss on his chin. "Thank you, he's cute." Andy found his eyes turning dominantly jealous over the fact that he called an inanimate object a 'he' and 'cute'. But her devious little smile told him that she knew exactly what she was doing.

"My mate gives me a big stuffed bear for Christmas, I named him honey."
"Well, we're almost at Crescent Moon. So I'll guess I have to meet Honey—And your mate." Sage nodded along, but the tension between them whenever Remus was inevitably mentioned started to weigh on them.

The mark he'd made at Oak Wood was going to eventually fade, but with their arrival at Crescent Moon in the few given days, there would be some explaining to do.

Though he and his wolf made the pact, that if anyone makes her outcasted when arriving at Crescent Moon, her family or otherwise...

He'd kill them without hesitation.

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Date: 11/04/2022

Time: 7:50

Words: 3333

Author's Note:

Is it Friday already?
If my friend hadn't texted me saying they were excited for the next chapter, I would've forgotten!

Fun fact, I actually wrote this scene during a creative writing class where we had to follow certain restraints and rules. In addition to whatever my professor wanted at the time, which is why the gas station scene might have been a little out of place. But it is believable that they found a rest stop somewhere, and would take the time to grab some food and relax.

My Beta reader said it made sense, and I'm trusting her gut on this one as well.

I'm still indecisive about the cover and title for the next story, but it will make sense soon enough. In the end, if I change it, there will be a warning!

I'm hopeful I can start really editing by next weekend, and my estimate for when I will be posting the next story will most likely be in January. If not, definitely in February.

Alrighty, time to close this phase out and onto the final phase and last three chapters.

Are you excited? Nervous?

I'm a little bit of both, to be honest😅

I hope you all have a great weekend, and I'll see you Monday!

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