"Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything." - C.S Lewis, A Grief Observed"

New Moon Pack, 2019

Ace Archer

"What do you mean you didn't know?! Are you stupid?" my voice echoed throughout the room as I banged my fist on the mahogany table.

Burning rage consumed my body, demanding release. There hasn't been a week since the last attack, and rogues managed to enter our territory last night, killing three of my scouts on the border.

"We were checking the other side of the border when it happened Alpha, we didn't know they'll attack from there," one of my scouts reasoned.

My head instantly snapped, eyes flaring murderously at his idiocy. "And all of you decided to go there? No one had the common sense to stay and guard? Of course, you wouldn't know goddamnit! Will the enemy tell you?!" I exclaimed as my voice trembled in outrage. "Let me fucking remind you again, we are not called the New Moon Pack for nothing!"

Among the four regions, it's an undeniable fact that we are the strongest. Our pack lived up to its reputation for years. The New Moon Pack located in the North is the largest pack of the Moon Kingdom, distinguished for its fierce fighters and capable leaders.

What I'm known for is not news to me; Alpha Ace Archer, a wolf not to be messed with, cold, cunning and ruthless. I didn't mind. It's the truth, and that is how I have kept my pack intact all these years.

"Out!" I shouted waving my warriors dismissively.

I roughly massaged my pulsing temple. These attacks are getting out of hand, and it appears that the higher-ups in the Blood Moon Shadow Pack, especially the Royal Alpha are satisfied with the bare minimum to address these problems. I hated him even though I haven't even met or seen him. Not even once,
on the council meeting, the Socials, and the Moon Ball; in fact, no one knows who he is.

Royals. I scoffed.

I despised them. Even if I'm given a graver word for hate it wouldn't suffice to describe my feelings towards those bastards who nearly destroyed our pack years ago.

I looked at the files piled in front of me. "Necromancy...supernaturals...demons." I felt veins popping on my arms while going over the reports. This level of problem is beyond my pack's expertise. Demons and supernaturals are entities to be consulted and discussed with the Royals.

"Goddamnit."

I can't help but silently curse. The last thing I want is to be close to those wolves. Murderers. The hierarchy we have is enough. Royals stay up to whatever pedestal they're on away from us; and me, to be the Alpha and continue leading this pack.

Footsteps ended my thoughts as my father, Raphael, and my Beta, Matthew entered the office.

"What is so important that you even forgot how to knock? Spit it out, I don't have all day" I snapped.

"Son, have you considered what I've suggested you do?" my father asked.

My mouth thinned in displeasure.  "After what happened with mom and the pack you still want their help? How can you be so calm about this?"

"She died because of them," my expression hardened. "They said you could've lost me too."

"Ace, I understand how you feel, as I've told you countless times, what happened years ago was not their fault. It was not her fault. There's more to the story. Besides, the Alpha of the Blood Moon Shadow Pack can help us, " he insisted as sadness clouded his features.

"Rumors fly fast because everyone is talking about the Royals. Why do you ask help from someone who doesn't exist? Tell me, Father, have you ever seen this Alpha you're trying to get in touch with?"

"Yes." My father replied firmly as he stared motionlessly straight ahead, purposely avoiding the topic.

I scowled. "That's the problem, you won't tell me anything."

"Alpha, with all due respect, you should think about your Father's idea. We need their help to keep the North protected. I believe that's what your mother would've wanted as well," Matthew said carefully, finding the right words to keep my temper at ease.

   "Leave it," I cut him off. " You think I don't know that?" 

"Ace, what you ask of me, is not my story to tell. I grieved, I was devastated. Losing my mate is losing my life, but I had to keep going for you." My father continued, looking intently in my eyes.

White knuckles formed as I curled my hands tightly. I knew that we don't have other options. As much as I disliked the idea, I need to set personal issues aside if I want what's best for my pack.

"Matthew, give Blood Moon Shadow Pack a call and request a meeting. Tell them-

"That wouldn't be necessary!" Luke, my Gamma, shouted as he burst through the door while catching his breath. "Alpha, a call for you," he continued, his face flushed as he pointed to the phone on my table.

My brows drew together as I picked it up.

"Speak," I said coldly.

Luke facepalmed, his hands stayed at his mouth while looking at me nervously.

"I'm assuming this is Alpha Ace Archer of the New Moon Pack?" a deep male voice answered.

"Yes, and what do you want? I'm not a fan of wasting time."

Luke paled as he keeps on mouthing stop, shaking his hands at me. What the hell is wrong with him?

"Well Alpha Archer, that's is something we can both agree on." He chuckled. "I'm Alexander Reign, Beta of the Blood Moon Shadow Pack. I called to let you know we are coming for a visit to talk over matters regarding the current situation."

The moment he stopped speaking and what he said registered in my head, words left me. I began to find something reasonable to say as my muscles stiffened. I cleared my throat to compose myself.

"Just what I have in mind, Beta Alexander. When do you plan to come exactly?"

"Monday next week. The Alpha has some things to settle first." Beta Alexander replied.

"Is he coming?" I immediately responded as my heart struggled to keep a steady thump.

A long pause made on the other line made it pound harder.

"We will let you know, Alpha." He finally said and I noticed the weariness in his voice.

"We'll prepare the necessary arrangements then, Beta Alexander. See you next week."

He ended the call and I tried my best to keep my composure, let the information sink in. 

The Royals and the Alpha is coming.

"I'm assuming you got what you needed?" my father said.

"Yes, and they're visiting," I replied with my hands signaling Luke to shut up because I know he has a lot to say.

"Leave me for a while. I need to think and sort things out," I ordered. I'm not exactly in a mood to answer their questions. I let out a heavy sigh to release the tension I've been holding back.

Sharing glances, they hesitantly made their way through the door.

"Link us when you need something Alpha," Matthew said before making his exit.

I turned to the window then squeezed my eyes shut. My body leaned on the chair, head falling back. Every day is a tussle of conflicting thoughts. It feels like I'm drunk-driving my life because of the pressure and exhaustion. Now there's another headache to take care of; the Royals.

I rubbed my eyes roughly then reached for a picture hidden in my drawer. There was a tug in my chest as I stare at my mother, gleaming brightly, her left hand on her protruding belly while the other snaked through a woman's arm. The old quality of the photograph didn't affect the beauty of the woman. Her pale skin complimented the chestnut-tainted hair flowing through her shoulders. She was also smiling, but with a seemingly sad and empty eyes. I wanted to know more about her other than her name, but my father kept a tight lip about her.

"It's her fault." Since I was a child that's what the people would tell me, but they would evade all follow-up questions about her like a plague.

Why? I just wanted to ask her that. I flipped it over not wanting to see my mother's smile that I never got the opportunity to see. My hands twitched as I read the words neatly scribbled at the corner of the picture.

Lily and Veronica
New Moon Pack, 1993

Chapter 5💓

So what happened in 1993?

I hope you liked this chapter. I'll be busy with work next week so I'll try my best to update and publish more chapters this week 💓

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ladypaperback