The Clawless Luna 12

Book:The Clawless Luna Wants Rejection Published:2024-11-1

One thing had escaped Usher’s attention when he decided to go public with his romantic relationship with Mireya. He overlooked the fact that there might be someone who disapproved of his actions. Not only because it was inappropriate for an Alpha to behave this way, but also because the pack was still reeling from the shock of recent events.
Vione’s affair and her removal from the position of Luna, the capture of the Munest family, and the death sentences handed down had caused turmoil that Usher should have considered before acting. It was understandable if Jemma could not understand how Usher could act in the opposite way.
At first, Jemma took a passive stance. She knew her place and felt that Usher’s love life was none of her business. Despite her dislike for Usher and Mireya’s secret relationship, she could not do anything about it. However, she could not remain silent when the latest news reached her.
The pack presented a petition. Usher objected and summoned Ayla. This led to an unpleasant debate between Ayla and Usher.
Jemma decided to meet with Usher. She felt it was necessary to talk to him, if only to avoid unnecessary tension.
Jemma’s presence at The Palace was warmly welcomed by the werewolves. She entered and asked, “Where is Usher?”
A servant replied, “He seems to be in the lounge with Mireya.”
“Thank you.”
It seemed to be the right time. Jemma could meet Mireya as well. At the very least, she needed to introduce herself directly to the woman who was said to have completely captured Usher’s heart.
Jemma arrived at the lounge. Then the conversation reached her sharp ears.
“I will confront Ayla, and if she refuses to listen to me, then there is only one choice for her: death.”
Jemma’s face changed. Unable to contain herself, she slammed the door with a resounding bang.
“What did you say, Usher?!”
Usher and Mireya jumped at the same time. Both of them rose from their seats in genuine shock. But while Mireya was able to calm down a moment later, it was different for Usher.
“Mom.”
Jemma ignored Mireya. She came in and stared at Usher with an incredulous look on her face. “Tell me I misheard. Is that true?”
Usher stammered. Jemma’s question cornered him. He tried to think of an excuse, but unexpectedly it was Mireya who answered.
“You didn’t mishear, Jemma. I’m sure you heard it clearly. The Usher will pressure Ayla to perform the Sacred Ceremony, and if she refuses, there’s nothing we can do.”
Jemma was stunned. She looked at Mireya in unimaginable shock. “You have really gone too far.”
“Watch your words, Jemma. Sooner or later, I will be the Luna of the Frostholm pack, and I won’t let anyone stand in the way of our love.”
“Disgusting,” Jemma growled. It seemed she could not hold back any longer. “You should be self-aware. Usher may be an Alpha, but that doesn’t mean he can do as he pleases. An Alpha will always put the interests of the pack first, even if it costs his own life.”
Mireya could not answer Jemma’s words. She remained silent with undeniable facts, as it should be for an Alpha.
Jemma did not hesitate to remind Usher of that. She looked at Usher with a look that conveyed all her emotions. She was shaken and disbelieving, but she saw everything with her own eyes.
“I’m sure you understand your position, Usher, but I’ll remind you as a precaution in case someone incites you,” Jemma said, ignoring Mireya’s reddening face. There was no denying that her intention was to mock. “You may be an Alpha, but your high position means nothing compared to the interests of the pack. Your life and death are only in the service of the pack. So do not even think of betraying them.”
Usher froze. He stood motionless in front of Jemma. He tried to remain calm, but the situation was pushing him into a corner. He took a deep breath. He approached Jemma and tried to lighten the mood.
A stiff smile appeared on Usher’s face. His hands spread out and he offered Jemma a hug. However, Jemma stood firm and did not respond at all to his sweet gesture.
“I understand, Ma. I will remember.”
Mireya was shocked. “Usher.”
“Mireya,” Usher whispered, signaling her to be quiet. He shook his head repeatedly and Mireya turned away. In his mind he knew that he would have to convince Mireya later. She would surely sulk. But now, there was something more important to do. “You don’t have to worry. I will always remember.”
Usher’s sweet words meant nothing. Jemma snorted. “I will see proof of your words, Usher. An Alpha should not lie, and I hope you keep your word.”
Not stopping there, Jemma was sure she had to make sure Usher and Mireya understood the purpose of her visit. She was not just clarifying the situation; she was sounding a warning about a potential disaster that could still be avoided.
So, Jemma looked back and forth to Usher, making sure her words were clear enough to be well remembered.
“All right then. Now I can rest easy, and I hope you both understand the situation. If anything happens to Ayla, I know who’s behind it.”
Mireya gaped. She would not be wrong in guessing that Jemma’s words carried a threatening tone. Her eyes widened and her body moved reflexively. Legs stepped forward and hands were raised. Fortunately, Usher was able to restrain her at the right moment.
Jemma grinned at Mireya. “I’m sure if you’re really obsessed with becoming a Luna, Mireya.”
Mireya closed her mouth tightly. Her face was completely frozen by the insult. She wanted to retaliate, but there was nothing she could do. Usher even told her to be patient.
Usher held Mireya’s hand tightly, which made Mireya even more irritated. It was no wonder that Mireya immediately threw Usher’s hand away when Jemma finally left.
“Mireya.”
Mireya moved away, creating distance. She scolded Usher, “You’re really cowardly, Usher. How could you do this in front of Jemma?”
“Mireya, no matter what, she is my mother and the former Luna. I can’t just ignore her.”
Mireya raised her face challengingly, hands clasped to her chest. “Then what is my position in your life? Just a lover who carries your son?”
“Mireya.”
“Enough, Usher,” Mireya interrupted with unwavering determination. “This is the last time we discuss this. Make me your Luna and mate in any way, or you will lose me and our child.”
Usher shook his head. “Don’t joke, Mireya.”
“I’m not joking, Usher. So, until you can prove your love for me, don’t expect me to see you.”
*
Garth sensed that something was wrong with Usher. He had noticed it the last few days. Usher often seemed lost in thought and lacked his usual enthusiasm. To add to his suspicions, Usher invited him back to the vineyard.
Usher spent time strolling among the rows of vines, enjoying the tranquility and peace that had been elusive lately.
Why had everything become so complicated? When did things become so chaotic?
Many things were on Usher’s mind. He could not list them all, but he felt overwhelmed. Most of all, there was an unsettling feeling that often made him uneasy.
It was not surprising that Usher decided to remove himself from the pack’s affairs for the time being. He instructed Garth to cancel any appointments, meetings or other visits. He also instructed Ayla to find a suitable candidate to fill the Gamma position that had been vacant since Vione had tended to The Palace and Pack needs.
Usher really wanted to take a break from everything. He wanted to calm down, although it was not as easy as he thought. This was his fourth visit to the vineyard in the same week.
The restlessness confused not only Usher but Garth as well. So, Garth plucked up the courage to ask Usher what was wrong.
Usher took a deep breath. His gaze wandered somewhere with an empty look. “I don’t know why, but I have the feeling that something is wrong here. I thought everything was fine, especially since all the problems have been solved, but I feel the opposite”.
Usher should have been relieved that the turmoil in the pack had subsided. The problems with Vione and the Munest family had been solved. The coup rumors were no longer heard. The petition issue also seemed to be calming down, as the pack seemed to be settling down because, in their eyes, Usher had made no move to formalize his relationship with Mireya.
Usher’s instincts flared. The internal warning alarms were active, but his eyes and logic could find nothing to worry about.
“I thought you were just too tired and stressed, Alpha. Even though all the problems are over, it’s still pretty hard and emotionally draining. I’m sure you just need some time to calm down,” Garth reassured him.
Usher blinked. He looked at Garth. “Do you think so?”
“Of course,” Garth nodded. He assured the Alpha not to get lost in his restlessness. “Besides, you don’t have to worry about anything. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side. I will always be your fifth claw, Alpha.”
The slight uneasiness disappeared. Finally, Usher could breathe more easily and walked on with Garth.
Evening had come. It was time for them to return to the city center. As the helicopter was ready to take off, something occurred to Usher.
“I think I should make sure of one thing, Garth. Have the recent problems really been completely resolved or have they just temporarily calmed down?”
Garth furrowed his brow. “What do you mean, Alpha?”
“Vione. As we know, she had a relationship with a mysterious Alpha whose identity we still don’t know. So, I want to see Vione in prison. Is there anything suspicious?”
Garth was not sure, but he asked anyway, “Do you think this guy is going to rescue Vione?”
“Impossible,” Usher replied with a snarl. He chuckled briefly. “No one in this world can fool the guards of the Frostholm Pack. Especially the underground prison, which has a special design that would confuse intruders.”
Usher was truly confident in the safety of the underground prison, and so was Garth. Throughout history, no infiltrator had ever managed to enter the underground prison without the guards knowing. Nor had any prisoner ever escaped from there. The underground prison seemed to be truly hidden in the earth’s core, and only important figures in the Frostholm Pack knew its secrets.
However, something made Usher think twice about praising the underground prison and its guards. It was the unusual objects he saw in Vione’s cell.
Usher narrowed his eyes. His face hardened and his jaw clenched. Pointing to the objects, he asked in a fierce tone, “Who visited you, Vione? I gave no permission for anyone to visit you.”
Vione was a prisoner with serious charges. So, she was kept in the lowest cell, and the rules forbade her to receive visitors. Strangely enough, on the stone floor of her cell were several warm articles of clothing and scraps of food from outside.
But Usher got no answer. Instead, Vione rose and approached him with an expression that suggested revenge. Both of Vione’s hands went up and she gripped the iron bars. She stared at Usher and spoke with contempt.
“I will kill you, Usher. By all means, I swear, one day I will definitely kill you with my own two hands.”
*