Jade’s pov:
It took us nearly 5 hours to reach Alpha Kade’s pack. And when we did, we breathed out a sigh of relief, for we hadn’t been followed, and we hadn’t been attacked either.
We were welcomed in at the gates by one of his warriors, who were polite and courteous, though they sported a guarded look.
I could understand it all too well… not only were we strangers, but also strangers that could possibly bring war to their territory.
I tried not to let it get to me, and kept my head proudly high and my chin jutted in defiance, while Trevor did the talking.
Soon, we reached the pack house which was deep within the forest. And I could tell at once that the pack was almost as wealthy as ours from the size of its house.
A man I didn’t recognize was the one to welcome us into the house.
“You must be Luna Jade,” he openly smiled at me, though I wasn’t sure whether it was a genuine or a commercial smile, “I am Beta Carson and I am here to welcome to our pack. Gamma Trevor,” he nodded curtly as he acknowledged him, “Kindly feel at home.”
“Thank you for having us,” I let out with a soft smile of my own.
“Thank you,” Trevor said right after me.
Moonlight Pack turned out to be full of quite the treacherous bunch From Jessica to her father to Sasha and I had a hard time trusting people around me since. Crimson Moon Pack, my previous pack, where I grew up only to be shunned when my wolf didn’t awaken, was also obviously after me, along with Midnight Moon Pack, and maybe a few others too.
I tried not to let it show how wary I was of this new pack…
Soon, Alpha Kade himself, along with a beautiful brunette, came to stand in front of us.
“Why the long face, Luna Jade?” He asked in a light tone of voice, point blank as per usual.
The one I assumed to be his mate looked at me with sympathy in her eyes and said, “Forgive my mate for being insensitive, Luna Jade.” Alpha Kade pursed his lips ever so slightly at the not so hidden reprimand, even as she went on, “I, too, would worry if I had to separate from my mate in such a delicate situation.”
I nodded at her gratefully but was unable to offer a response, the words lodged in my throat.
You can’t think of the worst, I told myself firmly. Think of the positive. Dream if need be… Don’t let the what ifs destroy you.
“Thank you,” I said after taking a moment to recollect my thoughts.
“Sherry,” she said simply, smiling wide at me.
“Thank you, Luna Sherry,” I mirrored her smile even though I wasn’t really feeling it.
My worry for the whole pack mom, Luc, Alex, his parents, the omegas… knew no bounds.
“Gamma Trevor, how have you been?” Alpha Kade inquired, bringing me out of my reveries.
“I have been well, thank you, Alpha Kade,” he retorted in a gentle tone of voice.
Sherry soon crossed her arm with mine and led me away from them. I turned to ask her where she was leading me, and before I had the chance to breathe a word out, she drawled, “They’re all so insensitive. It’s obvious that you’re worried but also tired. Let me take you to your room, Luna Jade.”
She was the first open woman I met in a while, and I didn’t smell deceit on her too… and that definitely made for a nice change.
I found myself telling her softly, “Jade is fine.”
“Oh, thank you. Then, please call me Sherry.”
We made small talk on the way to the room which had been prepared in advance for me. It was decorated beautifully in silver and purple colors. There was a jug of water and fruits on a platter, on a table nearby, and I felt my parched throat squeeze almost painfully.
As to be expected, on our way here, Trevor and I didn’t allow ourselves a break. It would beat the purpose of my going away if I were to risk it all for a bottle of water or a snack.
“Thank you for having us.”
My gratitude must have shown in the tone of my voice, but also in the smile I offered her, for she soon said, “It is our pleasure to have you. I am just sad that the circumstances of our meeting aren’t more favorable.” I nodded at her in understanding, almost too tired to say anything in return. “We could be great friends,” she went on excitedly, and I beamed at her.
“I could use a friend,” I told her sincerely.
I surmised that having another luna be my friend would help me understand my role better within the pack. Also, since we were both lunas, our concerns could be similar in so many ways.
“You shouldn’t worry too much, Jade,” she said softly. “Not only is your mate a strong alpha, but also a great strategic man. Besides, we have sent some of our best warriors over to aid your pack in this dire situation.”
“Still, there is no war without casualities,” I repeated Trevor’s earlier words, for they were the ones that troubled me the most.
“That much is true,” she nodded at me, a rueful smile stretching her lips.
The words hung in the air, and the questions that burned my lips kept troubling me.
I could picture it all. The chaos, the spilled blood, the crying women mourning their loved ones… All for me because of me. And it upset me to the moon and back that I couldn’t be there for them.
How was I going to ever face the pack again?
“I’ll let you rest now,” Sherry then let out, and I snapped back to reality.
“Thank you, Sherry,” I let out a silent albeit long sigh.
She gave me a pat on the shoulder and said, “It will be okay.”
I wished I had her confidence.