#1 The Rise of the Crescent Moon

Josephine

“August is not going to be happy about this.” Jared said as I ripped the wires from my body and crawled out of bed.

“Probably not.” I said absentmindedly, reaching for my clothes. Jared turned his back to me as I got dressed.

“You know you have him effectively wrapped around your finger.” Jared chuckled and I grinned,

“I know.” I said smugly.

“Did you call April?” Jared asked.

“You know damn well that she called me.” I accused him, throwing the hospital pillow at the back of his head. Jared timidly turned around, checking to see if I was decent.

“No idea what you’re talking about.” He chuckled, tossing the pillow back on the bed. I shook my head at him, running my fingers through my hair as I tugged it back into a messy bun.

“Thank you.” I surprised him by saying,

“She helped.”

“It’s what big brothers are for.” He shrugged, knocking his shoulder against mine as I walked past him.

“Luna!” Dr. Brown’s voice echoed through the infirmary,

“You shouldn’t be out of bed.” He rushed over to me.

“I’m fine, Dr. Brown, I can take care of myself.” I walked around him without a second look.

“Don’t bother, Doc, she’s a pain in the ass.” I heard Jared say behind me.

“But wait Luna, I have the results from the Alpha’s blood test.” I paused with one hand in the door.

“Let’s see them.” I sighed, turning around.

Dr. Brown handed me a folder with a single piece of paper inside. I quickly scanned the paper. August’s blood was normal besides one element, an element that didn’t appear in human science. I imagined it had to do with some witchy intervention.

“Thanks.” I muttered before I pushed open the door. I groaned when I saw Hayden standing guard.

“Luna!” He used the same shocked tone as Dr. Brown.

“I’m fine, Hayden.” I muttered.

“You are not.” He argued, grabbing my hand.

“I’m done with the infirmary, I’m going to my room where I can take care of myself.” I informed the Gamma.

“I’m escorting the Luna.” Jared said from behind me. Hayden nodded hesitantly,

“Well, I have to at least follow you. Alpha ordered me to stand guard.”

“Fine.” I agreed, not wanting to get him in trouble with August. Turns out that I needed both of them to help me up the stairs anyway. I’m pretty sure it took me half the day just to climb the two flights of stairs to my bedroom.

“This place needs an elevator.” I said breathlessly, finally settling into one of the oversized chairs inside the bedroom. Hayden was standing guard outside of the door and Jared was sitting across from me.

“I’m confident your Alpha would do that for you if you asked him.” Jared snorted and I laughed at him.

“Like you’re not the same with April.” I teased him.

“Oh I’ll admit to worshiping at her feet, but I think August might be worse.”

“And I’m proud of that fact.” August’s voice made us both jump and turn around. Jared came to his feet as August knelt down at my side.

“You should have stayed in the infirmary.” August sighed, kissing my cheek.

“I’d rather be here.” I shrugged.

“Thanks for looking out for her.” August said to Jared.

“You don’t have to thank me, it’s what I do.” Jared winked at me before leaving the room.

“How are you feeling?” August asked me.

“A little tired from the walk up here.” I admitted.

“Let’s get you into bed.” August moved to pick me up but I pushed him away.

“No, I just want to sit for a while. I’ve been laying down for so long.” August wanted to argue, but instead he took Jared’s place on the opposing chair.

“How did it go?” I asked him.

“He’s taken care of.” August said, looking at something behind me.

“Did you get any more information out of him?” I pressed. August sighed, looking tired as he told me about the deal my grandfather made with the witch.

“So, my father was just a victim like us. He didn’t know any better either.” I said, feeling a little less angry with my father.

“True, but he could have ended the tradition of secrets and confusion by being honest with his Beta.” I could tell by August’s tone that he was still upset with my father, and I couldn’t blame him. I reached out and grabbed his hand,

“Then let us break the tradition.” I said. August locked eyes with me and smiled softly,

“I agree. I vow to always tell you the truth.” He promised,

“Me too.” I leaned forward, wincing at the tightness in my chest. August pressed his lips against mine, pushing me back against the chair and relieving me of my pain.

“Will you let me take care of you now?” He asked using his husky voice, blowing the smell of Fall spices and cinnamon rolls against my cheek. I nodded, unable to speak. August scooped me up and settled me into bed. He laid down beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist and squishing me against his chest.