#2 When the Moon Turns Red

Noah

The next morning I took Evie down to the dining hall to have breakfast. We were alone in the room, which wasn’t a coincidence. I wanted Evie to slowly get comfortable with the pack members and the routines of the packhouse. So, I had mindlinked the pack to stay clear of the dining room for a few hours.

“What time do you have to leave in the morning for school?” I asked her as we finished up breakfast, realizing that I didn’t know her class schedule very well.

“I guess around 9:00 to make the commute from here.” She answered without looking at me, she was too focused on her food.

“How many classes do you have?” I asked.

“I have three everyday except Wednesday. 9:45-10:45, 11:30-12:30, 1:00-2:00.” She replied.

“Do you think you’ll come back here right after your last class?” I asked, trying to sound casual. She looked over at me finally with a cheeky grin,

“Do you want me to?” She asked, already knowing the answer.

“You already know the answer to that.” I chuckled at her.

“True,” She smirked,

“Yes, I’ll be here.” She replied, returning to her plate.

“I’m sorry, Evie,” I sighed, pulling her attention towards me again,

“I don’t want to sound controlling, I’m just protective. I need to know where you are, even if that’s not with me.” I admitted.

“I know, Noah, I’m not mad. I’m just teasing you.” She smiled sweetly at me, crinkling her napkin into a ball and throwing it at me. I plucked it out of the air and laughed with her.

“Do you have work to do today?” Evie asked me. I wanted to say no, but, unfortunately, my meetings today were unavoidable. I nodded with a frown,

“Yeah, I have a couple meetings and some pack business.”

“That’s okay, Noah, you don’t have to entertain me all the time.” She rolled her eyes at my pouty face.

“I know, I’m overbearing.” I smirked.

“Yes, you are.” She agreed shamelessly. I stood up from the table and pulled her chair out for her, helping her stand.

“I have some work to catch up on anyway.” Evie admitted as we walked, hand in hand, into the hallway.

“I won’t be too long.” I promised her, kissing her hand.

“I’m fine, Noah.” She complained.

“Alright, alright,” I sighed, kissing her deeply,

“I’ll head to my office then.” I grumbled as she started walking herself to the elevator. She waved at me before disappearing down the hall. I couldn’t help but watch her go with a smile. I was so lucky to have her.

I walked in the opposite direction as Evie, heading towards my office.

“How’s Evie doing, brother?” Greyson asked, entering my office a little while later.

“She’s fine, great actually.” I answered, looking up from my laptop. This was the first time I had spoken to my brother since the incident with our father yesterday.

“She’s strong, man.” Greyson smirked, shaking his head.

“Our new sis is a beast!” Jack called out, making his presence known. Greyson and I both rolled our eyes at our younger brother just as Lucy came flying into the office.

“Is it true?” She asked, breathless. The three of us exchanged a look and realized that no one had told Lucy what happened with our father. Shit.

“Lucy.” I sighed.

“Did Dad attack Evie?” Lucy asked more sternly, standing between Greyson and Jack. Greyson lazily dropped his arm around her shoulders and she shrugged it off with a growl.

“He grabbed a hold of her, yes, and left a bruise on her arm. He threatened her.” I reluctantly answered.

“Is he…..” Lucy visibly gulped. I watched her gather her emotions and courage before asking me,

“Will he be executed?”

“No.” My answered shocked her,

“What?” She gasped at me, looking between her brothers,

“He hurt the Luna!” She cried. I could tell she was torn between her duty to the Luna and her duty as a daughter.

“And our Luna decided to show him mercy.” Greyson told her. Lucy looked at him with wide eyes,

“She did?” Her voice was small.

“She forced him to apologize.” Jack added with a smirk. Lucy’s eyes got even bigger,

“She did?” This was perhaps more shocking than him not being executed,

“She’s a genius.” Lucy laughed, looking back at me.

“That she is.” I agreed.

“Man, she’s gone through a lot this weekend.” Lucy mumbled to herself, shaking her head. I suddenly had an idea,

“Lucy, I have a thought.”

“Look out, big bro is thinking!” Lucy teased me, sticking out her tongue. She was the only one who could get away with that.

“Fine, I won’t tell you about my idea of a girls day with Evie.” I said absentmindedly, returning to my desk. Lucy perked up at that,

“Wait, what?” She danced over to my desk and put on her best sweet face. I laughed at her,

“You’re right, Evie has been through a lot this weekend. She’s studying in her room right now but I think she could use some fun.” I said.

“She’s friends with Molly, right?” Lucy asked, the wheels visibly turning in her head.

“She is, but, Lucy,” I yelled at her as she tried to run from the office,

“Let’s not have Molly come up with the ideas. Remember, you’re 16.” I glared at her, knowing exactly the kind of plans Molly would make and knowing how much Evie would hate them.

“Yes, sir!” She saluted me and ran away.

“That’s not going to end well.” Greyson said, watching our sister run off.

“Not at all.” Jack agreed.

“That’s what happens when big bro thinks.” I echoed Lucy’s statement and the three of us roared with laughter.