#2 When the Moon Turns Red

Evie

I bounced down the hallway, not exactly mad about missing some boring meeting with a stuffy old dude who was racists against humans. Once I reached the elevator, I felt Noah’s eyes leave my body. I knew, without looking, that he had gone into his office. I ignored how creepy that was.

Instead of getting on the elevator, I turned around and started wandering through the packhouse. I wasn’t in the mood to hide in my room, instead I wanted to mingle with the pack members. I was careful to avoid the main lobby so I wouldn’t run into the elder before he made it to Noah’s office.

I ended up in the rec. room surrounded by loud and excited werewolves. There were several games of billiards, darts, cards, and some sort of racing video game going on at the same time. The snacks were flowing from the bar as teenagers and young adults ran around the room.

“Luna!” A brown haired twenty something came flying past me.

“What brings you here?” Another burnette who was trailing the first guy, asked.

“Boredom.” I shrugged. The guy laughed,

“Want to join our game?” He asked, motioning towards the pool table that was just being set up.

“Sure. But, I should warn you, I suck at pool.” I laughed.

“We all do.” He shrugged, leading the way,

“I’m Jason, by the way. That’s Sammy and Chase.” Jason introduced the guys who were standing around the pool table.

“Nice to officially meet you, Luna.” The one who Jason named Chase, said.

“Call me Evie, I beg you.” I said. The guys shared a laugh.

“Wanna drink, Evie?” Sammy asked, walking towards the snack bar.

“Sure, whatever is fine.” I said. Sammy came back with a pitcher of soda and cups for everyone. The game of pool began with us breaking up into teams of two. I was on a team with Jason while Sammy and Chase made up a team. Jason was right, we all sucked.

Almost thirty minutes had elapsed and we weren’t even halfway finished with the game. We had established that my team was solids and Sammy’s team was stripes. That was about all we had established.

“Look alive boys, the she-wolves are in the house.” Sammy grumbled, downing his soda like he wished it was alcohol. I looked towards the door and recognized the candy-colored girls who entered. It was Lauren, Rachel, and Madison from the spa, the she-wolves who hated me and had a thing for Noah.

“Those are our mates.” Jason whispered from behind me.

“Oh.” I said, surprised. The way those three goggled over Noah and threatened me, I assumed they didn’t have any mates.

“We’re all chosen mates.” Chase added, watching the she-wolves waltz across the room.

I paused for a minute, thinking about what that phrase meant. I had heard it before, and I think it was when a wolf chose someone as their mate instead of waiting for their….I think it was called a destined mate, like Noah and I. I sighed to myself, there was so much I still didn’t understand.

I knew the exact moment the three women realized I was standing with their mates. They beelined for the pool table, shooting daggers at me.

“It’s not enough for you to steal the Alpha, you need our mates too?” The one I think was called Rachel snapped at me with her hands placed firmly on her hips. Sammy walked up to Rachel and tapped her shoulder,

“We’re just playing a game of pool, Rach.” He said, Rachel glared at him.

“What are you even doing here? Isn’t the Alpha in a meeting?” Lauren smirked with Jason by her side.

“She’s a human, Lauren, she isn’t welcomed in any meetings.” Madison cackled, walking over to Chase.

“Shut up, Maddy.” Chase glared at her. I was taken aback at how he talked to his mate, knowing full well that Noah would never speak to me that way. I was starting to see the difference between a destined and chosen mate.

“Rude.” Madison smacked her lips together.

“He’s just defending his Luna,” Jason spoke up,

“You shouldn’t be talking to her like that.”

“I don’t see the Alpha here to do anything about it.” Lauren said.

“No, but I’m standing right here.” I spoke up for the first time. I was silenced with fear before in the Wellness Center, but not anymore. I was so much more sure of myself now, having spent all the time I needed next to Noah and inside the packhouse to gain some much needed confidence.

“Are you? You’re so tiny.” Rachel laughed loudly.

“I don’t need Noah to defend me. I am your future Luna and I won’t let you speak to me like this. I’ve already dealt with the former Alpha, Toby, I have no problem dealing with the three of you, too.” I spoke with clarity and attitude, my arms crossed over my chest. The entire room had fallen silent to listen in on my outburst. I felt the pack members staring at me but the only people I was focused on were the three she-wolves challenging my authority.

I heard a low growl behind me and turned to see that Sawyer had entered the game room. He had a menacing expression on his face but stayed silent.

“Yes, Luna.”

“We’re sorry, Luna.”

“It won’t happen again, Luna.” The she-wolves mumbled, putting their heads down and looking at the floor.

“I expect not, apologies accepted.” I replied before turning on my heels and exiting the room. Sawyer quickly followed me.

“Evie, wait….” He began, but it was too late. I ran straight into the very thing Sawyer was sent to make sure I avoided. The elder. He was tall and authoritative, with graying hair, dull eyes, and a wrinkled face. He walked with a wooden cane and had a slight limp.

“This must be the famous human.” The old man stuttered. Sawyer stood protectively beside me. I looked behind the elder, expecting to see Noah, but was disappointed.

“I’m Evie.” I introduced myself.

“Luna, this is Elder Jacob.” Sawyer said stiffly.

“Nice to meet you, Elder Jacob.” I responded as formally as I could manage.

“Wish that I could say the same.” The elder mumbled. Before I had the chance to be offended, something behind me caught the elder’s eye.

“The humans are multiplying, I see.” He said. I turned around to see Elijah and Molly walking down the hallway. I watched as Sawyer’s eyes grew dark and I knew he was mindlinking Molly.

“This is my brother Elijah, he’s Molly’s mate.” I explained, grabbing my brother’s arm and pulling him towards me protectively.

“You’ll do well to remember that keeping our existence a secret from the humans is our most sacred law. That includes your family, Miss. Evie.” Elder Jacob scoffed.

“However, keeping the werewolf secret from one’s mate is not a priority, is it, Elder Jacob?” I challenged him, maintaining my polite tone and calm demeanor.

“That is correct, Miss. Evie.” He grumbled.

“Good, I’m glad I understand that properly. Elijah was only made aware of werewolves because of his mate, Molly.” I swear, if this dude called me Miss. Evie one more time, I was going to lose it.

“The Luna is very confident in the rules and guidelines of our pack, Elder Jacob.” Sawyer elongated my title.

“I see.” Elder Jacob tapped his cane on the ground,

“I must be going.” He announced.

“Allow me to escort you out.” I offered.

“I can find my way.” The elder snapped, yanking his arm away from mine as I moved to take his elbow.

“Safe travels.” Good riddance.