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Ch. 24 Truth
Last Updated:
2025-03-28 11:52:21
Cara AndersonThank you for reading!
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Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 25 Consequences
Finley"I'm so sorry, Fin," Tara says, reaching for me.I step back, not ready for comfort, not ready for anything but the rage and humiliation burning through me. "He lied. About everything. The entire time.""Men are trash," she offers weakly. "Especially Alpha sons with too much power and too little conscience."I laugh, but it comes out more like a sob. "I'm such an idiot. Twice. Twice I've fallen for this. Twice I've believed men who said they’d never hurt me only to have them let me down when it counts.""This isn't on you," Tara says fiercely. "This is on him. On both of them. They're the liars, not you."But it doesn't matter who's to blame. The result is the same—another rejection, another humiliation, another mate bond that will need to be severed.We walk in silence toward the Forest Trails compound, each step feeling heavier than the last. How am I going to face the pack knowing I've been made a fool of again? How will the council view this when they're already questioning
Last Updated : 2025-03-28Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 26 Council
FinleyThe council meeting room feels suffocating tonight, the air thick with tension and the lingering scent of fear. Eight council members sit around the ancient oak table, their expressions grave as they absorb the news of the attack. My father stands at the head, his Alpha authority radiating outward in waves that would normally calm the pack. Tonight, it barely makes a dent in the collective anxiety.I take my place to his right, the seat traditionally reserved for the heir. To his left sits Bradley, who technically has no right to be at the main table but somehow has positioned himself there anyway. No one questions it. Not tonight, when he was apparently the one keeping things under control while I was... elsewhere."The evidence is unmistakable," Elder Morris says, inspecting the twisted metal symbol through his wire-rimmed glasses. "Witchcraft. Dark magic of the oldest kind.""But why?" asks Adrienne, one of our youngest council members. "The truce has held for decades. Forest
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 27 Wrong Shapes
FinleyWhen the council finally adjourns near dawn, I'm exhausted in a way that goes beyond physical fatigue. My father catches my arm as I rise to leave."My office," he says quietly. "Now."The walk to his private office feels like a march to execution. He closes the door behind us, studying me with eyes that see far too much."Where were you tonight?" he asks without preamble. "And don't tell me you were running with Tara. I want the truth."For a moment, I consider maintaining the lie. But what's the point? The truth will emerge eventually, especially now that Dane knows I overheard him with Aria."Mountain Ridge," I admit, the words bitter on my tongue. "I went to see if Dane had actually ended things with Aria like he claimed. He hadn't."My father's expression doesn't change, though a muscle ticks in his jaw. "You trespassed on another pack's territory. During a time of potential crisis. Without authorization.""Yes.""Do you have any idea how serious this is? Not just the terri
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 28 Convergence
FinleyI stare at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. Dark circles shadow my eyes, evidence of the sleepless night and emotional upheaval. In a few hours, representatives from the neighboring packs will arrive to discuss the attack. Including Mountain Ridge. Including Dane.And Glass Lake. Including Liam.The thought sends a fresh wave of anxiety through me. How am I supposed to face both of them at once? Both mates who rejected me, though in very different ways."You look like hell," Tara says bluntly, leaning against the doorframe of my bathroom."Thanks. That's exactly what I needed to hear."She shrugs, unapologetic. "Just saying what your council won't. You need sleep, Fin.""What I need is to get through this meeting without falling apart." I splash cold water on my face, hoping it will erase some of the exhaustion. It doesn't. "Any update on the messengers?""Glass Lake's delegation left at dawn. They should be here within the h
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 29 Avoidance
FinleyI feel Liam's presence like a physical thing, his scent, his energy impossible to ignore even as I lead them toward the conference room. Nova stirs restlessly, confused by the dual pull of two mates in such close proximity. Especially after Dane's betrayal, which has left the bond raw and aching."We've set up in the main conference room," I explain, keeping my voice professionally neutral. "The artifacts from the attack site are there for examination, along with the witness statements we've been able to gather.""Witness statements?" Kaden asks. "I thought there was only one survivor conscious?""Sierra woke briefly this morning," I explain. "She didn't see much, but what she did see aligns with Michael's account. Something about shapes that weren't right. Eyes where they shouldn't be.""Sounds like delirium from trauma," Dane suggests, falling into step beside me as if he has every right to be there. As if he hadn't been caught in a lie just hours ago.I maintain a careful dis
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 30 Traces
FinleyThe eastern forest is quiet this afternoon, too quiet. Even the birds seem subdued, as if sensing something unnatural lingers here. I lead the way along the patrol route, hyperaware of Liam following a few steps behind. His scent carries on the breeze—rainwater and cedar—stirring memories I've tried hard to suppress."The attack happened just ahead," I say, keeping my voice professionally detached. "Near the boundary creek."Liam nods, his expression focused as he scans our surroundings. For all the personal awkwardness between us, I can't deny he's good at this—observant, methodical, the consummate Beta."The initial investigation team said they found blood here," I continue, stopping at a small clearing. Yellow evidence markers still dot the area, placed by Bradley's team three nights ago. "James died here. Sierra and Michael were found wounded about twenty yards in that direction."Liam crouches, examining the ground where the markers indicate blood was found. "The report men
Last Updated : 2025-04-01Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 31 Close Encounter
FinleyThe opening is a tight squeeze, requiring me to turn sideways and inch through carefully. The stone is cold against my back, the air flowing from within carrying a strange, metallic scent that makes Nova bristle with unease. After a few claustrophobic moments, the passage widens into what appears to be a natural cave system, the ceiling rising high enough to stand comfortably.Liam follows close behind, his presence surprisingly reassuring in the oppressive darkness. The flashlight beam seems swallowed by the blackness, illuminating only a small portion of our surroundings at a time."This goes deeper than I expected," I murmur, sweeping the light across rough stone walls that show signs of both natural formation and deliberate carve-outs. "And I don't think we're the first to find it."Liam moves to examine markings on the nearest wall—symbols similar to those found at the attack site, but more elaborate, more numerous. "Definitely not. These markings are extensive. Recent too,
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Liam The council room falls silent as Finley finishes explaining what we found. Her voice remains steady, professional, but I can see the tension in her shoulders, the controlled anger as she describes the hidden cave and Bradley's deliberate omission of crucial evidence."These markings," she continues, passing around photos we took on our phones, "appear designed to mimic witch symbols while being fundamentally different in structure and purpose."I study the faces around the table. Alpha Bennett's expression has darkened progressively throughout our report, his eyes occasionally flicking to Bradley, who maintains a carefully neutral expression. Dane sits opposite me, his attention fixed on Finley with an intensity that makes Storm growl internally. The representatives from River Run exchange troubled glances as they examine the photos.Only Kaden seems unsurprised, having already heard our preliminary report before this formal council meeting. He catches my eye briefly, a silent qu
Last Updated : 2025-04-02
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Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 83 Control
Liam "Focus," Mom says for what feels like the hundredth time. "Intent without emotion. Direction without reaction."Easy for her to say. She's not the one trying to light a candle with her mind while simultaneously not burning down the entire training room."I am focusing," I mutter, staring at the unlit candle with enough intensity to melt it if the heat in my gaze was actually physical."No, you're glaring at it like it personally offended you," she corrects with that infuriating motherly patience. "Fire responds to emotion, Liam. Right now, you're feeding it frustration, which creates erratic, unpredictable responses."I take a deep breath, trying again to find that elusive balance she keeps talking about. Twelve hours of practice since my gift first manifested against the Skinwalkers, and I've managed to melt more ice sculptures, warm the room to uncomfortable levels, and accidentally set a practice dummy's hair on fire. What I haven't done is produce a single controlled flame o
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 82 Packless
Dane "Exile declaration stands," my father says, turning back to me with formal authority. "But Mountain Ridge acknowledges a potential external threat requiring our temporary cooperation."Translation: I'm still exiled, but he's not leaving me completely vulnerable while investigating the larger threat to allied packs. Political face-saving wrapped in tactical necessity—classic Alpha Parker strategy."Forest Trails appreciates Mountain Ridge's cooperation in addressing concerns that affect all territories," Alpha Bennett responds diplomatically. "Joint investigation of this specialist and his connection to recent supernatural events serves everyone's interests."As the leaders begin establishing parameters for this unexpected alliance, Aria approaches me, her expression a complex mixture of emotions."That couldn't have been easy," I say quietly, genuinely appreciative of her intervention despite our complicated history. "Going against your father's representative, potentially compr
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 81 Choices
Dane "What do you know of triads?" My father demands, momentarily dropping the formal script he clearly came prepared to deliver."Enough to recognize when someone is trying to deliberately disrupt one," I reply, watching the Silver Creek representative's reaction carefully. The flash of calculation in his eyes confirms my suspicions—this is no coincidence, no standard honor reparation.My father studies me with new assessment, as if seeing something unexpected in his disappointment of a son. "You believe Silver Creek's challenge is connected to supernatural matters beyond pack politics," he says, not quite a question."I know it is," I state with absolute certainty. "Just as I know their Alpha has been influenced by external forces since returning from the northeastern territories with certain... artifacts."The Silver Creek representative's composure cracks visibly at this, confirming Aria's information was accurate. My father catches the reaction, his tactical awareness never dull
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 80 Surprises
DaneTwenty minutes until my exile becomes official.The countdown that's been ticking in my head all day is nearly at zero, and I still don't have a clear answer. Stay at Forest Trails, officially cutting ties with Mountain Ridge forever? Or accept Silver Creek's suspicious blood oath proposal and potentially compromise the triad right before the Night of Seven Stars?Talk about your lose-lose situations.I pace the length of my quarters, Summit restless beneath my skin. He doesn't understand the human complications, the pack politics. To him, the solution is simple: stay near our mate, protect the triad, to hell with everything else.If only it were that easy.A knock at my door interrupts my thoughts. I open it to find Malia, her expression more serious than usual."Your father is here," she says without preamble. "Just arrived with an official Mountain Ridge delegation. Alpha Bennett is meeting them now in the reception hall."My father. Here? Honestly, I thought, or maybe hoped,
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 79 Another Kiss
Finley"I don't know," I admit, finally answering Liam’s lingering question. "I haven't thought that far ahead.""I have," he says quietly. "I've thought about nothing else since realizing what a colossal mistake I made two years ago."This is dangerous territory, emotional landmines I'm not sure I'm ready to navigate. "Liam—""Just hear me out," he interrupts, taking another step closer. "I know I screwed up. I know I hurt you in the worst possible way. I know trust doesn't magically reappear just because I finally realized what an idiot I was.""But?" I prompt, hearing the unspoken continuation in his tone."But I'm not giving up without a fight," he says with sudden intensity. "Not this time. Not again. I was a coward before, choosing the safe option instead of what my heart and my wolf knew was right. I won't make that mistake twice."The declaration hangs between us, genuine and raw in a way that catches me off guard. Nova responds instantly, pushing forward with hopeful recogni
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 78 Fire And Ice
FinleyI find Aunt Kat in the western training grounds instead of Dane, watching Liam attempt to channel his newly emerging gift in a controlled environment. The enclosed space has been cleared of flammable materials, protective wards established around the perimeter, and water stations positioned strategically for worst-case scenarios.Liam stands in the center, eyes closed in concentration, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool evening air. His mother circles him slowly, her voice calm and measured as she guides him through what appears to be a basic focusing exercise."Feel the heat within you," she instructs. "Not as something separate, not as something to fight against, but as an extension of your own nature. Your birthright finally awakening."I hang back, not wanting to disrupt what looks like delicate training. There's something mesmerizing about watching Liam like this—his usual cocky confidence replaced by intense concentration, vulnerability in his effort to contro
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 77 Under Pressure
Finley"So your proposal is a blood oath instead of traditional combat?" I clarify, keeping my expression neutral despite the alarms blaring in my head. "That's... unusual."Alpha Blackwood smiles with practiced diplomacy, though something about it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "These are unusual times, Alpha Candidate Bennett. The traditional approach seems unnecessarily limiting given the current circumstances."We're back in the reception hall after the Skinwalker attack, the Silver Creek delegation having been kept in secure containment during the entire incident. Dad sits beside me, his presence both reassuring and tactically necessary—as acting Alpha, his authority supersedes mine in formal negotiations."And what specific terms would this oath entail?" Dad asks, his tone giving nothing away."Still to be determined through appropriate negotiation," Alpha Blackwood replies smoothly. "But focused on proper acknowledgment of the dishonor Dane caused my daughter, suitable reparatio
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 76 Triangle Of Power
Liam "So much for maintaining human pretense. They no longer need it," Dane observes. "Which means they're done gathering intelligence and ready for direct engagement.""Engaging now," Finley confirms, and without further hesitation we move into a coordinated attack.I've been in plenty of fights before, but nothing like this. We move together like we've been training for years—Finley setting the foundation with direct central engagement, me somehow knowing exactly how to connect our movements, and Dane completing whatever strategy forms between us.The Skinwalkers are freaky-strong, bending in ways nothing should be able to bend, coordinating their attacks like they share a hive mind. But despite this, we're holding our own, maybe even winning.Then I notice their pattern—two targeting Finley at the front of our triangle, two focusing on Dane, and one specifically coming after me. They're trying to break our formation, targeting each position in the triad separately.They know what
Not Their Luna: A Female Alpha Story Ch. 75 My Turn
Liam"Keep those positions tight," I call to the warriors lining the corridor outside the archives. "Silver verification at five-minute intervals. These things can look like anyone."The warriors nod, adjusting their formation with practiced efficiency. I've always been good at this part—the tactical coordination, the battlefield management—ever since Kaden made me his Beta. It's the personal stuff I keep screwing up.The alarm continues blaring, but there's something different about this attack. The Skinwalkers' movements are more coordinated, more deliberate than previous encounters. Less random aggression and more... purpose.I press the comm link. "Western defense, status report.""Multiple entities confirmed," Jackson reports, his voice tight with tension. "Seven, possibly more, approaching in formation from the northwestern perimeter. Using mimicry forms—three wearing Forest Trails colors.""Maintain distance," I instruct. "Silver verification protocols for anyone approaching th
