Chapter 4: Selecting a Luna

Jaxon POV

It’s been one week since Crane came here and told me that the elders are deciding my future. Bastards. I have been reviewing information on the she-wolves in the pack. None of them have the ability to be a Luna. I was considering picking a woman that was unattractive, so I wouldn’t be tempted to catch feelings for her, but then I would have to be seen with her at special events and I don’t feel like being ridiculed later on being a powerful Alpha with an ugly Luna.

With unattractive out of the question, I went for plain. Neither attractive or unattractive. Someone that could clean up well enough to be presentable for special events but unattractive enough to not tempt me. I had the omegas set up a room at the other end of the Alpha floor so the chosen Luna wouldn’t be near me. A weak connection is best.

The problem is, I don’t like any of the candidates. None of them inspire even the slightest trust. Trust that they can do the job, hold themselves to the standards of a Luna, trust that they will not expect more than being a Luna in title only. I am doing this out of necessity. I’m quite literally being forced into being mated.

“Alpha?” Matt knocks before he enters my office.

“Yes, Matt?”

“Still looking for a mail-order Luna?” He says.

I cut him a look that clearly says, ‘don’t start.’

“None of these women will do, Matt.” I say in exasperation, “Crane and the elders really screwed me here.”

“You know Alpha, not all women are the same. Perhaps, you should think about trying to make something work. It’s been five years after all.” Matt suggests.

“Matt, not even Drax wants a mate. Do you understand? We do not trust women. This is a disaster waiting to happen. Not only will this be bad for me, but it’s also bad for whoever signs up for this shit detail.” I sigh.

“Well, perhaps you can find someone who isn’t interested in being in a relationship with you but is only looking to gain some kind of status.” He says trying to come up with a solution.

“Yeah, but that isn’t exactly a question on the application, is it?” I say.

“No, but perhaps if you take the time to meet some of them, you could have these discussions. Just pick the top three and start with them.” He says trying to help me make sense of this insanity.

“Fine, I’ll go through everyone again and see which ones I think would be suitable. Let’s make a decision next week. Then I can meet with them and make a decision. I am going to drag this out to the last minute and keep my freedom for as long as possible.” I said.

Matt laughed, “I’m sorry to laugh, but as powerful as you have become, you still act like an errant child. I’m sure whoever you choose will not have cooties.”

Just then, his eyes glaze over and I hear him snarl. “What is it?” I said alerted to his reaction.

“Dark Flame scout. I know you said that you wanted them killed on the spot, but before we do, we should question the first one to see what exactly Alpha Darius is looking for from Winter Moon.” Matt says. His logic is sound.

“Have him taken to the cells and we will go down and start questioning him.” I said. I’m glad to get a break from looking at women’s pictures and applications.

We make our way to the cells. I see a young kid. Not more than nineteen. How is he a scout? Most scouts are trained for years before they get that kind of position. This doesn’t seem right?

“How old are you?” I ask.

He is shaking. Shit. “I am eighteen. Nineteen next week, Alpha.”

“How are you a scout? Most scouts are in their mid-twenties and train for years.” I tell him.

His eyes widen, “Alpha Darius said he wanted to test my scouting abilities and see if I would be ready for scout training.”

What the actual fuck? Test him in a role he hasn’t trained for and you are testing him on the most powerful pack in the south. This alpha is a bigger dick than I originally thought.

“Well, you failed.” I started, “Why did he want you scouting Winter Moon? What is he looking to find out?”

“Alpha, I didn’t want to be a scout. I don’t even want to be part of Dark Flame. I was brought in against my will. I will tell you what I know, but in exchange, will you please help me get back to my family?” The scout says.

His pleading surprises me. What surprises me even more is that he is asking for help. “What do you mean you were brought to Dark Flame against your will?”

“My pack was a small pack. Alpha Darius has been going to small packs and taking the young men and women. He forces us to come to his pack and accept him as our Alpha. This usually happens during our full moon runs. He grabs whoever he can. We never see the women again, but the men are forced to join his pack and become warriors. I’m trying to survive, but I didn’t ask for this, nor do I want it.” He says, with his lips trembling and tears glazing over his eyes.

FUCK. ME. He is kidnapping young men and women. What is happening to the women? Where are they going?

“Why did he send you to scout my pack?”

“He wanted me to report back to him the path you take for the full moon run.” The scout said.

“What’s your name scout?” I asked

“Jake Woods, Alpha. Will you help me? Please?” He’s practically begging.

“Jake, I will help you, but you need to help me. For now, I want you to go back to Dark Flame. Provide Alpha Darius with the route I provide you. When he gets here, we will take care of him and then I will help you and everyone else that was forced against their will, get back to your packs.” I said.

I see his lip trembling and relief in his eyes. “Thank you Alpha. I will do exactly as you say.”

“Release him” I say to the guards before looking back at Jake. As soon as they release him I tell him to follow me to my office.

Matt is following behind him, in case he is putting on a show. When we get to my office, I go over the plan I have been formulating in my head. “Jake, tell me, to the rest of the men being brought in want to stay in Dark Flame or do they want to return home?”

“Some want to stay, Alpha. It’s not because they like it at Dark Flame though. It’s because their original packs were more poor than Dark Flame. With barely enough to eat, they thought being in a wealthier pack would help them survive.” He says sadly.

“Was your pack poor?”

“Moon Ring is not wealthy but it isn’t desolate either. Everyone contributes and we don’t start trouble with anyone. We live peacefully.”

“Tell me about Alpha Darius.” I say.

“Well, once you accept him as your Alpha, he treats you with respect. But if you flat out refused, you are either killed or you are taking with the women. I don’t know where he takes them. There is a special group of warriors that know and they are tight lipped about the location.”

“Do those warriors come during the full moon run too?”

“I don’t know, Alpha. I’ve only been in the pack for a couple of weeks. This is my first time leaving the pack to scout.” He says as if he has disappointed me.

So this bastard sent a new member with no training or warrior skills into my pack. Something seems very off about this situation. ‘Does this seem weird to you, Matt?”

‘Why did they send this kid? Unless there is another scout on the pack lands we haven’t located yet. Fuck.’

“Did anyone else come with you?” I ask Jake.

“No. I was told I was to come alone. I asked for another scout to come with me, but Alpha Darius said no. He said this is a test and I am not to fail him or I would die. Either by your hands or his.”

‘Have the patrol search for another scout. Leave no stone unturned.’

‘I already gave the order. They are currently searching.’

‘Good.’

“We are looking to see if another scout or warrior followed you after you left Dark Flame.” I tell Jake.

His eyes widen and he looks visibly shaken, “Were they using me as the fall guy?”

“I think if we find another scout, then it’s highly likely.”

“Alpha.” Matt interrupts, “They found him.”

“Good. Kill him.” I said without another thought. “Now then, your threat is eliminated Jake. You can deliver a route to Alpha Darius and since you didn’t know about someone following you, you have nothing to worry about, agreed?”

Jake is staring at me with his mouth open and then starts stuttering, “Uh, um, yeah, I mean, yes, Alpha.”

“Good, take this pen and pad and start jotting notes. When the full moon gets here, Dark Flame should follow the path I’m going to give you. We will be waiting for him.”