All Chapters of The Rider Alpha's Runaway Luna: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The regional wolf council consisted of five ancient wolves who'd been alive longer than most packs had existed, their combined authority absolute in matters of pack law and mate bonds. They sat at an elevated bench while wolves filled the gallery, all of them eager to witness whether Luna Kyra's bond would be dissolved.Council Head Elder Theron, a wolf so old his hair was pure white and his eyes pale with age, called the hearing to order. "We're gathered to review the complaint filed by Alpha Dante Cross of Shadowfang Pack regarding the mating ceremony between Alpha Ryker Thorne and Kyra Sedgwick. Alpha Cross, present your evidence."Dante stood with confidence and false concern. "Thank you, Council Head. I'm here not to challenge Alpha Thorne's authority, but to ensure that moon goddess law regarding free will in mate bonds is upheld. I have testimony from multiple witnesses that Kyra Sedgwick was threatened with losing custody of her son if she didn't complete the mating bond.""T

The two hours felt like an eternity. Kyra paced the hallway outside the council chamber while Ryker made calls to pack members updating them on the situation. Marcus and Zara had left to grab food, and Kai was coordinating with pack security in case the ruling went badly and they needed to leave quickly."What happens if they dissolve the bond?" Kyra asked for the hundredth time."Then we fight it," Ryker said, pulling her close. "We appeal to the high council, we take it to moon goddess arbitration if necessary, but we don't give up.""Moon goddess arbitration takes years," Kai said. "And in the meantime, Kyra would lose her Luna position and Kade could be claimed by the elders.""Then we go rogue," Ryker said firmly. "Take Kade and disappear before the elders can enforce anything.""You'd give up your pack for us?" Kyra asked, still struggling to believe it."I already told you, you're more important than any pack," Ryker said. "I was an idiot six years ago for not realizing that,

The Nightrider Pack arrived at the Shadowfang border in force, fifty warriors in formation with Ryker and Kyra at the front. The Shadowfang wolves were waiting for them, equally armed and ready for conflict. Dante stood at the center with Kade beside him, the boy looking small and scared but unharmed."Mom! Dad!" Kade called out, trying to run toward them, but Dante's hand on his shoulder stopped him."Not yet, young one," Dante said. "Your mother needs to fulfill her part of the bargain first.""There is no bargain," Ryker snarled, his alpha power making several Shadowfang wolves flinch. "You kidnapped my son, which is an act of war. Return him now or face the consequences.""The consequences?" Dante laughed. "You're outnumbered on my territory, Alpha Thorne. If anyone faces consequences, it's you for bringing an army to my border without authorization.""The regional council authorized a rescue mission one hour ago," Kai said, holding up his phone showing the official message. "You

The death match was held on neutral territory between the two pack lands, a clearing that had witnessed countless challenges over the centuries. Hundreds of wolves gathered from both packs and beyond, all eager to witness the fight that would either end Dante's obsession or destroy Kyra's world.Kyra stood with Kai and Zara at the Nightrider section, her hand pressed to the mating mark on her neck as if she could send strength to Ryker through it. Kade was back at pack territory with trusted guards, protected from seeing his father fight to the death.The regional council oversaw the match to ensure traditional rules were followed. Council Head Theron stood at the center of the clearing with both alphas facing him. "This is a formal death match called to settle the dispute between Alpha Ryker Thorne of Nightrider Pack and Alpha Dante Cross of Shadowfang Pack," he announced. "The rules are simple: fight in wolf form until one alpha submits or dies. The winner claims all that belonged

Three months after the death match, Kyra had settled into her role as Luna so completely that she almost forgot how terrified she'd been at the beginning. The pack respected her, the elders had grudgingly accepted her authority, and life had found a comfortable rhythm. But peace never lasted long in pack politics.Elder Malthos requested a private meeting with Kyra and Ryker, which immediately set off alarm bells. The old wolf had been quiet since the regional council's censure, too quiet, and Kyra suspected he'd been planning something."Thank you for meeting with me," Malthos said when they gathered in his office. "I have a proposition that could benefit everyone involved.""What kind of proposition?" Ryker asked warily."I'm stepping down as head elder," Malthos announced. "I'm too old, too set in my ways, and this pack needs fresh leadership in the elder council."The admission shocked them both. "You're retiring?" Kyra asked."Not entirely," Malthos said. "I'll remain as an advi