Chapter 1

“You know what,” she started, “I’ve had enough of this farce. Alpha Jasper of Bloodlust is the strongest, richest and most powerful Alpha of the Eastern Region. He wants me and fucks me way better than you ever did. He wants me as his Luna and I am leaving this hell hole today.”

She stands and squares her shoulders at me. With a spiteful glare, “I, Giselle Breyer, Luna of Winter Moon, reject Jaxon Docker, Alpha of Winter Moon, as my fated mate and Alpha!”

I feel the impact of her words hit me. Drax is howling in pain, again. I grab my chest and stare at her. I square my shoulders and look her dead in the eyes, “I, Jaxon Docker, Alpha of Winter Moon, accept your rejection.

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Five years later, Jaxon still remembers the rejection of his fated mate. He has no desire to have another mate, fated, chosen or otherwise, Until he meets his second chance mate, Sable Embers. She is a warrior from an enemy pack and is nearly killed by Jaxon during battle.

Jaxon needs to learn how to open his heart again and Sable has to learn to trust her mate and learn the truth on her own.

Chapter 1: Betrayal

Jaxon POV

“Yes, Alpha. You have such a large cock. I love it when you feed it to me.” I hear Giselle. My fated mate.

Lately, I’ve been having pains in my chest. When I went to the pack doctor, he was hesitant to tell me that it was betrayal pains. I didn’t want to believe him. I met Giselle when I was nineteen years old. She had just turned eighteen. She was the most beautiful woman I ever met. Her scent was a calming lavender and sage. Her eyes were a deep blue and her hair was a golden blonde. Like the sun shining on wheat fields. She had naturally pink lips that were lush and her body was delicate and petite. She was precious to me and now I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I treasured her and she is talking about getting fed another man’s dick.

My wolf Drax has been howling in pain almost every other night. I can feel him weakening and it’s breaking my heart. I only just became Alpha of Winter Moon six months ago. I’m strong and capable, but the pack was appointed to me by the Elders after the last Alpha was found to have embezzled pack funds.

“Let’s meet at our usual place tonight. I really need you to fuck me.” She giggles and my stomach is filled with nausea.

“Jaxon? Don’t worry about him. He can’t make me feel the way you do. I love how you dominate me. Promise me you will fuck me like that when you make me your Luna.” She said seductively.

As if my heart couldn’t break any further, not only is she insulting me, but she is talking about being this Alpha’s Luna. I suddenly can’t take any more of this betrayal. I open the door quietly.

“Will you spank me again tonight, my Alpha?” She says seductively. She has no idea I’m listening to her conversation.

I let the words fall out of my mouth before I could stop myself, “Why wait until tonight?”

“Jaxon!” She jumps from the unexpected question. She quickly hangs up the phone. “Baby, let me explain -”

I cut her off, “No need. I heard you. You want him to feed you his dick and spank you. I never thought of you nor treated you like a whore, but here we are Giselle. Why?”

“WHY? WHY?!” she says loudly, “BECAUSE WE ARE BROKE JAXON! WHEN I SIGNED ON TO COME HERE WITH YOU, I DIDN’T THINK THE PACK WAS THIS BROKE! YOU HAVE ME LIVING IN POVERTY! YOU WANT ME TO BE A LUNA TO BEGGARS?!”

I roared, “I DIDN’T HIDE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PACK FROM YOU! NOR DID I TWIST YOUR ARM GISELLE. I TOLD YOU I NEEDED SOME TIME TO TURN THINGS AROUND! IT’S ONLY BEEN SIX MONTHS. WERE YOU EXPECTING A MIRACLE?!” I don’t hold back, “I LOVED YOU! I WANTED TO BUILD MY LIFE HERE WITH YOU! WE ARE FATED MATES! DOES THAT MEAN NOTHING TO YOU AT ALL?!”

“THE MOON GODDESS FATED ME TO A WEAK AND BROKE ALPHA! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING, ALPHA OF THE BEGGARS! She spat.

What the hell? Was this always about money for her? Did she ever love me? How can I trust the Moon Goddess ever again? Why would she pair me with this fucking woman?

“You know what,” she started, “I’ve had enough of this farce. Alpha Jasper of Bloodlust is the strongest, richest and most powerful Alpha of the Eastern Region. He wants me and fucks me way better than you ever did. He wants me as his Luna and I am leaving this hell hole today.”

She stands and squares her shoulders at me. With a spiteful glare, “I, Giselle Breyer, Luna of Winter Moon, reject Jaxon Docker, Alpha of Winter Moon, as my fated mate and Alpha!”

I feel the impact of her words hit me. Drax is howling in pain, again. I grab my chest and stare at her. I square my shoulders and look her dead in the eyes, “I, Jaxon Docker, Alpha of Winter Moon, accept your rejection. All ties between us are broken and you are banished from Winter Moon, effective immediately.”

I see her crumble to the floor and scream out in pain. I want to feel sorry for her, but I don’t. She did this, not me. She wants power and wealth, well, that comes with blood, sweat and tears. She will need to experience pain to get there.

“GUARDS!” I scream out.

“Yes, Alpha.” They say as they come in and see Giselle on the floor shaking.

“Grab this whore and throw her off the pack lands. She is banished from Winter Moon, effective NOW!” I bark.

As they drag her away, I look at her and say one last thing, “Stay the fuck away from this pack. Never show your face here again.” I turn to the guards, “Take her.”

She is crying in pain as they drag her out. Once she is out of my line of sight, I collapse on the floor. I’m in double the pain. I didn’t just accept her rejection, I banished her from the pack. Two tethers snapped. Still, I would rather feel this pain then the betrayal pains I have been feeling for the last two months.

Drax has gone silent. My wolf and I have both suffered. We didn’t deserve this betrayal. We didn’t do anything to warrant her cruelty. I loved her and she betrayed me.

I look out the window and to the stars, “Moon Goddess, if this is how you pair mates, then never pair me with anyone else, ever again. Let me be alone and die alone. Anything would be better than this pain.” I put my head in my hands and let the tears come. It may not be the Alpha thing to do. It may not look manly, but this pain is searing scars on my soul and on my wolf’s soul.

I will never trust another woman again.

Chapter 2: Five Years Later

Jaxon POV

“Yes! Harder Jaxon!”

“You like that, don’t you, you little wench?” I say pounding into her harder.

“Yes! Goddess, Yes! More Alpha! More!” Diane screams out.

I feel her legs shaking and I know she is close. She’s a good fuck. The only thing a woman is good for now. At least for me.

I roll my hips and hear her scream as she comes. She is milking my cock with her pussy. I thrust into her two more times before I cum. After the aftershocks of our orgasms, I pull out of her and get up to clean myself off in the bathroom. I pull off my condom and tie it off and throw it in the trash. I won’t be siring any heirs with Diane or any other she-wolf. I don’t want to be tied down to another woman ever again in my life.

‘Hey, you done fucking Diane yet, alpha?’ Matt asks through the mind link.

‘Fuck off.’ I start, ‘what do you want?’

I appointed Matt as my beta after I got to Winter Moon over five years ago. He is as solid as a beta as they come. Loyal and always getting under my skin. He is smart, brave and a kick ass warrior.

‘Elder Crane is coming in the next thirty. I suggest you clean the sex off and get dressed.’ He says as I groan internally.

‘What does Crane want now?’

‘Who knows. He is making it a habit to do house calls lately.’

‘Meet me in my office in twenty.’

‘Yes, sir.’ He says sarcastically as I cut off the mind link.

I finish showering and as I’m drying off, I walk into my bedroom and see that Diane is still on my bed. “Why are you still in here?” I ask coldly as I get dressed.

“My Alpha,” she purrs, “I know you said you never wanted to be in a relationship again, but you and I feel so good together. I like to think we get along too. I always accompany you to important pack events. I could be your Luna, if you would just give me a chance.”

“No.” I cut her off quickly, “You knew what you signed up for when you agreed to be my personal tool for release. That is your station with me in this pack. In return, you are afforded certain, privileges. I will not take on another Luna and as I have told you many times, I will not take on a chosen mate either. Stop fantasizing on something you have always known was never going to happen.” I say curtly. “Now grab your shit and get out of my bed chambers.”

I walk over to the door and open it. I look at her coldly and expectantly. She huffs and throws her dress on before grabbing everything else. Just before she walks out, I tell her, “Diane, if we have this discussion one more time, then I will dissolve this arrangement. I’m tired of repeating myself, understood?”

She looks down and quietly says, “Yes, Alpha” and leaves the room and makes her way down to her floor.

I shake my head and sigh. I’ve kept Diane around the longest because she is a good fuck and knows how to behave in front of important people. She is pretty enough and has a nice body. I have no need for her past the physical.

In the five years following the rejection with Giselle, I have taken Winter Moon to heights never before seen in this region. It is the largest and wealthiest pack not only in the South Region but in the North Region too. I’m about to surpass the Eastern Region and a part of me feels vindicated at knowing that I will be larger and more powerful than the Alpha she left me for in the East.

Drax took almost a year to reappear. He hasn’t been the same since the rejection. He, like me, doesn’t trust mate bonds or women or the Moon Goddess. It’s hard when you know you did everything right the first time, only to be betrayed at the end. And why? Because of greed. Even Diane wants to be Luna for the power and status. Some of the warriors have told me about what she says to the omegas. Trying to treat them like they are less, simply because she is fucking the Alpha. If there was another, she-wolf around here that could fuck better than Diane, I would toss her aside. That’s why I treat her coldly about being a chosen mate. She isn’t Luna material for me or any other Alpha.

Matt enters my office, “Alpha.”

“Hey Matt. Close the door.” I say as I sigh.

“What? Trouble in paradise with Diane?” He smirks.

“She was trying to get me to agree to making her a chosen mate again.” I sigh.

“She’s not happy with her current role? Hoe with benefits?” Matt chuckles. “You know you are not the only one she fucks, right?”

I look up at Matt, “Do I look like I give a fuck?”

“I didn’t think so, I would just make sure that you DNA check any baby she is claiming is yours, should she turn up, well, knocked up.”

“Do you know anything about Crane’s visit?” I say, changing the subject. Honestly, more than five minutes thinking about any woman is a waste of my time.

“Nah. Only that he was coming on official business.” He says rolling his eyes, “I mean, what other business would he have here other than, ‘official’?”

“Well, let’s try to make it a quick visit. I have things to do today. I’ve also heard that Dark Flame is starting to stir trouble with some of the packs. Keep an eye out that there are no scouts from his pack around. If you find any, kill them on the spot.”

I see Matt’s eyes glaze over and I know he is being mind linked. “Alpha, Crane has arrived.”

“Have him brought to my office.” I say.

I get up and go to my liquor stash in my office and pull out a bottle of ‘Blanton’s Bourbon’ and some bourbon glasses and put them on my desk. Crane always enjoys sharing a glass of bourbon when he is here. He knows I don’t skimp on the good liquor.

The door opens and I stand up. Crane appears through the door with Matt as he closes the door behind him. Crane seems to be frozen in time. He looks old and wrinkled and well past his prime but is still as active as a young wolf. His eyebrows stand up like they were electrocuted and his nose is slightly crooked. I’m sure in his prime he was better looking. Now, he looks like life has fucked him every day and he can’t remember the safe word.

“Alpha Jaxon, I’m sorry for coming with such a short notice, but it is official pack business, you know.”

“Elder Crane, no worries. Luckily, I don’t have any other appointments for the next hour. Bourbon?” I offer.

“Blanton’s? You always have a good selection. Yes, please.” He answers.

As I pour two finger widths for him, I ask, “So, what is this official business you needed to discuss?”

As he takes the glass from my hand, he sighs, “The Elders have been discussing your position as Alpha of Winter Moon.”

The glass of bourbon is about to reach my mouth when I stop. Putting the glass down, I look Crane in the eye, “What about my position?”

“Well, you have grown this pack very well on your own Alpha Jaxon. No one can deny it, however, you have no heir to leave it to should you pass away. You have no Luna either.”

I can feel my temperature rising. I try to tamper it down but Drax is also growling in my head, and it’s making it hard for me to reel in the anger that I feel bubbling to the surface.

“Elder Crane, I had a Luna. Remember? She cheated on me with another Alpha who wanted to feed her his dick. I have no desire to have another Luna, nor do I wish to sire an heir. Women are a poison that seeps into your very fiber and tries to stomp on your soul.”

The shocked expression on Crane’s face from my answer is exactly what I am looking for, so I continue, “My ability as the Alpha of this pack has surpassed the power and wealth of the Northern region and it has almost surpassed the Eastern Region. I have done it all without a mate, fated, chosen or otherwise. Should I die, then Matt would be next in line to be Alpha. I see no reason to continue with this ridiculous conversation.”

Crane’s expression hardened and his eyes turned cold, I have to admit, it looks intimidating, "Unfortunately, it's not up to you alone. This decision is being made for the future of the pack. It will help to solidify the stability of the Southern Region.”

“Decision? What decision?” I ask. I really do not like the sound of where this is leading.

“The Elders have decided that Alpha Jaxon of Winter Moon will pick a suitable Luna in the next thirty days, or we will do it for you, if you refuse, then we will strip you of your title.”

“WHAT?!” I roar. I’m going to be stripped of my title. I have done it all by myself and now I have to bend to the will of five old fuckers or I can’t be the Alpha anymore? What kind of archaic bullshit is this!?

“This decision is final Alpha Jaxon. I suggest you start reviewing candidates since your fated mate rejected you and second chance mates are rare.” Crane finishes his drinks, sets the glass on my desk firmly and makes to leave. “Remember, thirty days, Alpha Jaxon.”

Chapter 3: Not Happening

Sable POV

“Come on Sable, join me for dinner tonight.” Alpha Darius said.

Usually, any she-wolf would want to have the attention of their Alpha. Especially, one as handsome as Darius Steel. Not me though. I have never thought of entertaining a man that wasn’t my fated mate.

Alpha Darius knows this, but it has never stopped him from pursuing me. “Alpha, that would be inappropriate. Besides, we are not fated mates and you know how I feel about being with any man that isn’t my mate.” I told him, letting him down again for the umpteenth time.

“It’s not a date. It’s two people having a meal together. Come on, what do you say?” He persists.

"Alpha, I appreciate the offer, but I really just want to get home and rest for the night. Training was hard enough today and I feel zapped.” I say, once again letting him down.

He looks at me with his grayish blue eyes and feigns a frown. “Fine. How about tomorrow then?”

“I’m not thinking about tomorrow until it is here.” I say and wave goodbye as I start to walk away towards my small cottage. It’s a small two bedroom and one bathroom. The feel of the cottage is cozy and I have herbs growing in the flower baskets in the windows. I have an old but sturdy rocking chair on the small front porch. It looks worn and the arm rests are smooth from the years of rubbing my hands on the edges as I rock in the evenings with a blanket over me.

I go inside and strip my sweaty clothes from warrior training and let the shower in the bathroom start to steam. As I look in the mirror and see the steam circling around me, I notice the dullness in my eyes. My life is not bad. I am a warrior in the Dark Flame pack. Alpha Darius Steel is a good alpha to his pack, although I am not sure how this pack is funded so well with the only business being agriculture. I understand agriculture pays the pack well, but not for the pack to have several Cadillac Escalades all while remodeling the pack house and pack hospital, at the same time. Either way, he treats everyone respectfully. I only wish he would stop trying to pursue me.

He is good looking with brown hair and grayish blue eyes. He is probably six foot two and has broad shoulders. He is muscular but not overly. He has more of a slender athletic build. I guess I could do worse than him but I still don’t want to compromise myself with someone who isn’t my fated mate.

My parents were fated. They loved each other. They used to talk to me and told me that no matter what, wait. Wait to meet the one the Moon Goddess has for me. They told me that when we meet, it will be when we need each other the most.

As the hot water hits my body, I can feel the tightness of the day unwind. I wash my hair of the sweat and oil and my body of the grime. Then I turn around and let the hot water beat on my back. It gives me the relief to my body that I need.

Once I’m done, I dry off and change in my bedroom. I wear some Capri leggings and an oversized shirt that hangs off one shoulder. After I towel dry my hair as best as I can, I brush it through and tie a lose braid. I go to the kitchen and heat up one of my pre-cooked meals I prepared over the weekend.

I sit at the small table and start eating. My mind drifts back to my parents. When they were alive, we all lived together in this little cottage happily. My mother and I use to cook in the kitchen and my father would help clean the dishes after every meal. They moved in unison with everything they did together. If perfection were two people, they were those two people. Everything with them looked effortless. I remember when I was around sixteen years old, I asked them if they ever argued.

They looked at me and laughed. “Sweet child, no relationship is perfect. It takes work, patience, love and understanding.” My mother said while looking lovingly at my dad, “When you meet your fated mate, he may be going through something you don’t know how to navigate and that’s okay. You just need to remember that the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes. Everyone is paired with their mates for a reason, even if you don’t understand in the beginning.”

My father chimes in, “When I met your mom, little bug, I didn’t want to take the mate bond seriously. I almost lost your mother. Thank the Goddess I realized it before it was too late or who knows what would have become of me, without your mother. He finishes and smiles at my mother with the most sincere and full love in his eyes.

“Above all,” my mother said, “wait for who the Moon Goddess has for you. You will need him as much as he will need you and the love will only grow from there.”

I brew me some chai tea with cream and go outside to rock in my chair. When I was younger, I swore my best friend, Ethan was going to be my mate. We both were crazy about each other. He turned eighteen first but didn’t find his mate. We both thought for sure we would be mated to each other once I turned eighteen. When I turned eighteen, we realized we were not fated mates, but he was however, fated to Rosalie. The same Rosalie who always made fun of me and bullied me. Just like that, my best friend was gone. I was devastated.

Then two months after I turned eighteen, my mother passes away unexpectedly. My father was inconsolable and fell into a deep depression. Three months later, he died of a broken heart. I was alone after it was all said and done. That’s when I decided to become a warrior. I was strong and athletic and being a warrior seemed like the next logical step since my parents were no longer around.

My wolf Nia was in need of interaction with other wolves. My parents had left me my little cottage and everything there are the memories I have of my parents. It’s been five years. Now, I’m twenty-three and I have worked hard to be the best lead warrior in the Dark Flame pack. While I’m proud of what I have accomplished, I feel incomplete. I would love to find my mate, but one thing is for sure, he isn’t in this pack. It makes me wonder two things. First, which pack has my mate? Second, what has happened to him?

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.”

Chapter 5: Sparring for a date

Darius POV

I’ve been trying to get Sable in my bed for over two years. I am a respectful Alpha to my pack members, so I never would try to force her, but damn it, I want to conquer her. She is beautiful. She is a natural beauty. All the warriors in the pack and even those who aren’t, notice her.

Her dark brown hair comes down in soft waves, even though it’s rarely seen because she has it in a damn bun when training. Everything she wears accentuates her curves. She has an athletic build and you can see the definition in her arms and legs. One time I saw her lift the hem of her shirt to wipe sweat from her neck and she exposed her abs and my cock got rock hard at the sight. Since then, I have wondered what she looks like naked. I bet she looks like a sculpted goddess. Her eyes are a hazel green and she has the most natural full, kissable lips I’ve even seen on a woman. I would love to see those lips wrapped around my dick.

Do I love her? Yes. Do I want her? Yes. I just need to wear her down. She is one hell of a fighter and is capable of taking down any of the warriors. However, she has never sparred with me. I figure I can make it interesting for her and still get what I want.

I’m seeing her stretch and her cleavage is peeking through her shirt. Fuck her breasts look perfectly round and full. Because she works out so much and trains so hard, her ass looks like two full globes. Her thighs and hamstrings are muscular and damn it if I don’t want to have my head between them.

‘I like her wolf, Nia too. Under her classy exterior is a fire waiting for me. I want to claim her.’ Brock, my wolf says.

‘Me too, Brock. We want to taste her. She and her wolf like playing hard to get.’

After everyone is done warming up, I gather the warriors around. “Today, we are rotating our sparring partners. Sable, you’re with me. Everyone else, Beta Anton will be let you know who your sparring partner is,” I look over at Sable, she is just standing there but her eyes tell me she is annoyed. I am going to enjoy sparring with her, especially with what I have in mind, “Sable let’s go into the first ring.”

She raises an eyebrow and follows me to the first ring. I turn to her, “Why don’t we make this interesting?”

She sighs, “Interesting, how?”

“Let’s make a bet. If I beat you in sparring, you agree to go to dinner with me tonight.”

She ponders for a moment, “Okay. If I win, you stop asking me out altogether.”

“Confident in your ability to beat an Alpha, Sable?”

“Yes. Do you agree with my reward Alpha Darius?”

I smirk. I have no intention of letting her win. “Agreed. If you can either kick me in the chest or get me to tap out, then you win. Same for me.”

“I agree to those terms.” She says. She looks bored. I’m almost offended, but I will soon get this woman in her place.

Well then, I suggest we get into place,” I say to her, “Anton, call our match for us please.”

“Terms?” He asks as he jogs over.

“Tap out or kick to the chest.” I say.

“Understood.”

I get in position and so does Sable. Once I take her down, she will go to dinner with me and I will seduce her and get my fix of her. I want to mark and claim her as mine, but I can’t force my mark on her. If I do, she could go to the Elders and I lose my position as Alpha. I need her to willingly submit to me. This is just step one.

“Spar!” Anton calls out.

Sable starts walking around me lazily. I’ve seen her do this before. She is sizing me up. I decide to tease her. “Like what you see?”

“Nope. You’re not my type Alpha Darius.”

I stop what I’m doing, “Really?”

She lunges at me and swipes my leg. FUCK! I let my guard down and she capitalized on it to get me on my back. She is moving to kick me in the chest while I’m down, so I roll out from under her and get back on my feet before she could stomp on my chest and I lose the bet.

She pulls back again and continues sizing me up. “You know, even if you did win this bet, dinner would be all you ever get. You know I have no interest in pursuing anything with any man who isn’t my fated mate. So why are you so persistent, Alpha?”

“I find you to be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out.” I said honestly.

“You only say that because you haven’t met your fated mate, Alpha.” She says smirking, “I will be nothing compared to her or him.”

The fuck did she just say? Did she try to say I swing both ways? “If I were paired with a ‘him’, the rejection would be swift, Sable.”

“Then you should wait for ‘her’ and stop pursuing me.” She said.

I lunge for her but she side steps me and then with a force I didn’t realize she possessed, she pins me the floor, face down. “I’m not the one for your Alpha Darius. I just want to be left alone until I find my fated mate. Why can you not respect that for me?” She says gripping my wrists behind my back harder.

“Because you are the one I want, Sable. Many women would love the attention of an Alpha. You seem to be the only one that doesn’t. It drives me insane. You drive me insane.” I say, trying and failing to break her grip. Why can’t I break out of her grip?

“I’m holding you here until you tap out, Alpha.” She said after a long pause.

“You’ll be waiting a long time then, little wolf. I’m not one to give in.” I said.

“Suit yourself.” She said and she leaned her body weight on me twisting my arm tighter. Fuck, she is going to break my fucking arm. Where the hell did she get this strength? No wonder the other warriors can’t beat her.

“How the fuck are you stronger than an Alpha?” I grit. I feel sweat coming down the side of my head. The position she has me in does not feel great.

“I train hard, Alpha.” Is the only response she gives me. I knew I was right to want this woman. I try hard to flip her, but the only way I can do that is by dislocating my shoulder. It's a painful and calculated move, but I'm going to make it to get out of her hold. I do not want to lose this bet.

As my shoulder pops I flip her off my back and get up quickly. I need to get my shoulder back but she is lunging at me again. This time I block and swipe her under her knee. She falls on her back and I move quickly to stomp her chest and end this match, but she grabs my foot and trips me up. If I wasn’t so focused on winning this, I would have a major hard on right now. I really want to bend her over and take her hard. It’s a heady thought.

As I’m lost in my thoughts, I feel a hit to my chest. “Score. Sable wins.” Anton announces.

FUCK ME! I got distracted about fucking her and she got the upper hand.

“Thank you for a good match, Alpha. Since I win, you agreed to my reward. Please don’t ask me out anymore.” She turns away and leaves the training grounds.

‘Idiot! You let her win because you let your dick take over!’ Brock growled in my head.

‘It’s okay. There are more than one way to skin a cat.’ I tell my wolf.

Chapter 6: Secrets

Sable POV

Alpha Darius has a lot of nerve to try to set up a way to force me to accept dinner with him. What no one in this pack knows, well except my parents, but they are gone, and no one else knows, is that I have a telekinetic gift. I can control the muscles and actions of other people. It is handy when you are a warrior and why I ended up becoming lead warrior.

I made sure to use it this time with Darius. I was taking a gamble but I really don’t want him bothering me about dinner or any other kind of date. I would rather spend the rest of my life alone than to choose a chosen mate.

I’m not trying to be a bitch, but I hate having to repeat myself over and over again to Alpha Darius and other warriors in the pack. I get back to my cottage and start working on my little garden of herbs. I find it therapeutic and calming. Especially, when I’m upset like right now.

I continue working on the garden quietly. All of sudden I hear soft footsteps approaching. I look up and for the first time in a few days, I see Jake. He’s back from scouting. “Hey Jake!” I say, standing up and wiping my hands on my pants. “You’re back! That’s great!”

He smiles at me, “Hey Sable. Yeah, I’m back. I even got what Alpha Darius was asking for, and you can see I’m back safe and sound.”

“That’s awesome! Well, of course, I won’t hold you up, but how was your first experience as a scout?”

“I won’t lie, I was very scared. But it was easier than I thought.”

I was surprised when Alpha Darius sent Jake to the Winter Moon pack. I heard the alpha there has a reputation for killing intruders on the spot. Scouts tend to go on their first mission after they have trained for a couple years, at least. Then the first mission is always something easy, not something as intense and dangerous as scouting the most notorious pack in the region.

It didn’t set right with me when Alpha Darius sent Jake on this mission. But I am impressed with Jake and proud of him for accomplishing his mission. “Well, I’m glad you are back. Alpha Darius was in the training facility when I left a little while ago. Why don’t you go and see if he is still there.” I say smiling.

“Thanks Sable. See you around.”

I return to gardening and let myself get lost in thought until it starts to dark.

***

Darius POV

I didn’t expect Jake to come back. I sent him as a decoy so Marcus, the other scout I sent behind him, could look at the Winter Moon defenses. They are the biggest threat to my operations, and I want to eliminate the Alpha. He has no Luna or heir. If I can eliminate him, then I can take over Winter Moon and I can expand my trafficking circle with the resources from his pack. He has grown Winter Moon substantially in the last five years and if I can infiltrate the pack in the most vulnerable spot, then I can conquer the pack.

I sent Jake because he is expendable. He is of no use to me. He comes from a weak pack and has no fighting ability. If he dies, it means nothing to me. Sure, he accepted me as his Alpha and I respected him, but he complains like a little bitch all the time. I need men for warriors. There are others that have come from different packs, and they don’t cry about missing home. They adapt to Dark Flame and to me as their new Alpha. He didn’t want to fall in line with that mentality, but he also never defied me. So, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I don’t want other pack members to think I’m unjust. I need them to see me as a kind and respectful Alpha. It’s part of my cover. If the Elders were to catch on to what I am doing outside of agriculture, they could have me arrested, stripped of my title or killed. The pack members being happy with me and the pack is part of my cover. It would be nice to make Sable my Luna to complete the circle, but I’m still working her down.

“Jake, well done on completing your mission. What did you find?” I asked him.

“Well, Alpha Darius, I overheard patrol talking about securing the full moon route for next week. I followed behind in the shadows and mapped out the points of the route as you ordered." Jake said.

“Why were they interested in securing the full moon route, Jake?”

“Apparently, they are hearing news about pack members missing after full moon runs. They don’t know why pack members are going missing or if there is someone involved. Nor do they suspect that you have any involvement. At least, I didn’t hear either of the patrol guards mention it, sir.”

Hmm, this is new. The smaller packs are starting to report the disappearances of their pack members. I will need to be more mindful or find another way to get other pack members for the East Region. Alpha Jasper likes his harem of women, but so do his warriors. Bloodlust pack is an apt name for his pack. He pays me handsomely for the women I supply him with too.

If there are men that don’t want to acknowledge me as their Alpha but look like they could be good slaves for Alpha Jasper, I send them too. He pays me for them so far, and he hasn’t told me to stop sending them, so I will continue with how I am running things. Either way, this is supporting my pack and pack members and helping me gain the resources I need to take down Winter Moon. It’s only a matter of time before Alpha Jaxon falls, and I rise to power.

Chapter 7: Meeting Candidates

Jaxon POV

Candidates number one and two were a bust. They both acted like they neither wanted nor cared about having a serious mate bond with me. I entertained both women until I saw the look of lust in their eyes. I’m not interested in fucking these women. I’ll keep Diane around for that need. They just need to play the part of Luna. I immediately declined the first two as an option. This last one, I’m not holding my breath.

Cherise shows up and I immediately do not like her. She is bubbly and looks like she has stars in her eyes. But worse than all of that, her current appearance doesn’t look like her photo. I am avoiding all blondes because I don’t want to feel like I’m looking at Giselle. In Cherise’s picture, she had dark brown hair and brown eyes. The woman in front of me has blonde hair and blue eyes. It must be contacts. There are many problems I have with this one already. First, she changed her appearance drastically. I understand women like getting the hair done and all that nauseating female shit. But I like women that embrace their natural beauty. Second, she’s blonde. No. Not just no, but HELL no.

“Alpha Jaxon, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She says batting her eyelashes. Then one of the damn things pops off. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

“Cherise, good afternoon.” I can’t say it’s a pleasure because it’s not, “I think you dropped something.” Pointing at the eyelash on the floor.

“Oh, goodness!” She said. Cheeks turning wine red. “I’m so sorry. How embarrassing.” She says as she bent down to pick up the fake facial hair. If that’s what you even call it, I’m not sure.

“Hmm.” I mumbled. I’m not impressed. “Cherise, before going any further, I don’t believe you are a match. Perhaps for the sake of our sanity and while I still have patience, you should leave.”

Her mouth drops open and her eyes water. I turned to the guards and asked them to escort her out and arrange for a ride to take her back to her pack.

“That was the third candidate, Alpha.” Matt says to me.

“Thanks, Captain Obvious.”

“What was wrong with her?”

“Seriously? One of her fake eyelashes popped out. Her picture is totally different from how she presented. Even her eyes were a different color. HARD pass.”

“Damn, she cat fished you.” He said laughing.

I cut him a look to shut the fuck up. “This is pointless. I have one week left. I am no closer to finding a suitable Luna. Goddess only knows what the Elders and their geriatric asses will choose for me, if I don’t find someone.”

“I keep saying, maybe you should choose someone and try to be in an actual relationship again. Not all women are like your ex-mate, Alpha.” Matt says again.

Lately, he’s been persistent in trying to convince me to find a chosen mate based on an actual relationship. Drax and I have talked about it, and we don’t want a mate. Even if we considered one, she would have to be exceptional. Based on the applicants I saw of the ‘best of the best’ females in this region, I don’t there is anyone exceptional in existence.

“Have you heard anything from Dark Flame, since we sent back the dead scout?” I said, changing the subject.

“Not yet. Jake called though. He said that Alpha Darius went ballistic when he saw the dead body. We did fuck it up pretty bad before sending it back.” Matt continued, “Anyway, Jake said that Alpha Darius would have his revenge on Winter Moon. So, I doubled the patrols and hopefully, they come to our doorstep, and we can end that asshole.”

“Okay. Have you heard anything more about the missing pack members?” I asked him. I want to report it to the elders, but I need proof. I reached out to small neighboring packs and asked them if they have missing pack members. Almost all of them said they are missing between ten to fifteen pack members per pack. Mainly women go missing. It’s leaving an uneasy feeling in my stomach the more I try to find out.

“Unfortunately, no, Alpha.” He responds, “But I am still searching. I’m trying to see if there are any unusual transports or anomalies in the logs, but so far, nothing has come up.”

“Let me know if you find anything or need me to intervene. Good work.” I said to him.

“Thank you, Alph - ”, He stops and his eyes glaze over. At the same time, howls can be heard. There is an attack on our lands.

“I guess his ears were burning. Dark Flame is here and they are attacking.” Matt says.

I let out a snarl, “Let’s go.”

Chapter 8: The Attack

Sable POV

Alpha Darius sent Marcus behind Jake, but Jake thought he was on his own in Dark Flame. Darius thought at first that Jake killed Marcus, but I had to intervene and remind Alpha, that he denied someone to go with him and said Jake would go alone, so how would he have known he was being followed for his own protection?

When I looked over Marcus’ body, I found a letter from Winter Moon shoved in one of the ripped-up pockets of his pants. It said, ‘No one spies on Winter Moon.’ Needless to say, Darius flipped out again and assembled the warriors, including me.

I don’t really want to fight, because it’s a losing battle. Winter Moon is the most powerful pack in the South, and it feels like a suicide mission. His warriors will surely outnumber ours, but there is nothing to be said. I’m not Alpha. Darius is and I have to follow orders. So, here I am at the borders of Winter Moon. If I die today, at least I will see my parents again.

Nia, however, is restless. She seems nervous and jumpy. ‘What’s up with you?’

‘No idea. I feel nervous with anticipation. I’m not sure what’s going on Sable.’ She responds.

Usually, Nia is pretty quiet and only comes out when needed. Otherwise, she is the most chill wolf ever, so this behavior is unusual.

“Sable”, Darius said as he stands beside me, “be careful and hang back. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”

I smile softly, “Alpha, I’ll be fine, thanks for your concern. This is a bad idea though; I just want to voice that out.”

Before he could respond, we hear the howls from the Winter Moon warriors. They have spotted us. No turning back now. Darius gives the command, and we all go rushing towards the Winter Moon borders. Their warriors come out swinging. I’m holding my own and working my way through the perimeter. I see other Dark Flame warriors following me. They are trying to do a train formation, which is a terrible idea, but it’s what Darius said to do in the pack’s link.

He’s a strong Alpha, good to his pack members and even good with agriculture. But he is definitely not a strategist nor good at quickly analyzing threats. Through the pack link I take over, as lead warrior I get to do that, ‘GET OUT OF THE TRAIN FORMATION! THEIR WARRIORS OUTNUMBER US THREE TO ONE! START SPREADING OUT!’

The warriors take note, and I see them spreading out from the middle of this stupid ass train and start circling smaller groups of Winter Moon warriors. Meanwhile, Nia is going bat shit crazy in my head. ‘NIA WHAT THE HELL?! NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO LOSE YOUR SHIT!’

‘GET CLOSER TO THE MIDDLE, SABLE! WE NEED TO GET CLOSER!’

Ugh! This wolf. Of all the days to decide to be demanding and talkative, she chooses today in the middle of this suicide mission! I work my way to the middle of the field where Dark Flame and Winter Moon are really going at it and the scent hits me. It’s a delicious smoky bourbon with blood orange scent. It smells oaky and citrusy with an undertone of berries. I could get drunk on that scent.

‘What the hell is that smell Nia?’ I asked her.

‘MATE!’ She says, and my eyes go wide. Shit. Are you fucking serious right now? My mate is currently fighting my pack? He is in the Winter Moon pack? Well, that’s just great. Now I need to find him and make sure nothing happens to him too. Wonderful. Suicide Mission indeed.

I see a big black wolf and Nia starts clawing in my head. ‘That’s mate! The black wolf!’ She says excitedly.

My eyes widen. That looks like an Alpha wolf. That means the Alpha of Winter Moon is my mate? ‘Nia, are you sure? That’s the Winter Moon Alpha.’ I say, cutting down two more warriors. I am not trying to kill anyone. If he is my mate, I only want to injure so they can’t fight.

‘Yes, Sable! He has that delicious scent.’

‘Fine! Let’s get closer.’ I say making my way to my mate, the Alpha. I’m not creative enough to make this kind of thing up. No one would ever believe I met my mate, while fighting his pack.

I’m still working my way over, when he shifts back into human form. He is gorgeous. Damn. I really need a good look at him, but he is tall, dark and handsome and his scent has me drunk on him. He is fighting off two of my warriors and there is a third one coming towards him. My mate disarms one of the warriors and takes the knife from him, but the third warrior is about to attack him. I can’t let that happen.

I run fast, hard, and jump to bump the warrior out of the way, when my mate turns to me quickly. I gasp. Everything stops, at least for me. I’m looking into the most piercing blue eyes I’ve ever seen. But the pain I feel right now forces me to look down at my side; my mate stabbed me with the silver knife and it’s deep.

I am fading and I know it. Before I do, I look back at him, his eyes go wide, and I know his wolf recognizes me as his mate. Then it’s confirmed when he whispers, “Mate.”

I give him a small smile and whisper it back, “Mate.” Then my world fades to black.