An Unexpected Luna

3 - Gone

Jake

It's almost a full week since I got banned from going to school (I am so not complaining, because I'm living my best life not being confined between those stuffy school walls) and to my complete surprise and relief, my parents haven't said a single word about me being sent away. Every day since then I've been waiting for the other shoe to drop, and I have a feeling that today is finally the day, and I'm dreading it.

I nearly thought this was like every other time that I had gotten into trouble, and my parents just got over it eventually. Except this is not like every other time, far from it, actually. This time, the very serious vibe they had when they made me that proposal seems to be hanging over me like a dark cloud that I can't shake, despite them not saying another word about it. And when I get that delightful mind link from my father, in his Alpha tone, that I'm expected in his office as soon as possible, the feeling of dread intensifies.

Just like the last time, I am sitting in my father's office, joined only by him and my mother. Like a broken record, they practically repeat the same thing they said almost a week ago, crushing my hopes that they will move on from this. Fantastic!

"I already agreed to go, dad. Just tell me, when do I leave?" I cut in, deciding I’ve had enough of my parents’ long lectures and threats of sending me away.

No sooner had the words left my mouth that the door to my dad's office creaked open and in comes my mom's uncle, the infamous Alpha Bolder, an ex Royal guard.

He strolls in like he's the Alpha of Crescent Moon and smirks knowingly at my mom and dad before acknowledging me with a deep scowl on his face.

Well hello to you too. I retorted in my mind, studying him for a quick second and briefly wondering if he was stood just outside the door, waiting for his cue to come in like the hero in a bad movie.

I'll give it to Bolder, he is huge, and despite being no longer an acting Alpha, he is still a very strong wolf, and not to mention that he looks intimidating as f**k. I quickly remind myself that I'm not 10 years old anymore, and that I'm quite strong as well.

Bolder is literally one of the most respected wolves in our world wide community. OK fine, some packs that don't have a strong relationship with ours, or an alliance with either of our packs, mostly fear him, but I guess that's also some form of respect, right?

Do you know that tough looking grandfather who used to be a drill sergeant and now can't accept that he is retired and has his grandkids run laps and obstacle courses that have clearly been designed for adults? Well that's Bolder for you, and I'm not a big fan.

I've always been wary of the guy, even as a small pup, and although my mom would try her best to assure me that he is as soft as a big teddy bear, I would bawl my eyes out every time he tried to pick me up as a toddler, and when I was able to walk I would always go in the opposite direction when I saw him approaching. Fine, you win. I wasn't just wary of him, I was, and mostly still am, scared shitless of the old guy.

My cousins on the other hand never did that, in fact they would all flock to him and demand he give them all a ride on his big shoulders, but not me. I'm convinced he never did like me, not that the feeling isn't mutual, and this is another big reason why I'm dreading having to go with him for a while.

His mate Carla is a different story, as I always felt she is a hip, younger version of a grandmother to me. I really like her, and she never scowls when looking at me, the only positive side of living with them for the foreseeable future, I guess.

"Now, Jacob, you know I've cleaned up a few wolf packs and human cities over the years, and now I've been asked to help clean up the island of Oahu."

No introductions, no 'how are you' or 'kiss my ass', nothing, he dives right into it. I fight the strong impulse to roll my eyes.

He pauses and looks at me, probably waiting for a congratulations or a pat on the back ? Seeing that he doesn't get either, he resumes talking.

"And guess who's going with me?" My great uncle Bolder grins at me wickedly.

"Aunt Carla?" I retort with my signature, cheeky grin.

Smack! A larger than life (and heavy might I add) hand smacks the back of my head. I glare at my great uncle Bolder, my eyes asking him silently 'What the f**k was that for?'.

My parents both burst out laughing before clearing their throats and trying hard to look as serious as possible. They are failing miserably, though, and I glare their way before looking up again at the mountain that is Bolder.

"Lesson number one, pup. Don't try to be a smart ass with me." Confusion runs through me as I carefully study the old man's face and I see a not so subtle hint of amusement and excitement in his eyes.

Is he... glad I'm being difficult? He looked like he was counting on me reacting this way. I bet that he even rehearsed this exact scenario a couple of times. Uncle Bolder, always the weird f**k!

I've heard more stories about my parents and their friends' adventures from when they were close to my age, than I heard bedtime stories. I also know that dear old uncle Bolder is a former Royal guard with a soft spot for teaching overconfident young Alphas a valuable lesson in humility. He does not miss any opportunities to remind my dad of how he as his Beta got their asses royally kicked while at Alpha Academy by Bolder and his Beta, and it looks like now might be my turn. I won't have my Beta with me though. Aron is almost 2 years older than I am, and the lucky bastard is already at the Alpha Academy, taking his sweet time to graduate.

Bolder also used to be the Headmaster of the Alpha Academy my dad went to, and at the time he was also the Alpha of the largest pack in America. The pack is now ruled by Alpha Xander and his mate Tyler. And because the world is a f*****g small town, Tyler also happens to be one of my mother's best friends, the one she always curses when I get into trouble.

Bolder's life changed about a decade ago when his mate Carla made him an offer he couldn't refuse. They started taking down wolf trafficking chains, which is what Alpha Xander was doing before he won the contest to make him the ruler of Bolder's old pack. The guys basically switched places and Bolder and Carla set up a security company that actually takes down both human and supernatural trafficking chains and restores order in the most savage packs, or human slums, off the books.

Nobody will ever say this out loud, but I have fully functioning ears, and I have been listening to my parents' conversations long enough to know that the Werewolf King is well aware of Bolder's operation, and fully supports it, though not publicly. The same goes for some high officials in the human Police force. I guess the ends justify the means and all that.

I don't judge, and if I'm being completely honest, a small part of me finds this whole thing quite exciting. That is, if Bolder would ever let me be a part of the actual operation, and not just have me polish his shoes or something like that, disguising it as a very important life lesson or some deep s**t.

"Care to try answering that question again, pup?"

I just glare intently at the old man before deciding I'm done with this meeting. I better cut this short and get back to hanging out with my friends before I'm shipped off to f*****g Oahu. I need a going away party like yesterday.

"When do we leave?"

"Now."

Well, s**t!