The Greedy Luna and her Thirst for Power

To be a kid for once

Silas and I speed walked to the car when it was time to go, silently racing one another. Papa and Theo chuckled at us. There were 2 cars parked and ready to go. We ran to the first one, an elegant black Mercedes, I reached the back door first and I opened it. I smiled triumphantly at Silas. He scowled at me but it was playful.

"Grace!" mother snapped. "You wait for the door to be opened. Have you forgotten all I've taught you?"

I dropped my hand from the door handle and stepped back, my eyes on the ground.

"Theo, you and Eliza ride in the first car, and we'll take Grace and Silas in the second," Papa said patting Theo's shoulder.

"That sounds perfect alpha, thank you," Theo replied approaching Eliza with a wide smile. Her cheeks blushed as he opened the door for her. Papa opened the door for me and I hopped in eagerly. Silas and I sat by one another and Papa and mother sat facing us. This was the bigger car, it was more like a limo with extra space. I buckled myself in and watched as Papa helped mother in with such care. I remembered mother saying that Papa wasn't her fated mate but Papa sure acted like she was his. My mother was stunning in a blue flowy dress, her hair in an intricate braid. The slit in her dress showed off her long legs, down to her regal heels. Everything about my mother was beautiful... except her smile. I don't know if I'd ever seen her true smile though.

I was envious that Silas got to sit across from Papa. I would have to have my mother's eyes on me the entire ride.

"How long will it take to get there Papa?" I asked eagerly.

"About 3 hours," Papa answered. "It is a nice drive though," I sighed and looked out the window.

Papa and mother spoke quietly with one another. Mother laid her head on Papa's shoulder and he entwined his fingers with hers.

After the first hour, the excitement started to wear off and I began fighting to keep my eyes open. I turned my back to the door and pulled my legs up to curl into a ball. It was somewhat uncomfortable with my shoes on but I would make do. The rhythmic sounds of the car lulled me to sleep..

"Grace, Silas, we are here," papa's soft voice brought me out of my slumber. I batted my eyes open lazily. I was staring at Silas' lap. I sat up embarrassed. I leaned on Silas' shoulder in my sleep, my hand cuddled his arm. I was relieved to see he was groggy too and had fallen into a deep sleep as well. Maybe he hadn't even noticed our position.

Papa got out of the car first and told us to wait while he and Theo were welcomed by the pack's guards. I leaned towards Silas' window to try to see better.

"Grace," mother snapped, "Give the boy space for goddess' sake. And fix your dress and hair." I immediately smoothed out my dress and used my hands to smooth the sides of my ponytail beginning to feel self conscious.

Once Papa came back, he led us out of the car, taking mother by the arm. Silas and I followed behind them with Theo and Eliza behind us.

I glanced around the pack we were in, taking in my surroundings. The buildings and homes were elegant with gorgeous clay roofs. Nature was incorporated everywhere! I smelled something delicious and recognized it as chocolate.

"There's a candy shop!" Silas whispered excitedly to me.

"I hope we can go," I answered grinning.

We followed obediently into what I assumed was the pack house. The walls were a stunning marble as well as the floor. Mother's heels clicked loudly as she walked. The ceilings were so high! We ended up in a room with large couches, a fire place, and comfy chairs. Papa introduced mother as the Luna and then turned to me. He held out his hand and I took it.

"And this is our daughter, Grace," he said sweetly. I stared into the eyes of who I assumed to be the alpha and Luna of this pack. Between them was a handsome young man with striking blue eyes and jet black hair. He was definitely older than me by a few years.

"Nice to meet you," I said politely with a slight curtsy. The Luna's eyes lit up and she looked me up and down.

"Welcome Grace," she said smiling at me.

"Welcome to Red Wood," the alpha said. His voice was deep and intimidating, "This is my son Jax."

The boy's eyes locked onto mine and he grinned pleasantly. I blushed and looked away slightly.

"It's so nice to meet all of you!" the Luna gushed. "We are very impressed with Grace. She is simply gorgeous and so proper!"

"Thank you," my mother replied smoothly. "She will be a lovely Luna one day for Jax."

"Indeed!" The Luna, Jax's mother agreed. "Sarai, you must come chat with me! We'll let the men talk business! Jax, would you lead Grace around the pack for a tour?"

My smile faltered. Was I the business they were here to discuss?

"Of course," Jax said, coming toward me. He offered me his arm, just as my father had taken my mother's arm and I slipped my arm in his shakily. He towered over me and my arm was at an uncomfortable angle. I glanced at Silas and saw a slightly annoyed look on his face.

"Um, Jax, can Silas and Eliza come with us please?" I asked softly, looking up at him.

His eyes shown black and he peered down at me curiously, "Sure," he replied curtly. I smiled at Silas and tipped my head, inviting him to join us.

"Thank you, Jax," Eliza said respectfully. She nudged Silas with her elbow.

"Thank you," Silas murmured.

Jax eyed him and I could've sworn I saw a hint of jealousy in his eyes. Jax walked us through the town square, explaining every building and introduced us to many pack members. My feet were getting tired and I heard my tummy grumble.

"Grace, are you hungry?" Silas asked, he was just behind me. "Jax, perhaps we could go visit that wonderfully smelling candy shop we saw earlier?"

I smiled wide and peered up at Jax pleadingly.

"Sure," he answered with a shrug. I practically skipped all the way there. I slipped out of Jax's arm and looked eagerly at all the choices.

"Silas!" I called, "They have rock candy!" He rushed over to me excitedly. We each took one and glanced at Jax and Eliza. Eliza nodded. Jax went off on his own while Silas and I nibbled on our prizes. We waited for Jax and Eliza outside as we finished our treat.

"Do you guys like to swim?" Jax asked walking casually out of the shop with his hands in his pockets.

"We don't get to swim much at home," I admitted.

"Well there's an awesome lake we could go swimming in if you like," Jax said with a smile.

"Ok!" I agreed. Finally, something fun to do! This adventure had been quite boring so far aside from the candy shop. As Jax led the way I walked alongside him, with Silas on my other side.

"So Jax, how old are you?" Silas asked. I was dying to know as well.

"14," he answered. My eyes went wide and I swallowed hard.

Silas furrowed his brows and glanced at him, "Grace and I are only 11," he said. "So you'll get your wolf in 4 years?"

"Actually, I'm of alpha blood so I already have mine," Jax answered nonchalantly.

Silas and I both stopped and gaped at him, "Really?!" I squealed. "Have you shifted?"

He nodded and shrugged like it was no big deal.

"You have to tell me what it was like!" I gasped, touching his arm in my excitement.

He glanced at my hand and then I saw his black eyes burn into mine, "I can shift at the lake if you'd like." I wondered if when his eyes changed to black it was his wolf?

I gasped, my hand covering my mouth. I nodded eagerly.

He nodded his head forward, "The lake is right up that path." I looked up and grinned. Without thinking twice I slipped off my uncomfortable shoes and ran ahead.

"Grace, wait!" Silas called after me nervously.

I reached the lake before every one and dipped my toes in the water. I shivered but I liked it. The sun glinted off the water and it was mesmerizing. I heard loud steps behind me and I tossed my shoes down. I lifted my dress a little and put both my feet in.

Jax and Silas made it to the lake at the same time. Silas looked worried while Jax looked energized.

"You are very fast Grace," Jax said grinning. "I can't imagine how fast you'll be in your wolf form."

I glanced back at him, giddy, "I can't wait!" I told him with a laugh. "So are you going to show us your wolf?"

Jax raised his brow and smiled at me, "If you'd like me to I will.... just for you though."

I scrunched my face in confusion, "what does that mean?"

He slipped his shoes off and started walking toward me, splashing through the water until he was beside me, not seeming to mind that his pants were getting wet. He got right behind me and whispered in my ear, "It means I'll only show you, in private."

"Grace," Silas called to me worriedly. "Let's go back. Eliza is probably worried about us. She didn't see where we ran off to.

"Go ahead," Jax told him, trying to sound light hearted, "Grace and I will catch up."

I bit my lip. I really wanted to see him shift. I was so excited for my own wolf.

"Grace!" Silas said more firmly. He was still on the grass, a few feet from the water.

"It's ok Silas, we'll catch up. Tell Eliza we'll be there in a minute," I told him without looking at him. Jax took my hand and started pulling me along the bank.

"Where are we going?" I inquired, glancing back to see that Silas was gone. Knowing that he had actually run back made me nervous.

"There's a small clearing over here where no one can see us," He explained and started to move even faster. I felt like I had to practically run to keep up with his long strides.

Finally he stopped. We were out of the water, trees surrounded us. Jax let go of my hand and moved in front of me. He quickly started to pull down his pants and my heart raced quickly.

"What....what are you doing?" I squeaked nervously.

He scoffed, "Well I'm not going to rip my clothes. My mom would kill me." I quickly glanced away, feeling my cheeks burning red. I heard him slightly chuckle. "Well you're going to have to look at me if you want to see me shift."

I nodded and lifted my head to him. The second I glanced at his naked body he started to shift. My eyes widened in awe as his body morphed, the sound of his bones rearranging intrigued me. 30 seconds later a black wolf was standing in front of me.

"Woah," I whispered taking a few steps toward him. He didn't move and allowed me to stroke his fur.

"Grace!" I heard Silas' panicked voice in the distance. I glanced over my shoulder and in that moment Jax shifted back. When I turned back around he had his boxers on and was slipping into his pants.