The Cursed Luna

Chapter Five

Looking up from the books final page Charity said incredulously 'This is a children's book?'

Aaron nodded a confused expression flitting across his face 'Yes, most of our books are about how we came to be, is that not what human books are like?' he asked surprised

'Um not really' Charity said 'Ours are more princesses finding true love and the bad guy always gets thwarted by the handsome prince, we don't normally tell our kids that they derived from a sadistic female that caused thousands of years of pain for a family's bloodline' 

Chloe and James both chuckled at her description, 'We are a bit more, shall we say . . hardy?' growled James, amusement dancing across his face. 'We expect our young to grow up to defend themselves and their pack so stories about being saved by another doesn't really fit with our way of life' 

Charity grinned despite herself 'I suppose not' she conceded 'But i'm still going to read my daughter a few human stories just so she knows that not every ending has to be one of despair' she laughed.

Getting up from the sofa, Chloe stretched before saying 'I think it's time for some lunch, I don't want my Bella going home telling Uncle Justin that her Auntie Chloe didn't feed her lots of ice cream!'

'eye cream!' came two little voices from the corner, and the four turned round to see two pair of eyes peeping at them over the top of the rail.

Laughing James strode over and easily lifted the two toddlers into his arms before turning and following his wife who led them all from the office and down the stairs to the dining hall.  As Chloe and Charity lifted their children from James' arms and walked off to seat them in nearby high chairs, the two Alpha's walked over to the serving cart and picked up trays that could hold three plates and started to each plate with food, before walking over to join their mates who were already animatedly discussing the contents of the book as the two toddlers babbled away to each other in their own language.

Placing a plate in front of his wife and another in front of his daughter, Aaron dropped himself into the seat next to Charity and took a huge bite of lamb chop before turning his attention to the girls discussion.  'So what do we think about this story then?' he queried as he continued to devour the food in front of him.

Rolling her eyes at her husbands lack of table manners Charity sighed 'Chloe and I think that its worth putting some feelers out, see if anyone has heard of a lone sorceress that keeps to herself but remains tied to both our and the Red Moon pack' she said.

James nodded thoughtfully as he swallowed his mouthful 'I've also been thinking about the inscription' he mused 'There was talk about a small pack hidden in the depths of the mountains, stories have been whispered in wolf taverns and bars of a pack that has not been seen for many years.  They were known as the 'Oakridge Clan' and the rumours spread were that they were once a great tribe with fearsome warriors, ruled by the strongest wolf ever known.  The tale that was told is that the second in command felt the Alpha was weak as he did not attempt to use his great strength to attack and take over other packs, believing that he feared he would not win and show his weakness to the worlds.  The beta quietly, with other members of the pack, planned an overthrowing of his leadership and tried to attack him as he slept.  The Alpha was not a wolf to be tested though, his strong hearing had heard the whispers around his pack and he had protection in place to defend him.  THe resulting battle raged for days which decimated the tribe, brother against brother, the tribe fought for their choice in Alpha until only a handful of the Alpha's men were left, all others lay slain on the ground.  Both the Alpha and his Beta were killed during the battle, the remaining members, left with no leader disappeared within the mountains and supposedly live by the rules set down by their long dead Alpha, living in peace away from the other packs' he finished.

Aaron let out a low whistle, 'I think we need to send a team to search the mountains' he said 'If this pack exists they may know the origin of the book and give us a lead to the sorceress should she exist'

James and the girls all nodded their agreement, 'If you are accepting Alpha, I can have a team ready to move tomorrow for the mountains to begin the search' James said seriously.

Aaron looked mildly surprised by the offer 'You don't need to risk your warriors . . ' he began

'Charity is the true Alpha of this pack Aaron' interrupted James 'Her life means as much to this pack as it does to yours, we would be honoured to help in the search for an answer to your Luna's curse'

Aaron gulped slightly before nodding his head tersely, his eyes sparkling slightly as he reached over and grabbed James shoulder in a thankful grip 'I appreciate and accept your help Alpha' he replied smiling.

'Lucian' James called out over the chatter in the room

Lucian stood up from a far table where he was eating with his family and strode over to the table, 'Whats up brother?' he asked jovially, before spotting Charity.  As his mouth dropped open slightly, he rushed round the table and pulled her into a tight hug growling 'Lady Charity! You come to visit us and don't even tell me you are here?' as he pulled away and gave her a stern look.

Laughing Charity replied 'Why Mr Lucian, why would I deny myself the opportunity to surprise my very favourite Red Moon pack member?' 

'Um excuse me!' cut in Chloe 'What do you mean your favourite Red Moon member? what are Riley and I? last weeks cold cuts?' 

In a staged whisper Charity shot back 'Well obviously you and Riley are my very favourite Red Moon Pack members, but you know how sensitive Lucian is, we have to let him think he's my reason to visit' as she giggled and pinched Lucian's cheek as the table started to laugh and Lucian began to protest at the description.

'Hmmf' he growled before turning back to his brother 'Anyway, what do you need me for?' he asked again.

'Lucian, I need you to lead a team of our men to the farthest mountains' replied James

'The mountains? what on earth for' he asked, seating himself next to Aaron so he could listen.

'We have a lead regarding Charity' explained James seriously 'We need to send some fighters to follow it up'

Lucian looked over at Aaron and then Charity 'Hmm well after that description of me do I want to risk my life going allllll the way to the mountains for someone who isn't even my bestest friend ever?' he asked 

Charity got up and sat ehrself on Lucian's lap 'You know you love me Lucian, stop trying to pretend that you are even considering not going' she chided, planting a huge kiss on his cheek that caused Aaron to growl despite himself.  Ignoring him Charity began to flutter her eyelashes at Lucian before whispering 'Don't make me go and get your fiery red headed wife, you know she will be VERY upset if she thinks for one second you are not going to help me, you know she classes me as family'

Lucian held his hands up in defeat 'Do NOT tell Felicity! she will skin me alive' he growled chuckling, 'not to mention my girls won't talk to me until I buy them both something very very expensive for upsetting their Auntie Charity' he said as he rolled his eyes grinning.

Clambering off his lap, Charity hugged him tight 'Thank you Lucian' she said before whispering 'Please be safe, your girls need you just as much as my baby needs me'