Violet

Bidding farewell to my father with a promise to return to his warriors camp, I made my way over to the group. Seeing them I decided to ask for their confidence in keeping my identity a secret from the Moonstone pack. Until I could trust them implicitly it was probably for the best that Alpha Kiron and his warriors were none the wiser to my position, abilities and status. Afterall, many Luna's had been all too trusting as of late. I would not make the same mistake. Once I had their promise we began our journey to their camp. I had been really curious about Alpha Kiron and what type of Alpha he was. I had asked Trevor for some information on him but his knowledge was fairly limited. I had found out that the Alpha was somewhat of a recluse. Keeping his pack separate from the others and all of the politics which followed. His pack was peaceful and rarely had any disputes which were brought before the council.

"From what I had heard from Alpha Liam, Alpha Kiron did not have much respect for the council and rarely attended their meetings" explains Trevor.

Mmm... I can't say I was surprised if the 'Council' who were technically my fathers brothers in law had initiated the attack on my mothers pack. But those who were chasing her were rogues so if they orchestrated the attack did they have dealings with the rogues themselves? And if so, were the other Alpha's aware of this?

It was all very odd to say the least and I found myself wanting to ask the Alpha directly. If he refused to attend most meetings then the recent attack on Bloodstone must have concerned him enough to answer Demitri's call for an emergency meeting.

Does he know that I am still alive?

Why had he not come to look for me or take me back to his pack?

And why did my Uncle Richard who Pretended to be my father dislike me so much?

I was developing a headache and the recent announcement of my pregnancy was not helping matters either. Alpha Kiron was a strong Alpha so his senses were stronger than most. Which means I probably had a couple more weeks before others started to smell my pregnancy too. All of which was not a good sign. How could I fight if I was pregnant? This meant only one thing. That the fight which was coming would need to happen VERY soon so as not to compromise my fighting ability.

Walking to the camp also allowed my mind to drift to other things and most importantly the person responsible for my pregnancy in the first place.

No.

We were BOTH responsible but my mind drifted to him regardless. If he was aware of the powers that came along with being a white wolf then why on earth would he not want me as his Luna? I was the strongest female wolf alive right now. Any threats could have been resolved together. His reasons for pushing me away to 'protect' me were just not cutting it for me. Maybe he did wish to protect me. But this was not the way to do it. I found myself resenting him and his decisions. But then again, maybe his love for Milly was genuine. Love can make you do crazy things. I also thought of Alec and what he meant to me.

Was I in love with him, or, was he someone I cared for as a friend? And if so, what did that mean for me? Was he alive or was he dead? How would I feel if he was dead? I knew I cared for him, but how much?

I had never been so conflicted and torn about anything in my life. But one thing I was sure of was that my future held great responsibility. I was now responsible for the lives of the wolves of Bloodstone pack who now swore loyalty to me. Whether I liked it or not, my life would never be my own again. My decisions would have to revolve around others.

Is this the price we pay for the position of Alpha? If so, it could well and truly be a lonely one. These thoughts were so taxing on my mind.

As we approached the camp I spotted Alpha Kiron speaking with a few of his warriors before he turned to face me. He smiled a friendly smile and my heart somersaulted. To think, in another time maybe I could have ran up to him and thrown my arms around him. Called him 'daddy' even. Shaking the silly thoughts away I told Trevor to lead the others inside the gate. Another male who I presumed was the 'Beta' began leading the women to the medical tent which was erected. Other men were sitting around or training on the opposite side of the field. All of them looked happy, healthy and ready for battle which is exactly what we needed. There must have been around 80 of them in all. Not as large as RedFang's warriors but it would go a long way.

"When I heard that there were women coming to the camp, my interest was peaked. But never did I think they could be this pretty"

I rolled my eyes and gave the owner of that voice a side eye.

"And you are"? I asked. Not really interested.

He held his hands up in defence at my sarcasm.

"Obviously not someone you want to know". He got the hint which was marvelous.

I tried to keep the smile off my face but struggled. He had a cute face. Quite adorable actually and a very playful demeanor. I could imagine that it would be very difficult to ever be angry with this wolf for too long. His eyes were friendly and kind, he had curly brown hair which fell across his eyes, large biceps and dimples. A strange combo I know! But it worked for him.

"Sorry, that was kind of rude of me. I guess I've had a bad week" I said. My apology sucked but it would have to do.

He nudged my shoulder.

"No worries, I'm not adverse to speaking to many shewolf's either and that line kind of suck anyways".

I giggled.

"It did"

He held out his hand for me to shake.

"I'm kieron" he said and he gave me a lopsided grin.

I smiled a genuine smile. I hadn't felt this way since I had met Alec. It just felt right talking to him.

"Violet, its nice to meet you Keiron".

"Its nice to meet you too. My mother says I should get out more". He looked down to his feet, a little nervous all of a sudden now that I faced him head on and he was able to take in my features. It was obvious he liked me.

"Is she here"? I asked playfully. Searching the camp conspiritorally.

"Nahh father wouldn't let her come. He's very protective of the women in our pack".

I bit my lip. What is it with these Moonstone men and their chivalristic ways. It was flattering but also a little annoying. Maybe it was the Alpha Female in me.

"Well there is a war coming. It's probably best she keeps out of it anyways".

He folded his arms and looked serious for a few moments.

"My father mentioned that a few packs have been defeated by a Rogue. I am hoping we can join the fight to protect what is left of our remaining packs. Hopefully my fathers meeting in a few days with the other Alpha's goes well".

I paused.

It couldn't be...

"Is your father Alpha Kiron then"? I asked incredulously. My voice was a little nervous as I stood back to fully assess and take in the male wolf in front of me.

He scratched the back of his head and flashed his teeth shyly.

"Yeah. But I didnt like to throw that in their for a first introduction to get the girls you know. Being next in line to become Alpha means every girl just throws herself at you. It's hard to know which ones just like you for you". He wobbled his eyebrows suggestively

Oh God!

Laughing awkwardly to myself I said..

"You don't have to worry about that with me Keiron". I said matter of fact.

I have a brother?

A half brother then?

God, this was all getting so complicated so soon. My little brother was hitting on me and my father has no idea I'm in his camp or perhaps even alive for that matter. Could this week get any more surreal? Why does all of my relationships with the men in my life never just run smoothly?

Placing a hand on my 'brothers' shoulder (god that felt weird saying that) I said...

"If I were you Keiron, I would wait until you find your mate. Only then will you know that someone loves you for you".

He gave me a small smile and I tusseled his hair affectionately. He swatted my hand away with ease...

"Okay okay... I get it. I'm friendzoned". He laughed it off but I could tell he was a little hurt by it which only made me want to hug him.

"You'll get over it". I said.

It was crazy, staring at him. He was around my age too or maybe a year or two older but I couldnt place it which really confused me. We could not have been that far apart in age surely? What really happened between my parents?was Kiron and my mother truly mates? Watching Keiron's eyes glaze over I saw that he was mind linking to someone.

"My father would like to talk to you. Come, I'll bring you to him".

********

Keiron led us both to our Father and I found myself feeling really terrible about myself. I was concealing my identity from them for no other reason than the fact I was trying to protect the women and children of Bloodstone. I really knew nothing about them and hated that I had to keep this a secret. They were quite obviously NOT bad people but until I could trust them, I had no plans on revealing myself. After all, maybe my mother and father were not on good terms before her death and it's not like he came to RedFang pack in all of the years I was there. Maybe he found his true mate and wanted to forget about his little rendezvous and 'love child' with my mother. All complete speculation on my part ofcourse, but It was all conpletely plausible. So I had no intention of making myself known to someone who didn't really care about my existence enough to come find me for all these years.

As I followed behind Keiron we stepped into the Alpha's tent and my eyes landed Kiron. He sat behind his desk with a few maps out in front of him. I walked over to the table and glanced down to find that he had put a score through the areas on the map where the last 6 packs territories had been destroyed. So he wasn't going into this meeting blindly then. He looked up at me to find that I too was staring at his map intently. When my eyes met his I immediately looked away again. He needs to think I am a normal shewolf with no interest in war if I am to succeed going under the radar here.

"Please, take a seat".

He motioned towards a chair adjacent to him and I took it. Keiron sat on the one facing me and I sat there looking between the both of them in quiet contemplation. They looked so similar sitting there.

"My son says that your name is Violet"?

I nodded, waiting to see if that name meant anything to him but if he did there was no indication on his face at all. He continued...

"What was your rank in Bloodstone Pack"?

Mm.. this was a tricky one. One Alpha could sniff out another Alpha in a heartbeat and with me giving out 'Alpha Female' vibes right before we came across one another in the woods, I'm sure he was just curious.

"My best friend was Luna Anya". I said. Offering no more detail.

He gave me a suspicious look. He wasn't buying it.

"Who is the next in command now in your group since you lost both Alpha and Luna? I believe they should come with me to my meeting in a few days time. To act as a witness before the other Alpha's".

I decided that I needed to tread carefully here. No way in hell was I seeing Demitri again if I could help it. Pregnant with his child as well would just create too much drama.

"Gamma Trevor was third in command in Bloodstone. He would be your best bet".

I looked down to my hands which were placed on my lap.

"Mmm"... he said.

"You see, I don't get the impression that Gamma Trevor is who your wolves are currently taking orders from".

He was pressing hard and I started to get a little angsty with this interrogation.

"Well he is". I looked him directly in the eye and I saw kieron fidget in the seat next to me.

I internally slapped myself as I realised how much I've given away during this small interaction. No meek female would make direct eye contact with an Alpha.

"I'm sorry for the disrespect Alpha Kiron. We have all had a trying week".

His expression quickly changed to sympathy and he gave me a small smile.

"I understand". He said.

He did not look too convinced however.

"Can I ask a few questions Alpha"?

"Ofcourse" He said.

"Kieron mentioned that your women are well protected in your pack. Do you allow them to fight"? I'm not sure why I asked this question. But it was important to me what his reply would be.

He leant back in his chair and observed me quietly.

"You know it is forbidden for our women to train" he said yet his eyes were playful.

"I do, but I wanted to know your opinion on the matter".

In the vision where my mother had been fighting he seemed to be standing right by her. So I was curious as to his opinion on our women learning to defend themselves.

He leant forward.

"If our women want to learn, I do not stop them".

I raised my eyebrows in mock challenge

"But the council says you should".

Keiron chuckled next to me and he and my father exchanged a small smile with one another.

"My father has never been one to listen to what those old men have to say". Keiron confirmed.

I pursed my lips.

"Does your Luna fight"? I asked. Genuinely interested in her. I couldnt help but feel a little jealous. After all, keiron seemed to have had a good upbringing with both of his parents around. And what was wrong with my mother that he couldn't have that happy life this us either?

"Only with me" said the Alpha and kieron chuckled again.

I chuckled along with them and found that this interaction was really easy. I found myself enjoying being in their company and that could be very dangerous for me. Especially with the path I was now going down. A road of vengeance. It would be better for them to not know me. Just incase they were to get too attached if things took a turn for the worst.

"Do you have siblings I asked"?

Both the Alpha and Keiron looked shocked by my question. I must admit it was a little random.

"No, thank god" said keiron

"I like being the only child too much" said Keiron as he waggled his eyebrows at me.

I tried to smile at his comment but failed miserably, I did spot however Alpha Kiron staring down at the map on his table with no laughter on his face. If anything, he looked pained.

"What about you Violet"? Asked Kieron.

Pulling myself together again I said..

"No, I was an only child too".

"Did your mate survive the attack"? Asked Alpha Kiron. He looked quite concerned for me as he involuntarily looked towards my stomach.

"No, he is still alive and well. We are separated though. I don't have a great history with any of the men I have known in my life".

Kiron's eyebrows drew together and he pursed his lips. kieron looked upset for me too.

"I'm sorry to hear that". Said the Alpha.

"Regardless, you should think about your current position now that you have no where to go. I just wanted to offer to you and your pack members again that they will always be welcome to join my pack. I would appreciate it if you would pass this on to the other women and men when you see them".

I nodded just as an informer entered the tent to speak with the Alpha.

"Alpha I have a report"

"Speak"

The informer continued.

"We have a high ranking wolf outside who has requested an audience with you. He believes there is someone in this pack he is looking for".

"Let him in then"

Within a few moments the tent opened to reveal the face of someone I had not seen in a very long time. He was quite a few years older than me so I was struggling to remember his name. I did remember however that he was one of my father's..... sorry.... my Uncle Richard's star student and next in line to become our Beta..... my eyes widened and I stiffened in my chair.

When he spotted me he instantly bowed low in deference. Completely ignoring Alpha Kiron.

"Luna Violet. Alpha Demitri has sent me here to secure your safety".

I could have died.

I wanted the floor to swallow me whole In that moment.

Alpha Kiron stood and gave me a glance of complete disappointment and I inwardly cursed myself.

"Who are you young man?" he asked.

Rising to his feet he said..

"Beta Matthew Riley of RedFang. Violet is the daughter of my predecessor Beta Richard and mate to my Alpha Demitri Greyson. He has sent me here to ensure her survival". He spoke with this ridiculous monotone voice and I could have stood up and slapped him one.

He completely ratted me out unbeknownst to him and he was completely avoiding my eye signals on purpose. I found my eyes diverting to the floor as my brother rose from his chair and took a step back from me in shock. He looked between our father and me.

My father rounded the table at break neck speed and went to grab a hold of my arm at the same time Beta michael jumped between us and pushed me behind him for protection. My fathers face was full of desperation.

"Lay your hands on my Luna and I will be forced to defend her". Beta Matthew raised his voice in warning.

My father growled.

"My daughter does not need protection from me". My father shouted.

I peaked from behind a very surprised Beta Matthew to see that I was not the only shocked person in this tent.