#5 When the New Moon Falls
Chapter 1

Leo

Quinn’s paws pounded the ground fiercely as he raced through the woods. Wet leaves stuck to his black fur as the rain unleashed on him. He snarled at the air, angry at it for slowing him down. Quinn stuttered to a stop by the edge of a babbling brook. He threw his head back and let out a howl almost as loud as the crackling thunder.

“Everything okay, Alpha?” An omega’s voice rang through our head.

“Yes.” Quinn and I growled at the same time.

Quinn shook his head, frustrated with the invasion. He was even more irritable today than usual. Probably because of my father’s ridiculous demands. The previous Alpha, my father, Frank Storm, ordered me to attend a meeting earlier today where he demanded that I take a chosen mate and Luna. Today was my 28th birthday and, apparently, that was the cutoff date for an Alpha to wait for his Luna.

Quinn was having none of it. He was determined to wait for our destined mate and I was inclined to agree. An Alpha was never more powerful than with his destined Luna by his side. Some random brood was never going to give us the satisfaction or support that we needed.

Just thinking about it was pissing Quinn off. He howled again and took off running. He burst through the trees, running back towards the packhouse. What do you know? My father was waiting on the front lawn with his evil plan already forming. Quinn snapped towards my father before trotting inside the packhouse to shift. I stormed off towards my office and quickly changed into a set of spare clothes.

I had just zipped up my jeans when my father entered the room without knocking. With him was Victor Nice, the Alpha of the neighboring pack. His last name was entirely misleading. His daughter, Amber, strolled in after him. She seemed just as on edge as I was.

“Alpha Victor, to what do I owe this visit?” I grumbled, plopping down in my chair. My father glared at me.

“Your father proposed a deal that could be lucrative for both of our packs.” Alpha Victor explained.

“Did he?” I sighed. Alpha Victor looked sideways at my father, obviously wondering about my attitude.

“Yes, I did.” My father snapped,

“I suggested an arrangement between Amber and yourself.”

“An arrangement?” I said between my teeth.

“My daughter will make a great Luna.” Alpha Victor said and I’m pretty sure my jaw actually hit the floor.

“You’re out of your mind.” I struggled to contain Quinn.

“Leo, it’s not good for an Alpha to be without a Luna for this long. It’s affecting your mood.” My father frowned. Quinn and I both had enough. I stood and snapped at my father,

“Right now, you’re affecting my mood.” Then, I directed my attention towards Amber,

“I’m sorry, Amber, but there will be no arrangement,” I looked at Alpha Victor next,

“My father has misled you. You’re welcome to stay in my terrority for as long as you’d like, but this meeting is finished.” I spoke sternly. My father looked at me with a horrified expression. Alpha Victor opened the door for his daughter and the pair of them sulked out of the room.

“Don’t ever pull something like that again.” I growled at my father.

“I’m just trying to look out for the pack.” My father said.

“No, you’re trying to micromanage me. Get out.” I dismissed him with a curt wave of my hand. My father glared at me before exiting the office.

I sat back in my chair and composed myself. I had to admit, my father had a set of balls on him to offer up an Alpha’s daughter like she was a slice of pizza. A few minutes later, my office was invaded again.

“Jacks, what’s up?” I looked up at my Beta.

“You’ve gotta come out here and see this.” He practically yelled at me with a mischievous look on his face.

I followed Jacks out to the hallway and saw the scene that had his attention. Amber and my Gamma, Nick, were making out quite aggressively. I started laughing loudly at my father and Alpha Victor’s irritated expressions.

“That is what I like to call karama.” I said to my father who just continued to glare at me.

“A Gamma!” Alpha Victor shouted, throwing his hands up in the air.

“Congratulations, Alpha Victor, your daughter is mated to one of my best guys. We’re happy to have her here at New Moon.” I finally offered Alpha Victor a handshake, but I knew he wasn’t in the mood to be celebrating.

He thought his daughter was going to be mating an Alpha, instead she got a Gamma. He should be proud, excited even, but he had too much pride to be reasonable.

This day had just gotten a whole lot better.