Sold To The Alpha
The Cursed Luna Chapter 28

Over the coming weeks, plans were put in place for their return to the Oakridge territory, Mary and Alistair were drafted in to watch their grand daughter and the pack whilst the leaders were away. Chloe and James had agreed to send back Lucian, Merrick and the other warriors to assist. As Chloe was pregnant with their second child and was suffering badly with morning sickness, James did not want to leave her so had regretfully bowed out of the mission.

Lucian and Merrick arrived at the pack house, and were taken along with Darius to the Alpha's office so that they could iron out the final pieces of the plan. Walking into the office, Merrick strode over to Justin, reaching out his hand 'How are you mate, are you doing ok?' he asked sincerely as Lucian and Darius looked at him with concern.

Taking his hand, Justin smiled sadly, 'I'm doing good thanks, the Luna and Alpha have been taking care of me, making sure I don't do anything stupid'

Merrick nodded and took a seat on the sofa with Darius whilst Lucian took a seat at the desk across from Aaron with Justin sitting next to him.

'Ok' started Aaron 'basically the plan is to get Charity to the Oakridge territory, she is NOT to cross that border alone. From the moment we set foot on that mountain she will be attached to Justin and I. Once we cross through, we will stand guard whilst she reaches through and brings the group through one at a time!

The group nodded silently, showing they understood.

'Next, well that is all down to Oakridge, either they are going to make this easy or hard, some of us' Aaron said glancing at Justin 'are hoping for the hard way, but our main focus will be on protection of the Luna. Once we all cross the barrier, Lucian, you are not to leave her side, protect her from any attempt to remove her from our pack'

'Understood Alpha' replied Lucian gravely 'The Luna will not leave my sight'

'good' said Aaron smiling, 'Justin, can you go see how our warriors are getting on? I want to leave at first light so want everyone ready to go, also can you ask one someone in the kitchen to bring up some food and drinks, we need to keep these boys well fed' With a slight bow and grin Justin left the room whilst the men talked among themselves, a few minutes later a soft knock was heard from the door, 'Enter' Aaron called out, the door was tentatively pushed open and Avery came inside timidly, 'I have brought the items you asked for Alpha' she said quietly, stepping forward and placing the tray on the desk. Turning to leave her eyes flitted across the Red Moon warriors before connecting with Merrick's.

Merrick's face went blank before colour rushed to his cheeks and he growled 'MINE' jumping out of the chair and striding toward Avery, all other thoughts pushed from his mind. Avery gasped at the strong warrior bearing down on her, her eyes widening as he swept her up in his arms, his lips crashing against hers as she slowly melted into his embrace. Pulling away he whispered 'What is your name gorgeous?'

Smiling nervously she replied 'Avery' looking down at his chest her shyness forcing her eyes from the fearless warrior that embraced her.

A slow chuckle behind them pulled the pair from their bubble, turning his head, Merrick saw the men grinning at him.

'What?' he growled annoyed

'Oh nothing' replied Darius airily, waving his hand dismissively, 'we just never thought we would see the day that the lone wolf, the big bad Merrick would have his head turned by a pretty she wolf' Merrick growled possessively at his words 'Keep your eyes off her beauty' he warned, holding her tightly too him.

Darius laughed harder 'Hey I got a mate already' he reminded him, turning to the Alpha and Beta he said 'I don't think our Merrick has any idea what the mate bond is going to do to him' as the men laughed. Turning to Lucian, Merrick asked 'Can I be released Beta? I'd like to get to know Avery before we have to leave'

'Your leaving?' asked Avery sadly, biting her lip.

'Only for a few days babe, I've got to help the Alpha, but then i'm coming right back here for you' replied Merrick softly, running his fingers down her cheek before linking his fingers with hers and pulling her out the room. Watching his friend leave Darius shook his head smiling, 'so much for no she wolf tying that big bad wolf down' he muttered looking over at his Beta who grinned happily.

'I'm glad he found someone' replied Lucian 'Merrick is a good man and a good she wolf will make him even better'

Aaron nodded agreement 'I think our Avery will be good for him, she's gentle and kind, she'll polish some of those sharp edges off that warrior' he smirked as the other chortled at his words.

***********

The following morning found the Silver Cross and Red Moon warriors gathered on the driveway as the sun peeked its head over the tree line, casting a warm glow as it cut through the early morning chill.

Merrick was stood by the pack house front door, his arms round Avery who had got up to see him before he left. 'C'mon lover boy' yelled Darius over the chatter of the group as he opened the drivers door to the Jeep and clambered in. Turning his head Merrick groaned at him 'Hey! you drove last time, get your a*s in the passenger seat!'

Shutting the door, Darius pulled the seat belt over him before leaning on the dropped window grinning, 'If you had not been so busy playing puppy dog eyes with Avery you would have got here first, so you get to ride shot gun' he smirked before starting the engine. Rolling his eyes, Merrick turned his gaze back to Avery, pulling her closer to him as his lips met hers.

'You'll still be here when I get back?' he asked slightly nervously.

Smiling shyly, Avery nodded as she reached up and brushed his hair from his eyes.

Growling lustfully, Merrick kissed her again before forcing himself to release her, throwing a scowl at Darius who had taken to pressing the horn in impatience, who flipped him the finger before making kissy faces at him as he put the car in gear and started to roll down the drive making Merrick have to run after him swearing loudly until he stopped and let him get in whilst doubling over the steering wheel with laughter.

'You are a really sucky best mate do you know that?' grumbled Merrick

'You are a really sucky best mate do you know that?' grumbled Merrick

'You know you love me Merrick, don't pretend otherwise' replied Darius 'Do you want me to give you a smooch to make you feel better?' he asked, blowing him a kiss while Merrick glowered at him.

'Not from you, you git, I have no idea where you've been' he retorted before looking through the back window at Avery who was stood waiting for them to leave. Swallowing hard he looked at Darius 'Is it always this hard to leave them?' he asked soberly. Darius gave him a playful punch 'Only till you mark them mate' he replied as they started to make their way down the driveway, the other cars following behind, 'then its gets one hundred times worse' he added laughing.

'Fuuuuuuck' Merrick groaned 'What the hell is happening to me, it's like i've been ripped in two'

Darius gave him a sideways smile 'You my friend are just now learning what the rest of us have known for ages' he confided, as Merrick looked at him questioningly, he added 'We all think we are these strong a*s warriors, rulers of the pack and then we meet our mate and realise that they have us by the balls without even trying'

Merrick lent his head back against the seat closing his eyes a he muttered 'we need to hurry up with this damn mission, I gotta go get my girl' causing Darius to chuckle at his defeated expression.

As they followed behind the lead car, the miles being eaten up beneath them, Aaron looked over at his wife who sat in the passenger seat a quiet smile playing on her lips. 'What are you thinking about baby?' he asked gently pulling her from her thoughts.

'Merrick' she said with a smile

A scowl made its way across Aaron's face 'Why are you thinking about some other bloke?' he growled 'and what did he do to make you smile like that, I think I need to have a chat with him' he added a fierce smile pulling at his own lips as his grip on the steering wheel tightened. Charity swatted him on the arm laughing 'Not like that you dope' she scolded 'I was thinking how nice it is that Merrick and Avery found each other, I think she will be good for him, she's a really nice girl' she said happily.

Relaxing slightly Aaron took hold of Charity's hand 'You do like it when our members replace their other half don't you' he teased with a grin making her blush. Looking into the rear view mirror at his Beta who was slumped against the door fast asleep, Aaron sighed, 'I wish Jus had gotten that chance with his mate too' he said sadly.

Charity nodded, sadness filling her own face 'I know' she whispered 'if anyone deserved a happy ending it was Justin, it's unfair that it got snatched from him'

Aaron growled in a low voice 'Well if its the last thing I do, I will make sure that Justin gets the chance to avenge Hazel' he promised forcefully as Charity gripped his hand tightly, silently showing her support before releasing him and turning her head back to the road ahead, watching the mountains loom ever closer as they sped toward them.