Sold To The Alpha
The Cursed Luna Chapter 52

Taking up their positions, the Red Moon warriors circled the outskirts of the fence, using mud and sludge from a nearby stagnant pond to disguise their scents, two of the men were tasked with watching over Marcus, just in case any of Jonas' men escaped and tried to use him as leverage. They were also there to stop Marcus getting involved in the fight, but Aaron decided to keep that bit of information to himself.

Several of the Red Moon warriors had shifted into their wolves, holding back slightly as Caitlin and two of her men crept along the perimeter fence, using the overgrown foliage to shield themselves as they inched their way toward the gateway where two of Jonas' guards were stood leaning against the gate post talking.

Swiftly the three warriors launched themselves at the guards, pulling them down and into the dense undergrowth before they could make a sound, snapping their necks cleanly before dragging the bodies back and hiding them among the bushes. Silently signalling, Caitlin called forward the wolves, who snaked their way into the grounds, keeping low to try and conceal themselves in the long grass as they crawled toward the perimeter guards, once within pouncing range, the wolves leapt toward the surprised patrolmen, grabbing hold of them as they let out a yell of warning, giving them no time to shift before they dragged them to the ground, tearing at them as they screamed.

Shouts emanated from the house as doors and windows flew open, men rushed into the grounds as the rescuing fighters jumped over the fencing, sprinting to meet the overflow of guards that had erupted onto the grounds, shifting into their wolves. Some held makeshift shields over their heads, using them to protect the wolves who were taking down the enemy, from being hit by bullets that were raining down from the second story windows indiscriminately, aiming at anything that moved. Howls and screams filled the air as men and wolves fell due to the onward surge of the Red Moon Pack, their training prominent as they held their positions, covering their flanks as they pushed forward through the poorly equipped defence. Aaron, Merrick and Darius, shifted into their wolf forms, pushed through the centre, fighting their way toward the doorway of the house, ripping through any enemy they encountered as the Red Moon warriors protected them from each side. The blur of Caitlin and her men zig zagging across their peripheral vision as they took down any guards on the fringes of the battle, dodging the silver daggers that were wielded by the ground fighters, not even hesitating when a blade managed to score their skin. Forcing through the throng of fighters, the trio finally made it to the peeling wooden door that stood ajar in the front of the house, the inside dark and imposing as they pushed the door open wide and crashed over the thresh hold making for the rickety staircase in search of the Luna.

reaching the top, the three warriors slowly started to open each door on the first floor, taking cover behind the wall as they pushed the doors open before checking for any signs of Charity or the shooters. Behind the third door, they found the first shooter, the young male panicked as he shot into the crowd, whimpering to himself at the sounds of screams and growls that floated up from below.

Intent on the battle, he was oblivious to the bedroom door being opened, only realizing he wasn't alone when the strong grip of Merrick encircled him, pinning his arms to his sides as his other hand covered the young guards mouth, silencing him. Aaron walked over to him, placing his face close to the frightened youth. 'You know who I am?' he snarled, glaring at the boy who's eyes widened as he silently nodded yes. 'You know why I am here?' demanded Aaron again in a low angry growl, again the youngster nodded his agreement. 'Where is my wife? if you answer me, my men will not kill you' he rumbled.

Merrick slowly took his hand away from the young man's mouth, keeping it near ready to clamp it back over if the youth tried to shout, swallowing fearfully the young boy said 'She's on the third floor Alpha, please don't kill me, I didn't want to be here, he made us' he whispered, his eyes pleading.

'I won't kill you unless you give me reason too' replied Aaron angrily before nodding at Merrick who swiftly caught the boys neck in his arm and squeezed, rendering the boy unconscious but unharmed. Walking out, they shut the door behind them, hiding the youth from view.

'Alpha, you go for the Luna' said Merrick 'Darius and I will clear the floor of shooters'

Aaron nodded and headed for the second flight of stairs as the two warriors crept up to the next door, waiting for Aaron to get out of view before opening the door and checking the room.

Reaching the third floor, Aaron was faced with two doors, one on each side of him, quietly he turned the handle on the door to the right, pushing it open as he dropped to the floor, ready for shots or an attack, feeling nothing, he looked up to see a store room with a few dusty boxes and an old tailors mannequin that had become the support for a myriad of spiders webs. A dirty light lt the room from a grime covered round window that held a view over the landscape.

Pulling the door closed again, Aaron turned to the second door, steeling himself as he turned the handle slowly, flattening himself against the wall as he flung it open.

'Come on in Alpha' came the greasy voice of Jonas, stepping into the room, Aaron was confronted with the view of Jonas, holding the unconscious form of Charity in front of his body like a shield, the silver knife at her throat as he smirked toward Aaron, 'come to do your Alpha's dirty work Aaron? Marcus not up to fighting for his Luna this time?' he sneered.

Aaron steed closer, his anger radiating from him like an electric current, 'Marcus has no claim to Charity she is my Luna, and I will fight to the death for her Jonas' he growled

Seeming not to head Aaron's words, Jonas stepped back toward the window, dragging Charity with him as he glanced down at the wreckage below, taking in the losing battle as his guards fell one by one.

Looking back toward Aaron, Jonas scowled for a moment before his face clears, 'I Jonas challenge the Alpha to the right to his position as Alpha of his pack and to his mate' he declared loudly, 'As a challenge has been set forth no further blood is to fall between our packs, and the Luna is unable to leave until the challenge is complete, as is set down by the Goddess'

Aaron blinked for a moment before carefully replying, 'The Alpha accepts your challenge Jonas, he will fight you in the grounds of this house, no interference will be allowed from either side. The challenge will end either in the death of one of the fighters or when a fighter concedes to the other.

Dropping the blade from Charity's throat but maintaining his grip on her body, Jonas smiled widely, 'Agreed Aaron, let us step into the grounds and inform the packs of the truce.

Walking down the stairs, Aaron held in his growls as Jonas carried the lifeless form of his Luna in his arms, Merrick and Darius fell in behind them as they reached the first floor landing, a quick nod telling Aaron that all the shooters had been neutralized. Reaching the ground floor, Jonas stepped outside, raising his voice to carry across the fighting warriors, 'A truce has been called, stand down' he yelled. The fighters looked toward the two Alphas, the Red Moon pack releasing their holds on their enemies when they saw Aaron give a curt nod. 'We will clear the dead and wounded from the grounds, then a challenge circle will be drawn on the ground, the Alpha and I will fight for the right to his pack and the Luna' he shouted causing a thunder of growls to emanate from the Red Moon warriors.

Turning to Aaron, Jonas said 'I think we should leave the Luna, I suggest two of each of our men stand guard over her?'

Aaron nodded curtly before calling out, 'Caitlin, would you chose one of your men to accompany you to look after the Luna whilst the challenge takes place?'

Caitlin shifted back into her human form, grabbing the clothes that appeared in one of the warriors hands and throwing them on before beckoning to one of her fighters and stepping forward. Jonas called over two of his own men and stepped back into the house as the remaining fighters began the task of clearing the site of bodies.

Laying Charity's body onto one of the sofa's that still decorated the house, Jonas looked at the four warriors sternly, 'We are all bound under the Challenge and the act of truce, the Luna will not leave this room until the victor returns to claim her' he growled, glaring at each of them. His two warriors shrunk back under his gaze but Caitlin met it straight on, refusing to bow her head as she glared back at him.

'The Luna is out top priority' she snapped, 'no harm shall befall her'

Looking over the proud she-wolf, Jonas decided to ignore her insolence, turning on his heel, leading the way out of the house and into the grounds. Rounding on Aaron, he growled, 'It is time for you to bring Marcus'

Aaron nodded, before turning to Darius and giving him the signal to go and collect the injured Alpha, and bring him back to the house. Whilst they waited, the two Alpha's silently watched the warriors scurrying about, dragging the dead away from the house and patching up the wounded with whatever medical supplies they had. Slowly the grass was cleared, leaving only the stains of blood to show what had taken place. One of the Guards used a stick to draw a circle in the hard ground, digging at the dirt until a visible barrier could be seen. Looking up the group fell silent as they watched the limping form of Alpha Marcus making its way across the grass toward the circle. Leaning over, Aaron whispered to Merrick who gave a surprised look before heading back into the house. Flexing his muscles, Jonas took off his shirt as he stepped into the ring, raising his arms as his voice bellowed across the landscape, 'Today, we will decide once and for all, who is the rightful mate to the Luna that awaits within the house' he called out grinning, 'the Alpha and I will battle until one concedes or dies, the winner taking undisputed ownership of the rivals pack and the Luna'

Silence followed his outburst as he slowly spun round, grinning at all the warriors before his gaze landed on Marcus who was stood silently at the edge of the circle, leaning against Darius who supported his weight.

'Are you ready Alpha?' he growled, a sneer etched on his face as he glared down at the injured man in front of him.