The Mysterious Luna
Chapter 69

Bethany POV

My cousin, Gretchen is alive? I still can’t believe it. After my conversation with Colton, I was completely shocked. How is this possible? No one has heard from her in over 20 years, it’s like she completely disappeared. The last time I saw her, she had lost her mind. She was no longer the caring and loving cousin I once knew, but rather a psychopath that wanted to see me and everyone I loved dead.

Peter looked concerned when he saw how pale I was. I knew he had heard the entire conversation because of his wolf hearing. He remained quiet while my mind raced. He rubbed my back gently trying to calm and comfort me, but it wasn’t working. I needed to go and make sure that nothing happened to Jess.

I was sitting on Peter’s lap in his office and quickly stood up, before heading for the door.

“Where are you going?” Peter asked, with concern in his voice.

“To protect my daughter.” I replied without looking back.

Jess has been through enough already, I’m not about to let that woman bring her anymore pain. If she wants a fight, I’ll be ready for one.

I headed for my room and packed some of my belongings. Peter had followed me in, but I ignored him. I was focused on the task at hand.

“My love, calm down we will go together. I just need to take care of a few matters here and we can go with a bunch of my warriors.” Peter offered.

“No, I’m going now.” I replied firmly, leaving no room for argument.

I could see the concern in his eyes, but he didn’t argue any further. I could tell he wanted to say more, but didn’t. He’s learned quickly that when it comes to my family, I’ll do anything and everything to keep them safe.

Once my bags were packed, I kissed Peter. It was a deep and passionate k**s. I’ve only known the man for a short time, but I already can’t imagine my life without him. What if this is the last time I ever see him? Just the thought broke my heart.

“I’ll be leaving to join you in a few hours. Don’t you dare let anything happen to you. I can’t lose you, I love you.” He said and his voice broke by the end of the sentence.

We haven’t used the Love word yet and I was speechless. A few stray tears rolled down my cheek and I quickly brushed them away with my hand. A small smile formed on my face, as I looked deep into his eyes.

“I love you too.” I replied, before kissing him deeply.

I only pulled away when we were both needing air. I didn’t want to leave him, but I needed to go and protect Jess.

“I have to go.” I said softly and he brushed his knuckles along my cheek, while nodding his head in understanding.

I closed my eyes and envisioned Colton’s pack house. A few second later, I opened them and was standing out front.

I looked around and saw warriors running around in every direction, like chickens with their heads cut off. Everyone looked panicked. Other than the warriors, there were no elders, woman or children to be seen. Once the initial shock wore off, I rushed into the pack house and towards Colton’s office.

I didn’t bother to knock and barged right in. Colton was sitting behind his desk, while Josh and Kyle sat on the other side of it. Jess was sitting on the couch and jumped to her feet as soon as she saw me.

“Mother, you’re here.” She said, before hugging me tightly. I could hear the relief in her voice.

“Of course I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I replied.

“Beth, thanks for coming.” Colton said, as he stood from his chair and nodded his head.

“What’s going on? Why are the warriors running around?” I asked with a concerned frown.

“Alpha Philip’s and his men are on the move. War is heading our way.” Colton replied in a somber tone.

“Is Gretchen with them?” I asked, dreading the answer.

“The spies didn’t see her, but that doesn’t mean she’s not with them.” Colton replied and I nodded.

“How long do we have?” I asked.

“An hour, at most.” Colton replied.

“Well then, let’s get to work. Where are the ones not fighting?” I asked.

“They’re already in the safe room.” This time Jess replied.

“Good, show me to it. Maybe I can use a spell to help hide it.” I replied and Jess nodded.

“You take Beth to it. I have to finish planning our strategy.” Colton said to Jess and she nodded.

I followed Jess out of the room and down the hall. She took me to the basement and towards a wall where there was a heavy metal door.

“This is it. It requires a code from the outside to get in.” Jess explained, while motioning to a keypad.

“Ok, I can use a spell to hide the door. It will look like a plain wall.” I explained.

I quickly got to work and within minutes the door was gone and the wall looked bare and normal.

“Wow, you’ll have to teach me that one.” Jess said, as she ran her hand over the wall where the door use to be.

“I would put a protection spell on the whole territory, but given Gretchen is likely helping them, she’ll be about to counter it. I don’t want to waste my energy if it’s going to be for nothing.” I explained and I could see a flicker of disappointment in Jess’s eyes at the mention of Gretchen.

“Why didn’t you tell me about her?” Jess asked in a low voice, while looking down at her hands.

“I loved Gretchen dearly. I mean we were like sisters growing up, completely inseparable. When she went crazy and tried to take your dad from me, it broke my heart. I never understood how she could turn on me so easily. No one heard from her for years after she was kicked out of our coven, we all assumed she was dead. Talking about her brings up so many emotions that I didn’t like to do it. I realize now that I should have. I’m sorry.” I replied, while putting my hand on her shoulder.

“I understand, I was just shocked when Colton told me. I wish I had heard about her from you.” Jess said, while smiling sadly.

“I promise, I won’t withhold anything from you again.” I replied and she hugged me.

“Let’s go, we need to finish getting ready.” Jess said and I nodded.

We left the basement and headed back upstairs towards to the main floor.

I was extremely nervous about seeing Gretchen again. It was causing a whirlwind of emotions within me. I don’t want to hurt her, but if she tries to hurt the ones I love, she will leave me no choice.

————-

Alpha Colton POV

I had warriors hidden throughout the forest, as soon as Alpha Philip’s crosses onto our territory it’s game on. My men will surround him and his men and they won’t stand a chance.

It just started getting dark outside and I knew he thought his attack was going to be a surprise, but he’s wrong. Thanks to my amazing mate, we are one step ahead of him.

I wish Jess would go into the safe room with the rest of the woman, children and Elders, I don’t want her in harms way. I know she won’t listen, so I’ve stopped trying to convince her. She’s right when she says we need her, she’s powerful and so is her mother, I just can’t help but worry. She’s the love of my life and I want to keep her safe at all cost. I’ll have to keep a close eye on her during the fight, make sure she’s safe.

‘Alpha, they’re almost here. Maybe 10 minutes out.’ One of my warriors mind-linked me. He was one of the ones that was tasked with following Alpha Philip’s and his warriors, so we knew exactly when they would arrive and where they would enter my territory.

‘Perfect, what border are they heading towards?’ I asked.

‘East, Alpha.’ He replied.

‘I want an update every couple of minutes until they reach the border.’ I ordered.

‘Yes, Alpha.’ He replied and cut the link.

I had the majority of my warriors staged to the East, but left a few at the other borders incase Alpha Philip’s tried something funny. I wouldn’t put it past him after all, he’s a sneaky bastard.

“What’s the plan now?” Josh asked, as he came to stand beside me.

“We wait. I plan on taking Alpha Philip’s out first, maybe his men will surrender once he’s out of the picture.” I replied, while watching my men get into position.

“Maybe, but remember what he did last time, he drugged you. I wouldn’t put it past him to try again.” Josh said, with concern clear in his tone.

“I know, I wont let it happen again. I promise.” I replied and Josh nodded but still looked hesitant.

“Are the warriors ready?” I heard my beautiful mate ask and turned my head to see her walking towards us.

She was wearing black leggings and a black long sleeve shirt. It was a simple outfit, but she still looked f*****g stunning.

“They are. Alpha Philip’s and his men are less than 10 minutes out.” I replied and I saw a flash of concern cross her face.

“It’s not too late. You can still join Sam and the others in the safe room.” I said and if looks could kill, I’d be dead.

“I’m fighting. I told you already, we need all the help we can get in this fight.” Jess replied sternly.

“I know, you can’t blame me for trying. I love you and I just want you safe.” I sighed, while wrapping my arms around her and giving her a tight hug.

“I will be. I expect you to take me away when this is all over. You owe me a trip.” Jess replied and I smiled at her. I can’t wait to take her away and spoil her.

‘Five minutes out.’ The warrior mind-linked.

‘Got it’ I replied.

“Let’s get into position, they’re only 5 minutes out.” I said in a serious tone, while glancing between Jess and Josh.

both nodded their heads and went to their predetermined hiding spot. I did the same. The warrior continued to mind-link me every minute until they had finally reached our border.

I stayed hidden behind some bushes, when I heard several twigs snap. I knew it was them making there way onto my territory.

My heart beat was racing and adrenaline was coursing through me. I was finally going to end this battle with Alpha Philip’s once and for all. I won’t give him a chance to do anything dirty like the last time.

All of a sudden, Alpha Philip’s and his men came into view. He slowing made his way through the forest, heavily flanked by his men.

This is it, time to show this fucker that he messed with the wrong man. I can’t wait to see the sheer panic in his eyes right before I rip his throat out.

‘Hold up. Wait for my command.’ I ordered my warriors through the mind-link.

I want to make sure he’s in the perfect position when I reveal myself to him.