The Summer Moon
Chapter 24 -

Tyrese

There was another rogue attack last night. That made 2 in one week and the pack members were starting to get nervous. I was getting nervous. Our pack was the biggest in North America, rogues rarely dared to attack us, but ever since Jordan's disappearance it seemed like these attacks were getting more and more common. I had to start making alliances with other packs for additional protection measures. We didn't know how bad this was going to get. Truly, though, my main concern right now was Malia.

John's house was so close to the borders and I knew he was a good warrior, but I wanted additional protection there. Malia was going to be a Luna now, she could become a target and she was completely defenceless. And since she knew nothing about this world, I couldn't exactly have wolves circling her house at night without her totally freaking out. I'd just have to keep additional wolves at the border and do my best to keep an eye on Malia myself.

I reached out to John to make sure he knew what was going on, and he reassured me that he would protect his family, but I was still nervous. I just wanted Malia to know everything. I was scared of how she would react though. What if she just took off like her mother? What if she hated me?

I groaned to myself as I rested my chin on my palm. The problems seemed to be never ending. I had been sitting in my office all morning calling all the packs around us and arranging meetings. Many of them were confused about why I was calling, all of them still expecting Jordan. For a while, we kept it quiet that he was missing, but it was too late now. He was gone, he wasn't coming back, and we needed their help.

The ruby pack on the Northern border eagerly agreed to help us with security. I smiled to myself, for once someone actually seemed to be trusting me as an alpha. The alpha of their pack hadn't even questioned me, they just trusted that I was doing what was best for both of our packs.

"Son, I hope you're making some alliances," my father's voice boomed as he entered the room and I just nodded my head. The only pack I was doubtful if they would agree was the Dark moon pack on the western border. Even Jordan had a hard time bargaining with them.

While their alpha had always trusted my dad, he was weary of trusting young alphas. Me, in particular, he had called irresponsible on several occasions, and I couldn't argue with him. I was irresponsible when Jordan had gone missing. I was 19, all I wanted to do was have fun. I spent way too much time messing around, that's why I mostly stayed in the city, but ever since I became alpha I had really stepped up. Although, I don't think anyone really saw that.

"I understand you've just found your mate Tyrese, but this is not the time to be distracted. You need to stay focused-" my dad began to lecture me, but I just couldn't hear it any longer. So, for the first time since becoming alpha, I turned to my dad.

"I am focused. She is exactly why I'm focused. If you think I'm letting those rogues get on our territory and putting her in danger," I threatened. I didn't need to finish my sentence, my dad knew exactly what I was going to say. Wolves are very protective of their mates, especially alphas. My wolf was growling and I did my best to hold him back, but I could feel him coming to the surface. Then, to my surprise, my father patted me on the shoulder.

"Good, you're finally starting to act like an alpha," he said, then walked out of my office. I rolled my eyes, I guess that was as close to a compliment from him as I could get.

Once I finished my work for the day, all I could think about was Malia. I had already texted her earlier in the day to say good morning and made plans to call her later tonight but it didn't seem like enough to satisfy my wolf right now. Even though it was nearly 10pm, I dashed out the front door and hopped on the dirt bike. Cutting through the forest would get me to her faster and I truly couldn't wait to see her.

I parked the bike just at the bottom of the steps of her patio, grateful that I could still see her bedroom lights through her curtains. I took the patio steps two at a time, then knocked on the door.

"Ty," Malia smiled brightly as she opened the door to see me. Her cheeks blushed the cutest pink as she wrapped her arms around her body. She was already in her pyjamas and looked a little tired, but even now she took my breath away. I swept her into my arms, planting a kiss on her which she eagerly returned. When we broke apart, I met her eyes, "I hope it's okay that I'm here, I just really wanted to see you."

"Of course, come watch the princess diaries with me" She giggled and walked back over to sit on her bed. I rolled my eyes at her jokingly, that movie sounded like the last thing I would want to watch. Although I was sure I would be spending all my time watching her anyway.

Malia snuggled into my chest and I held her close. Her eyes watched the TV screen but I watched her, admiring everything about her. "Did you hear any wolves when you were coming over tonight?" Malia suddenly asked me and my eyes shot down to hers.

"No, why?" I tried to stay calm. Why would she be asking about the wolves? Had she seen something? Or did something happen? Calm yourself Tyrese, she's probably just been overhearing the howling of the attacks. I tried to remind myself. "They were howling last night, I just didn't realize there were so many wolves around here," She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to the screen, resting her head against my chest once more. I was sure my heart was probably racing. Malia hearing the attacks made them seem way too close to her for my comfort. My wolf was getting riled up. I needed to replace a way to protect her. She was too close to the border here.

Normally, when wolves mate, they move in together right away, and if Malia lived with me I knew I would have no problem protecting her. The pack house is so close, there are always wolves around. She would be safe there, but this was all too soon for her. Each day it seemed like things were only getting more and more complicated. John had said I would know when the time was right to tell Malia about this world, but never seemed like the better option. "They howl sometimes. Are you afraid?" I asked slowly.

"No, just curious," she shook her head and I smiled. That was at least a good sign. Maybe she wouldn't be afraid like her mother. I just had to keep spending time with her. If she loves me, then she'll have to accept me as a wolf and as her mate. I would charm her as a human and then I could tell her.