Ch. 391..400

Chapter 391 – Rumors About Damon’s Luna

In the dungeon…

Lieutenant Klark gathered everyone in the dining room that was getting crowded with more than twenty people in it. Not everyone had a place to sit, as they would take turns eating, so now some of them were standing in the back.

Klark had an important thing to announce, "Alpha Damon is hosting a party in the packhouse for Elders and other officials of the pack."

Among twenty warriors present, Lisa stood in the back.

Lisa was NOT in a good mood.

Since she arrived at this horrid place, she was soaking and scraping and wiping, and even though she was wearing rubber gloves, her nails broke, and her skin looks like she was fifty years old! To make things worse, they were expecting her to cook!

Lisa knew she was in trouble because those were stern-faced warriors and she feared that she won't have a good ending if she gives them food poisoning.

She tried to explain that she is not much of a cook, but they accused her of avoiding work with, "Every Omega knows how to cook."

Well, she was obviously not like all other Omegas, but no one would listen to reason, and they looked at her strangely when she said how she never cooked, other than some limited experience her mother forced on her. When Lieutenant Klark said how she was courting time in the dungeon cell, Lisa piped it down.

Luckily, last night they had leftovers from lunch, so she reheated those and added some scrambled eggs, and no one suspected a thing.

For breakfast, they brought fresh bread from the town, and she made simple sandwiches and coffee while saying that due to all the cleaning, she doesn't have much time to prepare an elaborate meal.

They let it pass, but Lisa was not sure how long she can drag this.

Lisa felt like crying. She hated cleaning and she hated cooking even more. No one EVER expected her to do these things, but now she was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The worst part was that Lieutenant Klark confirmed in front of many warriors how Lisa was free to leave once the cleaning was done, and after slaving for the whole day, she was done only with the first cell! There were thirty cells on the second level, and considering that there are two more levels below, Lisa feared that this might take years. YEARS!

By the time she finishes all of them, the first ones will get dusty!

Lisa wondered, how come they don't have a dedicated cleaning crew for these things? She wanted to ask Lieutenant Klark about it, but she couldn't find the right timing.

Lisa was so exhausted last night that she plopped on the bed and slept like a log. Through the haze of her sleep, Lisa thought that she heard a female voice screaming how she doesn't belong in the dungeon and that she was there by mistake.

"Yeah, join the club…", Lisa mumbled before she continued sleeping.

Was that a dream? Or did a noisy female really end up in the dungeon?

Even if that was real, Lisa had no sympathy for the woman who cried in the middle of the night how she was wronged. Did she need to clean? No. Lisa would rather sit in the dungeon than do this wretched work. Well, in a clean dungeon, not in a dirty one.

With Lieutenant Klark calling them to gather, Lisa hoped he will say that all this was a big joke and she can leave, or at least some of these bulky guys to help with cleaning, but instead, he spoke about a party at the packhouse. What nonsense was that? Was he rubbing it in how Damon, Talia, and others were enjoying while Lisa was slaving there?

"How does that impact us?", one warrior asked what was on Lisa's mind and she was glad that she didn't need to ask because everyone looked at her strangely when she would ask questions.

"We are aware of the strained relationship between our Alpha and senior leadership of the pack. This is an obvious sign of their relationship improving…", Klark said and lowered his voice, "And there are hints that soon we might get a Luna."

After Maya, Talia, Kalina, Mindy, Marcy, and Nora had lunch in town on the previous day, the whole Darkbourne was buzzing how their Alpha found them a Luna.

The warriors exploded into excited murmurs. Luna was a big deal.

"Quiet!", Lieutenant Pete (aka second in command) exclaimed, and the chatter stopped abruptly. "The information about the party is official, but about Luna is not. Keep that among yourselves until we get confirmation. Is that understood?"

"YES, SIR!", they roared in unison and Lisa shrunk. She didn't expect they will be so loud.

"But we are going to celebrate.", Lieutenant Klark said. "Jules! Ron!"

Two warriors stepped forward, and Klark continued, "The two of you will go to Darkbourne to get some drinks and meat for everyone. Tonight, we will have a barbecue. You leave in five minutes."

"Understood!", two warriors said in unison, and the crowd dispersed.

Lisa looked around while feeling a bit relaxed. With barbecue for dinner, they won't ask her to cook.

She looked at Jules and Ron dejectedly. How come they get to leave, and she was stuck to clean?

Suddenly, Lisa got an idea.

She approached Klark. "Lieutenant Klark", she called sweetly. "Can I go with them?"

"With Jules and Ron?", Klark asked and when Lisa confirmed, he asked, "Why?"

"I can help them buy stuff, and also… when I came here I didn't know I would be staying longer. I want to stop by my place and pick up a few necessities."

Klark had a feeling Lisa wanted to avoid work or maybe to escape altogether, but it didn't make sense. Even if she relaxes instead of working, that idle time will only prolong how long she will stay here, and with warriors accompanying her, she won't get a chance to escape. They are all guarding prisoners for a reason. No one escapes.

Well, if she really wanted just that, it won't be a problem. And if she wanted to give them a slip, she will find out how that's not an option.

"Sure. You can go with them.", Klark said, and Lisa smiled brightly.

– – –

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– – –

Lisa was happy that after only a small hike through the forest, they got into a car for the rest of their journey. Walking all the way back would be a problem.

"Do you know who the future Luna is?", Lisa started chit chat while Jules was driving. She knew that Marcy was about to arrive, but after considering how Damon was treating Talia, Lisa wanted confirmation.

"Lieutenant Klark told us to keep it to ourselves.", Ron reminded her. "We shouldn't spread or encourage gossip about Alpha."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Aren't I one of you? At least while I'm on this task. Besides, it's not spreading if it stays between us."

Ron thought about how it makes sense. Luna was a big deal and he already talked about it with other guys, so… "Yesterday, a group of women had lunch in town. Beta Maya, Kalina from the Lightclaw pack, and Mindy from the Blue River pack were there. The main person was Marcy from the Red Moon pack. Everyone knows that she has her eyes on Alpha Damon, and with her eating in such a high-profile manner, things seem to be going in the right direction. Also, Alpha Damon specially sent treats. That never happened…"

They were not wrong, except when it came to the person. Their future Luna was at that table, but it was Talia. However, the gossip and people's guesses were navigating toward Marcy.

Lisa listened to every word hungrily and she let out a long sigh.

Of course. Marcy, the princess of the Red Moon pack. Why else would Damon accept someone who was not his fated mate?

They were having lunch in town and enjoying, while Lisa was stuck with dirty work.

Dejection swelled within Lisa.

If she had a noble background, would Tony mark her the moment she turned eighteen years old? If that happened, he wouldn't get to recognize Kalina as his mate, and Lisa wouldn't end up cleaning the fucking dungeon!

Lisa thought about Talia and that made her feel a bit better. Talia was discarded, just like Lisa. Lisa thought how that was something they had in common. Actually, Talia had it worse because Damon ditched her in favor of Marcy who was not even his fated mate.

 

Chapter 392 – Hiding One’s Aura (1) [Bonus Chapter]

Author's note:

Here is a shoutout to blackfirerose!

Thank you, blackfirerose, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 1, 2022!

Your generous gift prompted me to release this bonus chapter!

– – –

Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform , where this novel is published.

Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!

Now back to the novel… ??

– – –

Darkbourne…

Lisa accompanied Jules and Ron to the butcher shop that was on the main street. She didn't want to do this chore, but it was better than cleaning the damned dungeon.

Per Lisa's insistence, they went first to Lisa's apartment. Lisa needed many things from there, but she mostly hoped to see her mother and figure out a way to get her out of that dungeon-cleaning task.

Lisa wanted to talk to Stephanie in person because her mother closed off the mind-link, and she wouldn't pick up the phone either.

Lisa couldn't believe the timing. Was Stephanie aware that her only daughter ended up doing that shitty job?

How Lisa saw this, Stephanie worked in the packhouse since Alpha Damon took over as the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack; and even before that, Stephanie was friends with Damon's mother, and Lisa knew that Stephanie was one of the few people who were close to Damon, close enough that she can mind-link him directly.

Surely, Stephanie can ask for a simple favor like getting some other Omegas to clean that horrid place so that Lisa can get out of there.

Lisa only needed to clarify this big misunderstanding and she could go back to her life that didn't include scraping dried blood from between bricks.

Lisa eagerly looked at the apartment building as they approached it. She didn't like it when they moved in there, but after more than a day in that dark and stinky place, the building in front of her looked like a glitzy palace.

"You don't need to wait for me.", Lisa told Jules and Ron when they exited the car with her. "You can get drinks and meat and come pick me up when done. By then, I will pack my necessities."

Lisa wouldn't dare to give them a slip, but she wanted privacy with her mother, and she also planned to shower and get that dungeon-stench out of her hair.

"We are not pressured for time.", Jules responded with a friendly smile. "Lieutenant Klark told us to stick around and help you if needed."

Lisa was surprised that so far silent Jules was the one talking. His eyes were icy, despite his smile, and she understood that she won't get any privacy. What the hell!?

She cursed Klark silently. It was all his doing!

Ron and Jules went with Lisa to her apartment and waited in the living room.

Unfortunately, Stephanie was not there, so Lisa had no excuses to delay. She grabbed a carry-on suitcase and put inside a few changes of clothes and some cosmetic products.

Since Lisa and Stephanie moved into that apartment recently, she had all those things handy. Actually, Lisa didn't even unpack fully. She hoped that current living arrangements were temporary and they will return to the packhouse.

Lisa was done in less than fifteen minutes, and Ron said, "You were quick. If we went to do get drinks and food, you would end up sitting and waiting for us."

Lisa gave him a stiff smile in response. She wouldn't wait for them! She would do other things! But she didn't dare to complain.

She managed to leave a quick note for her mother, hoping that Stephanie will come to find her in the dungeon. They needed to talk!

Lisa was confident that her current predicament was the result of some mix-up. Surely, her mother won't allow her to suffer like that. Stephanie always doted on her and came whenever Lisa called.

…

The store where they got liquor was in a side street with nothing eventful around it. However, the butcher shop was opposite the town square, so Lisa got a good view of what was going on there.

It was a bright sunny day, with the sun climbing up as noon was approaching, but it was still not too hot to enjoy outside.

Pop music was drifting from somewhere, carried by the breeze. It was not loud, but the beats mixed with melodious voices were clearly heard.

People lingered in front of the boutiques and looked at display windows. Some teens were sitting on the benches in the shade of a few trees that were arranged around the tall clock tower, eating ice cream and telling stories that would make them burst into laughter. And then there were people at tables in front of local cafes that served beverages and snacks.

The atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

People were chatting, laughing, enjoying their lives… and Lisa was stuck with cleaning!

"Are you coming?"

Ron's question got Lisa's attention and she saw him gesturing toward the door of the butcher shop.

"Can you go without me?", Lisa asked. "I will be here and soak in the sun. I didn't get to enjoy the warmth since I arrived…" Lisa swallowed her next words when she saw Jules frowning at her.

Lisa got a warning not to reveal how they are on duty at the dungeon because someone might overhear and follow them. The location of the dungeon was not really top-secret, but they wanted to avoid outsiders finding out about it.

If humans heard something like 'dungeon', they might come to investigate because their lifestyles differ from the ones werewolves have, and the most important rule for werewolves was to conceal their existence in front of humans.

"Stay here so we can see you.", Ron said, and he and Jules went into the butcher store.

Lisa nodded obediently and turned back to observe the town square longingly.

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Talia found her girlfriends at the sweet shop; that was where Zina, Ivy, and Lily were going. They planned to relax and enjoy delicacies, and Talia joined Mindy, Maya, and Kalina in the task related to the upcoming party.

The middle-aged baker recognized Talia, and Talia remembered that he was Hamil, the owner of the sweet shop.

Talia nearly jumped in joy at the sight of samples of cakes and small cookies, and Hamil gave her an extra slice of scrumptious chocolate cake.

Hamil knew that Alpha Damon asked him to make sure Talia gets this serving in the restaurant, and when he saw Talia's bright smile as she eyed the chocolate cake, Hamil knew he made the right choice by giving her the same treat again.

Somehow, her smile reached her eyes and lit up the whole store and Hamil's heart warmed at the thought that products of his labor can make someone genuinely happy.

After confirming that things were as requested and on time, Mindy, Kalina, Maya, and Talia took their packets with samples and went to the local café on the town square to chat.

This was their last stop, because Maya, Mindy, and Kalina already checked with the butcher and the party store, and they had time to linger, enjoy leftover sweets, and hear what news Talia wanted to share.

 

Chapter 393 – Hiding One’s Aura (2)

Talia went with her three girlfriends to the town square, and Maya picked where to sit.

It was outdoor seating at a local café that offered the best Irish coffee in Darkbourne (according to Maya). They also ordered lemonade and sparkling water, to wash down the sweetness from all the cookies they brought with them from the sweetshop.

Once the drinks arrived, and the staff provided them with utensils to indulge in sweet treats, four girlfriends started with chatter over a round table that was packed with goodies that would make anyone drool.

Maya knew that George is an Alpha, but Mindy and Kalina didn't. However, all three of them were aware of Marcy's rejection, and Talia's news of how George's second chance was Dawn made Maya, Mindy, and Kalina pause with a variety of expressions.

Kalina patted her chest dramatically. "Second chance mates. Finding hope when you think that there was none left. How romantic!"

Mindy pouted. "Great! They got their second chance mate, and I didn't get my first one."

"Maybe you didn't deserve it.", Kalina chimed in.

"What's that supposed to mean?", Mindy snapped.

Kalina shrugged. "You are sarcastic and living your life like you don't need a mate. If I need to guess, the Moon Goddess is either fulfilling your wish by letting you stay single, or she is preparing a nasty surprise in the form of a man who will completely dominate you and make you relinquish your independence willingly."

Mindy was speechless. She didn't like either of those two options.

Seeing that Talia was nodding in agreement with Kalina's words, Mindy turned to Maya.

"Do you agree with this?"

Maya blinked at Mindy's question. "What? Sorry, I spaced out."

Kalina burst into giggles. "She just doesn't want to hurt your feelings."

"Now, now…", Mindy's temper was rising as she eyed Kalina. "Don't think that I will let you bully me just because you are Tony's Luna."

"Since when is telling the truth called bullying?", Kalina said teasingly.

Maya didn't pay attention to the friendly spat between Kalina and Mindy. She was processing the information that Dawn was George's mate.

With George being an Alpha, he won't wait to mark his mate, and once that happens, Dawn will get George's DNA and a boost in strength. It takes time to learn to control aura, and if they are not careful, George's secret will be revealed quickly. Sure, George's true identity won't be exposed, but Alpha's aura will attract attention and people will start digging until they find something. There are no more than a dozen of true Alphas in North America.

"Are they in the packhouse?", Maya asked Talia in low voice.

"The last time I saw them, they were in the other place.", Talia responded mysteriously, happy that Mindy and Kalina were bickering and not paying attention to them.

Maya relaxed a bit. With George and Dawn staying away from the party, even if Dawn uncontrollably releases aura, no one will notice.

But Maya couldn't stop herself from worrying because this party was getting more complicated by the second.

"You should see them.", Talia said dreamily. "George was sitting upright, and they were feeding each other. They were genuinely happy."

Maya nodded in agreement and took a big gulp of Irish coffee to hide her stiff expression.

The situation with George and Dawn was only one of the things that might go wrong.

How Maya saw it, the biggest problem were Elders who heard about yesterday's lunch, and based on the information Maya received, those old geezers were coming to the party with a mindset that Damon will introduce Marcy as his Luna.

Initially, Maya thought that people assuming Marcy will be their Luna will be a good thing. All eyes would be on Marcy, and once Marcy shows her true colors, people will dislike her without Maya lifting a finger.

However, the news how Lisa spread information that Talia came from the Red Moon pack messed up with their plan and they ended up rushing with this party, and Maya was not confident that things will go smoothly.

Guests are hoping that Damon will show up with Marcy by his side, and they are preparing to bootlick Marcy, and considering that things are happening before other pieces were in place and that Marcy won't show up at all, there was a big chance that this whole thing will explode in their face.

Damon was aware of all this, but he decided that Talia's safety comes first, and she won't be safe if pack members don't know how important she is.

Normally, Maya would support this. From the beginning, Maya thought how keeping Talia in the dark was a mistake, but now she wished for some extension because this was NOT good timing for the grand reveal.

Maya had a feeling that Talia showing up at the party tonight will be like throwing oil into the fire and hoping for the best.

It would be good if Shaman Gideon makes an appearance. Everyone from the older generation respects him, and Gideon would definitely speak in favor of the mate bond. Unfortunately, he is one of the few who still didn't respond to the invitation, and that usually hinted that he won't come.

Maya reminded herself that worrying won't accomplish anything. Things might go either way and she was unable to predict how fifty-something people will react when Damon reveals that Talia is his fated mate.

Maya paid attention to the chatter around the table, and Maya couldn't believe that Kalina and Mindy were still bickering.

"Hey, hey!", Maya called and spoke to Mindy. "If you want a mate, just stick to Talia."

Talia's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Me?" She was eating cookies and giggling at Mindy and Kalina. Why was Maya dragging her into that?

Maya nodded knowingly. "I never saw mates recognize each other before, yet mated couples are sprouting around you like mushrooms after rain."

"Maybe that's Talia's power.", Kalina said with sparkles in her eyes. She always liked theories that insinuated magical stuff. Mermaids included.

Talia bobbed her head. "Sure. But it's not just me. All of you were around. So maybe that's the power of us being together."

Kalina liked this even more. She raised her glass of lemonade and announced, "Let's drink for mates!"

"I don't have one.", Mindy grumbled.

"But you will. Soon.", Maya said mysteriously. "Because we are together."

Mindy didn't believe squat of what Maya said.

"You think so?", Mindy asked, her words laced with sarcasm.

Maya nodded confidently. "You are not leaving home without a mate, missy. Now raise that drink, and let's toast!"

Mindy shook her head, but she still smiled and got her glass. Mindy never thought much about mates, but now that she was sitting at the table with mated women, she felt like an odd one. And she was.

"So, what kind of a mate you desire?", Kalina asked Mindy. "Since we have the power to get you mated, we might fulfill your wishes."

 

Chapter 394 – Hiding One’s Aura (3)

Talia really liked the easy-going teasing of Mindy, so she joined. "Do you want your mate to be tall, short, with a pointy nose…?"

Talia, Kalina, and Maya burst into giggles when Mindy made a face.

"Who wants pointy noses?", Mindy asked. "He should be pointy down there." She was gesturing to her crotch area.

"Pointy note taken!", Maya exclaimed. "What else? Come on. The more specific you are, the better we can serve you."

"You wanted to say that he can serve Mindy.", Kalina chimed in. "A must-have requirement for a mate should be broad, muscular shoulders, so you can hold onto them while he is serving you with his pointy thing…"

And another round of giggles began.

"How big should he be?", Maya asked and gestured with her hands in front of her chest, spreading them slowly and making faces the further she went.

"Keep going.", Mindy said with a sly smile. "Big is good."

Talia, Kalina, Mindy, and Maya were laughing and having a good time and they didn't notice a female approaching them.

Lisa was only three steps away from them when Maya stopped laughing abruptly. Kalina, Mindy, and Talia also looked at the newcomer.

"Lisa?", Maya called, unable to hide her surprise.

Maya knew very well that Lisa had no good thoughts about Kalina or Talia. Wasn't she supposed to clean the dungeon?

Maya was cursing internally while thinking of ways how she will punish those useless Lieutenants. How are they securing that place when they can't keep one female there? Maya strictly told them that Lisa can't leave that place until she is done cleaning, and it was obvious that she can't finish so quickly. What the hell?

Seeing Lisa's sour expression, Maya knew that Lisa will cause a scene.

Lisa narrowed her eyes while examining the faces of four young women, none was laughing anymore and they obviously all looked at Lisa while waiting to see what she will do.

With her werewolf sight, Lisa had no problems identifying four females at this table all the way from the butcher shop. She could see them laughing and chatting without a care in the world. Lisa's legs moved on their own, driven by curiosity and dejection, and she completely forgot about Jules and Ron who told her not to move from there.

As Lisa approached them, she gritted her teeth at the sight of tasty treats on their table, and she heard them chatting about mates. Lisa knew everyone at the table.

One was Kalina, the woman who now got to enjoy Tony's embrace and the title of the future Luna of the Lightclaw pack. Lisa never liked Maya who came to the Dark Howlers pack a few years ago and she was bossy from the start. Lisa thought about how she will retaliate against Maya once she becomes Luna, but that didn't happen. Lisa didn't have many thoughts about Mindy, but how can a wolf-less she-wolf like Talia enjoy with all these high-ranking members when Lisa was stuck in a freaking dungeon?

"What is this? Goodbye for the abandoned one?", Lisa asked while eyeing Talia.

Mindy's eyebrows came together in a frown. "Who is abandoned?" Mindy didn't know who Lisa was, but she couldn't imagine that any she-wolf from the Dark Howlers pack would cause a scene in Maya's presence.

Lisa lifted her nose. "Now that Damon is about to make Marcy his Luna, the third wheel needs to leave." She glanced at Kalina. "Are you enjoying your place by Tony's side?"

Kalina heard Maya calling Lisa by her name, but Kalina hoped that it was some other Lisa and not Tony's ex. However, just by the poison in Lisa's voice, Kalina confirmed Lisa's identity.

Maya stood up in slow motion and faced Lisa, blocking Lisa's view of the table with her body.

"You have no idea what you are talking about, Lisa. I suggest you apologize and leave."

"Apologize to whom?", Lisa asked Maya. "To the one who took my man? Or to Miss Talia?"

Lisa ignored Kalina's hostility and craned her neck to see Talia behind Maya. "Are you hiding behind Maya, since Damon won't lift a finger for you? Are you drowning your sorrows in sweets because Damon is busy with Marcy?"

Maya waved her arms in panic while considering if she should knock Lisa out here in the middle of the day in front of witnesses. Maya feared that Lisa will start blabbering how Talia came from the Red Moon pack, or that she will continue insulting Talia, or maybe switch to Kalina.

But before Maya could decide, Lisa was still talking to Talia.

"I told you that this will happen. Didn't I? I told you that Damon will find his Luna and it will be either his mate or a she-wolf worthy of being his Luna, and you are neither." Lisa glanced at Mindy and Kalina. "Are you hoping that they will find you another guy to stick to? Are you…? Ugh…" Lisa groaned and her whole body bent at an unusual angle.

Maya gritted her teeth while trying to keep standing, but she knew that the vicious aura assaulting her from the back was Talia's. Lisa crossed the line… Talia's line.

– – –

— This work is published on the NovelFire platform . Thank you for reading from the original site to support the author! —

– – –

"What did you say?", Talia asked Lisa through her teeth.

Maya scuttled to her right and plopped on her chair, allowing Talia to have a clear view of Lisa.

With her peripheral vision, Maya saw Jules and Ron rushing toward them, but when they came into the reach of Talia's aura, they stopped abruptly, as if they hit an invisible wall. Maya also saw that patrons at the neighboring tables were frozen in shock, unable to move.

Talia was completely focused on Lisa, and she was angry. How dares Lisa say how Damon's hands were busy with Marcy?

Talia didn't notice the commotion she caused. Even her friends, Kalina and Mindy, had their heads lowered, and Lisa who took the brunt of Talia's anger, was down on her knees and hands.

"Repeat that!", Talia snapped.

Lisa cried weakly. She felt like her body was crushed from all sides and there was a metallic taste in her mouth.

Talia saw red. She didn't care that Lisa was Stephanie's daughter. The only thing she saw was a vicious woman who thought that she had the right to hurt others just because she was hurting.

"Kitten…", Talia heard Damon's voice sounding close to her ear. He was breathy, and it was obvious he was running.

When Stephanie told Damon that Talia went to Darkbourne, he finished a few important things, and then went after Talia. He wanted to let her have fun with her friends, he really did, but he was also nervous about her safety, so he came to check on her. His plan was to see her from afar and not come close, but when he saw Lisa there, Damon rushed toward Talia, and not a minute too soon.

Damon's arms wrapped around Talia, and she leaned on him.

"Let me handle her.", he said.

Talia turned to look at Damon. "I thought you did. She is back."

 

Chapter 395 – Hiding One’s Aura (4) [Bonus Chapter]

Author's note:

Here is a shoutout to KalisteKitten!

Thank you, KalisteKitten, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 3, 2022!

Your generous gift prompted me to release this bonus chapter!

– – –

Note: comments that matter, gifts, and votes are available only on the NovelFire platform , where this novel is published.

Thank you for reading my story from the original source and not supporting people who are publishing my work without permission!

Now back to the novel… ??

– – –

At first, Talia gave Lisa the benefit of the doubt because she was Stephanie's daughter, because she grew up as Damon's sister, and Talia thought how Lisa was heartbroken because Tony found his mate. But now Talia understood that Lisa was just malicious and finding pleasure in someone else's misery.

What kind of a person will pull others down just because she suffered a loss?

It was obvious that Lisa was talking with assumption that Talia was abandoned. A normal reaction would be to show sympathy or to ignore it, but instead, Lisa gloated because someone else was dumped. And then she also said how Damon chose Marcy.

Talia knew that was not true. Was Lisa lying on purpose, or was she misinformed? It didn't matter. Those were lies. LIES! But Lisa's words were full of malevolence and they reminded Talia of numerous times she was bullied, and Talia lost it.

Talia was looking at Damon, but her anger toward Lisa didn't subside.

'SNAP… CRACK…'

The sounds weren't loud, but everyone heard them. Bones cracking.

"ARGH!" Lisa's scream was pitiful as her body twitched on the ground.

Damon could feel Talia's anger swelling, and he had no idea how far it could go, but he needed to stop it before it escalates, and people notice something was off.

Damon knew that Talia was adjusting to her powers and aura, and without the help of her wolf, it could take a while.

If Lisa gets permanently hurt, Talia would be sad (after she cools off), and Damon didn't want Talia to dirty her hands. If anyone needs to be tortured and killed, he would do it.

The only good thing was that other than a few humans present who observed them with curiosity, everyone else bowed in submission, and only Lisa was suffering, otherwise, it would be hard to contain this.

He cupped Talia's cheeks, and spoke softly, "Kitten. Stay with me. Don't let it consume you."

Talia felt Damon's worry and she took a deep breath to stabilize her emotions. His scent of the forest and dark chocolate helped.

Feeling that Talia was back in control, Damon threw an angry glance at Maya, and she didn't need a mind-link to know that she messed up. Lisa caught them all by surprise and it all happened in a matter of a few seconds, but still… Maya was supposed to prevent this.

"I will investigate to see how she got out. This will not happen again.", Maya said.

Of course, Maya was planning to roast Jules and Ron, and Lieutenant Klark also.

The poor warriors didn't know why Lisa ended up in the dungeon. Jules and Ron saw that Lisa was scheming something and they were confident that Lisa won't be able to give them a slip, so they allowed a longer leash in order to see what she was up to. If they knew that Lisa got in trouble due to her nasty mouth, they would gag her, or probably not bring her with them at all.

If it was just Beta Maya, it wouldn't be so bad, but it was obvious that Alpha Damon was furious. Will they be demoted or sent to the survival training? Well, things could be worse than that.

Kalina and Mindy looked at Talia with admiration and confusion. Both of them felt suppression that eased only when Damon showed up. It was definitely coming from Talia, and considering that Damon still didn't mark her, that aura was Talia's alone.

Mindy had her eyes on Talia from the Summer Solstice festival, and she didn't look down on Talia, but Mindy didn't know that Talia was this awesome either. Is this why her brother was interested in Talia and tried to bring her to the Blue River pack?

The most shocked one was Lisa. She sensed that the vicious aura came from Talia's direction, but… isn't Talia a wolf-less she-wolf?

Lisa felt a tickle at the edge of her lips, and she wiped it with the back of her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw blood. Well, that explained the metallic taste in her mouth.

"You are a monster…", Lisa spoke weakly while pushing herself to sit. Every cell of her body was aching, and she was confident that a few ribs and her right leg were broken.

Damon heard Lisa clearly and he knew that those words were directed at Talia.

The problem was that if he could hear Lisa, there was a chance that others heard that also, and he couldn't allow people to think badly of Talia, not before they see how wonderful she is first. He needed to make it look like it was his doing.

Before anyone could react, Damon moved like a flash, and gripped Lisa's neck, lifting her off the ground. Her body swayed limply.

"What did you call me?", Damon squeezed through his teeth. "What did you call your Alpha?"

Lisa's eyes bulged out as she struggled to breathe.

Another wave of murderous aura hit Lisa. Her animalistic instincts told her that her life was in danger, and she was not wrong. Damon would snap her neck like a twig if that meant assuring Talia's safety, regardless of how many humans were watching.

Lisa already made a lot of damage. Damon will never forget that Lisa ate food Talia made for him; it was the first meal Talia prepared for him, and Lisa took it away! And then Lisa said something that made Talia go into the forest and have a nasty encounter with rogues. Damon nearly lost her, damn it! And then Lisa blabbered how Talia was not worthy, and she came from the Red Moon pack… and now this. How much trouble can one bitter woman cause?

When Stephanie heard that Lisa was assigned to cleaning duty in the dungeon, Stephanie said that it was time for Lisa to grow up.

As a mother, Stephanie's instinct was to help Lisa and shelter her, no matter if she was right or wrong but Stephanie realized that her actions enabled Lisa to be unreasonable, so she decided to let Lisa face the world. Lisa was old enough to understand that actions and words have consequences. It was overdue.

"So-sorry…", Lisa stammered, and she plopped on the ground with a wail when Damon released her.

Lisa didn't dare to look up at Damon, so she stayed on the ground. She was never in such a pitiful state before. Lisa was drenched in sweat like she had just come out of the shower and her whole body ached to the point that she couldn't speak. Was it possible that she suffered internal injuries?

Lisa could see that Damon returned to half-kneel by Talia's side and he wrapped her in his arms, like she was the one who got hurt.

Lisa wondered if she got it wrongly. She was confident that the first aura came from Talia, but how can that nobody have such power? It must be Damon's aura. But… Why would Damon be so gentle toward Talia? What about Marcy?

"Alpha! Beta!", Jules and Ron greeted in unison, and Jules said grimly, "We apologize. She was supposed to be…"

"Save it!", Maya cut him off, and continued through mind-link for both Jules and Ron, 'Lock her up and make sure she doesn't come out. Medical assistance won't be provided unless her life is in danger. Lisa insulted our Alpha, and that's a serious crime. I want an official report from Lieutenant Klark on how she managed to get here.'

'Yes, Beta!', Jules and Ron responded in unison before grabbing Lisa below her armpits and taking her away with them.

Maya reluctantly turned toward Damon, ready to get more scoldings and she was surprised to see Damon scooping Talia in his arms.

"Let me take you home…", he said, and Talia leaned on him.

Talia was aware that people were watching, but she didn't care. Not now. She was sick of people pushing other women on Damon and she had no intention of hiding anymore.

Everyone present saw Damon walking out of the town square with a woman in his arms, and that woman was not Marcy or Cassie. It was Talia.

Maya plopped on the chair, happy that this crisis passed somehow.

"Did you know that Talia is an Alpha?", Mindy asked Maya in a whisper.

Maya responded by putting her finger over her lips, indicating it's a secret.

Kalina didn't know the true reason why Talia's background was kept a secret, but she understood that things were not simple.

Kalina remembered a story her grandma used to tell which explained why female Alphas were rare. Over the centuries, power-hungry werewolves would get their hands on female Alphas and they would mark them forcibly with the goal to breed and get Alpha offspring. That is why female Alphas would usually conceal their power until they find their mate who can protect them.

Kalina assumed that this was the case with Talia and once Damon officially makes Talia his Luna, Talia will be able to reveal who she truly is.

 

Chapter 396 – Damon’s Patience For Talia

Damon carried Talia princess style down the main street of Darkbourne, and they ignored all gazes directed their way.

Damon's steps halted in front of the black armored Lexus SUV.

"Do you want a ride back to the packhouse, or should I carry you?", Damon asked with a lopsided smile that made Talia's heart skip a beat. She loved how he was able to carry her like she weighs nothing.

"Do we need to go back?"

Damon didn't understand why Talia's mood dropped. That was their home. "Why not?"

"Steph is there. After what I did to Lisa, I don't know how to face her."

"Don't worry about Lisa. She is a werewolf. No matter what you did, she will heal."

"Will Steph think that way?", Talia asked suspiciously.

"Don't worry about Steph. She is aware that Lisa crossed the line more than once."

Talia doubted that Stephanie was fine with Lisa being in the dungeon. Everyone knew that Stephanie doted on Lisa. A lot. "Is Steph fine with Lisa's punishment?"

"She is not.", Damon said flatly. "However, Steph tried talking to Lisa, I ordered Lisa to stay away, Maya spoke with her, but Lisa refuses to listen to reason and she is seeking trouble repeatedly. Steph knows that being in the dungeon is one of the lighter punishments for a she-wolf. Unless we are interrogating prisoners, they are not being mistreated. If Lisa uses this as a chance to grow up, she won't blame Steph or us, instead, she will apologize and fix her ways."

Talia thought how that was reasonable, but that didn't mean Lisa will see it that way. Just as Damon said, Lisa was repeatedly looking for trouble, she disregarded authority, and she was acting like the whole world was set on bullying her. But instead of fixing her ways, Lisa was escalating. Talia clearly remembered how Lisa gloated at the thought that Damon abandoned Talia. What was that about? Talia doubted that Lisa will change unless something drastic happens, and staying in the dungeon didn't seem to be enough.

"So?", Damon asked Talia. "Which one will it be?" He glanced at the car and then down the street, reminding her of options to return to the packhouse. "My services are available, and you won't need to walk, regardless of which one you choose."

Talia thought for a moment before responding. "I think that ride is more practical", and he shouldn't leave his car in the town, "but I really like when you hold me like this."

Damon chuckled. "One doesn't exclude the other."

He walked to the driver's side and pushed the button that slid the seat backward, and then he sat there with Talia in his lap.

"How is this?", Damon asked and started the engine.

Talia leaned on Damon and nuzzled his neck with her nose. "Perfect."

Her breath tickled his skin and the pressure in his groin area increased.

Damon cleared his throat. "Do that again, and I will drive this car into the nearest bush." He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously and Talia couldn't prevent her lips from lifting into a smile. Her Alpha was playful and insatiable, and she wouldn't want him any other way.

Talia's arms moved around Damon, and she relished the peace that resided in her heart. Her fears, irritation, and chaos of the world were gone, and Talia knew how that was the effect of Damon's proximity.

Something told her that as long as they were together, they will be undefeatable, and that sensation of security was addictive. She didn't want to let go of him, ever.

The drive to the packhouse was about five minutes long and Talia really wished it to last longer; until evening, or until forever, because she enjoyed profusely Damon's addictive scent and the heat that radiated from his body. That was her mate, her other half, her everything.

– – –

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– – –

"We are here, kitten…", Damon murmured, and Talia blinked to see that they were in the garage of the packhouse.

The garage is a separate building, less than a minute away from the packhouse. Normally, Damon would stop the car in front of the packhouse, and an Omega would park the car properly, but this time, Damon decided to go all the way because he could feel that Talia enjoyed the ride.

"Thank you.", Talia said.

"For?"

"For making it look like you suppressed Lisa at the town square." She knew that if people figured out it was her, there was a chance that people would fear her, and that was not a good impression for a Luna. Somehow, Damon always put her first, and Talia appreciated it.

Damon's lips lifted into a smirk. "That was not suppression."

"What was it?"

"Complete dominance, kitten. Your aura is stronger than mine."

Talia doubted that. "You would say anything to make me feel better."

"I am not joking. I can make people bow and obey my command, but I was never able to break bones."

"Maybe that was my ability.", Talia said while waving her fingers, simulating the silvery light that Damon described after he saw her in the lake when she stopped the currents.

Damon disagreed. "Your eyes were normal. This was not magic. It was your aura."

Talia was not sure what to think about this. Will she end up hurting people whenever she gets upset?

She thought how it was lucky that the mate bond prevented her from harming Damon. She loved him to pieces, but the reality was that he was the one making her angry the most.

"What's on your mind?", Damon asked.

"How to control the aura. I don't want to harm people accidentally. I know you said that I will figure it out in time, but I feel that I don't have time. Can you teach me?"

At moments like these, Damon wished for Talia's wolf to be present. His wolf taught him about those things and having an insider who can guide her while feeling the same emotions first-hand would be the best.

But Talia was right there, needing answers, and Damon did his best to coach her.

"You won't harm people accidentally. You can think of the aura as a projection of your will. In the town square, your anger was directed at Lisa, and she was the only one harmed."

Talia thought about Damon's words and realized he was right. This put her mind at ease a bit, but she hoped for more, so she looked at him expectantly.

"It might appear that it happens when your emotions are unstable, but that's only in the beginning. When it happens, remember that emotion, kitten. If you can repeat it at will, you will control the aura."

Talia knew that his words made sense, but… "I wish I can practice this somehow. You are the only one who knows about this and can teach me, but you are immune."

Damon's eyebrow twitched. "You would practice on me?"

"You said you will train me. How is that different compared to kicking and grappling?"

Damon was speechless. She was right, but at the same time, it didn't sound right. He was happy about the mate bond protecting him, otherwise, his adorable mate would turn him into a lab rat.

"Be patient. It will happen when it's supposed to happen.", Damon said.

"It's easy for you to say. You can release aura at will, while I feel like I'm a ticking bomb."

Damon didn't deny it. "I can release it at will, but I don't have full control. When my anger flares, I can see that people around me are affected, but I'm not in a state where I would care about it. There is a reason why weaklings stay away from me. The important part is to recognize when it happens…"

Talia sat in Damon's lap and enjoyed listening to Damon who was patiently answering her questions. And what made it extra special was that Talia knew Damon was patient only with her.

His voice was deep, his scent filled the interior of the car, the garage made it feel like the world outside was non-existent, and Talia wouldn't mind if they stayed in there forever.

—

Chapter 397 – Preparations For The Party (1)

The afternoon passed quickly with preparations for the upcoming party.

Everyone helped, and the packhouse was buzzing with activity.

Zina, Stephanie, Ivy, and Lily were busy in the kitchen, Rose was all over the place, and they also had a few additional Omegas to help where needed.

Other than food preparations, the main activity revolved around setting up the event hall and the garden with tables, chairs, and decorations.

The guests were supposed to arrive at five o'clock in the afternoon, so when Damon noticed that it was about one hour before the party started, he thanked Tony, Kalina, Paul, Nate, Greg, and Mindy for their help, and told them to go and get ready. The rest will be done by Omegas.

Mindy also got a task to mind-link Maddox and to remind him that he and Tanya should make appearances. Considering who was coming, Damon wanted to maximize high-ranking people who were on good terms with Talia.

During the afternoon, Dawn and George came to the packhouse.

When Dawn mind-linked Maya about this (Talia doesn't have the mind-link, and Dawn didn't dare to disturb Alpha Damon), Talia suggested that they arrange a room for them on the second floor. Since the group from the Midnight pack left abruptly with Meg, they already had rooms that were recently set up with toiletries and everything, and Rose needed only a few minutes to change bedsheets and bring fresh towels.

George was on the first floor only because of Marcy and because they wanted to give not-so-welcome treatment to the group from the Red Moon pack. However, a lot of things happened, and considering that George is an Alpha and Dawn's mate, Talia thought that he shouldn't get unfavorable treatment, so they moved his stuff into the room that Rose prepared.

Under Dawn's guidance, the newly mated couple changed their location, and settled into a room on the second floor of the packhouse, without bumping into anyone.

Of course, Talia asked Damon if he agreed with this room upgrade, and Damon approved.

Talia got another idea.

"You said that we should entertain James because he is helpful and we can't trust him. How about we set up three rooms on the first floor and ask Petra, Erik, and Zack to stay there while James is visiting? They were getting along well during breakfast, and based on reports they sent through the day, they were having fun…"

Damon liked this. As a bonus, Erik, Petra, and Zack can keep an eye on James.

– – –

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– – –

In a room on the second floor…

Dawn laid on the bed, sprawled on top of George whose arms were around her naked form, and she was beaming from happiness.

So many things happened, that she didn't have the time to process them.

She found her mate, got marked, and for the last couple of hours, they were having fantastic sex. Dawn was not sure if he grinned more while exploring her body, or while eating cinnamon rolls she prepared for him.

It was beyond her wildest imagination, and now, Dawn was staying in a room on the second floor of the packhouse! That's for important people!

Dawn would think how all this was just a wonderful dream, but the sparks of their bond prickled her skin wherever they touched and happiness pouring into her through the mate bond was real, and it was coming from George, and it confirmed that he was elated by the current events, just as she was.

George gazed at Dawn with a smile in his eyes, and he relished the sense of belonging he didn't know before.

His eyes sparkled when his attention fell on the mark that was forming on her neck. He gently touched her there, and Dawn inhaled a shaky breath, her eyelids falling halfway instantly as a wave of arousal swelled within her. That was such a sensitive spot.

Dawn's eyes lost focus for a moment, and he frowned with concern.

"What is it?", he asked. He knew that she was contacted through the mind-link and the fact that she was visibly surprised got him curious.

"It was Alpha Damon. He said that we can join the party if we want. He said that it will be good for you.", Dawn said and thought for a moment before saying, "I guess that as a Commander, you should represent your pack."

Dawn wondered if George will return to the Red Moon pack and risk scolding from Alpha Edward, or if he will stay here. She told him how that was a possibility. Did he have time to think about it? Probably not.

Dawn would love it if they decided to call the Dark Howlers pack their home. Dawn had many friends here, and she heard rumors that Omegas get bad treatment in the Red Moon pack. Sure, George has a status, but without his protection, she was a nobody. Things will be great when they are together, but what will happen when he goes to train, or on a mission?

If they go there, she will need to sever her ties to the Dark Howlers pack, and join the Red Moon pack, and that was not something she was looking forward to.

George didn't notice Dawn's mood dropping, as he was having his own worries.

As a Commander, George was not invited to social gatherings even at the Red Moon pack. His instincts told him that Damon's invitation was confirmation of how they know about his identity.

That brought George to another question, how did they find out about the rejection? Marcy was unconscious and she couldn't tell anyone what happened, and just by finding two incapacitated people, they should think about sickness, poison, attack, anything other than rejection by a mate. After all, that rarely happens.

George remembered that Dawn told him with certainty how she knew what got him into that state, and that pointed to the possibility of cameras in the room.

Well, that explained Damon's change in attitude when he congratulated him on finding his mate. He knew.

Damn it! Things just got complicated.

But Damon didn't call him out, and George was not sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"George?"

Dawn's voice got George's attention.

"We don't need to go if you don't want to.", Dawn said.

George realized that his expression was not good, and Dawn was worried about him.

"Do you want to go?", he asked.

Was he kidding? Yes! For years, Dawn watched these parties from the side, and the fact that Alpha Damon rarely threw parties only made them more special. This was Dawn's chance to attend such a fancy occasion and not because she was serving drinks. But she also wanted to stay in bed with George.

George could see her expressions changing.

If it was up to him, he wouldn't go. But Alpha Damon's invitation was not for Commander George; it was for Alpha George. And it seemed that Dawn wanted to go. How can he decline this to his adorable mate?

George chuckled and rolled them over, ending on top of her.

"How about this…?", he paused to kiss her chin. "We will go. If you like it, we will stay, and if you don't like it, we will leave."

Dawn smiled brightly. She loved that he made it about her. Dawn knew that compared to George, she was a nobody, yet he treated her like she was important. She really really liked that.

"I accept to attend this party as your date, Commander George."

George hummed in approval. "As my date. As my mate."

Dawn sucked in a sharp breath and her brows came together.

"What?", he asked.

"I don't have anything to wear."

George propped himself on his elbows and glanced down at her naked body. "You are perfect. Stunning."

Dawn's cheeks heated. George just complimented her! That will never get old.

"But I don't want anyone to see you like this. That's mine.", George said grimly, and his tone softened as he continued, "Don't worry about the clothes. This is not a formal party. And even if it is, as my mate, you can wear whatever you want."

"Ha-ha…", Dawn laughed mockingly. "That's a good one. Maybe you can show up in a t-shirt and jeans and look amazing, but a girl needs a dress."

Dawn's eyes lost focus for a moment as she mind-linked Zina.

"Done?", George asked when Dawn's attention was back on him.

"Yes.", she confirmed.

George hummed in approval and glanced at the time.

Dawn didn't miss this, and the fire in his eyes told her that they won't be resting.

She hugged him tightly and returned his kisses, ready to get lost in his passionate embrace again.

 

Chapter 398 – Preparations For The Party (2)

Damon stood on the balcony off the master bedroom and looked down at the garden that was set up to accommodate guests who would come out of the event hall, probably when the sun sets, and the heat eases up.

There were eight round tables, each with a pristine white tablecloth on it, and a bouquet of white and purple flowers. Bunches of white and purple balloons were placed at certain points in the garden, to create an invisible border around the area designated for the event.

Bushes in the garden were covered with soft fairy lights that will be turned on in the evening to illuminate the space discretely.

It was almost five o'clock in the afternoon, and the guests still didn't arrive, so the only people in the garden were Omegas who were busy with finishing touches.

Damon sneered while thinking about people who will come tonight into his house. They were definitely not welcome.

When his father was the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack, many people got a title of an Elder. Other than retired Betas and Gammas of the pack, Damon's father bestowed that title to retired generals, lieutenants, and also civilians such as the principal of the school, and the town mayor. Basically, everyone who contributed in some way got a title of an Elder upon retiring from their role.

Damon's father believed that Elders were advisors to the Alpha and act as Alpha's proxies in his absence, and he also believed that every person is important.

Those so-called Elders had no recognition outside the pack, but inside, they were influential; mostly because others believed that Elders were close to the Alpha and that by doing favors to Elders, they were currying favors with the Alpha.

When Damon took over as the Alpha, Elders officially lost their significance, but people were still used to looking up to them, so each of the Elders maintained some sort of influence to this day.

Werewolves have an innate desire for power, so instead of putting their heads together to work for the pack, it turned into Elders amassing power for themselves.

Damon still remembers how they tried to use him when he took over as the Alpha. Some of them advised him to give up the territory to other packs because he was young and inexperienced. They wrapped all that into lies of protecting the best interests of the pack, but Damon knew that those Elders were doing it for benefit. That's why Damon allowed them to keep the roles, but he removed them from any duties that might be impactful.

Damon's hostility toward Elders was amplified by his suspicion that some of them were involved in the so-called accident where his parents perished.

Damon released a long breath to stabilize his emotions. By thinking about the past, he was getting angry, and he didn't want Talia to feel his turmoil. She should be composed and happy because tonight is the night his kitten will finally step forward as his woman in front of pack members. Damon was excited.

…

Talia came out of the closet, and she paused at the majestic sight of Damon from the back.

He was standing ramrod straight, with his hands behind his broad back, in a black short-sleeved shirt that was tucked in his black pants, and his raven-black hair was slicked back. He was ready for the party, at least from the outside. Talia could feel emotions brewing inside him, and she knew that he had a lot on his mind.

She tiptoed toward Damon and hugged him from the back.

"It will be OK.", she said.

Damon put his hands over Talia's that were resting on his chest.

"It will."

They were comforting each other, even though neither of them knew how this evening will end.

Damon and Talia discussed this, objectively and rationally, and they knew that this was not the best time to reveal the truth that they were mates but… when was the good time?

"Let me see you.", Damon said and turned to face Talia.

She stepped back and twirled on her toes. "What do you think?"

He wanted her to wear white or silver because she was so pure and adorable, but she insisted on a dark color to match him.

Damon let her have it. In his eyes, she looked perfect in anything.

Talia was wearing a black short-sleeved dress that hugged her upper body and flared from the waist down, reaching just above her knees. The line in the area of her waist was embellished with small crystals and sparkling, and her hair was slightly wavy and pinned above her ears with pins that had sparkling crystals, just like her dress. Talia's appearance was youthful and elegant, with just a touch of makeup, and Damon thought that she looked like a fairy. His fairy.

"You are stunning.", Damon said and licked his lips slowly. "But I prefer you naked."

Talia rolled her eyes, but she enjoyed the compliment. And she knew that he meant it. Both of those.

Damon paused for a moment before saying, "Travis is on his way to the study. He just did a checkup on Marcy and has updates."

"Let's go." She also wanted to hear updates.

…

The news Travis brought was not catastrophic, but it was not good either. Marcy's condition was still deteriorating and if she doesn't show signs of improvement at the checkup the next morning, Travis wanted Marcy to be transferred to the hospital.

With that, Travis took his medical bag and headed out of the study.

"Will you come to the party?", Talia asked Travis before he reached the door. As the pack doctor, he was invited.

"Yes. I am going to check on Commander George, and then I will get ready." He gestured toward his t-shirt and shorts. "This is not party appropriate."

Talia smiled, happy that another friendly face will be there. She remembered one thing, "Did you mind-link Dawn? To make sure it's safe to… uhm… you know."

"I did, before coming here.", Travis assured her that things were under control. He knew that newly-mated couples can't get their hands off each other, and that's why he gave Dawn a heads-up so that she and George were not in a compromising situation when he comes. He didn't want to intrude.

"Dinner will be served at seven.", Talia reminded him.

"I will be back by then.", Travis said and bowed to Damon before heading out. He wanted to bow to Talia also, but he feared that Damon will be hostile. Travis decided to feign ignorance about Talia being their Luna until Damon announces it officially.

Travis nearly bumped into Caden and Maya who were about to knock on the door.

"Are we late for updates?", Caden asked. They knew that Travis was here.

"Come in.", Damon called. "We will tell you the gist of it. Travis has work to do before he can join the party."

Caden and Maya didn't like the news that Marcy's condition is worsening.

They were hoping that Marcy will appear at the party and be able to turn this situation around. Marcy was definitely hiding the fact that George was her mate, and Maya thought that they can use that information to blackmail Marcy into obedience.

 

Chapter 399 – Preparations For The Party (3)

"This party has a horrible timing, but it's too late to cancel.", Maya said. "First guests are arriving as we speak. Everything we planned either failed or was only halfway done and that brought us to the current situation where most of the guests will expect to see Marcy as our future Luna."

Damon pinched the roof of his nose. They had one thing that could discredit Marcy as his Luna, the video of George accepting Marcy's rejection. Unfortunately, that would disclose George's identity, and Damon wanted to avoid that if possible.

In Damon's opinion, George could be a valuable pawn, or maybe even an ally, but if they announce that the Alpha of the Frostcrest pack is alive, George will turn into an enemy and will be a threat, assuming that he lives long for that. And Damon knew that Talia won't forgive him if he endangers Dawn's mate.

They needed another way to deal with this situation.

"Any last-minute ideas?", Damon asked his Betas.

"I think that you should tell everyone that Talia is your mate, right away.", Caden said. "You know how they are, echoing each other's nonsense and finding strength in numbers. The longer we delay this, the more they will reinforce the idea that Talia is your assistant, and with Marcy not showing up, they will assume that she is going for the dramatic effect of the main guest coming last."

Maya didn't think it was that bad. "We don't need to announce Talia as the Luna right away. I agree. Guests will talk among each other, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We can use that to sway opinions." She made a dramatic pause before continuing. "We can discredit Marcy and remind people about Talia's recent contributions. The more people have a favorable opinion of Talia, the better. And then, there is the bond. People who believe that the mate bond is sacred, won't dare to raise their voices against Talia."

"But I'm not marked.", Talia reminded everyone. "Why would they believe I'm Damon's mate, and not an excuse to reject Marcy and stir trouble with the Red Moon pack?"

"Shaman Gideon could help with that.", Caden said.

"Is he coming?", Damon asked.

Maya shook her head and shrugged, indicating that she was not sure. The man didn't RSVP, and his mind-link was shut down, so it was highly likely he had no plans to attend this event.

"Do you think he can help?", Talia asked as the spark of hope ignited in her.

"Definitely.", Maya and Caden said in unison, and Maya explained, "He could perform a ritual that will confirm you are mates. Many of these old geezers respect him because they believe that he is the spokesperson for the Moon Goddess."

Talia looked at Damon. "We need to make sure he comes."

Damon made a face. "Do you think I should drag him here?"

"I know you have a grudge with him, but we can ask him politely. In person.", Talia said.

Damon groaned. "He doesn't like me." And Damon didn't like him either.

"He was nice toward me.", Talia reminded Damon. Gideon was nice, all to the point when Damon came and broke the door and dragged Talia out of there.

"Nice doesn't cut it, kitten. Our grudges run deep."

Talia looked at him stubbornly. "I want to try."

Maya and Caden took a step back, ready to watch the show because this was their Luna standing up to the Alpha. The only thing missing was the popcorn for Betas to munch on.

Damon was exasperated. "We can't go now. It takes at least half an hour to reach there and come back, and who knows how much time it will take him to get ready, assuming that you can convince him to come. Guests are here, what will they say if hosts don't show up for the first hour or two of the party?"

"Host.", Talia said.

Damon didn't get it. "What?"

"Host.", Talia repeated. "They are expecting you. Not the two of us."

Damon's brows came together in a frown when he realized… "You want to go there without me. That's not happening."

Talia steeled her resolve. "You need to stay here, appear among guests, and stir the conversation in the direction where Marcy is bad and I'm good. I'm not needed for it. Actually, it's better if I'm not here because I will just sound like a bitter woman, and people will think that you are saying nice things about me only because I'm present."

Damon puffed his cheeks. Somehow, Talia's words made sense. But there was no way he will let her go alone. "Maya will go with you."

"No.", Talia firmly rejected.

Damon couldn't believe this. "What?"

"There are more than fifty guests. If you want to sway the opinions effectively, you will need more people. Who is better than Maya and Caden?"

"You are not going to see Shaman on your own."

"I won't go on my own, but I can't go with two people who are the most reliable."

Both Maya and Caden puffed their chest at Talia's words. She called them reliable.

Damon narrowed his eyes at Talia. "And who will go?"

Talia thought about her options. Everyone was mated or somehow important, leaving her with one person… "Mindy."

Damon didn't like this. Whenever Talia and Mindy were on their own, Mindy would end up corrupting Talia in some way. Damon will never forget that wretched dildo. While on the topic of that dildo, Damon flicked it through the window, and the thing just disappeared. Damon assumed that someone found it and took it away. It's a purple thing, definitely standing out in the green foliage of the garden.

Seeing that Damon's frown was deepening by the second, Talia added, "Assign two warriors to accompany me. I trust Mindy. She is quick-witted, and she can help me persuade Shaman Gideon to come…"

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Travis reached in front of the room on the second floor of the packhouse and he knocked on the door.

"Coming!", Dawn shouted, and Travis could hear rushed footsteps.

The door opened and Travis blinked at the sight of Dawn who was wrapped in a towel and holding it bunched at her chest level. Travis' eyes moved on their own, to confirm that the towel covered Dawn's important parts as the towel ended just below her buttocks.

"Doctor Travis!", Dawn exclaimed and took a step back. She was expecting Zina to bring her the dress.

Nudity is not a big deal, and she was not even nude, but Travis appeared unexpectedly, and she was startled.

Travis opened his mouth to say something and then he groaned when an unmistakable Alpha aura hit him full force.

His vision blurred, but he definitely saw George pulling Dawn to stand behind him.

Travis cursed his luck. What the hell? Was George an Alpha also?

He wanted to be a doctor and save people, but at this rate, he should change his profession because it's too dangerous.

Maybe he should spend his day in the gym, with warriors and other sport-ish people, like Keith. Travis remembered that Keith was on survival training in the mountains, and Travis thought how that's not a bad place to be. Anything was better than this.

"George…", Dawn called while tugging his arm. "That's the doctor. He came to check on you. It's my fault for opening the door like this."

George exhaled sharply and stabilized his emotions and Travis was able to breathe when the aura pressing on him subsided.

"Please, come in.", Dawn said sweetly to Travis. "You can do the check-up and I will go and find something to put on."

"My clothes are in the closet.", George said. "Pick something."

Dawn's cheeks heated at the thought of wearing his clothes. She nodded in small jerky movements and then dashed into the closet.

Travis wished that she didn't leave because she could control this unreasonable man.

George moved from the door and gestured to Travis to enter, and Travis was not sure if that was a good idea, but he steeled his resolve and reminded himself that he is a medical professional. He can do this.

 

Chapter 400 – The Party At The Packhouse (1) [Bonus Chapter]

Elder Samson and Elder Charlie arrived together at the party.

The duo of Elders moved toward the bar in the event hall while greeting people present. Everyone was familiar.

Just like the majority of guests present, Elder Samson and Elder Charlie had a feeling that this was about Damon announcing his Luna, but they were not sure if that will be Marcy or Talia.

Of course, they were hoping it was Marcy, but they also remembered that Damon told them how Talia was his fated mate. Talia was fierce, but considering that many confirmed Marcy was in their pack… which one will it be?

"Isn't that James?", Elder Charlie asked while eyeing a group of four teens sitting at a table.

Elder Samson looked in that direction to see James sitting with Petra, Erik, and Zack. The four of them were focused on their phones and chatting in a hushed but lively manner. They were playing an online game together.

"It is.", Elder Samson responded without trying to conceal his displeasure. "It seems that the future Alpha is behaving differently without his father around."

Both Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were familiar with the Redmayne family, and they knew James as a stalwart young man whose serious expression would project wisdom beyond his age, like a true promising Alpha, yet now he was no different compared to other kids.

"Are you excited?", a hushed female voice came from the side.

"Agatha…", Elder Charlie called with a nod in greeting.

Agatha is their senior, and also an Elder, so they needed to show respect, even if it's just for show.

For the outsiders, they were all a harmonious group of Elders, each working for the benefit of the Dark Howlers pack. But on the inside, their relationships were tense as they were always engaged in a show of power, regardless of if it was for securing perks that matter or getting their way in a simple spat.

Elder Charlie and Elder Samson looked down on many other Elders, like Elder Agatha who got her title just because she won some awards in the human city and was voted as the best teacher by her students year after year. On top of her questionable achievements, Elder Agatha was prone to gossip. Everyone likes to hear gossip; they were also aware that Elder Agatha would wrap them into her stories. No one was ever spared from this gossipy grandma, so they are trying to stay away from her.

"What should we be excited about?", Elder Samson asked.

"Didn't you hear?", Elder Agatha inched closer, and her sparkling eyes didn't match her aged appearance. She looked like a woman in her sixties, but werewolves have longer lifespans compared to humans, and she was at least double of that.

"Alpha Damon…" She lowered her voice. "That boy finally decided to stop waiting for his mate, and we will get a Luna."

Both Elder Charlie and Elder Samson were stupefied. Did she say that Alpha Damon was waiting for his mate? He was sleeping around like there is no tomorrow. How was that waiting!?

Elder Charlie was first to recover. "What makes you think so?"

"Don't tell me you didn't hear. Marcy from the Red Moon pack is here.", she said with a knowing look.

"So?", Elder Samson asked and waved toward the table where James was with three other teenagers. "Alpha Edward's son is also present. Should we assume that James is part of the dowry? Or that Alpha Edward would give his only daughter without being personally present?"

Elder Agatha frowned at his sarcastic tone. "Are you against this union?"

Elder Charlie responded, "We have no opinions at this point. Before you accuse us of anything, you should look at the big picture. Representatives from several packs are here, and maybe our Alpha will tell us tonight that he found his Luna, or maybe he will announce that we will build a shelter for abandoned children. As a teacher, you should understand that taking care of children is important, and if we are about to face a big project, all of us should contribute in some way."

Elder Agatha thought for a moment while scrutinizing two men in front of her. Everyone was aware of how Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were close to Alpha Edward. Sure, some other Elders also had connections in the Red Moon pack, but they paled in comparison to being able to reach the Alpha directly.

She expected that they will be gloating how their connections were finally coming in handy, and their attitudes pointed to one thing… "You know something."

"We only know that sharing opinions in this place…", Elder Charlie paused while looking around, indicating that 'this place' was the packhouse. "…can backfire if you are wrong. And if we assume that you are right, it won't bring any harm to not talk about it until the official announcement was made."

Elder Agatha frowned. Everyone was talking about the union of Alpha Damon and Marcy and guessing how it will impact the dynamics of the packs and their positions. She saw these two men coming and she thought of getting to them first. Who would imagine that they wouldn't be eager to talk about it? Were they gaining some massive benefits and were not willing to share?

"Do we need to remind you of the consequences of angering our Alpha?", Elder Charlie asked.

Elder Agatha pressed her lips into a line surrounded by numerous fine wrinkles.

Everyone knew that she used to be one of the key decision-makers related to education and extracurricular activities for youngsters in the Dark Howlers pack. Kids and parents were visiting her often with big smiles and even bigger gifts while trying to curry favor with her so that they end up selected for the best programs. However, since Alpha Damon took over, she was reduced to something like an advisor to the principal which was almost nothing. She even needed a pass to enter the school!

Elder Agatha exhaled sharply while shaking off negative thoughts. "I was just saying casually. Don't take it seriously."

"Don't worry, we won't.", Elder Samson said, and he chuckled when she left with her nose raised high. It was obvious that she was offended. "You should have let her talk."

Elder Charlie didn't agree. "She would do her monologue, and her next victim would hear a version of how she talked with us about it and drag us into her mess. The best we can do is stay away and see how tonight will develop."

…

Everyone's attention went on the main entrance when Damon made his appearance with Caden and Maya by his side. Some were disappointed that Marcy was not in that group.

Damon wished that Talia was with him, but she went to see the annoyingly stubborn Shaman.

Damon knew that Talia was with Mindy and two warriors, but his kitten was out of his visual range, and he was worried. That girl is a magnet for trouble.

Damon paused to see all faces in the room, almost everyone was present.

When the chatter simmered down, Damon spoke.

"Thank you for coming tonight. As you can see, we have guests from other packs, and I hope you will show them our hospitality. Dinner will be served at seven o'clock, and after that, we will have some announcements. Until then, enjoy."

With that, Caden and Maya went to greet the elders, and Damon moved to the table where James was with three teens.

"I heard you had fun today.", Damon said.

"Yes. Thank you, Alpha Damon.", James confirmed, his playful expression was replaced with a serious one. "Don't worry. I know what to do."

Damon forced a stiff smile. He hated that this youngster had something on him, and if James decided to spill the beans how something was off with Marcy, things would go south quickly.

The safest thing would be to throw James into the dungeon and not leave him out ever, but with everyone knowing that the group from the Red Moon pack was here, Damon needed James to cover up for the lack of Marcy and Nora.

Damon noticed that George was still not in attendance. Damon was not sure how much the newly-mated Alpha will help the current situation, but Damon could guess that George won't have anything nice to say about Marcy.

Unfortunately, they didn't have a chance to negotiate, so that was another variable Damon couldn't control.

Damon told himself not to panic. If things get out of hand, he will use his aura to suppress everyone and think about damage control later. Much later.