It was late in the afternoon when a knock on the door got Marcy's attention.
"I told you I'm not hungry", Marcy grumbled when the door creaked open. Why can't they leave her alone?
"I'm not here to offer food.", Nora said while sashaying into Marcy's room.
Marcy frowned while trying to suppress the bile that was rising in her throat. Nora and her father! Revolting!
"Why are you here?", Marcy snapped, unable to conceal her irritation.
"Alpha Edward wants to see you in his study. Now.", Nora said calmly, like she didn't notice Marcy's hostility. "And before you ask, he tried mind-linking you, but you didn't respond so here I am."
Marcy sneered. "What are you now? His secretary?"
"I'm just trying to be useful."
'Yeah, right. Useful by spreading your legs for my dad.', Marcy couldn't stop the incoming wave of negativity. If she could, she would rip Nora's hair out.
Her father is sleeping with his Beta's daughter, her mother is pretending that everything is fine, her brother is obsessed with training and studying to the point of not seeing how twisted this whole packhouse is. But then… maybe it's like this in every packhouse, but Marcy doesn't know about it because she grew up in a different environment.
Marcy adjusted her mood while chanting internally that this will be only for a few days, and then she will find her exit, either as the Luna of the Dark Howlers pack or as an unknown she-wolf in Europe.
A few breaths later, Marcy scooted off her bed. It was time to see what her father wants.
"You called for me?", Marcy asked when she entered Alpha Edward's study with Nora one step behind her.
Marcy noticed that her brother was also there. That was unusual. Normally, her brother would spend his days at the training ground.
"I have good news.", Alpha Edward said with glee.
Marcy was alerted. Somehow, she had a bad feeling about this, and she held her breath when her father spoke.
"Alpha Damon called. Pack your things. You will head to the Dark Howlers pack tomorrow."
"Do you need help packing?", Nora offered cheerfully.
"No.", Marcy rejected Nora without missing a beat, and she took a moment to process her father's words. "Alpha Damon called asking me to go there tomorrow?"
Alpha Edward nodded. "The exact words were, as soon as possible. But I guess you will need some time to prepare so plan to head out tomorrow morning."
Marcy pressed her lips into a line. Based on their agreement, she still had a few days before she needed to leave. It's not that Marcy didn't want to go, but Damon was postponing their meeting, and then he ignored her completely at the Lightclaw pack, and now he wants to see her ahead of the agreed time? Suspicious.
Alpha Edward narrowed his eyes at Marcy. "You don't look excited about this."
"No, no", Marcy was quick to deny it. "It's just unexpected."
Alpha Edward didn't think much of it. He was excited that things were finally moving in the right direction. Everyone knew that Alpha Damon had a woman by his side, and from Alpha Edward's perspective, this invitation was proof that Alpha Damon finished playing and was ready to get down to business. Real business. With Marcy.
"I don't need to tell you what to do and how to behave. Show Alpha Damon that you are the best choice to be his Luna. As long as you can win his favor, everything will be alright. Once you secure your position, we will talk further."
"Yes, father.", Marcy responded obediently. "When is my flight?"
"You will go via car."
Marcy was flabbergasted. She checked maps. With a plane, it will be only a few hours, while driving will take up a full day! Sure, plane rides are uncomfortable for werewolves, but what's a bit of discomfort in exchange for saving hours?
"I am fine with flying.", Marcy said.
"But Nora isn't.", Alpha Edward deadpanned.
Marcy was not sure if she heard him right. She had a hunch that Nora will tag along, but somehow, she hoped to avoid it.
"Nora is coming with me?"
"I will watch your back and make sure you are not mistreated.", Nora chimed in from the side.
Marcy gritted her teeth. Yeah, right. She would rather have a pack of feral dogs to watch her back.
Other than telling Alpha Edward about every move Marcy makes, will Nora try to sabotage Marcy on the way to the Dark Howlers pack, or after they reach there? Or maybe Nora is tagging along so that she can get into Alpha Damon's bed again? Maybe it's all of those.
Alpha Edward nodded in approval of Nora's words before adding. "James will also accompany you."
Marcy looked at her fifteen years-old brother without returning his smile. "Why is he coming?"
"Nora got information that Alpha Damon is hosting a group of people at this time. Alpha Maddox from the Blue River pack and future Alpha Anthony from the Lightclaw pack. Their visit is not purely social, as they will be training, and this is a great opportunity for James to expand his horizons.", Alpha Edward gave an unusually lengthy explanation. "As a bonus, Mindy from the Blue River pack will be there, and also Kalina, the future Luna of the Lightclaw pack. Use this opportunity to befriend them."
Marcy's stomach was tied into knots at the memory of Mindy, Kalina, and Talia gelling well at the party while ignoring everyone else, Marcy included.
Those three were laughing and having a good time, while the rest of the guests gossiped about Marcy like she was the abandoned mistress! Marcy will never forget that embarrassment.
But never mind, she will swallow her grievances, for now. Once Marcy becomes the Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, she will show everyone where they belong.
Marcy wanted to know only one thing. "What about security?"
"I handpicked a number of warriors to accompany you, but it seems that everyone else will be there without security, so…"
Marcy couldn't believe this. "You are letting us go unprotected?" It's not that she feared thieves or being kidnapped. Marcy's biggest concern was Nora. Sure, her brother was going, but he is useless.
Alpha Edward raised his hand, indicating to Marcy to be patient. "I didn't say that. But I can't send many warriors with you without arousing suspicion. This is a delicate time where we need to show goodwill and not provoke Alpha Damon. Once you become his Luna, we can act freely, but until then..." He made a face like his hands are tied before continuing, "I came up with something in-between. With a pretense of training, my most capable commander will accompany you."
Marcy was NOT happy about this. "One warrior?"
"Don't be dramatic. It's not like I'm sending you to war. Alpha Damon's pack is safe, and with your identity as my daughter, no one will dare to harm you. Besides, my commanders are not just warriors. They are well trained in strategizing, leadership, and decision-making.", Alpha Edward said matter-of-factly. "Actually, the man who will accompany you is the second reason I called you here. He is on his way, and I want you to meet him. Even though he is young, his skills are top-notch, and his aura is domineering enough for him to qualify as a high-ranking member. Too bad he is lacking experience, but that will change by the time James takes over this pack…"
Marcy was not listening anymore.
It was rare for her father to praise a person, but she didn't care how awesome this commander is. Unless he has eyes at the back of his head, doesn't need to sleep, and won't keep Nora out of his sight, he was simply not enough.
Marcy was hoping that with a larger party, there will be more people keeping Nora in check, but what can one person do? And it didn't seem that her father will assign more people. He made up his mind and Marcy will need to work with what she has.
Marcy plastered a smile on her face while looking blankly at her father and waiting for him to finish so that she can leave. All this was exhausting, but in a way, she could see the end of her road. Once she reaches the Dark Howlers pack, it will be Marcy and Alpha Damon, and once she secures her spot as Damon's Luna, she can do what she wants. Yes. That thought was making her smile more genuine.
The door opened behind Marcy after a brief knock, and everyone other than Marcy turned to see the newcomer.
Marcy guessed this was the commander that earned high praises from her father. She schooled her features in preparation to face him because she wanted this to start on a good note, but then an addictive scent of sweet clover hit her senses and she froze.
She knew this scent well. It was the scent she couldn't get out of her mind since she sensed it the first time at her welcoming party.
Alpha Edward stood up, an obvious respect for the newcomer. "Marcy, I want you to meet the highest-ranking commander in the Red Moon pack. George."
That name struck Marcy like a thunderbolt and her head whipped in the direction of the door to meet the Greek God who haunted her dreams.
George.
