Page 1 of Luna Ascending

Chapter One

Aaron's POV

My father is fading. I know everyone hits an age where they start to decline physically and mentally, but happening to him, right now, is a big fucking problem. He's our pack alpha, the head of the Fenrir Watch, and the timing couldn't be worse.

We need a new direction and new leadership, quickly. The pack needs me to step up and take control as alpha-heir, and it needs new blood. We're the fiercest, most dominant pack in the country, but we're not the biggest - it has to change.

To become alpha peacefully, I need a Luna – I need a mate.

Despite my beta's insistence, I'm pretty fucking convinced fated-mates don't exist any more. It's an urban legend grandmothers tell their teenage grand-daughters to stop them being little whores.

Even if they still occur very sporadically our pack doesn't have time for their alpha-heir to mope around until 'the one' appears. Or doesn't appear, which is way more fucking likely.

Far better I just get on with my life, find a suitable strong woman, and take over the pack now. I might not hold much truck with fated-mates, but I do believe in saving this pack. So, I'm not as against an arranged pairing as I could be, which is what the council are proposing. It was good enough for my parents...

A Luna Rite is a bit antiquated for sure, but in the end the choice is still mine. I'll choose my Luna from the eligible she-wolves who attend the Rite, and we'll make it work between us.

Human's make arranged marriages work all the time, and if they can do it I bloody well can too. It's just fucking inconvenient to have to be thinking about a mate when we're on the brink of war.

I run my hand through my rebellious hair and look around for Tavey, my beta. Today the delegates from the other packs arrive with their charges – alpha-born she-wolves who are of age, or coming of age.

A thrill of anticipation runs through me. I'm an alpha after all... and there's only a small pool of local talent. I can at least allow myself to enjoy the process.

Grudgingly I have to admit that IF fated-mates are still a thing, it would be a damn sight easier to meet her now. It'd take all the drama out of judging which she-wolf would make me the best match, and balancing it against which pack-alliance would be most beneficial. Our pack, the Fenrir Watch, has to survive what's coming, at all costs.

Tavey has escorted the girls to their quarters for the evening – I'll see them in the morning, but I'm itching for a run down. My father met the delegates last month, and whittled down the field based on pack alliances alone. Tomorrow it's finally time for me to meet the remaining candidates. I let out a snort at the thought - it's like a bloody job interview.

Tavey, the romantic, was dead against it, but I can't afford to be soppy. We need to make the best allegiances possible if we're to come out on top. Luna Rites are not a new thing – they've happened for centuries, when they've had to. I grimace to myself slightly, I'm not sure who I'm trying to convince about this.

When Tavey meanders in I pounce on his tardy arse.

“What are they like? Any stunners amongst them?” Grudgingly I admit to myself the idea of several woman in the next building who all want me is exciting.

Tavey rolls his eyes “I wish you weren't enjoying this so much” he grumbles “it's not the natural way...what if your fated-mate comes along and you're already hitched?!”

“Enough!” my voice has a commanding edge “We've been over this Tavey. This pack needs a new alpha right fucking now. I can't be alpha without a Luna or a Luna-in-waiting, about to come of age. Not with my father still alive.”

Tavey simply scowls at me.

“Besides,” I soften my tone to appease the traditional sod “one of those alpha-blooded she-wolves might be my mate...”

He perks up, and I can almost sense his wolf wagging its tail.

“They're a hot bunch Aaron... If one of them is your mate, you'll not be disappointed. Although, there is one surprise” he looks a little uncomfortable and switches topic back “What if your fated-mate isn't one of them?”

“Then,” I sigh at going over the same ground again “Iwilltake one as my Luna. If I do have a fated-mate, and she's not my Luna, then I pray to the moon-goddess I never fucking meet her!” stomping off grumpily I slam the door behind me, emphasising my disquiet at the thought.

Chapter Two

Aaron's POV

Tanya Farkas waltzes into my hall as if she already owns the place and I sit a little taller watching her antics with interest. She's a slim, blonde haired beauty with deep amber eyes and a teasing smile.

Her pack is from the far North so we've never met, but I hear she's quite a calculating character. Not one for getting her own paws dirty if you believe the rumours. We're already on good terms with them- an arranged pairing would solidify it.

“Are you ready for me Alpha Aaron” she makes a little curtsey in front of me, dipping her eyes briefly.

I wasn't, but this seems far more interesting than the scripted introductions Tavey had planned. I glance down at the dossiers on each of the she-wolves in front of me. I'd intended to read them before meeting the ladies... but hell. She's here now.

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