Page 2 of Luna Ascending

“I've been dying to meet you, but your 'man' here keeps shooing me away” She opens her big eyes wide staring at me while waving a hand dismissively in Tavey's direction.

Tavey bristles slightly at the perceived insult. He did tell me he'd been having trouble keeping tabs on some of the potential Luna's.

“I can make time for you Tanya Farkas. I understand you went out hunting this morning?” I raise an eyebrow slowly, trying not to show approval.

She falters slightly, obviously not aware she was being watched, before twirling a strand of hair in her fingers coquettishly.

“I was a little... frustrated... Alpha. With not having met you... it seemed a good way to let off some steam. Perhaps we could go hunting together?” She flashes a smile at me and I take in her plump lips, and rest a lingering gaze on her svelte frame.

“I can think of a few things we could do together Tanya” I grin wolfishly at her, and enjoy seeing her catch my meaning.

“That sounds promising Alpha Aaron.”

Tanya's delegate finally catches up with her and I send them off to enjoy lunch in our pack-house kitchen while I meet the other ladies.

Ruby Eclipse of the Moonstone Eclipse pack is next. I sigh. I grew up with Ruby, although she was a few years younger than me. Since our late childhood she's been the tease of every poor hormonal teenager in the surrounding packs.

If we pair, I don't know how my wolf will cope knowing how many shifters have been in her bed. Her brother took over the Moonstone Eclipse pack violently from their father five years ago, and rules ruthlessly. I'm no fan of his methods but they're a large pack, and close by – we really need to keep them onside, one way or the other.

I've not seen Ruby in several years and she's filled out into a curvy, big busted, red lipped stunner. I watch her walk towards me, all fluttering eyelashes and coy smiles. She looks at me and immediately casts her eyes to the floor, showing submission.

Meeting old faces is a stark reminder of how much my alpha nature has 'come in' recently. Wolves I've tussled with – play-fighting or between the sheets - now automatically submit. Normally it's ego boosting, but right now it's bloody irritating. I want a Luna who's my equal, not my subject. Sighing, I admit to myself I may not have the luxury of that choice.

My eyes rove Ruby's curves up and down, if we're going solely on looks... she certainly wouldn't be a bad choice. We chat pleasantries for a while, before she's escorted off. She's definitely not my mate, but my wolf still holds a little interest for the sexy brunette.

“I am pleased to present Estella Rooinek, youngest daughter of Alpha Jaco Rooinek, from the Volmaan Gypsy Pack”. The delegate for the Volmaan's pack shrill voice pierces my thoughts.

I peer in interest at the striking raven-haired woman in front of me. She's coldly beautiful, with a sharpness about her that sets me on edge. Looking at her face I've no indication how old she is. She seems unnerved, unsurprisingly. The Volmaan pack keep to themselves, and are the only nomadic shifter peoples I know of. The very fact they've considered this pairing is telling. Something has them spooked.

“Please, Estella... relax. No-one here will harm you, I promise”

Her shoulders drop, but only slightly “Stella” she corrects me before catching herself and quickly dropping her eyes “I... I go by Stella, please, Alpha Aaron”

“Of course, Stella it is – I can at least give you the courtesy of using your preferred name” I frown at her delegate who looks like she might take off out the door under my stare. Grief, they are a flighty bunch.

I'm not sure what a pairing with the Volmaan's would offer – beyond the mysterious woman in front of me. I suspect it might come with more problems than it solves, but my father obviously thought it interesting enough to include her – I'll need to quiz him later.

“Stella, tell me, have you grown up in this country or have you been nomadic like most of your pack?”

“I'm nomadic Alpha” she lights up “I love travelling, finding the old connections with nature in new ways, in new places. There's something magical about it; finding yourself new and refreshed in each place”

“So being rooted here, at my side as Luna to this pack would be alien to you. You might be unhappy...”

Stella flashes an alarmed look at her delegate “No... I … I didn't mean... Alpha I would be honoured to be your Luna; I would learn how to live here at your side” She flashes me a bright smile and attempts to flutter her eyelashes. The forced charm doesn't suit her.

“Perhaps there's more we need to discuss later Stella. I can't recall a proposed match outside your pack in my lifetime – I feel maybe there are things you aren't telling me” I force my voice to take a harsh tone, hating seeing her flinch. “For now, be welcomed, please make use of our grounds here and we'll talk more later”

She nods mutely and follows her delegate out, looking close to tears. That was weird. What the hell has them so spooked that they're seeking an alliance outside their own community? They've sent a daughter of their Alpha. Even if she is his youngest, that in itself tells me whatever it is, they're very alarmed.

Tavey coughs to catch my attention and glances at me vaguely apologetically.

“Introducing Skye Silver, eldest daughter of Alpha Silver of the Crescent Moon Pack.”

My ears perk up. This pack is the most interesting – they run both sides of the border, and their Alpha is a strong, stable influence. Despite that, there are rumours that his first-born son is his wife's bastard and not his pup at all, conceived before Alpha Silver and his Luna met.

If it's true then the elusive Skye, as a true born alpha-blood, would have claim to the Silver pack. I've heard whispers that although Silver cares for the boy his own, he has plans for Skye to succeed him. That would mean, if we were to pair, I would be Alpha and she Luna to both packs; it would be a strong position.

I'm shaken from my wandering thoughts when, from behind Tavey, strides an angry looking teenager. She can't be more than sixteen, definately younger than my little sister. Trotting beside her, her delegate looks distinctly harassed. He hissingly reminds her to curtsey to me and earns himself a glare, and me a half hearted bow. I try to suppress a laugh.

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