Page 69 of Fool Moon First Aid

Hunters are attacking on clan lands. It’s all over the news.

“What’s the latest, Zane?” he probes, his voice a mix of gravel and velvet—evidence of the sleepless night we all had.

Zane, my biological father, with his salt-and-pepper ginger beard that’s more salt these days, gives the alpha a slow blink. His eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now reflect our collective exhaustion. Despite the tension clinging to us, Zane’s calm presence is like a rock. The attack put us all on edge, especially after it targeted one of our youngest—a cub too young to shift, who was guilty of nothing more than enjoying the sunshine.

When the hunter went after the cub, an ordinary human stepped in. His weapon, a sawed-off shotgun turned tool of justice, was the last thing anyone anticipated. And he didn’t flinch in using it.

Zane finally answers, his voice as rough as worn leather. “We’ve tallied two less hunters in the world, a cub with shadows in his eyes, a beta with a head ringing louder than the clan’s alarm bells,” he enumerates, pausing for dramatic effect to snap his fingers, “and let’s not forget a whole clan running on fumes.”

Alpha Hughes, in his state of rumpled authority, throws his hands up in a gesture of frustrated surrender. “What’s your grand plan, Zane?”

“Sleep, Alpha. It’s the only option that makes sense right now,” Zane advises, his gaze sweeping over us. Beside me, Ethan’s head bobs in a tired nod, his battle against sleep almost cute. Mom has already given in, her soft snores mixing with the tense air like a soothing melody. The rest of our clan, warriors to the core, sprawl across the furniture, their exhaustion a heavy blanket in the room.

With a heavy sigh that seems to carry the weight of the world, Father concedes. “Go sleep. Dawn will bring a new council.”

As the room empties, a muted parade of shuffling feet and subdued yawns, the electric tension between the alpha and Zane lingers.

Then there’s Natalie, who’s trying to blend into the shadows. Her tangled curls and wide, hopeful eyes speak volumes of her inner turmoil.

The alpha’s gaze lands on Ethan, heavy with authority yet soft around the edges. “Do you question my decisions, Ethan?” His voice is low, almost gentle, but it vibrates with an undercurrent of power that fills the quiet room.

Here I am, right in the middle of what could only be described as a supernatural strategy session, with Ethan standing tall, despite the weight of the world—or at least the clan—on his shoulders. Through our bond, I feel his unwavering determination to protect us all, Ava included, and underneath that, a flicker of something he’s keeping close to his chest.

“Alpha, it’s not about disagreement. It’s about adapting our strategy. The hunters are getting bolder. We can’t just keep reacting. We need to anticipate to protect the clan—and Ava,” Ethan reasons.

Alpha Hughes, with a quick, thoughtful glance toward Natalie, focuses on us, his expression holding a hint of worry. He looks like a man who’s seen a few centuries, which, let’s face it, he kind of has. “I know you’re worried about her, about all of this, but understand, our ancestors have dealt with hunters for generations. We’ve survived, thrived even,” he responds, his tone echoing the resilience of our kind.

“But at what cost?” Ethan retorts, standing a bit taller. “Yes, we’ve survived, but now, more than ever, we need to ensure not just survival but the safety and freedom of our clan. Ava’s presence changes things. She’s not just another member, she’s a catalyst. The hunters won’t stop, not when they’ve smelled what they consider blood in the water.”

My heart races, echoing Ethan’s resolve. The thought of hunters targeting Ava, of us being in their crosshairs, sends a chill down my spine. Why are they fixated on her?

“You think I don’t know that?” Alpha Hughes’ voice cracks with a hint of vulnerability, revealing the weight he carries. “Every decision I make, every order I give, is with the safety of our clan in mind—including Ava.”

Ethan nods, a gesture of respect and understanding. “I know, Alpha, and I respect that, but we need to be more proactive. We can’t wait for another attack, another tragedy. We should consider strengthening our patrols, maybe even reaching out to neighboring clans for an alliance. If we are united, the hunters might think twice before attacking.”

The suggestion hangs between us, like a potential lifeline in turbulent waters. “An alliance,” the alpha muses, the idea swirling around him like a new scent on the wind. “It’s a bold move. It could deter the hunters and show them we are united, but it will take time.”

“It’s a risk, but one worth taking,” Ethan insists, his voice firm. “Our best defense could be a stronger offense. By showing unity and strength, we can protect our own and ensure that Ava, and every member of this clan, can live without the shadow of hunters looming over us.”

Silence blankets the room as the alpha weighs Ethan’s words, the gears of leadership turning behind his thoughtful gaze. He finally nods, making a decision in the face of uncertainty. “I will have Zane begin working on an alliance tomorrow,” he concedes. “For the clan.”

Ethan’s relief is visible as the tension eases from his shoulders. “Thank you, Alpha.”

Just when I think we’re wrapping up, Alpha Hughes shifts gears, his tone softening from alpha to father. “Have you given any thought to what we discussed?” It’s a question loaded with subtext—a mystery I’m apparently not privy to.

Ethan glances at me, his eyes a maze I can’t navigate, then he shuts down our bond. “We still have a month,” he says cryptically.

Natalie strides out of the shadows, her ambition burning brightly as she lays claim to a future she envisions. “Bullshit,” she declares, her gaze fierce. “You know I’d be a better fit for luna.”

My jaw drops, my mind racing to catch up. “E-Excuse me?” I splutter, caught between disbelief and outrage. “What the heck did I miss?”

“You didn’t tell him, did you?” Natalie’s smirk is a challenge, her eyes gleaming with defiance. She turns that chilling gaze on me, and I feel a shudder of foreboding. “If your pretty little mate rejects you, Ty, then I’ll be your luna.”

The audacity of her claim knots my stomach with a tangle of emotions and revelations that leaves me speechless. The game has changed, and it seems I’m the last to know.

“No.” I pop up from my seat, my chair skidding across the floor. “You didn’t actually agree to this, did you?”

Zane gives me a look, his eyelids descending in a lazy, deliberate blink—his trademark signal of disapproval—before his gaze shifts to Mom. “Now’s not the time,” he says, his voice smooth, but there’s a hint of an edge. He shoots a look sharp enough to cut glass at our alpha, before effortlessly scooping Mom into his arms as if she weighs no more than a feather. With a pivot that’s almost theatrical, he casts a parting glare at Alpha Hughes. “The couch is yours tonight. Enjoy your handiwork.”

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