Page 13 of A Luna's Revenge

I sit back down on the bed and pull her into my arms.Goddess, I am a lucky man to have her. She is my person."Go back to sleep, love. Just someone at the gateis seeking asylum."

She looks at the clock. "At 4:00 a.m.?"

I sigh, "I know." I drag my finger along her cheekbone and pull her tight to me. Sleepily, she stretches and rubs her soft curves against me. Tracing my thumb across her pouty bottom lip, her mouth opens. She runs her fingers through the hair at my neck and pulls me closer. I capture her mouth against mine, licking her bottom lip; she makes the most delicious sound that ignites a fire in my stomach. My mouth makes love to hers slowly. I don't want to stop. I groan. "I have to go, love." Reluctantly pulling away from her, I dress and head to my office, promising to return to Charlie's loving arms soon.

I enter my office and realize how wrong that assumption is and that nothing will ever be the same againas I see a pregnant Tracy Vincent sitting in one of the office chairs next to a tired Beta Ben. I know I am in trouble.

I place Tracy in an empty room and gather everyone in my office. I dread talking to Charlie, but as soon as this is over, I plan to take her for a walk and explain things as best I can. That statement is laughable! I don't even know what happened.

I barely remember that night at the Alpha conference three months ago. And how in the world did I even get so intoxicated? A wolf's metabolism is so high it burns alcohol right off. I don't even have my wolf to help me right now. Ever since the Alpha's conference, he's been missing in action. I am useless as a shifter, let alone as an Alpha. Shame creeps up my spine.

Around the room sit my parents, my Beta Ben Rodgers, Elder Tom Roberts, Elder Frank Brooks, and his wife, Elder Tina Brooks, Dr. Shannon, and Dr. Bridgit.

Elder Frank Brooks, ever the straightforward one, speaks first. "What's the meaning of this Alpha? Why are we in your office at 5:00 am? Who is dying, or who has declared war?"

"Everyone," I begin, "A she-wolf has shown up here this morning. She claims we had a one-night stand during the alpha conference three months ago and that she is pregnant with my pup."

A collective gasp shoots through the room.

"I—I don't recall much from the last night of the conference," I explain. "I don't remember any intimate acts with any females. But what I do remember are flashes of me pushing her away and telling her no, then ultimately waking up kissing her with us both naked on the floor." I sigh. "I also remember telling her to leave more than once."

"Do you believe it was non-consensual?" Elder Tina Brooks asks.

"Yes. I was intoxicated; I don’t know how, but I was. I told her no and to leave multiple times. I don't even know how she got in my room!" I shout, pounding my fist on the desk.

Elder Frank Brooks, ever the pragmatic one, speaks up. "Let me point out one thing to consider before we begin this discussion. Alpha, if she is pregnant with your pup, this would resolve Luna's inability to conceive; you would have an heir.”

What?" Elder Tina Brooks shrieks. "I don't think that is a good idea. Not only does the Alpha view this as non-consensual, but it will destroy Luna.”

“Oh, don’t act so shocked, Tina. In times past, packs would locate a breeder, a surrogate if you will, to carry a child heir for an Alpha and his Luna under similar circumstances. So, it’s not unheard of."

“Ridiculous, Frank! That practice is barbaric and has no place in modern society. This isn't something to take lightly.”She glances around the room. “Where is Charlie, and why isn't she here?"

"I don't want to hurt her more than she already will be." Jenson sighs. "That's why I called this early meeting. I want to get things hashed out and then talk to her myself."

"I see." Elder Tina taps her jaw absently. "I'm not sure that is the best idea, but it’snot my call. I think she is the first person who should have known. My biggest concern is how this will hurt Luna, and accepting the child as the heir should be carefully contemplated with Luna'sFULLprior knowledge and approval."

"Noted." Elder Frank snapped at his wife. "Let's press on. I must insist that we have to consider the heir first..."

"I disagree, Frank!" Elder Tina interrupts. "Surrogacy. Sure! Under medical insemination with, again, Luna’s full knowledge and agreement. You can't discount her feelings. What you are doing right now by excluding her will undermine our pack!"

"I agree." I say, "But I want Charlie to have to deal with none of this and do everything possible to lessen her pain. I want to shield her from it as much as possible. On the other hand, I have to admit, the prospect of an heir is wonderful. However, Charlie comes before anyone or anything."

Dr. Bridgit speaks up. "I agree. Luna needs to be in this conversation. I also want to address Alpha's statement that he thinks if he had sex with the she-wolf, it was non-consensual. Alpha, what did you drink that had you so intoxicated?"

"I am not even sure. Everything is hazy." I admit. "Tracy was one of the admins who provided us with meals, drinks, whatever we needed while there. She was very kind but overly friendly. I couldn't gether to leave me alone, always hovering, listening to conversations, and giving unsolicited advice.

“She even inserted herself in a conversation I had with a fellow Alpha about our inability to conceive. She gave me an herbal tea that her sister's mate had taken to assist with infertility. It’s supposed to help the male sperm implant more securely in the womb. While I appreciated her kindness, her overstepping was very embarrassing."

"There are a few supplements that can boost sperm quality and count. I tried to talk to you about them, but you discounted them.” Dr. Bridgit all but snarls, drawing her brows together. “I am not sure why you would trust a stranger with your reproductive health instead. Do you still have the tea?

"Yeah," I reply, embarrassed. Of course, she is right. Why did I trust a stranger? I reach into my desk drawer and pull out the unlabeled container. "I make a drink out of it each morning." I hand the nearly empty jar to her.

She immediately opens the lid to sniff and jerks it back, coughing. "Alpha, you drink this?" I nod. "I don't know what is in this, but I smell magic—possibly black magic." She hands the container to Dr. Shannon, who agrees with her assessment.

"How is your wolf feeling right now?" Dr. Bridgit inquires.

"I haven't heard from my wolf since the Alpha conference." I quietly admit.

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