Page 38 of A Luna's Revenge

The only thing in my way is Asher, my wolf. He doesn't enjoy the physical pleasures like I do. He fights me at every opportunity. I’ve had to dilute his presence with a tea that Tracy introduced me to.

It works like a charm by putting him to sleep for a while. Unfortunately, I must use it sparingly because I need my wolf to be active as an Alpha. He stays asleep if I use too much, and I am not as strong. Therefore, I don't get to have as many liaisons as I would like. A couple of the she-wolves here are disappointed by that. I laugh to myself.

Once Tracy is safely tucked away, I gather everyone in my office. After this meeting, I will take Charlie for a walk and feed her the lies I’ve concocted. Spinning it to where I am the victim will make her see things my way, I am sure of it. If I can suffer it for the pup's sake, so can she. She can be very naïve and trusting sometimes.

My parents, my Beta, Ben Rodgers, Elder Tom Roberts, Elder Frank Brooks, and his wife, Elder Tina Brooks, Dr. Shannon, and Dr. Bridgit are seated around the room.

With Elder Frank Brooks complaining about being up so early, I think of how to spin this to get my way. “What's the meaning of this Alpha? Why are we in your office at 5:00 a.m.? Who is dying, or who has declared war?"

I figured I should just jump right in and preempt the bickering that was bound to happen. "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."

While everyone else seems to panic, my mother simply gasps, "A pup!" I ignore her.

"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?" asked Elder Tina Brooks.

"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 deskfor dramatic effect.

Elder Frank Brooks spoke 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.”

I laugh to myself; this couldn't be working out more perfectly if I tried. The fact that an Elder is suggesting this plays right into my plans.

"What? I don't think that is a good idea.” Elder Tina shrieks, “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 want to be able to talk to her alone," Jenson sighs. "That's why I called this early meeting. I want to get things hashed out."

"I see." Elder Tina taps her jaw absently. "I'm not sure that is the best idea, but it’s not 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's prior 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. Maybe! 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 sit and watch the argument between the mates. The prospect of a child is the only thing that binds Tracy Vincent to me; that and probably sex. However, Charlie comes before anyone or anything. Again, I just need to approach this situation very carefully.

Dr. Bridgit gives Dr. Shannon an odd look andthen speaks up. "I agree. Luna needs to be in this conversation. ButI 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 consume that made you so vulnerable?"

"I am not even sure. Everything is hazy." I lie. "Tracy was one of the admins who provided us with meals, drinks, whatever we needed while there. She was very kind and overly friendly. I couldn't get her to leave me alone. She was always hanging around, inserting herself into conversations and giving advice.

She even interrupted a discussion between a fellow Alpha and me about Charlie's inability to conceive." Let's drivethat point home. "She gave me an herbal tea that her sister's mate had taken to assist with infertility.”It’s to subdue Asher when I have a liaison. “It’s supposed to help the male sperm to implant better in the womb. I appreciated her kindness then, but her overstepping wasembarrassing."

"I know of no herbs that would help the male sperm to implant better in the womb, only a few supplements that can boost sperm quality and count. I tried to discuss this with you, but you dismissed me.” She snaps. “Do you have any of it left?" Dr. Shannon stiffens, drawing her brows together.

"Yeah." I reach into my desk drawer and pull out the unlabeled container Tracy gave me to help keep Asher sedated. "I make tea out of it occasionally."

I go to put it back in the drawer, but Dr. Shannon immediately grabs it and opens the lid to smell it. Coughing, she jerks it back away from her face. "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. Bridgit, who agrees with her assessment.

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

"My wolf is fine. I only use that occasionally. When I want to be intimate." I smirk at the half-lie. I use it when I want to sedate Asher so I can be intimate with other females.

"I'm taking this to the lab to run tests. Meet me there for an examination as soon as you can this morning. This is very suspicious to me." Dr. Shannon leaves and closes the door behind her. I didn't expect her to take my suppression compound. I will have to be slightly restrained until I getmore from Tracy.

"So, we need to set up an action list." Elder Roberts pulls out his hologram device to take notes. "Top of the list is to keep this Ms. Vincent appeased and watched. Underno circumstances do we allow her into the pack due to her questionable behavior."

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