Filed to story: Rylee the Orphan Luna Novel
“Okay, fine. You’re right. Rylee and I haven’t done much for the pack as a whole, but that doesn’t make us bad leaders,” I said, defending myself.
“Maybe not to you, but you need to think of how every single one of the decisions you and Rylee make affects the pack as a whole. Your pack is massive Wyatt, but it won’t always be if you don’t find a way to work with Rylee as partners, and not just as mates.” “Let me guess, you want us to be like Dorian and Allie?”
“Heavens no, I do not want you to be like Dorian and Allie. Those two give me raging headaches, but I love them nonetheless, and I cherish my relationship with Allie. She’s just a handful and, in all honesty, and I think she can learn a thing or two about humility from Rylee.” I scoffed. That was the first negative thing that I’ve heard anyone say about Allie.
“And here I thought everyone loved Allie.”
“Of course not. Allie knows that. But, she is a force to be reckoned with, and that is because I give her that power.”
“And what about Rylee?” It was Selene’s turn to scoff at me.
“Rylee doesn’t need my help when it comes to power. She’s a Primordial! The strongest of her kind. She is more powerful than anyone before her, even William.”
“Wait, what?”
“And you would have known that from day one had you not forced her to suppress and hide her abilities.” I was speechless. I really had been making all of the wrong choices when it came to Rylee. Is that why our bond was weakened? “It’s not too late, Wyatt. Things will return to the way they should be, as they were before the incident with Layla. But you must hurry, and you need to listen to Dorian when the time comes.” I saw her body begin to fade away. “Wait! Selene! Please!”
“Yes?”
“What about Lexie and Lanie?” She held her breath and gulped. “They’re your daughters. Why won’t you give them back their memories and help them find their way back to your kingdom?” “Because I am not at liberty to interfere. I have been prohibited by the other deities, the other gods and goddesses of the kingdom.”
“Can you at least tell me why Rylee is so invested in helping them? And don’t tell me it’s because she’s a kind-hearted person.” She smiled before I heard a faint “hmph.”
“You will all soon find out. Allie will help with that.”
“Again with Allie!”
“Wyatt, I am not playing favorites if that’s what you are insinuating. Allie will be an asset. Trust me, my child.” I let out a deep breath and nodded my head. “Be well and know that I am always here to guide you. And thank you for protecting Lexie and Lanie.” With those finals words of gratitude, the moon goddess disappeared.
I slouched in my seat and put my hand to my forehead, inhaling sharply. This day was one hell of a f*****g day. I took a few deep breaths and thought about everything she said. I couldn’t accept that I was jealous when she mentioned her relationship with Allie and Dorian and that she was giving Allie power. But then, I had no reason to be envious because Rylee was always supposed to be the superior wolf; my choice to hide her powers is what made her weak.
I grunted and rubbed my face. I put everything on the back burner and started up my car. I needed to get to Rylee and discuss everything with her. This involved not only me but her too. There was something I couldn’t deny though-Allie was right. I didn’t have my priorities straight; that made me a bad mate and a bad father. I stepped on the gas and made the four drive to Golden Moon.
***Chad’s P.O.V.***
The long-awaited day was finally here; everything was going to change for Brent, Maverick, and me. I was in my room getting dressed for the gathering taking place shortly. Richard sent a massive mind link to the entire pack notifying them an important announcement would be made, and that all pack members were to attend. I don’t know how he managed to get everything set up last minute, but there was even a stage and podium outside.
Because this wasn’t considered the official ceremony for an Alpha, it wasn’t necessary to have an Elder present. My understanding was that because Richard was going to be an Elder once he transferred his Alpha authority to me, he would take care of the actual Alpha ceremony. I honestly thought Richard was more excited for tonight than any of us, especially since Brent and I were both able to give him some good news; the girls accepted us and agreed that we would announce them as our mates after we all received our new titles.
We did feel bad for Maverick since he still didn’t have a mate, but we were scared that she-wolves in our pack would come out of the woodwork to try and convince him to take them as a chosen mate-all for the chance of having a title. With Maverick being the way he was, that wouldn’t be easy. He was not a virgin by any means, and he was definitely waiting for the right girl. Considering he was still so young; his mate was bound to be out there somewhere.
As I finished buttoning my shirt, there was a knock on my door. I left the top three buttons undone and opened the door.
“Lanie?”
“Hi,” she said shyly. I smiled and let her in. I closed the door behind me and, as soon as it clicked shut, Lanie pounced on me. She grabbed me by the back of my neck and pulled me into a deep, passionate kiss. I was taken aback at first, but it finally hit me what she was doing, I groaned in pleasure and pulled her close by her hips. We kissed until our lungs burned with the need for oxygen and reluctantly pulled away.
“Wow, what was that for?” I asked breathlessly.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all day,” she replied and pecked my lips again.
“We were together most of the day. Why didn’t you do it then?” I asked her.
“We weren’t alone.” I looked at her and furrowed my brows. Then I saw her nibble her bottom lip and that’s when I realized-she was shy about PDA. I smiled and hugged her. “Lanie, we don’t have to be alone for you to kiss me. I can care less if people see us kissing.”
“Well, I don’t want people to see us being … What’s the word? Intimate?”
“Why not? Are you ashamed of me?” I teased her.
“No, of course not. I just want to keep my life private. You’re part of my life now, and I want to keep that private. People don’t need to see us kissing. Hugging is fine but kissing, no,” she defended. I chuckled and nodded my head. If that was the way she wanted it, then who was I to refuse? If only she knew there was so much more than just kissing. But that would be for another time. Bringing up s*x would have to wait until she was more acclimated to everything.
“Come on, it’s time for us to go. Richard is waiting,” I told her as I glanced at the clock. She nodded her head, and I finished buttoning my shirt before I took her hand. Together, we headed downstairs and outside to the back of the packhouse. We found Luna Rylee, Sam, and Lexie already waiting and walked over to them. “I will see you in a few,” I told Lanie as I left her with her sister and the Luna. I headed over to the side of the stage where Brent and Maverick were standing by. Trent and some of the other guards were there too, and they were all asking questions as to why this gathering was taking place and why the three of us were a little more dressed up than everyone else.
“Patience man, Richard asked us to dress up a bit. I’m sure he has his reasons,” Maverick replied while trying to keep his excitement at bay. I could feel his nerves as if they were my own. I figured that some pack members may have an idea what was going on, given that a poll was taken about who should inherit the pack from Richard. And since many pack members voted for me, according to Richard and Jackson, it’s reasonable to presume that some could speculate about tonight.
After we stood around for a few more minutes, I saw Richard, accompanied by Jackson and Jasper, walk up. I turned to Brent and Maverick.
“Showtime,” I said to them. Richard tapped on the microphone before clearing this throat.
“Good evening Golden Moon pack!”
“Good evening Alpha!” everyone responded in unison.
“Tonight, I have asked that everyone gather because I have a very important announcement to make.” He paused and took a deep breath as his eyes scanned the crowd. “It is with a heavy heart that tonight, I announce my retirement as Alpha of the Golden Moon pack.” This immediately sent shock waves through the crowd. The pack members started to murmur in shock, and some even began to panic, asking who would be the next Alpha. “Quiet please!” Richard said. Everyone calmed down and gave him their undivided attention. “I do not want anyone to worry, as I have already found my replacement. And before any of you ask, no, it is not an outsider. We will be keeping this within our pack.” He paused again and waited a moment. “Members of Golden Moon, without further ado, I pronounce your next Alpha… Chad McEvoy.” Richard stretched his arm out to show where I was in the crowd.
I gulped, took a deep breath, and made my way to the stage. I could hear the whispers and the mumbling-some good, some not so much. If there was one thing I learned, it was that not everyone likes their Alpha. They just dealt with it because it was better than being out on the streets as a rogue, or worse, dead.
“Good evening, everyone,” I said into the microphone. “I’m sure this comes as a surprise to most of you, if not all of you …” I paused when I saw my parents and my sister in the crowd with Killian. My mother had tears in her eyes, my sister and her mate’s jaws were on the ground, and my dad looked like he was the proudest father in the entire world. I could have sworn he even had tears in his eyes. “Believe me, it was a surprise to me too. Whatever the reasons, Alpha Richard has decided to name me as his successor. I vow to him, as well as to all of you, that I will do everything in my power to be a just and fair Alpha. One that you can all be proud of, and one that you can all stand behind. Thank you.” It was eerily silent for a brief moment, but then the crowd erupted in applauds, cheers, and howls. I could see some she-wolves with hearts in their eyes, which I completely ignored. My gaze went directly to Lanie and she had a smile on her face.
“Chad, as the next Alpha of Golden Moon, it is you who decides your Beta and Gamma. Now, unfortunately, Jackson has also decided to retire, and Jasper retired last year. Additionally, Jasper’s son refuses to take on the role of Gamma and has left the pack to pursue other avenues. We wish him well; however, that leaves you to choose your second and third in command,” Richard said, placing his hand on my shoulders.
“Thank you, Richard. I have already made my decisions,” I replied. Men throughout the entire pack puffed out their chests in hopes I would pick them. “My Beta will be Brent North.” Right off the bat, I could hear the moaning and disapprovals but tuned them out. Brent joined me on stage.
