Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
“It feels wrong,” I tell them, though their words make too much sense.
Grimoire’s voice echoes in my mind. Politics is rarely about what feels right, little witch. It’s about what works.
I almost snort out loud. Of course he’d say that. I’m not sure he has much empathy for people’s struggles.
Empathy isn’t what keeps you alive.
Selene, surprisingly, chimes in as well. The book isn’t wrong. Sometimes protecting the pack requires tough choices.
Their input only adds to my inner turmoil. I’ve never been good at lying, even by omission. But then again, I’ve never been responsible for an entire pack before.
“Luna,” Vester says, his voice softer now. “We’re not asking you to fabricate a story. We will not punish any of these wolves for their actions. It is nothing more than window dressing. A quick hearing, listen to their words, and tell them to be careful in the future. We’re addressing the situation, we are just not revealing certain details.”
His words soothe me. A little, anyway. “And what would that look like, exactly?”
Vanessa steps closer, her expression sympathetic. “You would hold the hearing as normal. Listen to their accounts, show understanding for their actions while still emphasizing the importance of pack unity and control. Then, you’d issue a fair judgment. Knowing they weren’t in their right mind, you can attribute it to stress and tell them you’re letting it go this time, with a warning for the future.”
I chew on my lower lip, weighing the options. On one hand, the idea of withholding information from the pack feels fundamentally wrong. On the other, I can see the logic in their argument. If the pack loses faith in Lucas’s ability to lead, especially now when we’re so vulnerable…
Those alpha challenges will roll in like a storm.
Am I willing to risk that over a little thing like morals?
Okay, yes, morals are a big thing. A big, big thing. But so is my mate’s life.
“What about when Lucas regains control?” I ask. “Won’t the pack feel betrayed if they find out later?”
Vester shakes his head. “By then, the situation will have stabilized. And if handled correctly, it may never need to come to light at all.”
The weight of the decision is on my shoulders, not theirs. But their faces are drawn, too. Vanessa’s eyes are a little red, as if she hasn’t slept. Vester’s face is grim and tight.
They aren’t taking this lightly.
They care about their pack. Just like Lucas does.
I look at Aurum again, his massive form a reminder of just how precarious our situation is. Then to Selene, her blue eyes watching me intently.
What do you think? I ask her silently.
I think you need to decide what kind of leader you want to be, she replies, maddeningly unhelpful.
I’m not here to make your decisions for you, Ava. I’m here to support the decisions you make. Unless you want to start eating someone’s pups.
Well, obviously I’m not going to do anything that horrible.
Then what are you worried about?
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Okay,” I say finally, my voice steadier than I feel. “I’ll do it. But I want to be clearwe’re not lying.”
Vanessa and Vester exchange a look of relief.
“That’s a wise decision, Luna,” Vester says, his face a little more relaxed than before. Not by much, but some.
This choice doesn’t rest comfortably in my heart, but the necessity is clear in my mind. Maybe it’s a terrible decision. Maybe it’s objectively wrong. But it’s the decision I’ve made. I’ll take responsibility for it.
“When should we hold this hearing?”
“As soon as possible,” Vanessa suggests. “The sooner we address this, the less time there is for rumors to spread.”
“Alright,” I agree, straightening my posture. “Let’s aim for this afternoon, then. Vester, can you arrange for the involved parties to be brought to… where do we usually hold these hearings?”
“The main lodge would be appropriate,” he replies. “Most will not attend the hearing, but it has space in case they wish to.”
“Perfect. Have them brought to the lodge at…” I glance at the clock, calculating, “…three o’clock. That should give us enough time to prepare.” And by prepare, I mean I need a shower. And maybe to find some clothes that make me look a little more authoritative and less like a homeless child. 2
The main lodge is a humble log cabin with an open layout that somehow manages to feel both spacious and cozy. Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and a massive stone fireplace dominates one wall. The furniture is simple but sturdyall handcrafted, I’d bet.
There’s a raised platform where I stand, and plenty of space for people to stand.
There are no rooms. No kitchens. I think they even said there isn’t a bathroom.
I tug at the hem of my black shirt, which hangs a bit loose on my frame. The jeans I’m wearing are slightly too big as well, but they’re the best I could find on short notice. My hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail, practical if not particularly stylish.
Not glamorous. Not intimidating. The best I managed to aim for is clean and presentable. Hopefully it’s enough.
My fingers tap an anxious rhythm against my thighs as I watch shifters file into the room.
Calm down, Selene’s voice echoes in my mind. You’re radiating anxiety. They can pick up on it.
They can probably smell it.
Yes.
Ugh.
Straightening my shoulders a little further, I clasp my hands behind my back, trying to look confident and nononsense. Like I’m a leader, and not someone just fumbling around in this Luna role. Damn it. I want an instruction book.
No such thing, Grimoire says cheerfully. You’ll have to make it up as you go along.
I liked it better when he was a book who couldn’t talk to me at will.
That’s cruel. (2)
But honest.
Selene stands beside me, ears pricked forward as she watches more wolves enter. They all incline their heads slightly as they pass us.
They’re showing respect, Selene explains. They’ve all greeted you through the pack bond.
A twinge of jealousy shoots through me. “I can’t hear it, I murmur, keeping my voice low.
It shouldn’t be impossible for you to hear, Selene replies, sounding thoughtful. I have some ideas.
Grimoire’s presence stirs in my mind. I agree. We’ll work on that, little witch.
My heart does a little somersault. The idea of having a real pack bond, where I can communicate with other wolves, is a dream I’ve had since I was a young girl.
I long ago gave up on it, but if it’s possible…
Vester clears his throat beside me. Delta Ryder, Vanessa’s brother, leads several wolf shifters into the lodge, some sporting fading bruises. None are bound. All walk in line as if being
$11.00
marched.
This is it. The moment of truth.
Wellnot exactly truth. I guess it’s more of a moment I try to pull wool over the eyes of my own people.
I straighten my posture, trying to project an air of authority I don’t quite feel. Vester steps forward, his voice carrying easily through the room as he begins to introduce the wolves before us.
The chargesfor lack of a better wordare laid out simply.
Vester’s voice rings clear through the lodge as he lists the charges. “Unprovoked aggression, destruction of pack property, and endangerment of pack members.”
The terms all sound horrible and vicious, even though I know everyone’s a victim. I keep my face carefully neutral, but a bead of sweat trickles down the back of my neck.
The first wolf, a burly man with a fading bruise on his jaw, steps forward. Vester addresses him directly. “Jerrod, explain your actions on the night in question.”
Jerrod shifts his weight, his eyes darting between Vester and me. “It wasn’t unprovoked,” he growls. “That bastard Will’s been running his mouth, saying our Alpha’s gone soft. That we’re weak now.” His fists clench’at his sides. “I couldn’t let that stand.”
I feel a vague ripple go through the crowd. People are standing a little straighter, listening a little more intently.