Page 25 of A Luna's Revenge (Stone Mountain Shifters)
Charlie
The Day Tracy Vincent Arrives
Morning
Devastation Day 1
I am sitting here in Jenson's office, feeling like I am looking through a telescope at him. Every minute detail is magnified, every sight, every sound because I now know there are fissures, and I can see beyond the surface.
I gaze at Jenson without my proverbial rose-colored glasses because even though the vision didn’t show him cheating, the reality of my private investigative report in my email box shows an entirely different story—Jenson is a cheater.
As he speaks to the group about his mistress and how he was tricked and possibly magic was used on him, my stomach turns. As I watch his mouth move, all I can hear is: "Wah, wah, wah, wah. " Just like Charlie Brown's teacher. I can't even make out what he is saying, but I don't have to; I’ve heard it all before from the dream when I watched it all play out from a third-party perspective.
In her wisdom, the goddesshad placed me as a watcher in each scene of the dream, so I didn’t miss that skank planned her seduction and used magic, that Jenson hand-fed and catered to her and left me out of vital meetings. There are discrepancies between the vision and reality, but the result is the same: forewarned is forearmed.
In other words, being informed about these potential challenges in advance allows me to prepare for them effectively and meet them head-on. Essentially, now that I know what to expect, I can take steps to protect myself.
This time, I am no fool. I’ve already done my due diligence this morning, and I know that everything coming out of Jenson’s mouth is a lie. So, there isno shocker here.
The thing that does shock me, though, is his countenance. Once, I saw him with love, but not so much any longer; I see through the mask he wears now. Did he always wear that mask? I don't know, but I don't recognize him now.
Maybe it's just that my eyes are open, but I find he has a few tells. Truth be known, it's probably poor Asher, his wolf, fighting in there for him to be honorable. There's a nerve jerking in his jaw as he speaks things I know are untrue.
Then, his eyes blink rapidly a few times as the slippery lies glide effortlessly over his tongue. The same tongue he has kissed me with—probably kissed others with. Or is he a cheater who draws the line at kissing his lovers because that would be cheating because it’s too intimate?
His face no longer beloved to me but sleazy. I shudder and lower my gaze in disgust.
Jenson and I have been friends since childhood. We started dating in high school. We found we were fated mates at 18 and married. I’ve been his Luna for five years. There hasn't been a time we haven't been each other's best friends and then lovers.
He was my person. How could he do this to the one he is supposed to love? He acts no differently toward me, still tells me he loves me and makes love to me regularly; he does get surly and grouchy at times, though. That’s new.
I gaze around the room, see Jenson’s Beta Ben, Elder Roberts, Elder Brooks, Dr. Bridgit, Tracy Vincent, and his parents, and watch for reactions.
Everyone but the skank and Jenson’s mother have neutral expressions.
Jenson's mother, however, appears to be overjoyed. Her face is beaming, and she can barely contain it. It must be the pupbecause she was always nice, albeit distant to me. His father is unhappy if we go by his scowling demeanor.
Next, I look at the newest pack member being accepted today. Skank has just been giving me the side-eye and gloating, but right now, she appears livid. Her face is contorted, and she seems to be trembling with suppressed anger. Her pregnant belly is protruding under her halter top and mini skirt. I guess you could call her pretty with her blond hair and blue eyes. She appears to be about 25.
"Do you have a problem, Ms. Vincent?" Jenson growls.
"No, Alpha." Ms. Vincent quickly shows her neck in submission, and the fire in her eyes immediately vanishes. She looks like a scolded pup. I look at Jenson in surprise. I’ve never heard him speak to anyone in that way. Especially not a pregnant female. He must be afraid she would out his lies. He’s getting a little surly with her, too. Good!
"You play stupid games; you win stupid prizes, Jenson." Lana's voice whispers sadly in my head.
Lana and I are both sad about losing our true fated mate, especially since we are losing Asher, Jenson’s wolf. It's not his fault, and our hearts ache for him. We can feel him pushing to the surface of our mate, battling for dominance. "I'm sorry, little mate. I tried, but he drugs me so he can subdue me. I fight him when he is unfaithful." Asher agonizes.
I gasp as I realize we actually heard Asher speaking to us through the mind link. Jenson's demeanor doesn't change, and he never stops speaking. “Jenson isn't aware that we can hear Asher speaking to us, Lana.”
"Asher, we love you and are sorry, but we must leave." Lana soothes.
" I know Lana." Asher sobs. "Jenson and I both love you and Charlie very much. I know that because I can see it in his mind. That has never changed and will never change for me. But this has become an addiction to Jenson. He is never going to stop his cheating."
" Goodbye,sweet Asher." Lana and I vow simultaneously. "You will always have our love."
If you look at me on the outside, you would never know how I feel as I sit here stoically, my face giving no indication of my internal conflict. I just have to keep it up a little longer.
My stomach roils as Elder Franks soothes mesadly. "Luna, I realize this has come as a shock to you. And none of us here want to hurt you or replace you. You are a wonderful Luna. But as you know, Alpha needs an heir and with you having been barren, this cruel twist of fate is actually a blessing in disguise." Everyone nods contemplatively in agreement.
Me? Barren? There is nothing physically wrong with me. Jenson? I don't know about. He won't get tested! And, cruel twist of fate, really? How heartless can these shifters be? If not for the forewarning, I would have been ambushed this morning and dragged into this meeting only to learn that the love of my life, my partner, my fated soulmate, and my best friend has betrayed me–no, continues to betray me. He is expecting a baby with his mistress, who he claims forced herself on him at an Alpha conference three months ago. And they consider it a blessing? He should have kept it in his pants!
My stoic gaze shoots to Jenson as he speaks. "Charlie, I love youandam so sorry for this." Jenson pleads with me, "I never meant for this to happen at all. I guess I had too much to drink because I only vaguely even remember sleeping with her. I don't want to lose you, and I don't want a relationship with her.
“But, as everyone has pointed out, I will have an heir at the end of this." My vision blurs momentarily, and I almost lose my composure as I realize how easily his lies come. But what else will you have, Jenson, dear, besides your heir and your mistresses? Not me. Blinking rapidly, I force back the tears that are threatening.
"Charlie, please. This is a little pup." Alpha Jenson's mother backs him up, smiling broadly. She has always been vocal about my not having had any pups yet. "We can all have room in our hearts for an innocent one, can't we? I am so excited to finally have a grandpup on the way." She adds salt to the wound giddily. Feeling as though she has kicked me in the gut, I continue mutely staring at everyone, in turn, as they speak.
Ms. Vincent sits back with her chin tucked in and a small coy smile. Does she really think she is getting such a prize? Somewhere out there is her fated mate, and she throws him away for a faithless, mated male. You can have him, Tracy, to everyone's detriment.
It’s well known that you and your pack will suffer if you disrespect what the goddess gives you in a fated mate. And I won't be sharing with anyone, especially not a homewrecker and a cheat. Jenson has blown it with me; I am already halfway out the door.
Despite knowing everything and even having time to prepare for this emotionally, I am utterly devastated.
Thank you, goddess, for lending me strength by opening my vision and guiding me through this disloyalty and betrayal.
I look back again at Jenson as he speaks next. "I promise you, Charlie, you are my everything. I want no one but you for my life-long Luna by my side. But you know how desperately I’ve wanted an heir. I only want to ensure my heir stays with me." Jenson looks hopeful.
"Such a pretty promise." I coo. He puffs up and smiles that slimy smile. I nearly laugh out loud at the audacity.
"Oh." Homewrecker, AKA skank, moans and rubs her stomach. Everyone quickly turns to her. I roll my eyes as she smirks at me when no one is looking. I give her a secret little smile and a wink that causes a look of confusion to flit across her face. He's no prize, skank, but then, neither are you.
Jenson jumps up and comes round to where Ms. Vincent is sitting on the sofa. "Is everything okay?"
I roll my eyes as the same dramatic scene from my vision plays out before me. Skank puts on her little innocent act and declares she is hungry and tired while Jenson starts petting and coddling her.
Jenson starts shouting orders, and within minutes, they bring him pillows and blankets that he stuffs around her and begins hand-feeding her like they are mates.
"Oh, thank you, Jenson, this is just perfect." She actually purrs as she rubs his arm.
Elder Roberts speaks again. "So, everything is settled. Ms. Vincent will be initiated into the pack, under probation, and will move into the Alpha guest apartments in the packhouse." He looks at me, "There won't be any problems with that, will there Luna?"
I still have not spoken a word. "Whatever you all decide is fine with me." I finally say. "Though I am parched, I could use some bottled water, too. Does anyone else require anything to drink or eat? I can request enough refreshments for all?" I scan the room, making sure to meet each person's eyes. Everyone mumbles, shaking their heads and looking to the ground, Jenson included. Ah, an unmistakable scent of shame finally perfumes the air. Good! "I'll leave you all to it then. I have a busy schedule today."
Jenson rises, pulling me towards him, and bends to kiss me. I turn my head so his kiss lands on my cheek. He never even noticed that he missed my lips. He is too busy beaming at the skank. As far as he is concerned, he is set: his doormat wife is compliant, his mistress is moving into his packhouse with him, and his heir will be here any day. Playtime for Daddy .