Page 30 of A Luna's Revenge (Stone Mountain Shifters)
Alpha Jenson
I have my best enforcers and trackers out trying to find Charlie. In the meantime, Alpha Blake will be here around noon today to escort Tracy to headquarters in Stone Mountain. I need to speak to her before she leaves to ensure she keeps quiet so that everything will work out for us.
I go to the basement, and since it’s still early, not many people are working around the cells. The guard is young, so he should be easy to manipulate.
“Josh, I need a few minutes with the prisoner to do follow-up questioning; why don’t you take a break and have a snack? I know you are a growing young wolf.”
“Thanks, Alpha.” He takes off up the stairs. “I was getting kind of hungry.”
Once Tracy and I are alone, she tears into me. “What the heck, Jenson?” She starts to cry. “Why am I in a jail cell?”
“Look around you, Tracy; we have the best cells in the territory. I had them add some nice things to make you comfortable.”
“I don’t give a flip about best cells and nice things now! I am concerned about the fact that I am locked up!” Her voice has increased in volume to a scream. Thank the goddess for soundproof walls.
“We had this discussion.” I get stern with her. “You need to trust me on this. You won’t be incarcerated long, and I will come to Stone Mountain to pick you up soon.”
“Stone Mountain? What do you mean, Jenson?” Her screech is a cross between a banshee and has the same effect as nails on a chalkboard. I resist the urge to cap my hands over my ears or around her throat. Goddess, was she always this annoying?
“You are being escorted to Stone Mountain today to stand trial for mate bond tampering.”
“Is that a real thing? Mate bond tampering?”
“Yeah. And it’s against the law.” I capitalize on her ignorance of the term. “So, you need to keep your mouth shut until I can get down there and release you, okay?”
She stomps her foot. Really? She stomps her foot! How old is she? I don’t know what I ever saw in this female. She isn't even a fraction of the class and charm that is Charlie.
“It better be worth it, Jenson, for all I am going through and pregnant to boot!” She hisses. “I want to be Luna and rule this pack! I'll make a wonderful Leader.” She parades around her cell, throwing kisses at her imaginary audience.
“Goddess,” I whisper out of the corner of my mouth.
“What did you say, Jenson?” She points her finger in my face angrily.
“I said, you never know; my Luna did run off after you arrived.”
“As she should.” She declares triumphantly. “She knows when the Alpha is getting an upgrade in the Luna department. And, I come with an heir on board. Hahahaha!” She rubs her stomach and laughs like you would imagine, all nasally and similar to a donkey braying. “Get it?” She punches me on the shoulder. “Baby on board, heir on board.” Her laughter dies down. “Anyway…”
“Yes—anyway. Be on your best behavior and keep your mouth shut.” She gestures as if locking her mouth and throwing away the key. Then smiles at me. Ah, there’s the appeal, I think to myself sarcastically. She is a beautiful female when her mouth is shut. I roll my eyes and shake my head.
“Upgrade?” Asher spits. “ You are seeing this, aren’t you, doofus? That is amajordowngrade.If you get stuck with this one, I may move on because her wolf is just as annoying as she is.”
“Shut up, Asher. Where’s some wolfsbane when you need it.”
Alpha Blake
Around noon, we arrive at Little Silver Creek Pack. Stepping out of the SUV, we are greeted by Alpha Jenson and Enforcer Orson. After shaking hands, Alpha Jenson invites us all in for lunch. As we enter the pack house, twofemale enforcers take our prisoners to use the restroom. Afterward, we all meet in the dining hall. The meal is placed on the bar and served buffet style. With our high metabolisms, wolves are accustomed to eating large, full meals. I load my plate and sit down. We all keep watch over the prisoners so everyone has a chance to eat.
I dig into my meal while Alpha Jenson barely touches his food. I took a moment to scrutinize him, and after everything Charlie had told me, I saw him in a new light. He’s not a good male; he’s a cheater. As I watch him, he starts to share his troubles. I soon realized he was in a similar situation to Alpha Devon; he didn’t prioritize his mate. What is wrong with these shifters?
"Alpha Jenson," I say after he finishes, "I know you understand that your Luna is a gift from the goddess and deserves to be treated as such. I've heard of Charlie, and she’s been a bright star for the territory. If you're fortunate enough to win her back, you must treat her right. I don’t have my Luna yet, but when I do, I hope I’m wise enough to put her above everything else. This might sound disrespectful to the pack, but my Luna will always come first." I emphasize, "That's why it's so important to treat a good mate well—she should always be your top priority."
After finishing our meal, the enforcers take the prisoners back to the SUVs and wait for us there. Alpha Jenson, Enforcer Orson, and I go to the basement to collect his prisoner. Their basement is modern and almost identical to the Still Waters Pack prison cells.
Enforcer Orson unlocks the cell door and out walks a heavily pregnant female. While Charlie had told me the entire unsavory story, it was shocking to see a pregnant she-wolf incarcerated.
I meet her eyes, and an electric pulse charges through me. Her eyes widen. She feels it, too. She's a beautiful woman, and my wolf comes to the forefront. "Mate." He growls. I am enamored by her beauty. I reach for herto touch her face, and it dawns on me thatthis female is not honorable. Her actions have deemed her unworthy and untrustworthy. She has broken the law and used magic to attempt to destroy a mate bond. She isn't someone I can trust to put above my pack, put before everything. As much as it pains me, I can't accept her as my mate. My eyes burn as I blink and turn away.
Tears roll down her cheeks as she realizes the consequences of her actionsandhow she has doomed our relationship to failure. "I—I'm sorry." She stutters.
Everyone is looking at us in astonishment. I take a deep breath. "What's your full name?"
"Tracy Marie Vincent," she whispers.
"Tracy," I hesitate. "When are you due?"
"Any day, now," she pales.
"I am going to remain at Stone Mountain until you are delivered of your pup," I caution, "At that time, I will reject you."
She nods as the tears continue to flow.
"Let's get loaded up." I trot up the stairs and out to the waiting SUVs. "Put Ms. Vincent in the second vehicle, and let's roll." She is hastily placed in the second SUV, and we are again on our way.
This time, we are headed south to Stone Mountain Kingdom. And if what I’ve heard from the prisoners is true, the Alpha Commander and I have something in common: our fated mates are criminals who didn't want us but someone else enough to try to destroy their mate bond.
My mind and heart are in tatters. Two selfish females destroyed four broken-hearted alphas.
Jenson
Sitting in the conference room with Enforcer Orson and Beta Ben, I contemplate how I will navigate this conference. Charlie forced my hand, and I had to charge Tracy for mate bond tampering, among other things, or admit to having an affair. With how things have turned out, I should have just shown courage, admitted my failings, and beggedforgiveness. “You didn’t want forgiveness. You wanted to be selfish and have easy access to your mistress here under your mate’s nose,” Asher yells in my head.
“Asher, shut up! I need to think!”
As it stands, Charlie has disappeared into the wind. We tracked her cell phone up to Northern Canada, where it was found smashed in a dumpster. Nothing could be found on it; she had wiped it clean except for the tracker. The fact she left the tracker on it tells me she did it on purpose to throw us off, and it worked.
She also served me with divorce papers that will be finalized in two weeks without my raising a finger. I have to contact someone to answer the petition and stall the divorce proceedings until I can talk to Charlie. I hope we can work this out.
On top of everything else, Dr. Bridgit advises me that miscarriages and health crises are up at alarming rates within the pack.
Additionally, I have people leaving. Just over a week ago, Reggie Marks, my top Elite Enforcer under Orson, suddenly requested a transfer. He went with Alpha Blake's contingency this morning. Alpha Blake accepted him after the discussion he and I had. Alpha Blake plans to make him his Lead Enforcer. I highly recommended him, even though I hate to see him go. Despite his request to relocate last week, I wish him the best.
“Reggie, I really hate losing you.” I reach to shake his hand at the end of the interview. “You are my top guy under Orson. We even have it in the works to move you up as Orson’s second.”
His countenance was steely, and he didn’t pull any punches. He looked me dead in my eyes and said, “I’m leaving because of Charlie. Any male who would hurt such a wonderful person is not honorable.”
I drop my hand in shock. “What are you insinuating, Marks?”
“There are probably only a few in this pack that don’t know how you hurt and humiliated Charlie.” He spat. “Did you think that no one would know why she left? You weren’t exactly discreet, Alpha! Everyone saw you leaving the bars with females and going next door to the motel. Then you had the nerve to move your pregnant mistress across the hall from her bedroom!
If you treat your most treasured soulmatethat way, what hope do the rest of us have? What confidence would that inspire in your leadership?” He was trembling with anger by the end of his speech. I felt his Alpha aura wash over me as he held back, wanting to say and do more. It was so intense I nearly showed my neck. I can see his potential as an iron-willed leader.
I simply nod, as there is no arguing with his logic. What he says is fair. I’ve well and truly messed my life up.
This chain of events has sobered me. I can feel the unrest around me now that my eyes have been opened. My link to the pack now feels tenuous and weak. Especially since the fractured bond with Charlie dissipated.
Charlie has always been the love of my life; even when there were other females, I never loved themor kissed another. It was just physical gratification. My heart has always been reserved for Charlie. “You should have held yourentire heart, body, and soulin reserve for Charlie. How would you feel to discover that Charlie had been doing what you were doing?” Asher snarled.
“What the heck! Asher, was Charlie sleeping around?” Despite the audience, I nearly began frothing at the mouth at the thought.
“No, Alphahole, but think about that and tell me how Charlie felt when she found out what you were doing?” Asher accused. “I don’t know where your head has been these last few months, but you are the one that destroyed our mate and our mate bond. Charlie just physically removed the cankerous scab of a mate mark you left over her heart.”
“I don’t want to hear this anymore. Go somewhere and shut up!”
Bringing my attention back to the present, I realize the giant TV has flickered on, with the various territory alphas beginning to join the call onscreen. Alpha Rich, Alpha Blake, Alpha Devon, Alpha Wright, Alpha Reems, and Alpha Jon appear with their various teams. The lead enforcers are also in attendance. Loud, confident voices fill the room with greetings.
"Gentlemen, thank you for joining us in this information-gathering call." I begin as everyone settles down. "We are gathered here to investigate criminal activity regarding mate bond tampering, and we appreciate everyone's willingness to attend. As always, please be aware that our meetings are video recorded. Also, every one of you will be sworn to secrecy.
The things we will discuss are ongoing litigation. Also, we know shifters love to gossip, but these criminals have done irreparable damage to multiple parties.
We will go around the room to every alpha's team onscreen. Each person will introduce themselves, swear secrecy upon punishment of law, and agree to or state their unwillingness to be recorded.
Anyone not agreeing to these terms will be invited to leave the call." He watches the video screen carefully to ensure compliance. When everyone has assented, he nods. "Let the record show that everyone attending has agreed to secrecy under penalty of punishment and consented to be video recorded."
"As per our custom," I continue, "I will ask Lead Enforcer Orson to conduct this investigation. Enforcer Orson?"
"Thank you, Alpha." Enforcer Orson begins as he shuffles through the file in front of him. "To save time, we sent our complete investigative file to each of your lead enforcers for them to review before this meeting.
To summarize our accusations, Tracy Vincent administered drugsand magical potions and potentially used spells upon our Alpha Jenson, with the intent to interfere in his mate bond to replace herself as our Luna. She is further accused of attempted sexual assault, allegedly insinuating consensual sex as she came here claiming the pup she is carrying belongs to our Alpha. Further charges may come, and additional individuals may be implicated post-investigation."
A heavy hush fell over the room, and then a collective gasp echoed as the shocking news was processed, but there were nods of acknowledgment from others. "Unfortunately, in the brief time we were investigating Ms. Vincent's claims, our Luna disappeared. We don't think foul play was involved, but Ms. Vincent's actions are more serious because she has successfully disrupted the bond between the Alpha and Luna."
Additional gasps murmured at his words. I just mentally roll my eyes. Of course, Enforcer Orson is the best in his field, and he would push this to the maximum. "We found this grimoire in her possession." He holds up the tattered book. I had not realized they had searched Tracy’s room, but I should have known.
Alpha Blake speaks up. "Enforcer Orson, if I may?" He motions for Alpha Blake to continue. "My team and I are joining you from a motel conference room in Stone Mountain Kingdom. We were tasked to pick up Tracy Vincent from Little Silver Creek Pack and two prisoners from Still Waters Pack, all charged with mate bond tampering. That is why we have been gathered here to compare and prevent future crimes. This is an attack on our families, as well as our packs."
"Enforcer Orson, may I interject?" Enforcer Hill from the Still Waters Pack requests
Enforcer Orson nods, "Please proceed."
Enforcer Hill continues. "Unfortunately, it doesn't stop there. You will notice the absence of Alpha Quinn. Luna Quinn has been charged and arrested for mate bond tampering, the use of magic and drugs in said crime, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, and unlawful imprisonment. Again, pending the investigation results, more charges and others may beimplicated. These charges go back over 20 years, but some are also current."
At this point, the room erupts. Shock is written on everyone's faces. Enforcer Orson retakes the room. "Please! Please! Let's get on with this. I don't want to spend more time on this thannecessary. No more interruptions; keep your comments to yourself." The room quiets.
Enforcer Hill requests again, "May I continue?"
Enforcer Orson nods.
"After a preliminary search of Jeni Quinn's room at Still Waters Pack, we found a tea mixture that has been sent off for testing. Enforcer Orson, we can compare notes on that later." He nods his agreement.
Enforcer Hill continues. "Luna Quinn will be transported to Stone Mountain City within the next couple of days. Also, the other criminals transported to Stone Mountain with Ms. Vincentwere Alpha and Luna Quinn's daughter, Jeni Quinn, and her best friend, Sheila Morris. They are charged with mate bond tampering between Alpha Devon and his mate Amaris, to the detriment of the mate bond, which is now nearly severed. In Jeni’s tampering, test results show she used magic, spells, and wolfsbane."
"I might have some information to add," Alpha Reems reluctantly admits. "I recognize that grimoire. On the inside page, you will find it belonged to my grandmother, Nelda Baird Reems. My cousins are Garnet and her daughter, Jeni Quinn, and Tracey Vincent." A frenzy of whispers erupts. "Our grandfather, Remington Reems, previous Alpha, married Nelda Baird, a witch. Their children, among others, include my father, Cedric Reems, Garnet's father, Niro Reems, and Tracy's mother, Narcissa Reems, who married Ramos Vincent. There is a familial connection among us. I was not aware of any charges against Tracy or that Garnet and her daughter had been guilty of anything. I am innocent in their schemes. Their grandmother would be ashamed of them. I know I am."
The following two hours are spent discussing all the information and evidence. Enforcer Orson compiles a record on Tracy Vincent, noting the connection to Garnet and Jeni Quinn, while Enforcer Hill compiles the record on the Quinns, noting the connection to Tracey Vincent. Enforcer Orson is nothing but thorough. When he searched Tracy’s room, he found the grimoire and various teas and potions he had submitted as evidence.
I can’t take my mind off Charlie to focus on this meeting. I know I have to tread carefully, but nothing eases the ache in my chest. I feel the hollowness where my mate bond with Charlie once resided. If I ever see her again, I will beg for her forgiveness on my hands and knees.