Page 43 of His Blue Moon Princess (The Silver City #1)

“Let them in,” orders Damian.

Soon enough, fifty members of the Steel Moon clan enters, agitating all the other packs present. The arrival of a different and unknown Clan raises a lot of suspicions, and I hear people calling them strays, protesting against their presence here.

“Who are those people?” Asks Lysandra.

“Strangers. Another Clan, chased from their land by the same Dark Witch that is now targeting us,” I explain. “We called them here as witnesses.”

I turn to the man who came forth, probably Ryan, the man I heard on the phone. He bows in a very respectful manner to Damian and me, all of the people behind him doing the same. Gosh, those people do look exhausted... A lot of them are quite thin, and some even have visible, fresh scars and injuries. I show him the crowd, and he nods, understanding what I’m asking of him.

Once again, he addressed to everyone present, telling them their story, in more details. How the Witch first sent vampires, killing almost half of their pack, then poisoned them little by little until they had no choice but to leave. With all the packs listening, he made sure to be as detailed as possible, and by the time he was done, most of the audience appeared to be shocked, some even look sorry for them.All the Alphas stayed silent, listening to him with deep concern.

“We heard the Luna’s calling, and thought this might be our last chance at settling somewhere decent. Our pack is only a third of what it used to be, and our people are exhausted. We don’t have any wealth left, only our people. But we would be more than happy to help you fend off that wretched Witch if we can,” finishes Ryan.

“Why did the Witch target you?” Asks Andrew Jones.

“We still have no idea. We only saw her from afar. But anyone she killed, she kept their corpses. We couldn’t even bury our people as we kept losing them to her.”

Oh, Moon Goddess, she kept the bodies? I exchange a look with Damian. Why would she take dead werewolves’ bodies for? My man just looks as confused as I am, and so does Neal. On the side, Nathaniel looks at a loss, too. This is too scary and disgusting to think about! Behind Ryan, a few of his people can’t hold their tears. I can’t even begin to imagine the nightmare they went through. Even the Alphas present seem truly sorry for them.

“May Moon Goddess protect her children and save their souls,” says Tiffany Pearl.

I didn’t see the Pearl Moon Clan Alpha arriving. But I recognize their Alpha instantly, she is one of the most beautiful women in Silver City. From what I’ve seen of her previously, Tiffany is not only pretty, she’s also extremely smart. If she could be on our side, it might be easier to convince others...

“Princess, while gathering us all, you mentioned a plan against that Witch?” She asks, looking directly at me.

I feel a bit awkward being called that, but this is not the time to be embarrassed. Especially since I feel she is giving me more legitimacy this way.

“That’s right. Most of you know that last time, we survived because a few packs helped each other. The White Moon Clan was supported by the Blood Moon and Blood Moon, and the Purple Moon helped the Sea Moon Clan, too.”

I notice Andrew Jones gives a glare at his daughter, but Lysandra ignores him.Grandpa Seaver is nodding. Meanwhile, Clark Hamilton, the White Moon Alpha, gives a glance towards Nathaniel.

“This wasn’t part of any alliance, yet they helped each other because they knew everyone’s safety was at stake. I know some of you already have alliances, new or old. What I want to ask you all today, is to consider a global alliance. All of the packs present, working together against whatever that Witch will throw at us.”

Immediately, a hubbub of shouting and talking raises from the benches, despite the Alphas attempts to moderate their own packs. From what I can hear, most of them are already against it. Why would they help other packs they have fought with countless times before? Why should they help smaller packs? My wolf is annoyed at all the jabbering, and so am I.

Suddenly, after a while of all the Alphas trying to calm them down, Damian lets out the most terrifying growl, and all the attention is on him once again. As if his Alpha aura had suddenly exploded in the middle of the stadium, the benches suddenly go totally silent again. Some people even fell from their seats or retreated by instinct.

My mate is so close to shape-shifting, his pupils turned black like an animal, and his teeth grew longer. He isn’t the King of Silver City for nothing. I can tell a lot of the people present are totally scared, but I don’t care if that’s what it takes for them to listen. For a while, the whole stadium goes as silent as a cemetery as everyone calms down.

“...Why should we accept an alliance?” Asks a female Alpha. “We have been fine on our own so far, and the other Clans never lifted a finger to help while we were in trouble!”

“I know this won’t be easy. Many of the packs here are used to cohabitating with others but also being on your own. However, if we act separately next time, we might all lose everything. If each pack only sticks to defending their own territory, the Witch will wipe us all one by one. You heard the Steel Moon Alpha. They were such a big pack, yet they couldn’t do anything against her. Even our biggest Clans won’t be able to act on their own this time,” I explain.

“That’s easy to say for you. But allying with the Blood Moon Clan? Do you know how crazy that sounds?” Says another Alpha.

Damian stares at that man, who seems to shrink under his glare, and for the first time, addresses the crowd. “I know many of you still have in mind the crimes committed by my father. You all referred to him as the Mad King, and he deserved it. I am not him. I haven’t sought to expand my territory, nor have I attacked other packs before. Most of you see my face for the first time today. Why would I go ahead and betray you now?”

“What about your alliance with the Gold Moon Clan, then? We are all aware of the financing issue that is going on. They have been closing off the banks, cutting us from our funds, and threatening us to use your very own name when we rebelled. Are you telling us you haven’t been pressuring the other Clans through them?” Asks the Asphodel Moon Alpha.

“That’s right. Was this a way to ensure we would obey to you today? Isn’t it a bit too much to ask for alliances when you are using another Clan to threaten us on the sidelines?” Asks someone from the Lotus Moon Clan.

I knew the Gold Moon Clan issue would come back sooner or later... And everyone really thinks Damian is still allied with them. On the side, I spot William smiling. He was obviously waiting for this topic to come up.

Damian stays very calm and addresses everyone. “The Gold Moon Clan has been using my name to act on their own. The engagement is not real anymore, nor is our alliance with them. I know the rumors, but the Blood Moon Clan has had nothing to do with them ever since Nora had me cancel it.”

Me? He is making it look like I forced him to do it! Well, I did make him choose between Alessandra and me, but still!

“I am now addressing you all as the King of Silver City. I took over a position my father didn’t deserve because I had to. Our pack needed a new Alpha, and I became that man. Killing him also gave me the position as the King, with an even bigger Clan than the one my father led. I am the strongest werewolf; I am the King Alpha. Yet, I am mostly the Blood Moon Clan’s Alpha. I haven’t acted any differently since the Blood Moon Clan rose. I am not looking to submit anyone, but as Nora said, to find allies. Enough to protect Silver City. My brothers and I won’t be able to do it on our own.”

“you are only trying to raise an army!”

Everyone turns their heads to see who yelled that. Oh, Moon Goddess. Walking towards us is Alessandra King and her father.

The Gold Moon Clan just arrived.

As soon as I see that woman, my wolf and I want to attack her. How the hell does she dare to come here with that smirk on her face! Neal holds me back, a hand on my arm. He does well because otherwise, I might seriously go for her throat this time. In front of me, Bobo is growling like crazy, too.

Damian is glaring all his might at them, and they have no choice but to look down as they approach. Yet that doesn’t stop the Gold Moon Alpha, who ignores him to address the rest of the packs.

“Do you really believe this would be an innocent alliance? Damian Black is here to have you submit to him!”

All the Alphas look at each other. Some seem surprised or confused, but others, like Grandpa Seaver or Lysandra, are obviously exasperated by his words. Tiffany Pearl and Vince are glaring at the Gold Moon Alpha.

“You have guts to show yourself, Taaron. After the mess your people put us into,” says a man I believe to be the Celtic Moon Alpha. “Half of my businesses are about to go bankrupt because of you!”

Taaron King is a small man, with the exact brown hair as his daughter, and tiny black eyes. He is wearing an oversized coat and a golden chain that both look too big for his size, walking confidently like he owns the place. A trait Alessandra inherited from him, apparently... I glare at those two, like half of the people present in the stadium. Ryan and the rest of his pack look lost at what is going on, but they still positioned themselves between the Gold Moon Clan and us.

“Do you believe me to be responsible for this? You all know Damian Black is the King in this city; all I did was obey him! I did tell him, cutting off any funds to the other packs would be a bad idea, but who am I to oppose him?” Says Taaron with a pitiful voice.

How can he lie so blatantly? Don’t tell me people are going to believe that? I should tear off this snake’s tongue! A lot of werewolves are now looking at Damian with dubious or angry eyes. They can’t believe this nonsense! He is so obviously lying! Before I can find any words, Alessandra starts talking, too, trying to act like a victim.

“My fiancé made use of our relationship as soon as he could. He said we should act quickly to prevent the packs from moving their money somewhere else, like the Sapphire Moon Clan he hates so much. This way, everyone would promptly consent to this alliance.”

I’m going to spit blood if this bitch says another word!

“How dare you! Damian broke off his relationship with the Gold Moon Clan weeks ago!” I yell.

She turns towards me, but my wolf is standing on all fours and growling furiously, she can’t even meet me in the eye. Instead, she pretends to look a little lower. “We held our engagement party not two weeks ago. Why would it make any sense for him to have broken if off now?” Says Alessandra.

“Because I am his Luna, you bitch!”

Alessandra laughs at me. Moon Goddess, if it wasn’t for Neal holding me back, I would kill that woman. How dare she!

“You are no one! Suddenly, a little girl comes out of nowhere, claiming to be a Royal, and you become his Luna overnight? Who will believe that? Isn’t it obvious he just picked someone to play the part and give him more power? I couldn’t have pulled the Royal pretense off!”

“She really is a Royal, we saw her shapeshift,” says Clark Hamilton. “They cannot fake the marking either.”

Alessandra glares at him. “Royals mean nothing. They have been extinct for ages! Who cares about the Royals, anyway? It’s all about wealth nowadays, and the Blood Moon Clan made sure to have both!”

William’s pack starts growling furiously, as they hate for anyone to show disrespect to the Royals. Clearly, the Gold Moon Clan did not expect that from them. Both packs start yelling and growling at each other, but Damian silences them with a growl.

Then, he turns to Taaron King and addresses him with his deadliest glare. “I never asked you to put an embargo on any Clan, and our business relationship ended two weeks ago, as Nora stated. This gathering was my mate’s attempt to protect all of Silver City, not for me to submit anyone.”

“Really? Isn’t it what you are doing right now?” Asks Taaron, without lifting his eyes.

“He is teaching you to show some respect, you damn mutt...” Growls Lysandra.

I see her father tell her to shut it silently, but she ignores him. So, the Purple Moon Clan also has a feud with the Gold Moon. Next to her, I catch Clark Hamilton and William exchanging glances, too. I wish I knew what my cousin is thinking, but for now, I really have to shut those liars up if I want to have a chance at unifying the Clans.

“You are just spouting nonsense, King. Is that all you came for? What’s your aim?” Growls Damian.

So many wolves from the different Clans are growling, that he has to speak louder and use his Alpha aura. King and his daughter are avoiding eye contact with Damian and gaze at the audience instead.

“I don’t have any wrong ambition aside from enlightening our fellow citizens about your actions, Damian Black. A Witch’s attack? Vampires? Why should we believe that?”

“Are you deaf? We witnessed it ourselves!” Yells Marina Seaver.

Taaron King shrugs. “What you saw were vampires. There isn’t any proof anyone witnessed a Witch, or that those vampires will come back! Who can tell if this wasn’t a one-time thing? Are you all willing to surrender to the Blood Moon out of fear? Black is just using this as an excuse to have you all submit to him!”

“We are seeking alliances, not a submission!” I growl.

“Isn’t it the same? The Blood Moon Clan is too powerful! Any smaller pack will have to obey you once they accept this alliance! They might as well surrender their territories and wealth right now! Is there any Alpha here would believe they will be able to oppose any command from the Alpha King, Damian Black?” Asks Taaron King.

All around, despite the hostile faces, no one says a word. Of course, Damian is the strongest werewolf miles around. Now he is making this look like it’s all a conspiracy!

“You’re wrong,” I say. “We will not submit the other wolves...”

“Why seek a stronger Luna, then? If you really are a Royal, as everyone here believes? Aren’t you only another tool to make him powerful? No wonder he changed his mind and left my daughter!”

This time, Alessandra glares at her father. It seems like she didn’t appreciate that reminder.

In the sidelines, I hear Andrew Jones click his tongue. “So, he did leave the King daughter...”

“No wonder,” laughs Tiffany. “Isn’t it obvious that miss Nora is a better Luna? That woman can’t even hide her nasty jealousy.”

Alessandra is red with embarrassment, serves her just right!

“A man with the most power, the biggest territory,” her father continues, “and a powerful Luna. And now, not only that, but he brings an army here?”

While talking, he is pointing at Ryan’s group. Seriously? He is even using the Steel Moon Clan now?

Ryan growls, outraged. “We only answered the Luna’s call!”

“Oh, really? How convenient is it that a full pack showed up right before this gathering? How many did you say you were? Strange, isn’t it? How Damian Black seems to be gathering more and more people?”

“We are refugees! The Luna spoke to us for the first time not even an hour ago!”

“And what right did she have to let you in Silver City, hm? Did Nora Bluemoon ask other packs while letting you in? The Blood Moon Pack is in the middle of Silver City, so which territory did you cross on your way here?” Asks Taaron.

“They crossed the Jade Moon Clan territory. Nora was raised in our pack, and she has every right to say who can come in or not!” Growls Vince.

Taaron King seems a bit surprised by Vince’s reaction. The Gold Moon Clan probably had no idea of my ties with the Jade Moon Clan or did not expect it would still be relevant. But since Vincent submitted to me, I don’t believe he would oppose me in anything.

However, King just decides to ignore Vincent’s words. “Anyway, they did bring an extra pack here. Isn’t it too much? Asking other packs to bring only fifty people, and bringing more wolves on their own?”

“Where did you go to school, King?” Asks the Asphodel Moon Alpha. “There’s only fifty wolves of the Blood Moon here.”

“You don’t believe me? The Jade Moon Clan is backing off their Luna! If I add this new pack, they found who knows where, doesn’t that seem a lot already? Who knows how many more Clans here are already on their side?”

Suddenly, people start muttering. I see William Jones and Lysandra argue, too, and now even Clark Hamilton is watching our group with suspicion. This can’t be happening!

“We allowed any official pack to come! Every Clan here knows there are already alliances ongoing, don’t you? All we ask for is to unite bigger!” I claim, trying to convince everyone.

“So, you admit it! You are already seeking to grow an army inside Silver City! And what of those who don’t go along with your plan then? Aren’t you going to use brute force to submit them? Or will you leave them to die once this Witch attacks?”

“Enough!”

I’ve had enough of this! I used my wolf’s Alpha Voice, silencing everyone. Taaron King just crossed a line there, and I won’t tolerate it. Stepping away from Damian’s grasp, I step forward. The whole Gold Moon Clan actually retreats a few steps back right away.

“I’ve had enough of you accusing my mate! We gathered everyone here to seek alliances against a threat that could be the end of all of us! Yet you come here, acting like you know anything! Where were you when the vampires attacked? Only defending your own territory! Now, you dare to say Damian manipulated anyone? You are the one playing around with business deals and finances until the packs can’t take it anymore! You act like you own everything and use his name to get what you want! Alessandra comes uninvited to the Blood Moon territory, to the Sapphire Moon territory, and you dare to accuse me of inviting people in? At least I know where my place is!” I yell.

Taaron King look like he lost a few more inches under my Alpha voice and my wolf’s growling, but Moon Goddess, I needed to put it out. In the assistance, I see William and Tiffany smiling, and Lysandra even applauds loudly.

After hearing me, some of the crowd seems confused, not knowing who to believe. I see Clark Hamilton exchanging glances with William, and Andrew Jones isn’t showing any expression at all. Some of the smaller pack Alphas are glaring at Taaron King, but others are also giving Damian suspicious glances, too.

“Anyway,” says Alessandra, “we will never agree to this alliance. All of those who think Damian Black cannot be trusted are welcome to join, us as well. Of course, there is no way we will keep any form of financial pressure on our allies.”

Oh, Moon Goddess... So that was their aim. Having their own alliance, using people’s distrust towards Damian, and the financial struggles for that. I look around, and some of the smaller pack Alphas seem hesitant. I can’t believe this is happening.

Suddenly, a group goes to their side, led by an Asian woman. The Rising Moon Clan. Of course, they had to show they have allies, too. I bite my lip. This isn’t going as planned at all. I wanted to form alliances, not to have one against us!

“I have to say...”

Surprised, I turn towards the voice. It’s Andrew Jones, from the Violet Moon Clan, speaking. Everyone stops to hear him.

“I would be curious to hear the Sapphire Moon Clan’s opinion. From what I know, you are enemies with both the Gold Moon and the Blood Moon, but this new Luna changes the odds, doesn’t she?”

I turn around and find William staring right at me with a smile. Oh no, I do not like that expression of his. What is he thinking now...?

“That is right, Andrew, she could indeed change my mind towards the Blood Moon Clan... If Nora was willing to marry into our Clan, for example.”

...What the hell did he just say?

I stare at William, totally speechless. What is wrong with him? Why would I ever agree to marry him, when Damian is right there!

“Who is going to marry who? William, are you crazy!”

“You say that one more time, and I’ll put you to shreds!” Growls Damian.

He is ready to jump at William’s throat any second. I’ve never seen Damian so angry before, and I must hold him back with both hands. But what game is William playing at? Around us, everyone is acting confused or surprised, waiting to see what will happen next. Due to Damian’s sudden burst of rage, some people even shape-shifted out of fear.

However, my cousin looks perfectly calm. “It’s not unheard of before. Especially for Royals— that’s a way to strengthen the pureblood within our family.”

“You know I don’t care about the Royals’ blood, William,” I protest.

“But I do. And as far as I know, you are the only one left carrying so much of Queen Diane’s pureblood.”

“Wait a minute. The Sapphire Moon is related to Royals?” Asks Tiffany.

“That is right. The Blue Moon Royal family are our ancestors. The Royal blood had gotten so thin that the Blue Moon family was almost ready to give up that name. However, we were blessed with a Moon Goddess’ reincarnation two generations ago, Queen Diane. And Nora Bluemoon, here, is that reincarnation’s granddaughter.”

A lot of reactions are heard around us. People are stunned by this revelation; some are looking at me in astonishment.

I shake my head.“Stop this nonsense, William. I’m already Damian’s fated mate! Don’t you respect Moon Goddess’ will above anything?”

“Fated mate? With the Blood Moon Alpha?” Says someone.

“That would explain his sudden change of mind...”

“Anyone can pretend to be fated mates!” Yells Alessandra. “Isn’t it obvious this is all just an act?”

I give her a deadly glare, making her shut up. All around us, people start talking again, raising suspicions about my relationship with either Damian or William. But I don’t really care what they think.

I turn to William, annoyed. “I won’t marry anyone else, William. I don’t want to be with anyone but Damian, and you know that.”

“...One of you may change your mind, you know.”

I shake my head. Damian’s arm grabs my waist, and he holds me against him while growling furiously at William. There is no way Damian will ever agree to that, even William knows that, so what’s his aim?

“Enough, Blue. Nora is already my mate. What’s your game?” Asks Damian, still growling.

My cousin sighs and puts a hand through his curly hair. Everyone can see his blue eyes and our physical resemblance. Funny how I look so much more like him than Elena, to whom I am closer in blood... I guess she took after her mom mostly.

“Maybe... I could consent to an alliance between us,” says William. “If Nora was willing to come to my Clan.”

“That’s still a no,” replies Damian right away.