The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 197: Chapter 197

: Sutton
“Yes, that’s Korinna,” Soloman confirmed a short while later. “She’s a distant cousin but more importantly, she was your mother’s closest friend. If anyone was helping her disappear, it was Korinna.”
“You said she disappeared, too,” I replied.
He nodded. “Yes. Most assumed she had been killed along with the other family members who Raphe went after. Rumors spread that she was a part of the attack. But I had always wondered if maybe she went into hiding after Leanetta’s death.”
“You think she betrayed Mom?” Helene asked.
Soloman shook his head. “No. There were a lot of rumors like that going around after the accident. I think Raphe was using them as a reason to hunt down those who were actually supporting Leanetta. There were so many conspiracy theories going on by that point no one put up much of an argument against his actions.”
“Why didn’t you?” I asked. “It sounds like you know he was basically assassinating people. Why didn’t you do anything?”
Soloman looked hurt by my accusation.
“I did,” he replied. “I tried to get Osric to look into the deaths further. He didn’t. Without proof, I couldn’t challenge Raphe any more than I did. Then he started to take over some of Osric’s responsibilities. I thought for sure he would give himself away, but no. He’s been leading just as his father had. Just as Leannetta wanted to. There is plenty of doubt that he was ever involved in the first place.”
“That makes no sense,” I argued.
“Believe me, I know,” Soloman stated. “It’s possible there was someone else behind all of it. Someone who thought they could manipulate Raphe to get their way.”
“Like Nomi,” I commented.
Soloman tipped his head with a shrug. “That would be as good a guess as any, but that still means she’s protected. Without Osric to back me up and Leanetta gone, I couldn’t challenge her either. Not with how committed Raphe is to her. And especially not after they marked each other.”
“Okay, this isn’t getting us anywhere,” I said, rubbing my temples. “I think we’ve established that no one knows anything useful about whatever the hell happened back then. However, it seems that there may be someone out there that does. We just need to find her. I’m guessing you have no idea where Korinna would go?”
“No,” Soloman confirmed.
“Then let’s just get back to going through all of this to find out,” I said.
“This could take days, Sutton,” Helene said. “Maybe weeks.”
“I’m aware,” I said. I checked my watch. “But I’ve got another two hours to work on it today before Tarrah gets back into town and we have to meet the girls to start planning the ceremony. So, let’s get to work.”
Tarrah filled the apartment with a high-pitched squeal as soon as she arrived. She practically launched herself at me the moment we greeted her. She was always so energetic. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d missed her enthusiasm.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she said as she squeezed me so tight I could barely breathe.
“Tarrah…” I gasped.
She let go with a broad smile. “Sorry, I’m just so glad to be back. And… it looks like for good this time.”
“Wait… what?” I replied in surprise. “What about Denny?”
“Oh, he’ll be here soon enough,” she said. “And I’ve got a truck on the way. We’re moving into the packhouse. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Oh my gosh, yes. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise,” Tarrah said. Her focus shifted away from me. “And this must be the darling Helene I’ve been dying to meet. Welcome to the Ironpaw Pack.”
Tarrah scooped Helene up in another embrace. My sister gave me a surprised but amused look over Tarrah’s shoulder. All I could do was chuckle and shake my head.
“I’m not actually a member of the pack,” Helene corrected. “But I think we’ll be still sticking around for a while.”
Tarrah looked at me incredulously. “Are you hearing this?” she asked sarcastically. “Leave it to my brother to give a half-assed welcome.” She turned back Helene. “Honey, you may not have a tether just yet, but you’re our Luna’s family. That automatically makes you a member of the pack. At least in my book.”
“Tether?” Helene asked. “Brother?”
“Beta Jaden,” Tarrah clarified. “He’s my somewhat oblivious big brother. Please allow me to personally apologize for his lack of personality.”
“Oh… No. Beta Jaden was very kind. He took good care of us,” Helene replied and I swore I saw her blush.
“Well, I am glad to hear that,” Tarrah stated. “So, I think we have some catching up to do and a Luna ceremony to plan.”
“Ugh, you have no idea how much help I need with that,” I told her as I led her to the kitchen to get her a drink.
“Oh, sweetie, of course I do,” Tarrah teased. “And don’t you worry about a thing. All you have to do is tell us what you want and the girls and I will take care of the rest.”
“Yeah, about this ceremony,” Helene commented. “What kind of ceremony is it? Like, what goes on?”
“The Luna Ceremony is when Sutton will officially take her role as our Luna,” Tarrah stated. “She’ll take on the tethers of the pack, just like our Alpha.”
“You used that word before. What is a tether?” Helene asked. “If that’s okay to ask. I have a vague understanding of lycan culture but I don’t really know how any of it works.”
“Not a problem at all,” Tarrah said. “You should know all of this stuff. Pack members are connected to their pack Alphas, and Lunas, through this invisible tether. It’s what allows us to mind link and be commanded. It also keeps us protected and a part of the community.”
“What about humans?” Helene asked. “I’m guessing a human can’t really be a part of that connection, can they?”
A broad smile spread across Tarrah’s face. “Oh, you most certainly can.”