The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 79: Chapter 79

: Lucas
“Renward, you son of a bitch, you set us up,” I bellowed, bursting into Renward’s office.
Apparently, Alpha Thane and Ambassador Soloman had arrived while I was upstairs. Both stepped between Alpha Renward and me, taking defensive stances. It may have been the only thing keeping him standing.
“Lucas, I swear, he is not in Silverstreak by invitation,” Renward insisted. “I am just as surprised and worried as you are.”
“I guarantee you’re wrong about that,” I growled, taking another step toward him. Jaden’s arm went in front of my chest. “If you had any hand in this, whatever friendship there was between our packs is gone.”
“Alpha, you’re being rash,” Soloman interjected. “Hear him out.”
Rage was at the forefront of my emotions at the moment, but I had enough control to know I was being rash. I couldn’t attack an Alpha in his own home in his own territory, regardless of what I thought he may or may not have done.
I stepped back, pushing Jaden off of me. But I waited for someone to start giving me an explanation.
“One of us must have a leak,” Alpha Thane stated. “I’m still waiting to hear back from Alpha Derion, but I still trust that he would not have divulged our gathering to Anders. Nor did I do so.”
“Neither did I,” Renward insisted again. “I am no happier about this development than any of you are.”
“Again, you’re wrong,” I spat, forcing a hand through my hair.
“Tell them, Lucas,” Jaden said through gritted teeth. “They need to be prepared for just how volatile this could get.”
“What is he talking about?” Alpha Thane questioned.
“Sutton doesn’t know Beta Mason is alive,” Soloman told them.
“So, they were actually attacked?” Alpha Thane questioned. “I’m guessing she believes he was…”
“She believes he is dead because she thinks she killed him,” I blurted out. “Up until a couple of weeks ago, I did too. It was the only way our bond could have formed.”
“So, he marked her. Yet she attacked him,” Thane stated. “That does complicate things…”
“If you saw her…” I spoke, my fist clenching at the memory. “It was more than clear it was self-defense. She had been horribly beaten. She nearly died in my arms.” I shook my head. “She was recovering too well to bring up that nightmare again so soon. How far away is Anders?”
“They’re still several hours out,” Alpha Renward said. “We’re moving dinner to seven. They should arrive around then.”
“Stop them,” I demanded. “Turn them away.”
“We can’t do that,” Renward replied, pressing the bridge of his nose. “It’s too risky. Right now, we may be able to convince him this wasn’t some kind of snub or plot against him. If we apprehend them and kick them out of the territory, it could start a war. That’s what we’re trying to avoid here.”
“Then we’re leaving,” I stated, turning to storm out.
“Alpha…”
“I will not force Sutton to face the men who tortured her for five years,” I roared.
The room fell silent. Until Soloman stepped forward.
“Perhaps it would be best for the two of you to lodge somewhere else,” he conceded.
“Why don’t we let Sutton decide,” Jaden offered. I turned on him, giving him an incredulous look. “We tried to protect her, Lucas. We gave her some extra time. She was going to have to face this at some point. Let her decide what she’s ready for.” He rubbed his neck anxiously. He was about to say something I wouldn’t like. “If she can get through this — if we can keep them distracted — we may be able to use it to our advantage.”
He was talking about the spy Hunter had managed to get into the packhouse. They were still working on getting better access to the more secure areas. With the pack Alpha and Beta gone, it could indeed be an opportunity.
“Fine,” I forced through gritted teeth. “But don’t get comfortable. The moment she says she can’t face them, we’re gone.”
I stormed out of the room. By the time I made it back to our door, I was more uneasy than angry. The only thing I was sure of was that this was going to go badly. And I was prepared to get Sutton as far away from this place as possible if necessary. Bracing myself, I turned the doorknob and entered our room.
Sutton was still on the chaise where I had left her but she was fast asleep. Her legs tucked up and her head resting on her hand. A soft smile on her lips. My chest burned as I prepared myself to tear away the peace I could see in her now.
I sat on the edge of the lounge, rubbing my hand up her arm to wake her. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled when she saw me. My stomach felt like it was in a vice.
“That was quick,” she said sleepily. It was then she must have sensed my mood. Her expression changed, becoming more serious. “What’s wrong?”
I sighed. “Something has come up,” I began. “I need to tell you something, Sutton.”
She pushed up into a sitting position. Looking at me expectantly.
“We got word that Alpha Anders crossed into Silverstreak territory earlier today. He’s on his way here.”
Sutton’s face paled and I felt her stiffen beneath my touch.
“W-what?” she stumbled.
“There must have been a leak in one of the pack’s communications,” I explained. “He found out about the conclave. He’s likely coming to confront us. But…” I swallowed the bile I felt rising in my throat. “But there’s something else. Sutton…”
“Tell me, Lucas,” she insisted shakily.
I took her hand, needing to feel her. To give her strength.
“Mason is with him,” I said. “Mason’s alive.”