Silver Moon's Light

Chapter 7

    David arrived home in record time, completing a trip that typically took nearly an hour and a half in just forty-five minutes. As he entered the small town section of his pack lands, he couldn't help but sigh at the familiar sight. The main street, adorned with boutiques and shops owned by his fellow packmates, exuded a cozy charm that he cherished dearly.

    Observing people leisurely enjoying their time out, many pausing to respectfully acknowledge his truck with a nod before waving happily, he couldn't help but smile and return their gestures. Continuing down Main Street towards the residential area, the sight of children playing and packmates tending to their gardens warmed his heart.

    It wasn't long until he turned down a long gravel drive that led to a cozy home, the main pack house, parked his truck and quickly checked his phone before tucking it away in his pocket. Lost in his thoughts as he got out and made his way up the porch steps, he almost collided with Hunter, who stood in the open doorway with her arms crossed.

    "Hey, Hunter." He said as he walked in after she stepped out of the way. He jumped at the sound of the front door slamming shut behind him and he slowly turned. When he met his calm gaze with Hunter's angry one, he sighed.

    She spoke before he had the chance. "Really, David? You stay out all night...Jason even arrived home just before dawn...and left us without an Alpha? What would have happened if we were attacked? We need a leader here." Her face blushed red in her frustration. "What kind of example are you setting for the young members of our pack? You smell like women and sex!"

    He watched her as she paced and ranted.

    "I know you went to get information but you should have come back right after." With hands on her hips, she huffed and glared at him. "You know how much more dangerous Nexus is during the day! Carjacking at stop signs, armed robbery, and the other day there was a mass shooting just for the hell of it...last week an elderly couple hailing a cab was shot at!" She stared him down for a long moment in silence.

    "Oh....are you done?" He asked in a firm tone after waiting in silence for her to continue. He hoped she understood his next words. "I hope you got that out of your system, Hunter, because last time I checked, I was Alpha. As your Alpha, I chose you to hold down this household and the whole pack while I am gone. Was my trust in you misguided? Should I have picked someone else, because I assumed you were a strong and capable wolf with the ability to protect our loved ones?"

    He watched as he spoke each word and her composure shrunk as she stood gazing up at him with apologetic eyes. He raised an eyebrow in question when she didn't answer right away.

    "Forgive me...I shouldn't question your decision. I should be honored you left me to protect everyone." She answered in a sheepish voice as she lowered her head.

    He nodded and turned but paused. "And Hunter." He looked back at her. "Who I choose to spend my time with isn't up for discussion. Don't question the company I choose to keep." When she nodded and lowered her head again, he nodded. "Now...go and do some rounds around our border."

    He watched her as she nodded and hurried out the front door. Shaking his head he turned to make his way to his room. "What am I going to do with her?" He asked himself.

***

   After a quick change of clothes, David headed to the pack clinic to get the results from Laura. His mind was so preoccupied on the walk over that he couldn't take in the scenery as he usually did. As the clinic came into view, a wave of anxiety washed over him, a feeling he had almost forgotten. Lost in thought, he didn't realize he was standing still, staring at the building, until Laura's voice snapped him back to reality.