The Full Moon Effect

Chapter 17: Defector

"

we're all killers.

we've all killed parts of ourselves

to survive.

we've all got blood on our hands.

something somewhere had to die

so we could stay alive.

"

—if memories could bleed, if dreams could scream | m.a.w.

**********

Preparations were made all afternoon. Advocate Cervantes and Kanaya documented Ulric's visit with ease, just as Connell predicted. The Alpha called his neighbor who immediately answered; Weylyn, his Luna, and their warriors would fight with us, leaving his Beta with his family and in charge of the pack. Jones called home and beckoned Ty, Amar, and Zeyphr and our own warriors, leaving Mason in charge of the women and children in his absence. Weyln's force would be here within in a matter of hours, ours wasn't set to arrive until the afternoon thanks to Advocate Cervantes whose plane was allowed to be used for diplomatic reasons such as war.

Asena and I went with a group of their pack warriors to set motion sensors around the half of their territory closest to Ulric's and scope out any scouts. The border was eerily quiet as we set up. The war wasn't anticipated to start immediately; Connell assured us that as emotionally driven as his brother was, he had the tendency to let truth sink into his heart after the fact. He wouldn't act immediately, not if he was able to cool down. But how much of the truth that we said to Ulric could sink in before the lies were reinforced by Leyton, I don't know. But Connell's predictions about his brother had all been true so far.

As our group returned to the Alpha and Luna's house, my heart ached for Connell. The sun was setting in the sky, but he would be most likely fighting against his twin before the sun rose again. And we had already learned our lesson of letting Leyton go; no mercy would be shown for those willingly following him this time. Wolves recognized loyalty no matter the blood. Turning against Leyton had been a difficult but necessary thing to do, but Connell fighting his twin would be another thing altogether. Connell would be turning against loyalty and blood; the same decision my mother had made all those years ago. My deep sigh formed into vapor underneath my nostrils.

Jones, Connell, and Advocate Cervantes were waiting for us on the porch when we arrived. Connell dismissed his warriors with a reminder of the pack's warning signal, but there was a pinkness to the Alpha's cheeks that wasn't caused by the cold temperature.

When the pack warriors had dispersed, the Advocate turned to us. "We cut a break. With our more widespread database, we hit a match for a Jane Doe who birthed twin boys, although hospital records claim she died upon childbirth. The birth costs, however, were fully paid for, after the fact. After a few calls, I located the address where the payments were being forwarded."

"It was the home Ulric grew up in until Leyton was in the picture. Katherine was paying for this woman's hospital bill," said Connell.

"We found her," gasped Asena. "Connell, do we have time to—?"

"Alpha Jones and I have agreed that it would be best if you and I leave after Alpha Weylyn's forces arrive. And then, my love, we will track down my mother."

I sighed in relief. Jones smiled, taking me into his arms.

Connell continued. "We'll still be cutting the timing close if Ulric or Leyton decide to act quicker than anticipated, but at least Alpha Jones will have double the numbers to defend.

"Our packs should go for a run together along the border so our scent is a clear warning. Some of Alpha Weyln's pack members can post along the border with your own wolves, too, then if Ulric or Leyton make a move before you get back, they'll know they're up against more than just your pack. It might make them hesitate, buy us some more time for you to bring Xena back, if you can convince her. We can send some of ours up too when they get here, if they haven't made their move by then."