The Deaf Luna (Book Three of the Senses Series)

Chapter Nine

[Nine]

*Shaye*

February 13, 2054

I didn't like this. I didn't like it one bit. My father doesn't deserve this. To be a Beta... To the Prowler pack nonetheless. He is a well respected Alpha and he shouldn't have to give up this powers for me. Or anyone.

I went to him, pleading for him to challenge Nile for the position. He refused, claiming that he wasn't going to take someone's title away. I then made the point about taking the Shadow pack... Landon would pass his position to his son-in-law. They simply adore Lucas. But he then told me the pack was under Michael's rule... Michael is my mother's cousin. Mae was an only child so the Alpha position went to the Beta family.

This just wasn't fair... I want to kill Nile for making this so difficult. If he wasn't such a crap Alpha, I wouldn't mind my father being the Beta, though he never should be.

"I don't like this." I whisper to Colton who is standing beside me, an arm around my shoulders as we prepare to say goodbye to my father. He places a kiss to the top of my head and I look up to see his response.

"I'm going to make this right, Shaye. We will figure out what is happening and end this. And then, your father will be able to come back home and we can go away... If that's what you will still want at the time." Colton was determined. I could see it in his eyes. He isn't comfortable taking up the Alpha position at the Cipher pack... He didn't earn it. He didn't challenge my father or of the lineage.

But alas, it has already been done. He will soon be an Alpha and I will be his deaf Luna.

I sigh, offering him a small smile. I am touched that his primary goal is to help my father and help figure out this curse. "Thank you, Colton."

Colton breaks eye contact to look to the right and glare. I already knew Nile was on the other end of the sneer. My eyes meet Nile's lips as he speaks, "Make this quick."

Oh, you want quick? I can make your death quick, you pansy! I clenched my hand into a fist and took a step forward, only to have a strong arm wrap around my waist and lift me off the ground. I struggle against Colton's hold.

"You'll get what you have coming." I snarl. Nile only smirks and turns, retreating back to the house.

Yeah, you better run.

"Goodbye, brother." I see Nile say when he looks over his shoulder once last time at Colton... What a bastard he is.

Colton drops his hold and I push away, nearly running into my father's embrace. He clutches tightly. Be strong, Shaye. I love you so much. I know you can end this. He pulls back, placing a hand on my cheek. His thumb rubs against it and I close my eyes, a tear rolling down. He used to do this to me almost every night, when I couldn't sleep or had a nightmare. The soothing motion always put me to sleep.

"I love you, athair." (Father)

"Look after your brother." My dad looks at Mason behind me. "He's having a hard time accepting this situation. He is angry about not becoming Alpha." I nod, understanding. The Cipher pack is rightfully Mason's... I feel awful that I am taking it away from him. But I make a silent promise that I will return it to him.

"Be safe. And write us..." My father smiles and gives my forehead a kiss and my cheek a final stroke before he pulls back and looks at Colton.

"Take good care of her." I look over my shoulder to see Colton nod his head, looking my father dead in the eyes.

"Always."

***

The Cipher pack was quiet when we got there. Uncle Travis, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Jake were waiting for us and embraced me in warm hugs. But everyone else was inside; even the children. That was odd. People were usually training around this time of day and the young pups are always playing outside.