Under the Blue Moon

Ch. 6: Have They Returned?

My brothers and I stood in the pack house office with our father, his beta, and alpha Gabriel Pierce of the New Hampshire pack. He and my father were friends, and have been for many years. To them, it was best to keep peace between two of the most powerful packs in the country.

He was about 38 years old and stood tall at 6'5, with muscles that outlined his suite. His dirty blond hair rested on his shoulders, and his ivory complexion seemed to darken with the fireplace he stood by. He was one to fear for many, but he was also one many women wanted to be with because of the power he held, and his looks didn't hurt either.

Fifteen years ago his mate Quinn, was killed by another pack when they went to war for claim over territory of the Vermont pack. Gabriel Pierce expanded his pack that day— but not without a price, word had it she was pregnant. He never placed himself with anyone else. Once you have your mate, It can be difficult to replace them. However, Pierce didn't seem to mind his lone-wolf status. He loved his power before anything else. 

"I can assure you Gabriel, your wolf is not anywhere on our territory." My father spoke.

"And neither was yours. Both out on patrol on the same night, but taken from two different places from two different territories." Gabriel spoke, as he watched the flames dance.

"I don't see how someone could come here and abduct our wolves without being detected." My father handed Gabriel a crystal glass with scotch, he took it retreating to a leather chair next to the fire.

"They can't." He took a sip. Whoever it was waited for the perfect time to take them, late and away from the other wolves. Whoever took them— knew the routes. They were being stalked long before the abduction."

"By another pack?" My father questioned, crossing his arms. "We didn't pick up any other scents."

Gabriel sat back, his face unreadable. The only sound being made was the crackling from the fire and the ice clinking against the glass my father swirled in his hand, the air felt stiff.

"Everything has a scent." My twin, Beck stated . "But there is a reason why we weren't able to pick up on it, it's being masked."

"Or someone from either or both of our packs is a traitor." Hayden interjected.

"I think we may have to consider other angles here." I said.

Gabriel turned his focus to me, shifting in the leather chair, " Other angles?"

"There is no trace of our wolves anywhere, it's as if the vanished into this air, but there was a sloppy setup left behind so our packs would throw the blame on one another, a distraction."

"If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting...." Gabriel loomed.

"What if the witches have returned?" The words drifted slowly from my lips.

"That's impossible," My father stated. "We put them to rest centuries ago."

"And why would they want two of our wolves who aren't even in a higher ranking." Gabriel got up from his chair as he retrieved his handkerchief from his chest pocket. "With all due respect here— whoever it was would have been better off with one of you." He said as he looked at my brothers and I. He handed me his silk crimson red handkerchief, his deep blue eyes board into mine.

"I apologize on behalf of Ethan, his presumptuous behavior often seems to get the best of him. He has no boundaries— which I will see to later." He said, referring to the gash on my temple. I didn't even get to look and see how bad my wound was yet. I took the handkerchief from his hand, his tall frame overshadowed my 5'2 stature.

"You should see Ethan." I smirked.

"Oh, I did. You are quite the fighter."

"I raised a strong daughter." My father approved.

"Indeed you did." Gabriel eyes lingered over me for a moment longer before retreating back to his seat.

"What the fuck?" Beck mind linked me.

"I don't know." I glanced at him.

"The witches haven't returned, that would be impossible." My dad remarked.

"One thing is certain— we are going against the clock here. If they are back—" Beck started.

"And that's a very big if." Hayden intervened.

"Then a dark war is upon us." Gabriel stated.

"The packs will be put on high alert. We don't know what we are up against yet, so there isn't a need for the extra alarm. Anything remotely out of line will be reported, everyone will travel in bigger groups while on patrol." Dad ordered.

"We need to find our people now. Something is clearly wrong." I intervened.

"And we will find them. Trust me." Gabriel vowed. "Things like this always find their way to the surface— they aren't made to stay hidden for long."