The Perfect Luna by Marissa Gilbert

Chapter 61. The Fox Trap

“And what do you think I should do with her?” Castiel threw an angry gaze at Roxy.

“She is a princess,” the redhead tried to explain to him her brilliant idea, “Well, of sorts. But she is important in Thorn’s pack! We can use her.”

“Thorn’s pack is now done. And not thanks to you,” the leader of the foxes frowned, “So far you have been one big disappointment, Roxanne. For someone whom I personally trained. Yet all your work was done by Luna Riannon Michaels instead.”

“It was just a coincidence,” Roxy furrowed her brows, “She…”

“She played you to her advantage,” Castiel smirked, “You were supposed to destroy her but instead she wiped her feet over you.”

Roxy had nothing to say to that and she hated that. She hated that the man whom she loved so much was praising another. It wasn’t just a coincidence that she was the best in her

group. She worked hard for it, trained hard… in the hope that one day he would notice her. And

she was sure that he did. He took her to his bed where her education continued. He personally showed her how to please a man and she was sure that it meant something. He never let anyone touch her and he singled her out every time. He paid her way more attention than to

other she-foxes.

But then he sent her on a mission into another man’s bed. She was upset about it. Heartbroken even. But she never admitted it out loud. It was not great to be used as a tool, but she had no choice. This was her job. And this was what he had been preparing her for. She was ready to prove herself to him anyway. After all, Castiel always seemed like a man of broad

views. He only respected two things in his life – power and intellect. And if she managed to have those, nothing else would matter.

Foxes weren’t like everyone else. Although they were excellent warriors when needed and could easily rival werewolves, what they actually preferred was a game of wits. Why fight anyone if you could just trick them into doing what you needed in the first place? Or even better, if you could make your enemies fight each other while you watched? Everything was a challenge and foxes loved their victories.

But this was also why they were never on good terms with the wolves. The latter always strived for dominance and this was where the problem between the two species lay. Foxes did not like to be dominated. And wolves really did not like to be played. They took it as an insult if they caught someone trying to deceive them.

It was much easier with the werebears, where they were all muscle but could be

certain bargain in the end. Whereas wolves would want blood and nothing else.

This was why they couldn’t live together. So, when the foxes’ population increased and the land they had in their possession became not enough, wolves did not want to share. Hence, they became a problem. A problem that the foxes needed to solve. Or better say get rid of. Whatever it cost them.

But whatever they tried was failing. And then the Union was formed to unite shifter packs under the wing of lycans from the Western kingdom. This was the worst news for the foxes. Back then, Castiel’s father was the king and he was not happy with the new situation. Because since the Union was formed, if he dared to attack one pack, the rest would come for him and destroy him. So, the former fox king started thinking of ways to destroy the Union.

And this was how the most brilliant plan was born.

now on Castiel’s shoulders. He had

some of the weight off him. This was all she was

Him.

king was amazing. Tall, handsome, clever, strong

he wasn’t happy with her anymore.

blame for

Riannon Michaels.

supposed to be a much easier mission than it turned out. When she was studying the Luna prior to her dispatch, she didn’t seem like a threat at all. A chosen mate, stuck up,

out to be full of surprises. She put up a real fight and

this fast and manage to get through with it, taking half of a pack with her? That ruined a

what was worse was Castiel’s growing interest in Riannon Michaels. This was probably the most painful

the Luna. She told herself many times that it was

in for

to find out that as soon as he got out, he went to see that other woman. That one hurt her. But it was what followed next that absolutely destroyed her

first time

that they went there together. And personally checked that the blonde nuisance was present, hoping that the bomb she installed in the morning would get rid of her

be the fatal blow to the heads of the

she was there and not back in her pack as he wanted, he got furious. The man, who always remained calm, got furious over a

Riannon mentioned him coming to her again after the pack

absolutely lost it.

a well-thought through plan and she knew it. But she had to try to get rid of that woman once and for all. Even if it would make

she couldn’t survive was him being interested in another. For

reason.

into helping her to attack the wolves. She lied to them, saying that it was the order of their Alpha.

she could. But her

the bears weren’t just empty words. She knew that it was a grave mistake and she

her.

she brought

and she did not look her usual polished self. Roxy figured her out first with her unrequited

also the reason why it was so easy to make Harper do what she wanted her to

for doing this to the girl. If she had a choice, she wouldn’t stoop so low. But these were desperate times… And she

her?” Castiel rubbed the