Chapter 3 The Onyx Moon Pack

“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”–A.A. Milne

Neron

Three years ago, I never thought I’d be in the position I’m in today. Three years of laborious effort to ensure our survival; a direct result of Onyx Moon flourishing today. My pack. Instead of looking back with disdain and shame, I looked at my enormous family with pride and happiness.

Because I did that. I made it happen. After the strings of doubt plaguing me for those years, questioning my abilities, I could finally hold the keys to my new home and watch my members grow in number under my

eyes.

Today, Onyx Moon was a prosperous community that continued to grow. Some old Zircon Moon pack members followed, but many departed to other territories. New wolves, seeking a new home, blended in seamlessly, and with my mother as acting Luna, she ensured that every family got the help and supplies they needed to settle in. As time went on, our Moon Goddess finally blessed us with the long-awaited peace we’ve been praying for.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

The potent scent of maple wafted up to my nose as my car rolled down the streets from Portland to the pack grounds. Mellow music caressed my ears, tapping my finger against the steering wheel with the sunlight reflecting off my Alpha ring. The golden band encircled the large black onyx crystal, exposing a prism of rainbows hidden within. A symbol of my success.

a

It had been a long day of gathering supplies for my art class, and I was looking forward to a couple of hours of relaxation. Aside from my Alpha duties, I worked part-time as an art teacher to my pack disciples. Call it strange, but I found joy in teaching the younger folk about the pleasures of art and the history behind the greats, like Vincent Van Gogh. I still had a long way before I could become an actual teacher if I decide to take that path.

Two guards unlocked the double-gated doors once they spotted my car rolling in. Blurs of the maple trees filled my eyes, zipping past my peripherals. Sounds of pack activity graced my ears, picking out the laughter of children. My home opened in front of my eyes; the grand pack house standing in the center with smaller houses scattered around its infrastructure. Soldiers trained in the south, kids were playing in the east, adults shared conversations over tea and food in front of their homes-everything that constituted a healthy pack was happening right before my eyes.

My heart unleashed a mighty beat. It’s real. It’s real. This wasn’t a dream.

I rolled into the parking garage, exiting my car once I shut it off. Some members greeted me as I approached the front steps of my home with two statues of wolves on either side of the stairs. However, I was met with a different greeting when I nudged the door open.

And it came as a dramatic howl, and a wagging white and grey tail.

“Hey, buddy!” I kneeled and petted my husky, Lupin, behind the ears. Lupin took the chance to assault my cheeks with his wet tongue. “Alright, that’s enough. You better not have caused too much trouble while I was

Chapter 3 – The Onys Moon Pack

gone.

Lupin barked in offense, stomping his front paws in a growl. There’s nothing that truly hits the mark of it being a wolf pack without a pet dog added to the mix. Rubbing his head one last time, I rose to my feet and walked through the grand foyer with the pup trailing behind me. The smell of my mother’s cooking graced my nose, my stomach roaring for sustenance. Before I could head inside the kitchen, Kwame walked by with a panicked look on his face, darting his head every which way.

“Kwame?” He jumped, turning to me. “Is something the matter?”

“Neron, I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.” Kwame laughed, toying with the ends of his dreadlocks. “Something is the matter. I’m looking for Naomi.”

*She disappeared again?” His daughter liked to pull the vanishing act often. Causing her parents’ heart attacks must be her favorite pastime. “She couldn’t have gone very far. I’ll help.”

“Oh, no, you don’t have to, bro. You just got back from the city.”

I laughed, patting his shoulder. “It’s no problem. Have you tried scoping out her scent?”

“Yes, but she’s awfully smart for a three-year-old. Naomi got her hands on the damn Anti-Spray.”

Lupin hopped around my feet, pawing at my leg like the attention-hog he was. “We’ll still find her. Maybe Lupin would have better luck.”

Kwame left to search for his daughter on the other side of the pack house while Lupin and I searched every broom closet and barren room. If I was a three-year-old, where would I hide? Somewhere I’d think no one would find me. After coming up empty for the millionth time, I looked down at my husky, who hadn’t left my

side.

“Take me to the last spot you last saw Naomi, Lupin.”

Wagging his tail excitedly, Lupin took off, and I followed. He led me to the laundry room on the lower level. I thought my dog led me on a wild goose chase until I overheard faint muffles of… two girls? I looked high and low until I spotted the short recess nestled next to one of the larger dryers. I crept toward the cupboard and threw it open to be met with the shrieks from two small girls.

Naomi and Orchid.

“Uncle Neron! Hi!” Naomi grinned while her cousin waved silently. “Fancy meeting you here!”

“Indeed.” I crossed my arms. “Your Dad is looking for you.”

A wave of panic flashed over Naomi’s face, shaking her head. “Did you tell him I was here?”

“Not yet.” My eyes darted to the second girl curled in the cupboard. “Why is Orchid here?”

“She wanted company,” Orchid answered, darting her dark eyes to her knees. “Am I in trouble, Uncle?”

“No, you’re not.” I sighed. “Go find your Mom. You can take Lupin with you.” Orchid’s eyes glowed at the mention of her favorite companion and Lupin howled in response. She crawled out of the cupboard and followed the husky out of the laundry room, shutting the door behind her. Now, with Naomi and me alone in

  1. Cheater

    room, I kneefed on both my knees and offered her

    real reason you’re

    and Grandma want to id maut got scared when I saw the brushes and the gel and hid here with

    utat! thing

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    “What if they get

    both sadness and fear brought pain to

    her

    of a small grt tended of the ah? I could tell

    her hair, but… maybe…

    Nacmi

    She looked at me. Look at my hair and look at yours. I

    “My hair is strong

    If I got raids like you did. It be

    made my tee in, cacking up i storm. Putting the asshole further the girl out from the small

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    the winchen can see Worm and see sees Lead Crop Lil cooking up a storm as the

    well-aided mutine in the tiras aladiny imitating.

    marking smile

    The

    at the

    making lunch.” Mom answered, playfully evasive as always. “I know you’re hungry, but I won’t

    I’m not a kid. I won’t spoil my

    same excuse your sister gives me, but I’m not falling for it! You’ll have to wait

    1

    it off afterward. “I got

    the Alpha Gathering, yet? And are you

    about that damn thing. I wasn’t in the mood for dealing with pompous alphas and their mates for three days, in a state known for crazy humans and roaming alligators. Resting my elbows on the kitchen island, I huffed. “Not yet. Did someone call

    hotel for th

    who

    you answering for me, Mom. I wish I could get out of it, but the damn five-year privilege thing

    my scalp-her age-old technique of calming me down. Unashamed, I melted under her touch like I did many

    Nuria,

    “In the trees.”

    “Huh?”

    a tree with her

    off the island. “I’ll be in my office. Let me

    jumped when Nuria’s face

    get for setting my office near the

    my sister

    busy.” I rolled my eyes, taking my seat

    3 – The Onyx

    shrugged her

    “You’re not funny.”

    subjective, Mount

    was returned with a grin. Nuria’s many nicknames for my height have yet to run out. Last week, it was Sasquatch. The week before, Beanpole. “Anyway, what do you want? I doubt you came to my office

    desk, folding one leg over the other. “I

    so I sent out invitations to all her friends plus advised the pack members to keep this a secret.” I pulled

    or whipped

    melt

    How

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