Chapter 11: 11: Unveiling the alpha’s Secrets

MAX

The day of the much-anticipated spring dance is here. My sisters, and even my little brother, are all aflutter with excitement.

I can’t recall ever being excited about a high school dance. Melanie’s excitement takes me by surprise.

I’m sprawled on the couch, listening in on their chatter about the night’s plans. Beck’s the designated driver, which leaves me free to do as I wish.

I’m tempted to do absolutely nothing, but I know that’s not a possibility. Dad has a plan.

He’s got some confidential information to share with me, stuff he’d rather keep from the others. It sounds interesting, but I can’t seem to drum up any enthusiasm.

They’re all planning to get ready early so they can head to Billings for dinner. I wonder if Beck will regret playing chauffeur.

He’s got Macy and Jaydon, Selene and Carter, and then there’s him and Melanie. Beck’s the oldest, followed by Carter.

Melanie’s usually quiet and reserved, so she’s not the problem. It’s my wild twin siblings, with their constant chatter.

I sympathize with Macy, having to put up with Jaydon and Selene. I hope they all behave tonight, keeping their eyes open for trouble.

It’s always a gamble to be off pack land, especially without warriors for protection. That’s three of the alpha’s heirs out in the open, along with my future beta.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t concern me a bit. I wonder how Dad feels about it.

I’ll have to ask him. Sometimes I feel like I worry more than he does, which is probably absurd.

My feet are up on the coffee table, a book resting on my lap. I’ve been studying the hierarchy of the werewolf community.

It’s vital to know all the key players, from the king down. Understanding some of the history is useful too.

Dad gave me this book last year and I’ve been revisiting it constantly. It’s something we’ll be tested on during alpha training.

There are severe consequences for not knowing who your leaders are. Consequences I’d rather avoid.

Dad once told me about an alpha heir who had to sleep outside in freezing temperatures, not allowed to shift into his wolf form. By the time they brought him in the next morning, he was so stiff with cold that he had to spend five days in the infirmary.

I’m eager to avoid that kind of punishment. As I flip through the pages, scanning my notes in the margins, I wonder how many others are using this time to study in advance.

My father is renowned as the best alpha in the United States. Even at the castle in Europe, where our king resides, he’s known by name.

I can’t let my family down. The Moon family has led this pack for generations.

I’ll be the fifth alpha here, and I want to make my name known, just like all the ones before me. It’s not about ego. It’s about Pride.

Melanie slides into the seat next to me. “Studying again?”

“Yep. You’re starting to rub off on me, always with your nose in a book,” I tease her, grinning.

“That’s not a bad thing, Max. Being smart can be better than being strong.”

She often says this, reminding me that brains can be more important than brawn. “I never said it was. You know I think you’re amazing. One of the smartest women I know, not quite as smart as Mom, but pretty close,” I wink at her, earning a playful slap on the arm.

“I’d be mad if you were comparing me to anyone other than Mom. We all know she’s the brains of this operation. She’s kept this pack going for years, helping Dad make millions from their business ventures.”

“I think she also enjoys catching people trying to cheat us, skimming off the top. I’ve heard she even encourages Dad’s torture tactics.”

I share this with Melanie, unsure if she’s aware of it. Our mom is a badass in her own right. She was a formidable warrior and still is.

Melanie raises an eyebrow at me, “I’m not sure I want to know exactly what you’re referring to. Dad says I’m not allowed to know what happens in the dungeon, but I bet you do.”

I shrug. “It comes with the territory, little sister. Now, don’t you have a dance to get ready for?”

Melanie turns to face me, “Yeah, I just want to make sure you’re really okay with all of this? I mean, Carter and Selene? He’s been your friend since elementary school. And Beck and me? It doesn’t bother you?”

“Mel,” I sigh. “We’ve been over this. They keep it in their pants, or they’re dead. Period. Besides, you’re old enough to make your own decisions. Beck’s a good guy and he would never disrespect you. I know that for a fact. As for Carter, I hope he’s too scared of Dad and me to cross any lines. You’re all going to be together. It’ll be fine.”

I hold up a finger for emphasis, “BUT, my mind link will stay open until you guys are home. If you need anything, you know you can reach out to me.”

Melanie nods and throws her arms around my neck in a tight hug. “I love you, Max! Don’t study too hard.”

She jumps off the couch and dashes upstairs to get ready for her dance. With a sigh, I return to my book, waiting for time to pass.

I’m growing anxious about what Dad wants to discuss. The fact that he wants Beck and all my siblings out of the house for this conversation tells me it’s a big deal.

^TWO HOURS LATER^

MAX

I sit with my legs crossed at the ankle, staring at my father. He’s reclining in his office chair, arms folded behind his head.

He appears relaxed, but the tension in his jaw tells a different story. He’s just called Beta Jackson to the office and we’re making small talk while we wait for him.

Dad’s asking if I’ve been studying the book he gave me and if I’ve been physically and mentally preparing for what’s to come. I assure him I’m ready.

There’s a knock on the door, which we both know is Jackson. He walks in and Dad instructs him to lock the door.

Suddenly, I realize the gravity of whatever we’re about to discuss. Locking the door means he doesn’t want to be disturbed and he doesn’t want anyone to accidentally walk in.

“Alpha,” Jackson acknowledges him and takes the seat next to me. “Son, there are things about our family you should know. Secrets, really.”

My father leans in, his hands folded on his desk. “I used to think the woman who raised me was my mother. She wasn’t. My real mother died when I was just a year old, in a fight against the Clear Lake pack. They’re gone now. You’ve seen her grave.”

He pauses, his gaze steady. “The woman who raised me was a selfish luna. Your grandfather was unhappy. He’s now married to your Aunt Yvonne’s mother, Marybeth. I want to show you our secret safe room. It holds a lot about your real grandmother. Plus, important documents, account details, money, things you’ll need as the alpha.”

Alpha Sebastian stands, moving to the bookcase. He looks for a book labeled Italy.

I raise an eyebrow, “Why Italy?”

“Your Grandmother Layla was from there.” He pulls the book slightly, revealing a hidden room.

I scratch my head, remembering Grandpa saying they met in Britain. He flips a switch, lighting up the room.

I stand behind him, my jaw dropping. “Yes, she was sent to a pack in Britain to find a mate. She was born in a small Italian village. She didn’t find her mate there. When your grandfather met her, she’d been in Britain for years and didn’t want to go back to Italy. The book that used to be there was labeled Britain. I changed it to Italy to honor our roots. The book is about Venice, close to her village.”

I step inside, spinning around. The room is filled with unfamiliar photographs.

I can’t help but notice how much my father looks like his mother. I see her in me too.

The room is spotless. Clearly, someone’s been maintaining it. Probably my father.

He walks to a large picture on the wall, swinging it aside to reveal a safe. “This safe holds crucial pack documents. Ledgers, accounts, even our overseas accounts. There’s emergency cash here. And deeds to property we own in Italy. My mother was a landowner. Her family was wealthy. When they learned of her death and that she had a son, they transferred the deeds to me. All in my name. You or Jaydon could go to Italy and become the alpha of the pack there. Your grandmother was the alpha’s daughter. Her brother died in battle, leaving me as the only heir. The beta is acting as alpha. His family has been doing it since before I was born. But we are the rightful heirs.”

That’s a lot to take in. I feel overwhelmed.

What would life in Italy be like? Would I want that? Would Jaydon?

Our family is close, it would be hard to move. I turn to my father, “And if neither of us choose that? Then what?”

He shrugs. “I might offer it to your sisters. Their mate could become alpha, and they could become luna. But it’s a choice. Not a requirement. Your mother and I would hate to see you move overseas, but we wouldn’t stop you. Once I retire, we could travel there too, so we’d try to split our time between the two packs. That’s what we’ve discussed.”

“Wow.” I run my fingers through my hair, trying to process this.

I turn to my father, feeling like there’s more. “Is there more? I feel like there must be.”

He and Jackson exchange a glance. “Yes. Let’s finish the story. Come.”

He leads us out of the safe room, closing it behind us. We sit down, and he sighs.

“So, the woman who raised me, Lara. We traded her to a pack in Canada. She moved there and mated with Alpha Cade. Our relationship with that pack has been shaky. Alpha Cade is about to retire. His son will be at alpha training with you. His name is Leon. He’s Lara’s son with Alpha Cade. He knows what happened here years ago, and he might give you a hard time. I wanted you to know this before you go, so you know who you’re dealing with. There will be a lot of politics at training. It’s your chance to build a reputation and establish relationships with the packs you need to be on good terms with. He’ll try to provoke you. You need to stand your ground, but remember to be the respectful, strong man I raised you to be. He’ll try to get under your skin. I know you have a quick temper. This is where you’ll learn to control it, or the consequences could be dire for the pack. Do you understand?”

“I do, Alpha. I’ll do my best not to let you and mother down.”

I can feel the sweat trickling down my back. Controlling my temper has always been a challenge.

Melanie has taught me a lot about meditation, and it’s helped. But I’ve never been tested like my father is suggesting I will be.

I hope I can keep my cool. As we rise to conclude our meeting, my father tells me there’s more to discuss, but he wants to give me time to absorb all this first.

I’m about to walk out the door when I suddenly receive a mind link from Melanie. ~“Max, we’re in trouble. We need backup. We’re on the road to Billings, twenty minutes from the pack land. Rogues. Hurry.”~

“Shit.” I whirl around to face my father and Jackson. “Alpha, Beta, we’ve got a problem.”