Luna's Rage: Who Killed My Son?

On the eve of my son Aiden's coming-of-age ritual, my mate, Alpha Rylan, chose to forsake his duty for the first time to oversee the ceremony himself.

However, the Shadow Pack—his childhood sweetheart's former pack, and our ally—extended an invitation, compelling him to leave with his entourage the night before the ritual.

Tragedy struck on Aiden's special day. Our rival pack ambushed the Darkwood Pack, plunging us into chaos. Left alone in the pack house, Aiden's joy turned to sorrow and frustration, without even knowing that powerful wolves entered, targeting his life.

Desperately, I mind-linked Alpha Rylan, begging for his return as I fought to protect our home. "Please, you're still on your way to the Shadow Pack. Darkwood has been ambushed! Your pack needs you, we need you, Alpha!" My pleas fell on deaf ears. He dismissed my cries, believing I was merely upset by his sudden departure. "Stop playing mind games with me, Alara."

It wasn't until one of the elders mind-linked him that he finally rushed back, but it was too late.

If he had stayed with us instead of visiting the Shadow Pack with his childhood sweetheart, Aiden would still be alive.

That day, I lost my son forever.

---

Aiden was acknowledged as the Alpha's son and soon-to-be Alpha of the Darkwood Pack. His coming-of-age ritual was highly anticipated, a momentous event for our entire pack. Yet, tragedy struck just before it.

I remember the evening vividly. Rylan had called Aiden and me to his study. His expression was serious, a crease forming between his brows. "Alara, Aiden," he began, his voice steady but somber, "I need to visit the Shadow Pack."

I blinked in surprise. "The Shadow Pack? Now? But Alpha, Aiden's ritual is tomorrow."

Aiden, sitting beside me, looked equally stunned. "Dad, you promised you'd be there," he said, his voice a mix of hurt and confusion. "It's an important day."

However, Rylan only sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Aiden. But Serena's previous pack has requested our presence urgently. I'll be taking Jaxon, some of our warriors, and elders as a sign of respect."

Despite our sadness, Aiden and I did our best to console each other. I could see the disappointment in his eyes, but he tried to be strong. “It’s okay, Mom,” he said, forcing a small smile. Yet, I knew that he was not fine with it.

I hugged him tightly, feeling his warmth. “I know, sweetheart. But..." I sighed, not knowing the next words to say.

The morning of the ceremony dawned with a sense of anticipation mingled with unease. The pack gathered in the clearing, excited murmurs filling the air. As the Luna, it was my duty to oversee the preparations, ensuring everything went smoothly.

Suddenly, the howls of the wolf guards in the pack's border rang out—a sound that sent a chill down my spine. “Grimrose Pack! We’re under attack!” A sentinel shouted from the edge of the clearing.

Panic erupted. I turned to Aiden, my heart pounding. “Stay inside the pack house, Aiden. Don’t come out no matter what,” I ordered, my voice firm despite the fear clawing at my insides.

He nodded, his face pale. “Be careful, Mom.”

I shifted into my wolf form, feeling the familiar rush of power and strength. My wolf, with her sleek silver coat and piercing blue eyes, was ready for battle. I howled, rallying the warriors and Omegas. “To the front lines! Defend our pack!”

We charged towards the enemy, a mass of fur and teeth. The Grimrose Pack had launched a full-scale assault, their wolves snarling and snapping as they advanced. I leaped at the first wolf I saw, clamping my jaws around its neck and bringing it down.

Fuck. How did they know that our Alpha and Beta weren't here? Was it planned? They came on the day we were the most vulnerable!

The battlefield was chaos. Wolves clashed in a brutal dance, each fighting for their lives and their pack. I saw some of the elders, high-ranking warriors, and a fierce she-wolf, tearing through the enemy ranks. “Hold the line!” They bellowed, their voices carrying over the din.

I fought with all my might, using every ounce of my strength and skill. I tore through the attackers, my fur matted with blood—both theirs and mine. I was a whirlwind of fury, driven by the need to protect my pack and my son.

While fighting alongside others, I desperately mind-linked my Alpha, but he didn't want to believe any words that I said, claiming I was just making things up because I was upset that he was not there for our son.

And God knew, how much I begged him to come home, but it all fell on deaf ears.

"Luna, I mind-linked Alpha Rylan and Beta Jaxon!" One of the elders shouted. All I could give back was a tired smile.

Amid the chaos, I noticed something that made my blood run cold. Several Grimrose wolves were heading towards the pack house. My heart skipped a beat. “Aiden!” I screamed in my mind, desperate to reach him.

But the enemy was relentless. Every time I tried to break away, another wolf came at me, forcing me to defend myself. I felt a sharp pain in my side as one of them sank its teeth into me, but I shook it off and kept fighting.

Finally, I managed to break free, racing towards the pack house. My heart was pounding, fear gripping me like a vice. “Please, let him be okay,” I prayed silently.

I burst through the doors, shifting back into my human form. The scene that greeted me was a nightmare. The pack house was in disarray, furniture overturned and blood staining the floor. And there, lying in the middle of it all, was Aiden.

“No!” I screamed, rushing to his side. He was motionless, his eyes closed, his body battered and broken. I cradled him in my arms, tears streaming down my face. “Aiden, please, wake up. Please.”

I held my son close, my heart shattered into a million pieces. The battle outside continued, but I couldn’t move. All I could do was mourn the loss of my precious boy, taken from me on what should have been the happiest day of his life.