The Wolf Moon: Friends to Lovers Wolf Shifter Romance

Chapter 20

Iwas looking at a map. Only, it wasn’t a map like any I’d seen before. In my studies, I had only ever learned about one place and that was my village. The map for my village had been small. It did nothing more than identify buildings and areas immediately around the village. The rest of the map had been blotted out with images of trees and that had been the extent of our education in the matter.

This map was large enough to spread across a large table within a room I’d never been in before which was within a building I’d never been in before either. The King’s Corner, Roman had told me with a hint of amusement as though the name held a secret inside joke I wouldn’t understand. Apparently, it was where Roman spent much of his time when he wasn’t resting at home or patrolling the pack’s village. It also was where I would most likely end up spending much of my time once I’d learned what it was to be Queen Luna.

“What is this?” I asked aloud, looking at the detailed drawings of trees, mountains I’d never seen, rivers spiraling through the land, and several symbols, words, and other information that didn’t translate for me. Roman was resting a weight on the end of the map he had unrolled for me.

“You don’t recognize the world in which you live in?” He answered with a question curiously. There was something guarded in his words as he’d asked that told me he’d thought of something he didn’t want me to know. Still, I was very much distracted by the picture of this world before me and also by his own question.

I glanced from the map to him with interest.

“This is our world?” I inquired curiously, looking determinedly. “Where are we?”

Roman stepped closer to me, leaning forward to rest his fingertip on the symbol of the Triple Goddesses. It was obvious enough that I felt a bit silly for not noticing, but my embarrassment was overwhelmed by my curiosity as I looked at the land around the Trinity pack’s village.

Roman lifted his finger from the spot and gestured to the entire map.

“This is Moirai. It’s where lycans and humans have coexisted since before even my time,” He explained to me patiently. He pointed again to the Trinity pack before then pointing to another symbol not far off, “Each pack has its own village named after their pack. They have their own identifying symbol and their own hierarchy of Alphas and Lunas which all report to me… and soon you.” The symbols of the packs were etched in colors of gold, silver, and red. I noticed in between there were other symbols more like letters than drawings, smaller and colored in solid black.

I looked back to where Trinity was on the map, my eyes slowly following the surface under the village south, down until a small line of water had been drawn. I followed it east until it met with a larger, curved river. I stared at the river blankly, hesitant. Which way did it flow, I wondered? I followed it north, but it only passed by Trinity closely before traveling further into more pack land. My eyes darted back to where the creek met the river and I looked south. Not too far south, a letter ‘A’ in black was drawn, though I didn’t know what it meant.

“Did you find it, yet?” Roman asked me, having been watching me quietly. I looked from the map to him, my mind swarming with uncertainty.

“What?”

“Your human village,” He said simply. I paused, but then turned back to the map and lifted my finger to rest on that small, insignificant letter just to the west of the river. Then I looked at him for confirmation. He nodded, not appearing to be concerned that I could find it. “It’s called Alpha.”

I felt a jolt of surprise. I’d live my whole life in a nameless village, a citizen to a nameless town with an unimpressive map of our world, while the wolves lived in a vast land of plentiful resources and connections. It felt… unfair.

“I knew this would make you unhappy,” Roman sighed, frowning.

His words drew me out of my own head. I looked at him quickly.

“I just never knew it had a name,” I told him honestly, “Why Alpha?”

“Before I became King Alpha, things were different. Humans vastly outnumbered lycans. The largest pack, the first pack, was named Trinity after the Triple Goddess. Your human village came from the largest human city, named Hominidae back then. We were all children of the Goddesses, lycan and human together. We were at peace,” Roman explained, capturing my attention entirely. “When they attacked the packs, I became the King Alpha and led the war against them. We were outnumbered, but they were overpowered. After they surrendered, I relocated wolves and humans alike in masses.”

Roman pointed to the symbols once more, but immediately indicated to the small letter of what I was beginning to realize were other human villages. Not far from every single pack was a human village, to the point that it was obvious it couldn’t be a coincidence.

“I broke apart every human city, separated them into smaller populations. I broke apart packs, assigned new Alphas and Lunas to each of them, and posted them nearby. I implemented rules that would control the humans’ knowledge, resources, and population so that they could never harm us as they did before. And then I named those human villages’ by letter: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta…” Roman pointed to each of the villages in order as he said their names. I was staring at him openly now. He stated what he’d done as a passing fact, without any remorse.

“That’s horrible,” I said quietly, frowning.

“They intended to wipe us from existence back then, Milena. I could have done the same to them. It was a war,” He merely responded firmly, a heat of that familiar hatred rising within him at the memory. He subdued it rather quickly with a sigh. “I’m only going over this because as Queen Luna, you need to become familiar with the land, every single pack, and their leaders. I will give you a list so you can learn on your own, but in the future you will be meeting them as well… after you’ve shifted.”

I hadn’t truly realized that agreeing to being ‘groomed to be Queen Luna’ would mean learning an entirely new world, but I hadn’t expected it to be easy work either. Roman began to roll the map back up, placing it where he’d gotten it from behind the desk at the end of the room.

When he returned, he stood before me with his arms crossed. I felt suddenly nervous with his eyes on me, but I withstood the inspection without blushing.

“How much do you know about the hierarchy within the pack?” Roman asked me, lost in his own thoughts as he no doubt considered what all I would need to learn.

“I know of the Alpha, Luna, and Beta. I’ve heard other words… rogues? I was told about tutelary titles. Meda and Medan for the Chrone’s wolves, which are oracles. Gaho and Hago for the Mother’s wolves. And Alta and Tala for the Maiden’s wolves,” I listed my knowledge while counting them off on my fingers, thankful that I had learned even this much during my time here. “There are also warrior wolves. But I don’t know where they fit in the hierarchy…”

“That’s a start. Here,” Roman pulled a chair from the table and indicated for me to sit. I did as he asked and he stepped away a moment before returning with a piece of paper and pen. He sat next to me, placing the paper between us. He was really close and it was pretty distracting, but I made myself focus.

“Every pack has its own hierarchy, but it’s the same titles for all packs. At the top, there is the Alpha and Luna. The Alpha is the male leader of the pack. The Luna is the female leader of the pack. A pack can have either an Alpha by itself or a Luna by itself, but their mate will usually be named as the corresponding Alpha or Luna in turn. These titles must be held up through challenges, as a leader has to have the power to lead,” Roman wrote the names on either side of the paper, so that they were even but separated. He drew two lines directly down under both titles. “The Beta is chosen by his or her Alpha. The title itself cannot be challenged, but the wolf can be. If the Beta is ever killed, another must be selected. The Beta is considered the Alpha’s right hand. They are considered the Alpha’s guardian, enforcer, and will act as Alpha in the Alpha’s absence. The Beta is under both the Alpha and Luna, though their primary duties are to the Alpha.”

Roman wrote Beta under the line that was connected to Alpha, and then turned to the line connected to Luna.

“The Sol is the Luna’s equivalent of the Alpha’s Beta. This person is the Luna’s guardian, enforcer, and acting Luna when the Luna is absent. Just like a Beta, this wolf is chosen, so the title can’t be earned through challenge,” Roman explained before drawing a V under the Beta and Sol titles so that they combined underneath. “The rest of most of the wolves in a pack are considered Deltas. These include Medics, Warriors, Surveyors, Workers, and it used to include Oracles.”

Roman wrote Delta largely and underneath this he listed each type including the oracles which he crossed out purposely. He listed random descriptions under each one: healers for Medics, soldiers and enforcers under Warriors, messengers and spies under Surveyors, and several duties under Workers such as hunters, farmers, cleaners, cooks, builders, and a mark to indicated several more duties available. Then he drew yet another line leading to another class below even a Delta.

“The lowest rank allowed in a pack is that of Omegas,” Roman continued wisely, drawing a symbol next to the word and indicating to it, “You’ll know them by this brand on their neck. These are wolves who have committed a crime against the packs worthy enough to earn a life of servitude, imprisonment, and shame. Some may be challengers who failed to win, but survived the battle…” Roman paused as he mentioned this and he glanced at me.

“You’re lucky I didn’t brand you,” He said with a small smirk.

“I would have loved to see you try,” I responded fiercely.

Roman’s smile grew and it held me mesmerized for a moment. I wasn’t used to his patience, the gentleness of his words, or the smile that didn’t hold malice behind it. He turned to add another word, not connected to the branch of the pack.

“Rogues are wolves without packs. Most are banished wolves or have chosen to leave their pack, some may be Omegas prior, and even those who are born rogues were probably born of someone who had been banished, branded, or abandoned their pack. They can be problematic, but many times they’re taken in by packs if they wish for it,” Roman said, his words reminding me of Diana and Cate, who had been with a pack of rogues before joining the Trinity pack.

I could imagine Cate being mysterious and devious enough to be kicked from a pack, but I couldn’t imagine someone like Diana doing anything to warrant being banished. Did she leave her previous pack? I was extremely curious and now that Roman was more open to giving me answers, I felt I could ask.

“Diana and Cate were rogues before, right?”

“Yes. Diana was born rogue. She claimed responsibility for Cate because no one knew the circumstances of her past. That and Cate’s talent for fighting were the reasons why I agreed to accept her with Diana.”

“Is it because she wouldn’t tell you her past?” I asked him curiously.

“Cate is mute,” Roman stated simply before pausing, “You should have noticed…”

Something strange was definitely up with Cate. Yet the last time I had mentioned it to her, she had said it was just gossip. Or had she even answered? Should I just tell Roman that she could speak? Was she hiding her voice for a reason? A part of me wanted to just tell the truth, but another felt an attachment to Cate and wanted to protect her. What if I caused her trouble by telling one of her secrets? Maybe she just didn’t like anyone.

“Right.” I responded shortly, closing my mouth firmly.

“I want you from now on to stop every pack member you come across. I want you to learn each of their names, if they have a tutelary title, what their duty is as a Delta wolf or otherwise, and who they’re connected to either by mate or by relative. I don’t expect you to learn about all the wolves in all the packs, but as Luna of this pack, you should know who you’re meant to lead,” Roman instructed me determinedly, adding to my work steadily.

“Okay,” I agreed confidently. I had time. I could do this. I had already learned many of the names of the people of this pack in the months he’d been gone, so it wouldn’t be too difficult to learn more about them.

“Follow me,” Roman stood suddenly, holding out his hand for me. I lifted my own, grasping his hand and standing to do as he requested. He began to lead me out of the King’s Corner, out into the village determinedly. It was a cloudy and humid day, the weather warm enough to dampen my skin immediately. It would become hotter soon, but I’d always enjoyed the summer air.

I did as Roman suggested as we went on our journey through the village. I stopped every wolf we came by, greeting the ones I knew and being introduced to any I didn’t. I asked more questions beyond their names and added the information into the depths of my mind like putting them into boxes that I would be able to access later.

In between this, Roman held my hand and led me without second thought. His hand was rough in mine. It reminded me of the night before, in the forest, when those hands had been exploring every part of my body. I blushed at the thought and immediately tried to think of something else in hopes that Roman wouldn’t notice any change in my behavior.

I was living with him officially now. Would it be like how it was before I’d completed the mark? Or would we fall into that passion again in the future? A part of me, the part of me that enjoyed the thrill of it, hoped it wasn’t just a onetime ceremony. Another part of me tried to remind myself that he was responsible for the misery of my entire family including my ancestors, so I shouldn’t have any feelings beyond hate for him.

Roman ended up leading me to the arena where the warrior wolves were training with Beta Caleb. He released his grip on my hand when we arrived. I felt an immediate anxiety rise within me upon seeing Caleb. Did he know his mate was pregnant, yet? He would be the first lycan father in nearly two decades, based on what Logan had told me before. I suspected he would be absolutely ecstatic to learn this, but I didn’t want to be the one to spill Diana’s secrets.

That was me; the keeper of secrets.

“Beta Caleb, line them up,” Roman greeted Caleb, sliding back into his shell as King Alpha. Caleb glanced at me just briefly, nodding respectfully, and then immediately shouted for everyone to line up as Roman had ordered. From what I could tell, all the warrior wolves were here, including Logan and Cate. I had to fight the urge to greet them all as old friends, recalling my many weeks of visiting this very place to practice fighting. Would I get to do this again?

Once everyone was standing stiffly in a line, Roman looked at each one before turning to me. He stepped towards me, ignoring everyone else for the moment.

“These are our strongest wolves in the pack. Not only will they be able to protect you, but they will be able to survive challenges. This is important when picking out a Sol,” Roman explained to me carefully.

“Picking a Sol?” I knew he had just explained to me the hierarchy of the packs, but I hadn’t expected to have to pick my version of a Beta so suddenly.

“I won’t be able to be with you every moment of every day. Normally, I would give you more time to decide, but pre-shift leaves you vulnerable as you are. So I need you to pick now. Be wise. You need to pick someone you feel you can trust. Someone who you feel would be suitable to play your role when you are unable to,” Roman continued, turning me to face the line of warrior wolves. “Select your Sol.”

I stepped from his grasp to approach the line of wolves hesitantly. It felt intensely odd. As I looked at them, I had an image of a line of human girls waiting to be selected for the Wolf Moon. But these weren’t scared girls. These were dangerous wolves, all of which looked at me as though any one of them would be okay with being selected.

If it was someone I had to trust… I immediately looked at Cate. She was leaning against her lance, the stiffness that the others retained out of respect missing in her own form. She was obviously pleased about something. She would be a good guardian, as the Shadow of Death, and I did trust her. I didn’t like the idea of putting her in danger by keeping her at my side, but I knew she was tough. Could she act as Luna when I couldn’t?

Cate is mute. She didn’t communicate to the rest of the pack. Wouldn’t that end up a problem if she were my Sol? I hesitated.

My eyes slid from her form to Logan’s slowly. I missed training with him and I felt a sense of gratitude for what he had taught me. I wouldn’t have survived the fight against Lillian without his training. I wouldn’t have survived hunting with the lycans if he hadn’t stopped Vio’s attack. He’d proven he could protect me. Did I trust him? He had been the one who would’ve killed me during the Wolf Moon, but then if I based anything off of that, my options would be severely limited. Would he be able to act out my role as Luna when I wasn’t able to? I couldn’t see why not.

“Logan,” I announced determinedly. I stepped in front of him, lifting my hand as though I were going to lead him into a new world. “Won’t you be my Sol?”

Logan’s light brown eyes peered at my hand, his face remaining emotionless as he did so. He didn’t reach to take it. He only lifted his eyes to my face before lowering himself to the ground, onto a knee.

“If you feel I am worthy, I will accept,” Logan said respectfully.

“You’re worthy,” I answered, lowering my hand hesitantly. I glanced at Roman, but he didn’t offer me any ideas on what to do next.

“Queen Luna, I will guard you with my life. I will walk with you at your side as long as I am able to. I will be your weapon and your voice. I will remain loyal to you, your mate, and your pack for as long as I live as your Sol,” Logan declared formally. He abruptly lifted his head to look at me, offering his hand with a smirk of something like sarcasm as though he were teasing me for my previous action. “Will you accept my vow?”

“I will, Sol Logan,” I responded, humored as I placed my hand in his. When he stood, I had a sudden urge to attack him like I’d done many times before, just as an impulse. I must’ve tensed because he immediately did as well.

“You’re out of practice. I’d win.” He stated, guessing my thoughts easily.

“We’ll see,” I muttered, removing my hand from his grasp, but I didn’t try to attack him. I would have plenty of chances to do so in the future. I hope he looked forward to a life of surprise battles.

“Continue as you are, Sol Logan. Luna Milena will come for you tomorrow,” Roman ordered before indicating for me to follow him once again. The learning never stopped, it seemed. But as I looked at him, I absently smiled, a fluttering feeling of warmth flooding within me at knowing he wasn’t planning on leaving me somewhere for someone else to deal with. I could feel Cate’s devious eyes watching me, no doubt filled with glee at this turn of events.

Even despite his stern presence, I easily stepped towards him and linked my arm under his to grasp his hand as he had allowed before. He softened almost immediately, tilting his head to look at me in a way that made me nervous and self-conscious.

“What’s next?” I asked curiously, my heart beginning to quicken at his stare.

Roman cleared his throat, tightening his grip on my hand as though he had gotten lost for a moment.

“Patrols.” This was all I got from him before he turned and led me from the arena, continuing to introduce me further to any wolves we came across while also explaining to me in more depth what duties were assigned in each area within the village.

I knew Roman was speaking profe