The Wolf King's Luna novel Chapter 48

VANCE.

"Alpha Damon," I greet. "Sorry for barging into your pack on such short notice. I have recently come into some information, one that pertains to you and I thought it best to let you know."

"A simple phone call would have suffice," he says.

"I don't think that would have been prudent. After all, this involves certain females from my pack. I believe that are here with you."

It is nearly imperceptible, the flinch he tries to hide but I catch it.

Hmm, interesting.

So, the wretch wasn't lying.

"How did you find out about that?" he demands.

"I take it that you are not planning on using them for ransom?" I ask.

"What?" he asks, confused. "What ransom?"

"Some man came into my pack this morning, requesting to see me. I was told it was about the women who had recently gone missing.

"Upon meeting him, he told me that you, Alpha Damon, were the one responsible for their kidnapping."

"And you believed him?" he sneers.

"Actually, no," I answer.

I can't deny it. I enjoy the look of frustrated confusion on his face.

"Why don't we move this inside," Alpha Craug says, speaking up for the first time. "This is a delicate matter and should be handled with utmost discreteness."

"Of course," Damon says before gesturing for me to come in. "Alpha Vance, if you please."

I nod and begin ascending the stairs to the mansion.

"Alpha," I hear from behind me.

I turn to see Cody, looking at me, worry evident in his eyes.

"It is okay, Cody. These are honorable men, nothing is going to happen, right?" I ask in a delicately cool tone, turning back to Damon.

"Of course. I am not in the habit of planning dishonorable attacks," he says.

That… was an attack on my father.

Fair.

I nod once more at Cody and follow the rest in.

*Alpha Vance," I hear a greeting as we walk into the living room. "Welcome to our humble pack."

"Luna Diana," I greet. "It is an honor to be welcomed here." 

"I brought some cookies and lemonade," she says. "You gentlemen can help yourself to them."

She drops the tray she is holding on the center table and looks at us all eagerly. 

 A few seconds later, we get the message and we all reach for a cookie.

"Hmm," I murmur, after taking a bite.

"Is there a problem, Alpha Vance?" she asks.

"No. It's just… the taste. It seems familiar," I answer, trying to remember where I have tasted something like this.

"Ah, I see. Donn't know how that is possible. I am the one who made them."

"It's fine, I mean it's delicious. Thank you, Luna Diana."

The rest of the men say their thanks and she leaves us to our devices.

"So," Damon starts as he takes a seat and gestures for me to, as well. "You were saying you didn't believe him."

"Yes, I don't. But before we get into that, I have an apology to make."

"Why didn't you go after him?"

"My wolf stopped me. He said the man was not… normal. That it would be dangerous to attack"

"I see."

"So, what is this about the missing women?' I ask. "Why do you have them?" 

"I don't.," he growls out. "We- I, woke up one morning to see them all handed at the edge of my border," 

A beat of silence and then…

"Hanged?" I ask

"Yes. Hanged. He was the one who did that!"

"I am sorry, but why? Why would he do something like that? Why target women to piss you off?"

"I don't know. But from what I have heard, The Collector is not exactly sane."

"Excuse me? The Collector? The myth?"

"Not a myth. He is very real," Tobias says.

I take a minute to study all three, and I notice something.

They are not surprised. They are very aware of what is going on, and I don't know for how long.

Dropping all pleasantries, I demand, "What the fuck is going on?" 

"What do you mean?" Damon asks.

"No more bullshit. I came in good faith. I have told you all I know, so it's your turn. What does The Collector have against you? Why is he trying to start a war with you? And why does he want to drag me into this."

Before he can respond, I get a message from Cody, through the mindlink.

"Alpha, we are under attack."