Claiming His Luna

Lucian’s POV

“It’s been more than a century since the world has seen a battle of this magnitude,” Uncle John commented, his eyes focused on our gathered troops. We stood at the bustling port, watching as half of our forces boarded the waiting ships.

“I’m glad to offer such a show,” I responded, clad in my armour, and my expression was serious.

“You know I trust you completely, Lucian, and I’ll always stand behind your choices. But I have to ask one last time. Are you absolutely confident about this sudden decision?” Uncle John peered into my eyes. I pressed my lips together in response.

If it had been anyone else asking, I might have been offended. But this was my uncle, the leader of one of the most powerful packs in the world, and my mother’s older brother.

“I understand the risks, Uncle, but who I’m doing this for is worth more than any risk,” I replied, my expression grave as I met his eyes.

He nodded and offered a reassuring pat on my back.

“Are you nervous?” He inquired, his smile warm.

“Yes,” I admitted, glancing at my trembling hands.

“Good!” He spoke with conviction.

“How can that be a good thing?” I asked in confusion. Wasn’t it expected of leaders to radiate unshakeable confidence?

“It means you’re not foolish enough to assume victory is guaranteed,” he explained, his smile tinged with wisdom and reassurance.

With one last pat, he departed, his stride exuding pride and authority. Even my father held him in the highest respect. I felt lucky to be mentored by such a respected Alpha of his era.

Today, we would set out, and our destination is towards the Southern territory.

To reduce the ambush risk, we split our sentinels into two groups, with one half travelling by air and the other by sea.

I would be in another chopper, leading our troops to the South. My uncles and the other lords who had courageously decided to join the war had boarded the ships.

Our ships were fast, but my group and half of our elite warriors, travelling by air, would certainly reach the rendezvous point ahead of the ships. This early arrival would provide us with valuable time for crucial preparations.

As I looked at the ships below and the jets flying alongside us, the gravity of the impending battle sank in.

This was it. War is coming!

I could finally avenge my mother’s death and take back my mate. Beside me was Frank, who was looking ahead, his eyes focused on the uncertain fate. He, too, had been abandoned by the woman he loved, and I had no doubt he was prepared for the impending battle.

We could not afford to lose. Failure was not an option. Defeat had no place in our plans.

There was no room for surrender. I had meticulously strategized for any tricks Remus might use, including using Cercei as bait.

My death wouldn’t symbolize my defeat; instead, his death would signify our victory.

I vowed to guarantee his downfall, bringing his empire to its knees.

*****

Arriving two days ahead of time, we readied our weapons and made all necessary preparations for the impending war. We also erected tents for temporary shelter.

Our attack would be launched on the upcoming full moon, which was three days away. This would give the other half of our forces plenty of time to rest and recover their strength.

The full moon granted werewolves their peak strength, an advantage for us but also for our enemies.

Gathered at a small council meeting just before our nightfall attack, I laid out the plan.

“I want the Moonstone mansion surrounded by choppers,” I began, sketching the initial orders.

“The other half will sneak in from the ground,” I pointed to a particular spot on the map.

“All marksmen will go up in the air while our combat warriors will stay on the ground.”

“After the warriors manage to breach the gates, including those on various sides, that’s when all of you will launch your attack,” I concluded.

One of them asked, “Where will you be, Alpha?”

“I’ll be on the ground, but I’ll get there discreetly before any of you,” I confirmed.

“Alone?” he sought confirmation.

“You forget, my nephew is a skilled warrior, sharpshooter, and a King Alpha,” Uncle John interjected immediately.

“Where is Lord Drogo and his men?” I asked, suddenly remembering the presence of that traitor.

“He used his own ship for the voyage, but they disappeared in the middle of the sea. I presumed they had reached before us,” Uncle John replied, and his expression was gloomy.

“Lord Drogo will face the consequences after the war,” I declared, exchanging a knowing look with Frank.

‘And the traitor makes his move. Lord Drogo, you’ve become increasingly predictable,’ I thought to myself.

“What about his men who are supposed to fight with us?” one of the sentinels inquired.

“We won’t need their help to secure victory in this battle,” I said through gritted teeth. My increasing impatience quashed further inquiries.

****

I sat alone on the ground, watching the sun sinking below the horizon. My privacy was interrupted when I felt someone sit beside me.

“I came here to be alone,” I told Frank without glancing in his direction.

“I know,” he responded tersely.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Then why are you here?” I furrowed my brow, and my eyes locked on the vast emptiness before us.

“I don’t want to be alone,” he admitted, using his arms as support.

“Find someone else,” I pushed him away.

“No, thanks,” he persisted.

“You’re fired!” I growled, sparing a brief sideways glance at him.

“Only your father could fire me,” he retorted stubbornly.

“He’s dead, and I’m your Alpha now,” I snapped, stating the undeniable fact.

“Exactly, and since you control the North, I must obey you. But remember, I’m still your right hand,” he retorted, sounding annoyed.

I playfully punched his arm, and he chuckled in response.

“Dickhead!” I chuckled lightly.

“Are you prepared?” He looked at my attire and the gun I held.

“I don’t know, want to test me?” I gestured towards the gun.

“Whatever,” he smirked at my calm response.

“I am ready for this war,” I declared calmly.

“Are you?” I turned the question back to him.

He nodded without uttering a word.

“Still no word from Maria?” I asked deliberately.

He remained silent in response to my query.

“Nothing at all,” he eventually replied after a brief pause.

“Do you think she might have escaped and wasn’t actually looking for Miss Cercei?” he suddenly asked.

“No,” my eyes remained fixed on the setting sun.

“Is that what you think?” I threw the question back at him.

“No,” he replied firmly.

“She’s not like that,” he continued. I nodded in agreement. While I might not know Maria well, I sensed that she would do whatever it took to save Cercei.

“Maybe we’ll meet her there,” I suggested, trying to ease his concerns.

“Perhaps… she always does what she wants,” Frank muttered.

I glanced at him, and he, too, was staring at the setting sun.