From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 63

Eric's POV

I walked through the community center of the Star Shadow pack, instantly noticing something was off. Small clusters of people huddled together, their voices hushed, their eyes darting around suspiciously. This wasn't the vibrant heart of our community I'd known my entire life. This was something else entirely—a place gripped by fear.

Two security team members patrolled the main entrance, their faces hard as stone, hands resting on their weapons. I nodded at them, receiving only the briefest acknowledgment in return. Their focus remained outward, scanning for threats.

As I passed the coffee shop, I noticed Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Holloway leaning close together, their gray heads nearly touching as they whispered urgently. When they spotted me, they immediately straightened, their conversation dying mid-sentence. Their faces, usually warm and welcoming, now showed nothing but suspicion.

"Good morning, ladies," I said, trying to sound normal.

"Eric," Mrs. Patterson replied stiffly. "How's your family?"

The real question hung in the air between us: *Has Nathan contacted you?*

"We're fine, thank you," I answered, moving on quickly.

Three days since Nathan escaped detention, and things seemed to be getting worse, not better. The pack felt like a powder keg waiting for a spark. My stomach churned with anxiety that wasn't entirely my own—Lisa's concern flowed through our bond, a gentle pressure at the back of my mind.

Near the community bulletin board, a group of younger wolves huddled together, their voices rising with excitement as they shared the latest theories.

"I heard he contacted that rogue group up north," said a lanky teenager. "They're organizing an army to back his claim as rightful Alpha."

"No way," countered another. "My cousin was on boundary patrol last night and swore he saw Nathan's wolf form in the western forest."

"You're both wrong," a third chimed in. "Alpha Reynolds already sent out an elite tracking team. They'll bring him back before the full moon."

I slowed my pace, pretending to check my phone while I listened.

"They say he has Alpha mind control powers," whispered a young female wolf, her eyes wide. "That's how he escaped. He can make anyone do anything."

"I heard he's studying ancient werewolf magic to enhance his strength," another added. "There are old scrolls in the pack archives about it."

"My brother's friend said he can summon the Blood Moon when he becomes Alpha, and it will multiply his power tenfold."

I walked away, irritation prickling under my skin. These ridiculous rumors were exactly what the pack didn't need right now. Fear feeding on fear, creating even more chaos.

Finding a quiet corner near an old oak tree, I leaned against the rough bark and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes, focusing on the bond I shared with Lisa.

*You okay?* Her voice flowed into my mind, warm and concerned. *I can feel your anxiety from here.*

*The pack's a mess,* I replied through our mindlink. *Everyone's either terrified or spreading crazy rumors about Nathan.*

*You're doing your best,* she assured me. *That's all anyone can ask.*

I let her presence soothe me, but my mind drifted to memories of Nathan. Us at fifteen, sneaking out of pack territory to see a human movie, sharing a massive bucket of popcorn. At eighteen, attempting our first partial shifts in the forest behind his house, laughing when his ears came out lopsided. The promise we'd made to each other—that we'd always have each other's backs, no matter what.

"I did the right thing," I whispered to myself. "So why does it feel so damn awful?"

The thought of Julia's safety gnawed at me. Nathan had never hidden his resentment toward her, and now, with nothing left to lose... The pack's stability was at stake too. Without Nathan, the leadership would face unprecedented challenges.

My thoughts were interrupted by the community center's speakers crackling to life.

"Attention all pack members," Alpha Reynolds' voice echoed across the grounds. "This is an important announcement."

Everyone froze, heads turning toward the nearest speaker.

"I want to address the situation regarding my son, Nathan. His actions were his own and do not reflect the position of pack leadership. I ask that everyone remain calm and continue your daily activities. Our security teams have increased patrols, and all members are safe within our territory. Please refrain from spreading unverified information, as this creates unnecessary fear. Those found deliberately causing panic will face consequences."

I watched the faces around me. Some looked relieved, but most continued to exchange worried glances. The Alpha's words hadn't reassured them. If anything, the official acknowledgment of the danger made it more real.

As I resumed my patrol, I ran into Marcus, one of our most respected senior warriors. He'd trained me when I first joined security, and now oversaw the southern quadrant.

"How's it going, young White?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

"Managing," I replied with equal caution.

"Heard you reported the whole incident directly to Alpha." His eyes assessed me. "Takes courage."

I realized he was testing where my loyalties lay—whether I might still be Nathan's inside man.

"I did what was necessary for the pack," I said firmly.

Something in my tone must have convinced him. Marcus's shoulders relaxed slightly.

"There's been a lot of talk among the security teams," he said, lowering his voice. "Many believe Nathan has proven himself unfit for leadership."

"Oh?" I kept my face neutral.

"A wolf who can't control his own emotions shouldn't become Alpha," Marcus continued bluntly. "Most of the warriors feel he should be stripped of his inheritance rights."

Anger flashed through me, surprising in its intensity. "That seems extreme. He made a mistake, yes, but—"

"A mistake that nearly killed someone," Marcus interrupted. "This isn't teenage rebellion, Eric. This is serious."

"I know it's serious," I said, frustration seeping into my voice. "But Nathan is Alpha's only son. He's been trained for this position his whole life."

"And that training failed spectacularly, didn't it?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "If not Nathan, then who becomes Alpha? The Beta is traditionally the Alpha's closest friend, someone they grew up with. A new Alpha would likely choose their own Beta, not me."

Marcus's expression softened slightly. "You're worried about your position."

"I'm worried about the pack," I corrected, though we both knew it wasn't entirely true. "Who do you think would be a suitable successor?"

Marcus shook his head. "Honestly, there's no consensus on that. Robert's boy is too young, barely completed his first shift. The Davidson family has the lineage, but they've focused on business, not warrior training, for generations. The only agreement seems to be that Nathan isn't fit—at least not now."

He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "This might be the biggest crisis the pack has faced in generations."

A chill ran through me as I realized the full implications of what was happening. This wasn't just about Nathan anymore, or even Julia's safety. This was about the future of our entire pack.