The personnel carrier touched down on the Crescent Moon's flight deck with a soft thud. During the short ride, Mac’s daggered stare at Stoneclaw had become more intense, and by now, it had everyone on edge. I wasn’t the only one who noticed. Jake sidled up to me as we disembarked, his voice a low whisper.
“What’s Mac’s tail in a twist about?” he asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
“Your guess is as good as mine. Stoneclaw called me cute and gave me a wink before we got on board. I’m pretty sure it was just a joke,” I replied, shrugging it off, though Mac’s reaction had definitely left me uneasy.
Jake’s eyes widened slightly, and he leaned in closer. “Uh oh.”
“What do you mean, ‘uh oh?’” I demanded, not liking where this was going.
He hesitated, glancing at Mac, who was now stomping off the carrier with all the grace of a thunderstorm. “Sounds like Mac might be jealous,” he finally said.
I stopped mid-stride, processing his words. Jealous? Of Stoneclaw? That was a complication I hadn’t anticipated. “Why on earth would she be jealous of him?” I asked, more to myself than to Jake.
He shrugged. “Might want to ask her yourself. Just a heads up, though—it sounds like she might have a thing for you.”
A heavy sigh escaped me. Great, that’s just what I needed—pack drama because someone had a crush on me. I mentally added it to my ever-growing list of things to deal with after dinner.
As we entered the galley, I took in the setup. Six round tables were dressed in lilac tablecloths, with the 102nd Division crest as the centerpiece. It was a strange contrast—such a formal setup after everything that had happened. The rest of the team was already finding their seats, but I couldn’t help but notice the table at the center, where Star, Cayro, and Cameron were waiting. Star waved me over, her smile warm, though I could sense the tension simmering beneath the surface.
I walked over, slipping into the vacant chair. The unease with Cameron still lingered, but I pushed it aside. Now wasn’t the time for that. Star’s gaze met mine, offering a quiet reassurance that helped settle my nerves.
Cayro broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had this many members of Team Amethyst in one room, hasn’t it?”
Star nodded, her smile tinged with nostalgia. “It has. Too bad Zak and Aura aren’t here. It would be nice to put on a show for everyone.”
Cameron leaned forward, seizing the moment. “What if we plan to link up later? Put on a skyboarding demonstration for the division, boost morale a bit?”
Cayro seemed to warm to the idea. “Not a bad thought. We have some avid skyboarders in the unit. A little competition could be just what we need to blow off some steam.”
Star turned to me, her eyes bright with interest. “What do you think, Lyra? Anyone in your pack into skyboarding?”
I gave a noncommittal shrug. “Besides me, I’m not sure. Kira’s a fan, but she’s never mentioned if she boards.”
“Well, it’s something to consider,” Cayro said, standing up to address the room. He gently clinked his knife against his glass, drawing everyone’s attention. As I looked around, I saw the dawning realization on my team’s faces. They were just now recognizing Cayro for who he was, and their reactions were priceless.
I caught Kira’s expression—wide-eyed, practically star-struck. When she noticed me looking, she pointed at Cayro, mouthing his name in disbelief. I couldn’t resist—I shot her the devious grin I’d learned from Star and tapped Star on the shoulder to get her attention.
Star turned in her seat to face me, her expression curious as I subtly pointed towards Kira. Without missing a beat, Star followed my gesture, her confusion deepening as she caught sight of Kira’s jaw practically hitting the floor. Jake, noticing Kira’s expression, went wide-eyed as well. Yeah, they hadn’t expected to be dining with the majority of Team Amethyst. Star, ever the gracious celebrity, gave them a quick smile and wave before turning back to me. I met her gaze with a smirk, then redirected my attention to Cayro.
He’d moved to the rear of the galley, positioning himself so everyone could see him clearly. Setting his glass and knife down on the podium that seemed to be waiting just for him, he was about to speak when a flash of light above our table announced the arrival of Scuzball’s holographic image. Regal as ever, Scuzball sat with his black tail curled neatly around his paws, facing Cayro with uncharacteristic silence, as if even he recognized the gravity of the moment.
“Good evening, everyone,” Cayro began, his voice commanding immediate attention.
“Evening,” the room echoed, a collective response that hung in the air.
“Now that I have your undivided attention, I’d like to introduce myself, my wife, and the commander of the unit that will be taking over the I-76 corridor mission,” he continued, pausing just long enough to let his words sink in. The room held its breath, anticipation thick in the air.
“I can see that most of you recognize me, but for those who don’t, I am Major General Cayro Zaraki of the 102nd Airborne Division. As of a few days ago, I am your division commander. I want to officially welcome you to the division as the new 781st Transportation Pack. This division is primarily composed of other supernaturals like yourselves, with several packs and units serving in various locations.” His voice was steady, each word carefully measured as he filled everyone in on their new reality.
“Unlike most divisions, we are a truly mobile unit and do not have a permanent home location. The FSAS Crescent Moon serves as our division headquarters, with each unit issued and assigned equipment based on their operational needs. For the time being, the 781st Transportation Pack’s base of operations will be in Des Moines, Iowa, at the SkyTeam Transportation Division, until a more suitable location is found for your home base,” he continued, ensuring everyone understood the logistics.
Now that the basic information was out of the way, Cayro turned to the center table. “Colonel Zaraki and Alpha Balfour, would you both please stand so I can introduce you properly?” he requested, his tone respectful but leaving no room for refusal.
I watched as both Star and Cameron stood, their smiles soft yet commanding as they faced the room.
“I’ll start with my wife, Colonel Star Zaraki, commander of the 588th Night Witches Stealth Wing. The 588th is one of five tactical glider airborne units that fall under the 102nd. Each unit is attached to an airship within the division. Colonel Zaraki commands the flagship unit aboard the Crescent Moon. Then, we have Alpha Cameron Balfour, commander of the 254th Infantry Pack. His unit falls under the command of the FSAS Chaos Reckoning as ground support and will be taking over the I-76 mission you were initially assigned to. The Chaos Reckoning will be stationed nearby to oversee the mission’s completion and provide any necessary assistance.”
With the introductions complete, Star and Cameron resumed their seats. Cayro then turned his attention to me, gesturing for me to stand. I complied, meeting his gaze as he continued.
“It’s my understanding that you and your pack plan to head back towards Des Moines tomorrow morning, correct?” he asked.
“That is correct, Sir,” I responded, my voice steady.
“The Crescent Moon will escort you back to Omaha, Nebraska, as additional protection. Once we reach the Omaha Gate, the Crescent Moon will head south to link up with the Star Lancer. Upon your arrival in Des Moines, you will have a three-day break to repair, modify, and set up your equipment for your next mission. During this time, your pack will be issued military gear and the necessary paperwork to formally declare your pack as a military unit. This will include your military IDs and other personnel documentation,” he explained, laying out the immediate future with the precision of someone who had done this a hundred times before.
“I understand, Sir,” I replied, trying to mask the uncertainty bubbling up inside me.
“Before we move on to eating, Lord Lycotonu wanted me to ask you something,” Cayro said, stopping me just as I was about to sit back down.
“And what would that be, Sir?” I asked, keeping my tone respectful but curious.
“He’d like to know if you’ve come up with a name for your pack yet?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
“Uh…” I stalled, my mind racing. I hadn’t given much thought to a name since we left Des Moines. I glanced around at my pack members and the dragons, silently pleading for help. They responded with nothing but shrugs. “My apologies, Sir. We haven’t really discussed a name yet. We’ve been focused on the mission and dealing with the attack,” I explained, feeling a bit sheepish.
“Well, you’d better come up with one soon, or Lord Lycotonu will choose a name for the pack himself,” Cayro warned, a smirk playing on his lips.
“We’ll get it done, Sir,” I assured him, silently vowing to avoid whatever ridiculous name Lycotonu might cook up.
“Good, because you and I both know he enjoys picking some rather... unique names,” Cayro added with a knowing grin, before clapping his hands together, signaling a change in tone. “Now that we’ve got the formalities out of the way, tonight’s dinner will be grilled ribeye steaks, lobster tail, garlic butter mashed potatoes, seasoned asparagus, cornbread, and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream.”
As Cayro moved back towards our table, his glass and knife in hand, the chatter in the room picked up. Bits of conversation floated my way, ranging from disbelief that Cayro and Star were actually here to murmurs about potential pack names. It wasn’t long before the kitchen staff began bringing out our meals. When one of the cooks approached with Cayro’s plate first, he immediately redirected them to serve everyone else first. But before the cook could leave, I intercepted and took the plate, setting it in front of me with a resolute thud.
Cayro shot me an angry look, while Cameron couldn’t help but chuckle.
“And what’s so funny, Alpha Balfour?” Cayro demanded, his eyes narrowing.
“With all due respect, General, you’ve been working with werewolves for how long now, and you still forget some of our most basic customs?” Cameron teased, his tone light but pointed.
Cayro’s brow furrowed. “What am I missing?” he grumbled.
“Honey, the pack won’t eat until she eats,” Star explained with a patient smile.
Cayro closed his eyes and sighed heavily. “I forget that damn custom all the time…” he muttered under his breath.
I shook my head, breaking off a piece of cornbread. I made sure several of my pack members were watching before I popped it into my mouth. After chewing and swallowing, signaling that it was safe for them to eat, I pushed my plate away and waited for everyone else to be served.
“I’m trying to break them of that habit,” I whispered to Cayro. “I don’t want them to have to wait on me to eat.”
“That’s good to hear,” he replied, smiling now that he understood my intentions.
Once everyone had their food, the galley quieted down as people focused on their meals. The low hum of conversation continued, mostly from the dragons and Star, but Cameron remained silent, lost in his own thoughts. It reminded me of the old days when the three of us used to live together, discussing everything from Star’s latest projects to Cayro’s endless military strategies.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
As I savored a bite of steak and lobster, I glanced around the room. Kira had already finished her food, and I waved to get her attention. Once she looked my way, I gestured for her to come over. I wanted to introduce her to Cayro and Star, especially after seeing her earlier reaction. She grabbed Jake’s hand and dragged him along, both of them halting beside my chair with their eyes lowered in deference to the multiple alphas at the table.
“Guys, this is Kira Cross and Jake Holland. My first mated pair in the pack,” I announced softly, letting the significance of the introduction sink in.
Jake leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “How did you know we were mated?”
I grinned, tapping my temple and nose with my index finger. “I’m your alpha, silly. I felt your mate bond kick in the other day,” I teased, enjoying the look of realization that crossed his face.
Star’s face lit up with genuine excitement. “Oh, that is so amazing, Lyra! You have a mated pair in your pack,” she exclaimed, her cheerfulness infectious.
Kira’s cheeks flushed a deep red, clearly overwhelmed by the attention. I patted her gently on the back before turning my attention back to Star.
“Jake, Kira, meet the other members of Team Amethyst. Star Zaraki, our team captain; Cayro Zaraki, our Tip of the Spear; and Cameron Balfour, my wingman. Unfortunately, Zak and Aura aren’t here. They’re back in Pigeon Forge running the NAWC,” I said, hoping to ease their nerves with the introduction.
Cayro stood up first, extending his hand toward Jake. Jake shook it firmly, followed by Cameron. Everyone exchanged polite greetings before settling back into their seats. Kira looked like she was living a dream she’d never dared to speak aloud, while Jake, though more reserved, was clearly soaking in the moment.
“So, do either of you skyboard?” Star asked, her tone curious and welcoming.
“A little here and there,” Jake answered modestly.
“We’re not as good as Team Amethyst, though,” Kira added, her modesty evident.
“As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters,” Cayro replied with a reassuring smile.
Then, out of nowhere, Cameron blurted out, “You’re an omega!” His eyes were wide with surprise.
We all turned to stare at him, caught off guard by his outburst.
“You never mentioned that you had an omega in your pack!” he exclaimed, directing his disbelief at me.
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Uh… No one ever asked,” I said bluntly.
“Do you know how rare omegas are?” he pressed, clearly not ready to drop the subject.
“Yes, Cameron, I do,” I replied, crossing my arms with a huff.
“Of all the packs, how were you so lucky to get an omega as a brand-new pack?” he demanded, his curiosity getting the better of him.
I narrowed my eyes, my tone growing colder. “Cameron, it’s not my place to say. It’s Jake’s and Kira’s story. If they want to share it, they can. But heed my warning, Cameron—my pack is made up of wolves who all have stories. If you push them to share against their will, I will personally hand you another ass-whooping like Star gave you a few years back. Remember, I was there when she kicked your ass up and down the SkyTeam Arena,” I growled, my patience thinning.
I heard Star snort, and Cameron quickly retreated, sitting back in his chair with a sheepish look. He glanced over at Star, who met his gaze with her infamous grin, her eyes twinkling with barely concealed malice. The memory of that particular ass-kicking must have hit home because he quickly turned back to me, his tone much more subdued.
“Message received; I won’t force anyone in your pack to share their stories,” he conceded calmly.
The next few minutes passed in a blur of conversation and introductions. Other members of my pack started to come over, eager to meet my closest friends. Many of them were clearly star-struck, struggling to contain their excitement at meeting the legendary Team Amethyst. Even those who weren’t overly familiar with our history seemed genuinely thrilled to finally put faces to the names.
Steve, as expected, maintained his professional demeanor. As the oldest wolf in the pack, he shook hands politely, exchanged a few words, and then stepped back, leaving Catalina to greet them next. She mirrored Steve’s professionalism, chatting briefly with Cayro and Star before returning to Steve’s side.
But when the dragons made their way over, the atmosphere shifted. Having served together in the past, we were all familiar with each other. There was an easy camaraderie as we caught up, sharing stories and reminiscing about past missions. It was during this lull in the evening that Stoneclaw placed a hand on my shoulder, leaning down to speak quietly in my ear.
“This would be a good time to do what we discussed earlier,” he suggested, his voice low and steady.
I nodded in agreement and stood up. “General Zaraki, would you mind joining us at your podium?” I asked, my tone shifting to one of formal request.
Cayro gave me a concerned look, clearly puzzled by my sudden formality. Normally, I wouldn’t address him with such rigid respect, but this was an official matter. He stood, and the three of us made our way to the podium. Once we reached it, I quickly filled him in on what Stoneclaw and I were about to do. His eyes widened slightly, taken aback by what I had just explained.
“Are you sure you can include the dragons in your pack?” Cayro asked, a curious look crossing his face.
I gave him a sly smile. “Remember Mac? The fiery redhead?”
“Oh yes, not hard to forget about her,” he remarked with a hint of amusement.
“She’s a phoenix, and she’s a member of the pack,” I said, turning my hand over to show him the phoenix brand seared into my skin.
“Huh, you learn something new every day,” he muttered, clearly intrigued.
“Ready?” I asked Stoneclaw, turning my attention back to him.
“Yep,” he replied, his voice steady.
I placed my hand on the center of his chest and began to speak the ritual that would bind him to me and the pack. The words flowed from my lips, imbued with the power of the bond we were about to forge.
“Primum Draco Stoneclaw of the Elite Guard, Beast of Wind, Scale, and Claw, I claim you as a member of my pack. I vow on this day before the Mother Luna to protect, care, guide, and watch over you as one of my own. I vow to never lead you astray or abandon you. You will find sanctuary and peace under me as your friend, companion, and alley. With this bond, you will always have a home to come back to and allies to support you. Do you accept my claim, Primum Draco Stoneclaw of the Elite Guard, Beast of Wind, Scale, and Claw?” My voice rang clear through the galley, the magic within me shaping the ritual words to fit our unique bond.
Stoneclaw’s eyes glowed amber, shifting to reptilian slits as my magic took hold. “I, Primum Draco Stoneclaw of the Elite Guard, Beast of Wind, Scale, and Claw, accept your claim, Primum Lupus Acosta of the Royal Guard, Beast of the Wandering Woods and Wild Winters,” he declared, his words carrying the weight of ages past.
Hearing my family’s bloodline announced aloud for the first time in years stirred something deep within me. My ancestors had once served as the royal guards for the Lycotonu family. But when the King vanished, my great-grandfather had stepped up as a council member, helping to lead the wolves. That legacy was now a part of this new bond.
Suddenly, pain seared through me, and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. A violent wind battered into my mind, claws raking through my inner being. I arched back in agony, a silent scream ripping from my throat as I fell to my hands and knees, struggling to breathe.
The bond between Stoneclaw and me was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was as if a jet stream had torn through my mind, scattering my memories and thoughts like leaves in a storm. Gasping for breath, I knelt on the floor, trying to regain my composure.
Someone knelt beside me, a hand gently placed on the center of my back. Instinctively, I let out a vicious growl, snapping my head toward the intruder. My eyes met Cayro’s, his face etched with concern. He withdrew his hand and took a cautious step back, allowing me the space I needed.
Taking a deep breath, I summoned every ounce of magic and strength I had left, hardening my resolve to stand. Offering Cayro my hand, I used him as a crutch to push myself to my feet. My gaze locked with Stoneclaw’s, who was peering down his shirt collar, where I could just make out the edge of the same marking that Mac bore on her chest.
“Are you okay?” Cayro’s voice was stern, but the concern was clear.
I nodded, my voice raspy as if I had actually screamed. “I’m ready.”
Stoneclaw placed his large hand on my chest, his eyes locking with mine. As he spoke, I could feel his magic wrapping around me, engulfing my body and mind completely. The bond was now a two-way street, linking our fates together.
“Primum Lupus Acosta of the Royal Guard, Beast of the Wandering Woods and Wild Winters, I claim you as a member of this fierce thunder. I vow on this day before the Stars to protect you from those who wish you harm, to avenge those who hurt you, and to grant you the wisdom needed to survive in this perilous world. I pledge to stand by your side as a warrior brethren, ensuring you are never betrayed. Upon my sacred blood and my oath, I hold this vow true. Should I break this oath, my life is yours to take. Do you accept my claim, Primum Lupus Acosta of the Royal Guard, Beast of the Wandering Woods and Wild Winters?” Stoneclaw’s voice resonated through the galley, his magic flooding the space as he spoke the final words.
“I, Primum Lupus Acosta of the Royal Guard, Beast of the Wandering Woods and Wild Winters, accept your claim, Primum Draco Stoneclaw of the Elite Guard, Beast of Wind, Scale, and Claw,” I managed to rasp out, my voice still sore from the earlier ritual.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Stoneclaw crumpled to the floor, wracked with the same agonizing pain I had just endured. But this time, the effect on me was entirely different. I felt a surge of strength wash over me, erasing the pain I had experienced. The bond between Stoneclaw and me solidified, becoming an unbreakable steel cable in my mind. The sensation was euphoric, as if the Great Luna herself was gazing down upon me, filling me with her divine favor.
A gasp echoed nearby, snapping me out of the moment. I turned my head to see Charlotte pointing at me—or rather, at something on my body. Following her gaze, I looked down and saw it: black, dragon-scale tattoos now adorned my upper shoulders, their dark patterns snaking across my skin. I pulled back my sleeve for a better view, finding that the scales covered both shoulders entirely.
When I finally looked back at Stoneclaw, my eyes widened in surprise. His once neatly trimmed black hair had grown several inches longer and was now streaked with silver—the same silver as my own hair. The change didn’t age him; instead, it made him look even more formidable and, dare I say, attractive. Flustered, I quickly shifted my gaze to Cayro.
“Holy Stars, Lyra! What in the nine circles of draconian hell did you just do?” Cayro demanded, his voice a mixture of shock and awe.
“We,” Stoneclaw coughed, struggling to his feet, “made a pact that binds us as lifelong allies, linking my thunder and her pack.”
Cayro blinked, clearly trying to process what he’d just heard. “You did what?”
“Lyra’s pack is now part of my thunder, and my thunder is now part of her pack,” Stoneclaw reiterated.
“I didn’t know that was even possible,” Star said, her tone laced with surprise.
“Technically, it shouldn’t be,” Cameron interjected, stepping forward. “There’s an old belief, possibly rooted in ancient law or bonding magic, that bonding different species into a pack is dangerous. The fact that Lyra can do it speaks volumes about her power as an alpha.”
“Are you saying she’s as powerful as Zak?” Cayro asked, his brow furrowing.
“No, not quite as powerful as Zak, but close,” Cameron replied. “Given her lineage, she’s probably the third or fourth most powerful werewolf in the world.”
“Third or fourth?” Star questioned, clearly intrigued.
“Well, if you don’t count Aura as the third most powerful werewolf, then Lyra would hold that position. I’m pretty sure she could challenge Alpha Malachi’s seat in the NAWC,” Cameron explained.
A cold dread settled over me at the thought. The last thing I wanted was to be thrust into the political arena. “Please don’t tell Zak,” I pleaded, hoping to avoid that fate.
“I don’t think we’ll need to,” Cayro said, his tone ominous.
“Why?” I asked, the pit in my stomach growing deeper.
“Because I think he already knows. He wouldn’t have pushed you to build a pack if he didn’t,” Cayro said, his tone almost too calm, as if he were sharing a secret he’d known all along.
I groaned, feeling the weight of inevitability pressing down on me. “Why me?” I silently demanded of the Great Luna, hoping for an answer that would never come.
“Lyra?” Star’s voice was gentle, laced with concern.
“Yeah…” I huffed, irritation bubbling to the surface.
“May I look at your back?” she asked, her patience a balm to my frayed nerves.
With a sigh of resignation, I turned my back to her and lifted my shirt. Stoneclaw leaned over, curiosity evident as Star carefully pulled the fabric up. The low whistles from my pack sent a chill down my spine, making me dread what they were seeing.
“What is it?” I asked, needing Stoneclaw to confirm whatever bizarre thing had been etched onto my skin.
“You’ve got a beautiful rendition of my dragon form tattooed on your back, with black scales along your waistline and shoulders,” Stoneclaw said, his deep voice tinged with awe.
“Just great…” I huffed, already feeling the weight of this new mark. “Does anyone else have this mark on them?” I asked, turning to my pack.
They exchanged glances and checked each other’s backs before shaking their heads. I felt my heart sink. So I was the only one gifted with this dragon-themed body art. Of course, I couldn’t just be a regular alpha—no, I had to be the one with magical tattoos.
Sighing, I faced my pack, trying to push aside my frustration. “Does anyone have a suggestion for a pack name?” I asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the weirdness now permanently inked on my skin.
Azura raised her hand, and I pointed to her. “What about the West Bound Pack?” she suggested.
Several pack members shook their heads, the idea not quite sitting right with them. Jake, ever the bold one, raised his hand despite Kira’s obvious attempt to stop him. I pointed to him, bracing myself for whatever was about to come out of his mouth.
“How about the Truck-kun Pack?” he said, a mischievous grin on his face.
Kira facepalmed, shaking her head while the rest of the pack burst into laughter. I, however, was not amused.
“No,” I shot down the suggestion immediately. Jake just shrugged, still smiling as if he’d won some secret contest.
“What about Dragon Pack?” Cayro chimed in.
The suggestion caught my interest, but it didn’t quite fit the unique flavor of our group. I looked up at Stoneclaw for his input.
“What about Dragon Fleet?” he suggested, his palms up as if to say, “Why not?”
I mulled it over, letting the name roll around in my mind. It had a certain ring to it, a combination of power and unity that felt right for us. I turned to my pack, gauging their reactions. They whispered the name among themselves, grinning and nodding in approval.
We weren’t traditional by any means. We were a ragtag group of werewolves driving semi-trucks, with dragons watching our backs. A traditional name wouldn’t suit us, but Dragon Fleet? That was something we could rally behind.
I turned to Cayro and Star, who were now standing together, waiting for my decision. “You can tell Lord Lycotonu that Alpha Acosta and her pack have chosen a name. We are Dragon Fleet!” I declared, pride swelling in my chest.