Commotion

                Luna Ariel's POV again

As I turn off the dirt road of Eclipse Howl onto the highway, I drive at top speed.

With the car windows down, I skim past the dense forest along the roadside. The cool wind blows my long locks out of my face, forcing me to put on sunglasses to protect my eyes. It is a two-hour journey to Midnight Moon, a rival pack bordering our territory to the west.

                In the past, these two packs were often at odds, accusing each other of stealing land. But this ended when the Council issued a ruling that the packs reluctantly accepted. After that, a kind of cold war remained, but thankfully did not turn into war.

Gorgio told me earlier that there has never been a high-ranking member of the Eclipse Moon visiting this pack before. With my arrival, we are showing that we are good and willing to at least maintain a civilized relationship with them. We did a background check on the new Alpha who was appointed a few months ago. He studied in Europe and returned to succeed his father.

                I glance in the mirror and see the three following cars right behind me. Gorgio takes no chances with my safety, especially in Midnight Moon. The drive is soon over and I turn into the car park of the hotel where the conference is taking place. I had deliberately not announced my arrival time in advance; I wanted every opportunity to observe the surroundings at leisure, without too much etiquette.

As I jump out of the car, the Head Warrior walks up to me.

"Luna, do you want to check in right away or eat first?" he asks me. "We can go to the restaurant if you like. I smile, everyone in Eclipse Howl knows by now that I appreciate good food and like to try new dishes. The breakfast I had a couple of hours ago was not much and my hunger is already on the rise.

                "Let's hit the restaurant first. Although I can have room service come but you know how much I love being among people". He nods, grabs my suitcase from the back of the car and follows me into the hotel. A receptionist hurries to meet us.

"Luna Ariel, welcome to Midnight Moon. You just missed the Alpha, we didn't know exactly when you would arrive. He otherwise would have greeted you personally." I smile and nod.

                "Thank you. No, don't worry about me. We will first go to the restaurant and check out my room later. My Head Warrior will take care of it all." Alvin walks off with her, while two other warriors go on with me. The restaurant is almost empty, except for three men sitting in a corner. I can tell from their aura that it's an Alpha with his Beta and Gamma. I frown, wondering if this Alpha had left his pack to fend for itself.

As I take a seat at a table in the other corner of the room, a waitress comes over to me with the menu. I gesture for the two warriors to order as well, knowing they won't miss this opportunity for a free meal.

                Suddenly I hear a commotion in the direction we just came from. The warriors get up, head for the door and stand at a distance to see what is going on. Since the corner where I am sitting does not offer much of a view into the lobby, I am unable to see what is happening. A few minutes later, the warriors return to their seats.

"The Alpha demanded the list of visitors from the receptionist. I don't know what went wrong, but he stormed into the lift," explains one of the warriors. I shrug, organizing such a big event like this can be stressful and the Alpha is probably out of his normal routine. As I finish my meal, Alvin arrives at the table.

                "Luna, are you ready to go to your room? I have already checked us in, so you can walk straight to your room. Get some rest, the conference starts in two hours. I understand that most of the invitees have already arrived".

                I agree and am soon back on my feet. Just as I am about to get into the elevator, the receptionist rushes over to me. "Luna, I would like to verify this information with you personally, just to be sure. You are the mate of Alpha Gorgio of Eclipse Moon, aren't you?" Alvin growls low behind me. Before he can intervene, I approach the woman.

                "Yes, I am Luna Ariel. Is something wrong?"

She shakes her head. "No. Not at all.  We're looking for an unmated she-wolf. But you're the only one who came last," she explains. Her eyes move curiously over my frame. I toss my hair back so she can see the full length of my neck. "Look, this is the mark of my mate. Fully mated here".

She's convinced of me now, turns around, and steps back to the counter. With the warriors on my heels, I get into the lift. We get off at the third floor. As we walk down the corridor, Alvin looks at the electronic key card in his hands.

                "My goodness, I think we got lost. We have to go up at least two more floors," he muttered annoyed. We walk straight down the corridor, but as we round a corner, I bump hard into a she-wolf. She's tall and curvy, I don't recognize her as an Alpha of any pack.

                "Aaah, sorry Luna. I should have been more careful," she whispers guiltily. I grab her shoulders and steady myself.

"No, it's me, I'm to blame. I was looking at the numbers on the doors and wasn't paying attention," I assure her. "Are you also here for the conference?" I asked her politely.

"Yes, I am Amelia, daughter of Crescent Moon Alpha," she smiles. "To be honest, I couldn't care less about the conference. I'm here to win Midnight Moon Alpha.  I can't wait to be his Luna," she whispers to me. "He is so manly." I chuckle and think back to a few months ago when I was still unmated. Of course, I was eagerly waiting for my perfect mate, but I never went hunting for him like this she-wolf.

"Are you two fated?" I ask her.

"I have yet to find out. Wish me luck. Then you can join us for tea sometime."

I smile and shake my head, waving to her as I walk with the warriors to another lift at the end of the corridor..