Luna

Caudinatio

Caudinatio - the gathering - it was started almost five hundred years ago, back when the humans still believed in us. Werewolves had been purged to almost extinction by our kind along with the humans and something needed to change. Luna Stubbe called the first meeting, creating the peace treaty between the Alphas during the dark ages. Ever since that day, the twenty-eight remaining Alphas bring their families to a secured location and attempt to figure out their problems in a civil manner and celebrate our Luna and Goddess - our mother and creature. Unfortunately there are a few Alphas who refuse to attend most years but this year everyone will be coming, because this year they get to meet their new Luna - me. It should surprise me or scare as much as it does. All the women in my family have been chosen by the Goddess as her vessel to do her work through us - it is our curse, our blessing.
Eight months ago, on my eighteenth birthday, most of my Mother's gifts were given to me. The Goddess works through us to keep our kind alive and thriving - she has blessed us with powers and foresight, along with a calming presence to keep her wolves in check and safe. It is my job, along with my wolf, to do her bidding.
"JoJo! We have to go!" Josiah, my twin brother, hollered from the other side of my door. "We can't be late. Father will have my head!"
"I'm coming." I threw open the door to my room and grabbed my suitcase. Something in the pit of my stomach felt off - as if something were coming.
Josiah looked down at me with a worried stare, "I don't like that look Josie. What's wrong?"
Shrugging, I walked passed him, "I have a strange feeling."
He quickly caught up to me and snatched my suitcase from my hands, "Luna related? Should we be worried?"
"No. It's not that kind of feeling."
"Okay." He nudged me, "It's probably just your nerves. Deep breaths."
Together we walked down the stairs in silence. Watching my twin brother walk ahead of me, I looked at just how similar we were. We both had thick brown hair, that held the smallest red and blonde tints. Our smiles were both wide and toothy, people said it was the most wonderful thing about us - we could stop anyone in their tracks. Our eyes were bright blue and skin golden tan from the sun. Most of our features were passed down from our dad, he had the tan skin and dark hair while my mother was fair with red hair.
My mother scowled at us as we came to the front door, "Josiah, Josie, you were supposed to be ready by six this morning, it's almost six, fifteen."
Josiah shrugged and smirked as he tousled my hair, "It's her fault."
Mother looked at me, awaiting my excuse.
"Thanks Bro." After sticking my tongue out, I turned my attention to Mom, "Sorry. I've just been getting this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's like my wolf is either terrified or excited out of her mind about something."
Mom smirked, with a knowing smile, "Alright then, let's just hurry and catch up with your father. He is giving last minute instructions to Beta Young."

Suddenly, I felt a rush of excitement as we headed to the airport. I would get to see my friends again. The past year had been intense training for my move to Luna and I hadn't had much time to see any of my friends from the neighboring territories. My father was Alpha of most of the west coast, he had the third largest territory in North America but our house was in Northern California.
Josiah laughed, "We'll get to see everyone again! I haven't seen Luke or Tyler in ages."
I squealed, "And Heidi and Beth and Cris and Sam! When do they get there?"
Josiah shrugged in the seat beside me, "Luke and Beth will be there late tonight but Dad said most won't be getting there until tomorrow night."
"Why do we have to get there so early?"
He laughed, "Because this year it's all about you."
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head, "Don't remind me."
Mom turned around in her seat, "Be proud our Goddess selected you Josie. This is an honor and you have become very strong - you're ready."
My cheeks flushed, "Thanks Mom."
Josiah laughed, "Plus. Everyone loves you JoJo. They're all so excited for you."
My heart calmed, Josiah was right, we had grown up with everyone who was coming - apart from the three new packs who haven't attended since my mother became Luna, one of them hadn't attended since my great grandma. It made me so uneasy and confused on why they had decided to come this year.
"What about the new Alphas?"
Father turned in his seat, "Alpha Wilson and Alpha Ross know better than to start anything this year. They are out numbered and wouldn't risk a fight with their mates and children so close."
Josiah fidgeted, "What about Alpha Darrow?"
Father stiffened, "There is nothing to worry about Son."
Josiah didn't seem to hear the warning, "But in the four years he has been Alpha his territory has tripled and become the most powerful. His wolves are brutal and murderous, they kill, that's all they know. He completely eliminated Alpha Rickards six months ago - no one survived."
My heart hurt with the memory of the loss of our brothers and sisters. I hadn't been strong enough to inform them in time even after my vision of their death. Their lives are on my hands and continue to haunt me. The thought crippled me as I pulled my knees to my chest and heart began to ache.
Dad growled, "This is a time for peace between our packs, drop it Josiah."
"But he's killed so many!"
"Enough!" Dad's Alpha tone was thick in his voice, forcing Josiah to be silent and flinch away.
Josiah trembled and the silver of his wolf's eyes filled his blue irises.
Relaxing, I rest my hand on his arm as I opened the connection between us. Calm down. Alpha Darrow won't do anything stupid. I would have seen it.
His eyes brightened back to blue. Thank you. He just makes me so angry with everything he has done to our kind. He has no respect for anyone.
Something in my heart took offense to his words but I quickly shook it off. This year will be fun, it's the celebration of our Luna and Goddess, she gave us life Siah. We owe her the respect she deserves.
He rolled his eyes, I know. I know. You sound like Mom.
I laughed, shoving back the hurt I was feeling behind a mask. It's genetic.