Bad Moon Rising

Dedication

To my husband, my best friend.

Forever and a day.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Trigger Warning

Special Terminology

Cassidy

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Ethan

Cassidy

Cassidy

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Books by Sionna Trenz:

Trigger Warning

Please be advised that this book contains scenes of stalking, assault, murder, abuse, military violence, PTSD, graphic sex, biting, werewolves, government corruption, a bit of DIY construction, growling, swearing, and a group of men who are as broken as the rules they live by. There’s a secret society, a black-ops military program, and truths that have been either lost to time or buried by baddies. May be triggering to some readers.

Special Terminology

There are a few terms that might be unfamiliar to readers, so let me give you a quick rundown.

Werewolf Society:

Alpha- Usually the leader of a pack. Tends to be the among the strongest, most dominant, and most aggressive members. Traditionally, there can only be one Alpha wolf in a pack.

Beta- Physically strong, at times even stronger than the alpha, but less aggressive and less dominant. There may be several wolves of this rank within a pack, but only one attains the title—which is second in command to the alpha, there to support and protect him however necessary.

Chosen Mate- When a shifter chooses a spouse that is not fated to him/her by the Moon Goddess. They can bind themselves together, and the mating mark each receives becomes golden.

Fated Mate- All shifters have another half, their perfect match, created for them by the Moon Goddess. While they have the freedom to accept or reject their fated mate once recognized (usually through scent), they will never be as strong apart as they are together. The mating mark each receives upon binding themselves together is opalescent blue, the color of the full moon, showing the special blessing of the Moon Goddess over their bond. These mates are literally half of each other’s soul.

Feral- When a werewolf loses his/her sanity and humanity, they become dangerous, rabid beasts.

Luna- The alpha’s mate. She acts as the heart of the pack, offering emotional stability, wisdom, and guidance. A True Luna (fated mate of an alpha) has a stronger connection to her pack than a chosen luna.

Omega- Usually considered the weakest members of the pack, these are also the most empathetic, stable, and peaceful members. Some packs respect the omegas, while others see them only as lowly servants to be used and abused.

Rogue- A werewolf who has been branded a criminal and banished from his/her pack. They live outside the law and are often killed on sight by legitimate packs.

Second Chance Mate- If a shifter’s mate is killed or if a shifter is rejected, the Moon Goddess might bless them with a second chance mate. This is only true if the shifter proves him/herself worthy. Their mate is also one who requires a second chance. These mates are blessed in the same way as fated mates.

Military Terms:

Exfil- Leaving an area (short for exfiltrate)

Howlers- Slang term for the werewolf unit of the Paranormal Combat Black Ops Branch of the military, often derogatory.

Overwatch- Position in which snipers or backup can see the area of combat.

PNC/SST- Paranormal Combat/Special Shifter Training

Silver Stripes- Slang term for punishment in the shifter unit. Being lashed by a whip coated in silver.

Cassidy

I

race across the street to the pack house and burst through the front door, ignoring the omega’s admonishment to slow down. Not my usual style, as I enjoy talking to the pack members who work to keep things running. But today, the buzzing in my mind deafens me to the scolding. The mail arrived, bringing me news I’ve waited weeks for. And there’s only one person I want to share it with. My best friend, Ethan.

Sprinting up the stairs, I dodge a few more pack members, intent on reaching Ethan’s room. Most of our pack thinks our friendship is strange, seeing how there’s four years between us. Ethan turned sixteen a week ago, and I’m twelve years old today. I haven’t even met my wolf yet, while Ethan’s wolf, Ronin, has been training with the pack warriors for years now.

Our friendship works for us, though. Everyone else turns tail when Ronin appears, but not me. He would never hurt me. He’s huge and looks ferocious, but he always lets me snuggle against him when I’m upset. Just as Ethan comforts me when I need him. Especially when my parents and sister are too busy for me. So, he gets my news first.

I’m happy to say that, despite our age difference, our friendship hasn’t been all one-sided. Heck, it started seven years ago because I helped Ethan out of a jam. He says I saved his life. Maybe I did, but even now, I don’t understand what happened. I had been in the announcer’s booth at the school football field with my older cousin, who was babysitting me. My cousin works in electronics and was supposed to fix something in there. It was cool since he taught me what all the buttons did. He left me inside, practicing a song for the kindergarten play, while he grabbed something from his truck. Half-way through my song, I saw three grown men attack Ethan. What sort of evil jerks would beat a nine-year-old? Especially when there’s so many of them against one of him. I screamed. Shaking, dizzy. Little prickles sparked in my hands and face, prodding me to action. Then I remembered my cousin telling me not to push the big red button, because that’s the one that triggered a siren every time our team scored. Of course, that’s the one I recognized and let the siren rip. The three men ran away. Seconds later, my cousin reappeared, shouting at me. I ignored him and ran from the booth.

Ethan lay on the ground when I reached the field. The coppery scent of blood made my stomach roil. I couldn’t stop the tremors from wracking me as I fell to my knees beside him. Tears burned my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. My cousin tried sending me back to his truck, but something inside me needed to stay right there. To ensure the boy moaning on the grass survived.

Broken bones were easy to spot, even for a little kid. My cousin and I helped him to the nurse’s office, and I held his hand when paramedics and doctors treated him. Later, he held my hand when I puked while telling the police about what I saw. After that, Ethan always said hi when he saw me, or invited me to watch movies with him. When my parents worked out of town and Tabitha left on her dates or went shopping with friends, he’d visit because I hated being alone. Our pizza parties were epic. I think we tried every combination of toppings ever.

Honestly, I expected him to drop me like a bad habit when he reached his teens. My sister didn’t want to play with me once she got older, so I figured that was just the way kids were. Even preemptively stopped seeking him out so it would hurt less. He showed up at my house a week later, wanting to know what he did wrong.

Yes, we spend less time together now, what with him being in high school, plus sports, training, and teenage girls—eye roll over that one. I mean, I’ll admit that now that I’m closing in on my teen years, I can see the attraction. Ethan is super-hot. But I don’t get the giggling they always do when he’s around. For some reason, he eats it up. Every time I see him in town, he’s got a different girl hanging off his arm. He always finds time for me, though… I make sure I knock now, rather than burst into his room unannounced. That started after an unfortunate incident we swore to never, ever mention again.

I knock now, getting a gruff come in. When I open the door, my gaze immediately lands on Ethan standing beside his bed.

Are you packing?

Ethan tries to smile at my incredulous question, but it comes out as a grimace.

Congratulations on your excellent eyesight, Cass.

Don’t be snarky, I admonish, walking into the room. Where are you going? For how long? When are you leaving? Who’s going with you? Will…?

Ethan’s laughter cuts off my litany of questions.

Better stop there. Curiosity killed the Cass.

I roll my eyes at the line that’s become our inside joke over the years and perch on the edge of his bed.

That’s cat, not Cass, I give my standard response. I’m a wolf, so I think I’m safe.

You’re a sweet, playful little kitten.

Seriously, Ethan? I huff. A wolf pack would eat a kitten alive.

Instead of laughing and promising to protect me as he usually does, a troubled look enters Ethan’s hazel eyes. He reaches out and tips my chin up. My breath hitches at his seriousness. This isn’t normal. Confusion and fear fight for dominance within me, making my stomach knot.

You might be a kitten, Cass, but you have claws. Don’t be afraid to use them and don’t let anyone take them from you.

Dread blooms as fear wins the war within me. Those knots turn to nausea.

Ethan? Why does it sound like you’re trying to say goodbye?

Because he is.

I leap from the bed and spin around. Ethan’s older brother, the pack’s golden boy, and my brother-in-law, Gavin, leans against the doorframe, arms and legs crossed, with a cruel smirk on his face.

What? But where…? I stutter, though whether that’s from Gavin’s words or from my usual reaction to the alpha-heir’s presence, I can’t say.

Ethan speaks before his brother can. Why don’t you let me tell her?

Gavin straightens and shrugs. He addresses Ethan, but his eyes never leave mine, and I can’t look away, or even breathe. Something nasty lives inside those dark brown orbs, I’d swear it. Whenever his gaze falls on me, I feel like if I move wrong, that look will leave me bleeding on the floor.

Suit yourself. The car is leaving in five minutes.

When Gavin turns and walks away, my lungs go back to work, taking in a huge gulp of air. Pack members always comment that Ethan is the more intimidating brother, but I don’t see it. Ethan can command anyone with just a look, and his wolf is huge, but there isn’t any meanness to him, like I see in Gavin. I worried about my older sister, Tabitha, when Alpha Brian announced she was Gavin’s fated mate, but Tabby seems happy.

Cass.

Ethan’s call brings me back. I hadn’t even realized I was still staring at the empty doorway.

Ethan? Where are you going? My voice sounds timid—frightened. Nothing more than a whisper.

His smile is all understanding and sorrow. You remember when the Council came through last week?

I was on that field trip, but our class was told they would be coming. To choose a wolf to fulfill our duty to the country, right? He nods, and realization hits me. Wait, you? They chose you to enlist in the military? But you’re too young.

Any shifter between sixteen and nineteen, Cass, Ethan reminds me. And I turned sixteen the day before they arrived.

But you’re the alpha’s son. They wouldn’t…

My lungs compress like they’re caught in a vise, even worse than when Gavin was there. Nothing’s getting in or coming out, and I’m left dizzy, furiously blinking away the spots dancing in my vision. If this is my last time seeing Ethan, I want nothing blurring his image.

Gavin is Dad’s heir, Cass. They chose me, so, for the honor of the pack, I’m going. Dad already severed my ties with Crescent Moon.

How does it honor our pack when you’re no longer allowed to even be a member of it? I find the air to voice my bitterness.

The battle to clear my vision ends in failure. I watch through eyes blurred with tears as Ethan finishes packing and zips up his bag. He lifts it, slinging it over his shoulder, then comes over to me with a sad smile, pulling me in for a tight hug. One I’m too upset to return.

You’ll always be my best friend, Cass, no matter how far apart we are. Before I leave, what were you excited about?

He steps back and snatches the letter from my hand. I’d totally forgotten about it. Ethan’s announcement overtook everything. I can’t even focus on my news as my thoughts swirl through everything I know about where Ethan’s going. It’s too little for comfort. We’re told being chosen to enlist in the military is supposed to be an honor. But I can see the sacrifices. Cutting all ties with his pack, essentially becoming a legal rogue, no contact with friends or family, brutal training, and twenty years of mandatory service. And if he survives the constant danger, he still won’t be able to return.

Ethan’s next words bring me out of the morose chaos of my mind.

You got accepted to that theater camp? Cass! That’s awesome. I knew you would. See, you’ll be far too busy becoming a famous star to miss me.

I manage a small smile and a watery chuckle. Never too busy to miss you, Ethan.

He hugs me again, and this time, I return the gesture. I want to stay right there forever. We break apart at the sound of footsteps in the hall. The omega approaching is there to summon him.

Ethan sighs and gives me another small smile. Take care of yourself, Cass. I look forward to seeing you on the big screen someday.

You take care too, Ethan. My voice cracks, little more than a hoarse whisper. And make a good life for yourself.

I watch Ethan reach the door before the omega can knock. He nods, walking from the room. Out of the pack house. Out of my life. My heart hurts. The pain is real, like I’ve always imagined getting cut with silver would be. Sharp and burning. I fall to my knees, gasping for air. Tears fall but I can’t stop as I choke on a sob.

Warmth wells deep within me, cocooning my battered heart, clearing the suffocating sorrow, and easing the worst of the agony. As I fight to slow my breathing, I struggle to my feet.

That’s it, sister-kin. All will be well. Just breathe. The pain of your loss will ease in time.

Who are you? I whisper to the empty room as I sink onto Ethan’s bed, not yet ready to leave the last remnants of my best friend.

Rowena, your wolf. I can’t fully merge with you until the moon rises, but I can help you at least this much. Your friendship with that boy means a lot to you, but in your sorrow, don’t forget there are other friends who are still with you. Your family is here too. And one day, a mate to love us.

One day, I whisper like a prayer as my hand clutches Ethan’s blanket.

Cassidy

E

ventually, my tears dry, leaving my skin itchy and eyes sore. I step toward the door, preparing to leave Ethan’s room for the last time. Something ripples inside me. Gasping at the sensation, I wonder what it could be. My muscles all cramp at once, dropping me to the floor. I cry out in shock as they spasm, shortening or elongating painfully. My bones crack and twist. Skin burns as something pushes through my pores.

Deep inside my head, Rowena whispers soothing words. She tells me it will be okay. That I need to accept the change and not fight it. The pain only accompanies the first time.

My neck cracks as I force my head toward the window. How long had I been crying inside Ethan’s room? Dazed, I see the moon’s glow. That can only mean one thing. My first shift. Rowena needs me to let her free.

Thinking back on all the talks my parents had about shifting, remembering Ethan’s first shift and what he told me about it afterward, I relax as best I can. Deep, even breaths. I stop myself from hyperventilating by counting through each inhale and exhalation. The pain eases a bit. Enough to understand the voices surrounding me.

What the hell is she doing? Shifting is done outside!

That voice is Alpha Brian’s.

She was here earlier, saying goodbye to Ethan.

Gavin’s perpetual sneer makes Rowena snarl. She must be getting close to emerging because my lips curl up as well. My sister’s voice comes next.

This isn’t her fault. As close as she and Ethan were, I’m certain she was upset about him leaving. Remember, she was on that school trip the day the Council arrived. I doubt she heard about Ethan being chosen to enlist. I certainly never told her. Did anyone else?

My sister. I can always count on her support, even if she’s no longer around often. Rowena makes the final push, and my spirit fades back as she passes, allowing us to complete our first shift. Her spirit brushes against mine, leaving warmth, happiness, and unconditional love. That is worth all the pain I endured.

Fur races along my skin, and my clothing tears as my body changes shape. Crap. I liked that outfit. The pain recedes, and Rowena and I shake out our new form. There’s a moment of collective silence. Our new, enhanced senses can tell everyone in the room is holding their breath.

Kill the bitch! Gavin erupts.

Betas run down the hall in response to the alpha-heir’s cry. Tabitha screams, her high-pitched wails grating on my too-sensitive ears.

"Cassidy! How could you? You-you traitor! I’m destined to be the luna of this pack! I won’t lose my position because of you!"

What’s going on? Why are they so upset? I whimper as Tabitha throws Ethan’s bedside lamp at me, forcing me to duck. Confused, I try to scramble away, but my new four feet get tangled.

We are alpha, Rowena informs me. As if that makes things clearer. Though her calm eases the worst of my panic.

Shift. Now.

Alpha Brian’s voice rolls over me. I’ve seen other wolves crumple beneath the power he wields and expect to be flattened. Except I’m not. I don’t have even an itch to obey.

Because we’re alpha, Rowena repeats.

I don’t understand, I whisper. Still, we’d better shift.

My spirit moves to the surface, and as Rowena retreats, I try to send her the same reassurance she gave me. My body returns to its human state far more quickly and with less pain than my shift into a wolf. I stand up, then realize I’m completely naked and try to cover myself. My face is on fire. A nervous laugh escapes my lips. Alpha Brian sighs and grabs a forgotten shirt from Ethan’s dresser. He throws it at me, and I gratefully don it.

Why is everyone so upset? I ask once I’m properly covered.

Gavin is the one who speaks. The Marsden Family are the alphas of this pack, bitch! We do not tolerate other alphas within our borders. Your presence here, within our very packhouse, is a direct challenge to our authority, one we’ll deal with as any alpha challenge is.

My eyes widen. Pinpricks zap my face as my heart races. I can’t breathe again as tremors wrack me at the threat in those growled words. An alpha challenge? I’ve seen a few. Violent, bloody battles between two wolves that can go on for hours, if not days, until one submits, or dies. But alpha challenges are always between two adults. I’m only twelve and… Hyperventilating, my head spins as spots dance across my vision.

This is only my first shift. How am I supposed to…?

The slap Gavin delivers starts a battery. I choke on air as the next blow interrupts my startled gasp. His betas surround me, each throwing a kick or punch that my untrained body has no hope of blocking. I feel like I’m going to puke; this pain, so much worse than shifting. And through it all, I see Alpha Brian standing back, his arms crossed, eyes hard with anger. But most of all, silent. He is not ordering his men to stop beating a child. Or telling everyone there’s been a mistake. A burning starts within my stomach as I stare at him. This isn’t right. He’s not right. My mind screams questions of how and why, while my heart recognizes that those questions are futile. This alpha, who claims to protect everyone within his pack, watches his pack assault one of its members. And he doesn’t even care, feigning deafness to my sobbing pleas.

Deep inside me, Rowena paces and growls, wanting to be let loose to tear my attackers apart. I beg her not to. Instinct tells me that if my wolf comes out again, they won’t stop with just a beating. They’ll kill me. Rowena agrees and doesn’t take over.

The beating stops nearly as abruptly as it started. I struggle to my feet. Gavin’s best friend, Gary, pushes his way through the ring of betas. Not someone I ever expected to come to my aid, as he has that same nastiness as Gavin. Gratitude wells, though, that he stopped my attackers. I reach out to him, to thank him. Burning agony shoots across my cheek. I scream, lifting a trembling hand to my face, only to see blood on my fingers when I pull it away. Gary stands before me, an evil smirk on his face. A knife glints oddly in his hand.

Silver, Rowena hisses within me. Cuts from silver won’t heal cleanly. They always scar.

A cloud of terror chokes me as the knowledge that I’m too injured to flee awakens an awareness of my own fragile mortality. Death looms before me, while I quake, uselessly wishing I was still blind to it. I don’t want to die.

Tabitha’s furious shriek brings my awareness back to the room. But she isn’t screaming at Gary to drop the knife.

Kill her! She’s a usurper! End the bitch!

Gavin’s voice joins Tabitha’s, urging his best friend on, telling Gary to end the threat. To end me.

Stop!

Everyone freezes, though the command does not come from Alpha Brian. My mother steps forward and gathers me into her arms. Tabitha quickly pulls Gary back before he can accidentally stab our mother. Betrayal is acid eating holes in my heart. I’d thought she was swept away by the surrounding madness. Too caught up to realize what she was doing to her own sister. Looking at her now reveals the truth. My sister seethes as she looks from Mom to me and back again, but she recognizes exactly who I am.

But Mom!

"Really, Tabitha? Your sister didn’t know she was an alpha before tonight. How could she have? And did she truly challenge your mate, you, or our alpha? Did she lift a single finger to fight back when you and five grown men beat her? Alpha Brian. Is this how the Marsden Line handles things? Did all the honor in your family leave with Ethan?"

Gary and Gavin both growl menacingly, but it’s Alpha Brian who speaks.

Watch yourself, Mercy. You’re skating on thin ice.

All I’m asking is that you let my daughter live. That you see her for the child she is. She’s no threat to your position.

Alpha Brian sighs and nods once. Perhaps not now, but when she reaches adulthood? No. I won’t risk it.

Mom pushes me to stand behind her and faces our pack alpha, challenging