Luna On The Run!

Again Luna Ariel’s POINT OF VIEW

The Alpha pulls out a chair for me and I take a seat in front of the food on display.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

It smells delicious, though not exactly what I’m used to. When he lifts the lid, I see black bean rice with okra, tomato, cucumber and some other foreign vegetables. Another tray contained roast chicken and pork, mushrooms and a garlic sauce. There were also two carafes of orange and lemon juice.

“That’s a lot, Alpha. And it certainly smells good.”

He takes a plate and puts some of the rice and vegetables on it for me. “Eat as much as you like. I am a healthy eater and the servants always bring me plenty. Later they will come with some tropical fruits”. Having served himself, he picks up his fork and knife.

“The cook moved here from a pack in South America when he found his mate. His mate is from our pack, but she did not want to move because the man’s pack was not really developed. She didn’t want to miss out on the luxury,” he explains. ” Hence our menu is often exotic food.”

I nod and take some cucumber and tomato onto my plate.

“Was that Eric you were just talking to? Have you known him for a long time?” This question sounds odd, but don’t look for anything behind it. “No, I met him here for the first time. Is there something I should know?”

“No, he’s my Beta with a strange story about his mate. I thought he was talking about it again,” the Alpha replies.

“Yes, I asked him if he was mated and he told me that his mate was still underage. I hope he doesn’t get in trouble for talking to me.” Something about the Alpha’s behavior makes me wary. He did not seem happy about his beta and I had a word. Is he jealous?

“No, it’s fine. Of course, you can talk to whoever you want. You are not trapped here, Ariel. This is your pack, you are their Luna. We’re all glad you’re here.” My appetite drops considerably at this remark. This Alpha seems stubborn, I wonder when it will dawn on him that I don’t want to be here at all. My place is with Eclipse Howl.

“Have you ever thought of looking for a second chance mate? I think it should be obvious that I am not in favor of this triangular mating. My heart is not with you and this pack.” I try not to make my tone sound harsh, I do not want to irritate him at all. My plan is to reason with him, to make him see the absurdity of this situation.

“Why should I? There is no reason to look for a second chance. Ariel, we have to make the best of it, the Moon Goddess has decided this. We must accept our fate.”

“Selene has also given us a free choice. We can reject the bond and start afresh. Why be saddled with an unwilling mate?” He grumbles, slightly agitated, his eyes beginning to change color. This does not bode well.

“Your judgment is clouded by Gorgio’s egoism and possessiveness. He has you firmly under his grip, and you follow whatever he decides without checking for yourself whether you are doing the right thing,” the man in front of me points out grimly. “Why don’t you take the time here to relax and give our relationship a chance to succeed? I’m your mate, for God’s sake. You should at least try. I have every right to that.”

His outburst confuses me. I take a sharp breath and look down at my plate.

He may be right. Gorgio controls my senses and I never question his words. He is my mate and I trust him blindly. But isn’t that what mates are supposed to do?

I look up again and see the Alpha looking at me sternly. His eyes soften as we stare at each other. “Ariel, everything will be fine. Let it all wash over you, it is for the best. I’ll court you as it should be. Just let your instincts take over and I promise everything will become easier for you.”

I smile hesitantly. “Okay,” I reply briefly and start to eat. It is only now that I realize how hungry I am. We eat in silence and when my plate is empty, I lean back.

“That was delicious. I didn’t realize I was starving. Thank you, Alpha Zane.” I look at him gratefully as I stroke my stomach.

A broad smile appears on his face. “Anything for my Luna. Shall we skip the formalities? Could you just call me by my name, without the title? I would really appreciate it”.

“Yes, I can do that,” I say quietly. And then he reaches out his hand to me. It startled me, and I looked at it in confusion. Since my mating with Gorgio, I have never had contact with a male other than him and my father.

When I looked up, he nodded encouragingly. Slowly I place my hand in his and immediately the sparks of the mate bond surge through my body. I gasp at the intensity but before I can withdraw my hand, Zane’s fingers close around mine.

“Do you still doubt that we are mates? The bond is real. Let’s enjoy it and decide the future later.” The dazzling smile he gives me makes my heart race. So I can only nod.

“Let’s go for a run. We will be back before the sun sets. Tonight I want to take you to a lake we have up here. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Holding hands, we leave his room and take the lift to the main floor.

A few Omegas pass us and can’t help but stare at me before happily continuing on their way. We walked to the tree line in comfortable silence.

Zane points out a row of trees where I can change and shift.

I quickly disappear behind them and undress, ready for Era to take over…