Chapter 21 Welcome Luna

~Liam~

“You got lucky,” Gale said as he drove.

“The Goddess mated her to me,” I replied. “Luck has nothing to do with it.”

“If you say so. Have you told her about her yet?”

“No.”

“What? Didn’t have the time?” he asked. “You’re going to break her heart, man.”

“Break her heart? Have you been watching those films again?”

“Like I have a choice,” he muttered. “She shut you up good though, that’s a first for a long time now.”

The one person who could instantly calm me down when I snapped was my first mate. She was a kind soul, and she wouldn’t let me end up in situations that I’d later regret. My light – she was taken from me and I found myself in the dark.

I hoped to find my second mate, which was rare for werewolves, but I had no choice. She was simply supposed to only stay by my side, no feelings involved.

But the moment I saw her, the moment her scent drugged my system, I couldn’t help myself from doing what I did. Her feistiness, and how she snapped at me like I wasn’t the Alpha – she was the first to square up to me in a long time.

By default, she was my Luna, a position which no sane woman would decline, except her – I couldn’t even use it to bargain with her! She was ready to leave – she would’ve, but something held her back. Maybe I’d ask about it someday when she trusted me enough to tell me.

One encounter and my wolf was tamed.

One night and my mind had conjured up our future.

I think… I might actually fall for you.

“You asleep?” Gale asked. “I didn’t mean to bring her up. Sorry.”

“It’s alright, Gale. We can’t keep pretending that she didn’t exist.”

“So, do you have a plan?”

“I have a few things in mind. That old man better concedes. I won’t let him take away my mate this time.” I looked down at the sleeping beauty on my lap and moved the stray strands of hair on her face. “Not my Anna.”

“We’ll keep an eye out for him,” Gale assured. “This time, we will protect our Luna, no matter what it takes.”

Our conversation ended and we stayed silent for the rest of the drive. I offered to switch places with him, not that I’d let him be a pillow for my baby, but he declined, saying I should take advantage of this moment. Typical Gale – more than my Beta, he was more of a younger brother to me, and just like Lexy, he knew me quite well.

I lost my first mate because I failed to protect her. To this day, only a handful of people knew about the truth. It was too painful for us, and so we wanted to spare the pack. The pack believed she died from the rogue attack, though there was more to it than that – a sinister truth that I was yet to unravel.

When we get back, Anna could hate me for what she was about to learn, but I would never let her be alone, not even for a second. I had arranged with my men to guard her without her knowledge, which was for the best. She didn’t have to know for now, and when the dust settles, I’d tell her everything.

As a wolf-less werewolf, she’d be an easy target to get to me. Basically human, she wasn’t gifted with the abilities of our kind. This made her physically weak, but her fiery attitude sure covered it up.

For now, we’d have to keep it a secret. And when the time was right, everyone would know. My pack would stand by her, and anyone who opposes would have to answer to me.

My second mate, my Luna, my one last chance.

This time, my life comes first before yours.

I didn’t sleep a wink tonight. As dawn approached, I braced myself – I was about to hurt my Luna. We entered the territory now, and Gale slowed down. It didn’t take long before we arrived at the village, an all too familiar sight.

The houses were all modern and could accommodate a large family, painted in red and gray, the pack’s motif. The early risers were already up and about, drinking hot coffee on their front lawns, some out for a jog or a run in the woods – and they started to gather around us. I lowered the window to greet them, and the smiles on their faces were a good sign.

Every time I left the pack, they were in a vulnerable position, which was why I leave the Beta and Gamma behind – just in case rogues or other enemies, attack. It was a relief to see that everyone was well.

I felt Anna stir. Opening her eyes, she looked up at me with the most adorable sleepy expression. She covered her mouth as she yawned and stretched her arms. “Are we there yet?” she asked.

“Good morning, babe. Did you sleep well?”

She sat beside me and answered, “Yes, uhm… thank you for last night.”

Looking out the window, she saw the same scenery as me, and when my pack saw her, one word escaped their lips – Luna. They bowed to her to show respect, and it made me glad to know that they were on my side.

From her side of the window to mine, then to the front, she kept looking around her as we passed by the houses. I think she was embarrassed being the center of attention as she awkwardly waved back to them.

“It’s beautiful here,” she said, looking at me. “The houses are gorgeous, the river’s clear and- and did you tell your pack about me already?”

“Slow down, babe,” I chuckled. “And it’s not ‘your’ pack, it’s ‘our’ pack. I’ll show you around later and introduce you to everyone. I’m sure they’re eager to meet you.”

“I would… love to meet them too,” she replied, uncertainty in her voice.

I held her hand gently. “Nervous?”

She nodded.

“They’ll love you, babe. They’ve been without a Luna for so long… and now—” I raised her hand and placed a soft kiss on it then added, “- I have the only woman for me.”

“You’re breaking the first condition.”

“You’re not pulling your hand away,” I replied, and she giggled, which I found adorable.

I inched closer to her, and she didn’t back away from me, so I took it as permission. She was smiling at me. My heart thumped in my chest loudly. Just a little closer… and I’d get to taste her soft pink lips.

“Get a room you guys,” Gale said, interrupting the moment.

A growl unintentionally escaped my throat while Anna laughed it off. “Good morning, Gale,” she said.

“Good morning, Luna,” he replied. “Allow me to officially welcome you… to the Red Claw Pack.”