Luna On The Run!

Luna Ariel’s POV

When I wake up, it’s morning.

Carefully, I get out of bed so as not to wake Gorgio. I enter our private bathroom and take a refreshing bath. Here I am, home at last, I can really unwind and relax. Era, my wolf, purrs contentedly now that we are back with our mate.

Ariel, we can’t escape our destiny. Zane is our mate, we have to take care of business with him. Hunter says Gorgio will ask you to reject Zane,’ she points at me. ‘But to be honest, I don’t feel any strong connection to Claw anymore. It’s as if he’s resigned to the fact that we’ll never be one.’

Era couldn’t have come up with better news.

Being in the middle of two hotheaded Alphas is hell. Neither of them will budge. Gorgio is determined to keep me for himself, while Zane is willing to share. I could see it clearly in the weak mate bond.

Had I not panicked that day, I would have talked calmly to Zane and made it clear that it would be better for us to reject each other. Then none of this would have happened. But at least Era’s explanation makes things easier when we do meet. A fading bond is always less problematic than a permanent one.

When I return to the bedroom, Gorgio is still asleep. The last few days have probably weighed heavily on his mind and he has not slept a wink. In the walk-in closet, I put on a pair of jeans and a tank top with a cover-up. Before I leave the room, I kiss him on the forehead.

I walk down the stairs to the main floor.

The smell of bacon and eggs made me realize how hungry I was. I walk into the kitchen and see Jace sitting there.

“Welcome back, Ariel. My goodness, you scared us all. Not to mention Gorgio. We were at the gates of Midnight Moon ready to start a war. Your father and King Jasper were able to avoid it,” he sighs in obvious relief.

“War?” I asked stifled. I could slap myself on the head for my recklessness. Of course, I should have guessed that fleeing without leaving a message would push Gorgio to the limit.

“Yes. Alpha Zane was able to prove with the CCTV footage that he hadn’t kidnapped you. Gorgio was furious,” he tells me. I sit down next to him at the kitchen island.

“Listen, Ariel. I am the Beta, your welfare is very important to me. The pack can hold me responsible if you’re not happy here or whatever. If you cannot talk to Gorgio about whatever is bothering you, I am here for you. You can tell me anything, and I’ll work with you to find a solution. But never run away again,” Jace sounds emotional, adding to my guilt.

“Gorgio is madly in love with you. If you are not here and he becomes unbalanced, it will affect the whole pack. Do you understand what I mean?”

I nod slowly, wracked with guilt.

Jace is right. As the Beta of the pack, I should have told him the reason for my flight. He would know how to direct things properly and help me overcome my insecurities. This Beta of Eclipse Howl is excellent, there is little he does not excel at. The only thing he lacks is a mate, and I pray to the Moon Goddess for a powerful Beta female for him. Perhaps Alexis will prove to be his fated one when she turns eighteen in a few weeks.

This reminds me of my friend Clarita.

“Jace, do you know where Clarita is? I hope she hasn’t kept you too long. She was thrilled to come here and see for herself how werewolves live. She had a lot of questions and I have to admit my attention was more on my mate,” I confess.

Jace laughs as he shakes his head.

“She had one of your credit cards and asked me if you would mind if she used it to go to the mall. You and Gorgio had been holed up in your bedroom for three days and she was bored. Even after I showed her around the pack.

So I lent her a car so she could go to the mall in Human Town”. Laughing heartily, I’m sure Clarita has probably asked him his ears off.

“She’s a good girl, but she’s been through a tough disappointment. I’m glad she’s out of the woods now and starting to be herself again”.

“Why did you bring her to our pack in the first place? You know humans must not know of our existence. What should we do if she wants to live among humans again?” asks Jace thoughtfully. “According to the Were-Laws, we should kill her or turn her if she wants to.”

“I don’t know why I told her about us. But she’ll be fine, don’t make any rash decisions. My gut tells me she won’t go back. Maybe she will find her mate here?”

“At least she is not mine. Thank the Goddess. I wouldn’t have a moment’s peace with such a chatterbox”. We both laugh at his observation.

“Is she alone in Human Town, didn’t you send a warrior to protect her?”

Jace shakes his head, no. “No need. She’s a human. And I set the route on the GPS for her, so she can’t get lost on her return, but I’ve instructed the guard to check her vehicle when she returns. The new scan we acquired is detail oriented.”

“Perfect. I hope to speak to her as soon as she gets back,” I indicate. “And Jace. Sorry about what happened. I panicked, it took me completely by surprise. And I did the first thing that came to mind. And the embarrassment was the worst. How could I face you and the pack if I had given in to the bond with Zane?”

“Apology accepted. But I want you to know that after Gorgio, I’ll be your first choice if you’re going through something you can’t handle on your own. Promise, Luna?”

“Promised.” And I smile shyly at him…