I was feeling antsy. Bored. Restless.
My wolf was pacing inside my head, itching to be free. I sighed, sitting on the patio behind our apartment.
It was a peaceful spot, quickly becoming my favorite. I gazed at the distant lake, a smile tugging at my lips as River’s voice echoed in my mind.
I sprang up, shedding my clothes before shifting into my light-brown wolf form. River dashed down the hill towards the lake, picking up speed as she neared the water.
She leaped, pushing off the shore with her hind legs before splashing into the cool water.
We swam around, relishing the freedom and the fun for the first time in days. We frolicked on the shore until the sun began to dip in the sky.
I shifted back into my human form and stepped inside the apartment, pulling on my clothes as I watched the sun sink lower.
I turned to find Damon standing behind me, his eyes wide.
“Alpha,” I blushed, unsure of how much he had seen.
“Do you often walk around naked?” he asked, his voice gruff.
I smirked. “Only when I know you’ll be home.”
He narrowed his eyes at me before walking away. I smiled to myself, pleased to have made him a bit uncomfortable.
As I showered off the dirt from my afternoon at the lake, I pondered my situation. I had spent two days trying to get this man to see me, to accept me as his mate.
I was done trailing after him like a puppy, hoping for a scrap of attention. I was powerful, more powerful than he could imagine.
I was going to live my life. And if he wanted to be a part of it, he knew where to find me.
I stepped out of my room, my new resolve firm. I was going to be the best damn Luna this pack had ever seen, even if their Alpha didn’t want me.
I walked into the common area and noticed that Damon was once again absent.
I sat down by Gemma and chatted as we ate. I enjoyed the company.
“So Luna, how have your first few days been?” she asked casually.
I shrugged. “It’s been an adjustment. Not what I expected. But it’s beautiful here, and everyone is so kind…for the most part.”
Gemma grinned, understanding my meaning. “Alpha Damon is tough, but he’s a good Alpha. He takes such good care of our pack.”
“I can see that,” I replied.
I was pulled from my thoughts when Gemma spoke again, “How about tomorrow you and I head down to the market?”
“I would love that! I didn’t even know we had a market,” I replied, amazed at how large this pack actually was.
“It’s not really a market. More like a strip mall with shops. We just call it the market,” Gemma clarified.
“Black Grass, if I could have your attention.” We all looked up to see Beta Beckett standing at the front of the room.
“This Wednesday we will be having the Luna ceremony at eight o’clock at the arena. Attendance is mandatory.”
Beckett finished his announcement and sat down beside Gemma at the table.
“Good to know,” I replied.
Beckett rolled his eyes. “He didn’t tell you?”
“He doesn’t tell me anything,” I huffed. “I’ll be there though.”
Beckett chuckled. “Good. We’d all be in trouble if the guest of honor didn’t show up.”
I leaned forward across the table and motioned for Beckett and Gemma to do the same. “So,” I whispered, “how are we going to get the Alpha to start taking his meals out here with the pack?”
They both leaned back with wide eyes. “Good luck with that.”
I frowned. “He’s the Alpha. He can’t distance himself from the pack like that. They need to see him, to be near him.”
Beckett shook his head, “It’s difficult. Alpha Damon hasn’t eaten in the common area since…”
He stopped speaking and I waited with bated breath. “Since what?” I asked.
He looked down, and I sat up straight. I could feel him. I could smell him. I turned around slowly before looking up at his steel-blue eyes and smiled brightly. “Hello, Alpha.”
“Let go!” I yelled as he led us both into the apartment. He released my arm before walking down the stairs. I followed slowly, a scowl set on my face.
“What do you think you were doing?” he growled.
“I was just trying to learn more about you. Find out why you won’t eat with the pack,” I retorted sharply.
“It’s none of your business,” he replied, his tone dark.
“It is my business!” I yelled back.
“Whether you like it or not, we are mates. I am going to be the Luna of this pack, and I want to know why the Alpha of this pack doesn’t seem to want to be near any of the actual pack members!”
“That’s none of your concern,” he yelled back.
“Well, then what is?!” I shouted, losing control of my temper.
“I’m clueless!”
“Well, then you don’t get to have a say in how I navigate this!” I shot back, brushing past him. “And from now on, you either dine with the pack or you go hungry.”
I stormed down the corridor and into my room, slamming the door behind me.
I stomped around my room, fuming. “What does he think I am? Some kind of trophy mate to be paraded around at pack events?”
I let out a sigh, flopping onto the bed. I knew she was right. I had to find a way to make this work, to trust him, or I’d have to hide myself away forever.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and placed my hands on my chest, trying to calm myself. My eyes flew open when the door to my room was flung open.
“We’re not done,” Damon huffed, standing in the doorway.
I frowned, lowering my hands, my moment of peace shattered. “There’s nothing left to say, Alpha.”
“There’s plenty to say,” he growled back. He glanced around the room before his gaze landed on me again, curiosity in his eyes. “What were you doing?”
I shook my head, annoyed. “What do you mean?”
“Were you…meditating or something?” he asked, looking uncomfortable.
“Or something,” I replied, chuckling. “Damon, I don’t want to fight with you, but I’m not going to live like this, always tiptoeing around you. I won’t bother you if you don’t bother me.”
He narrowed his eyes at me before walking away. I let out a small sigh before standing and closing my door.
“Yeah, it was,” I agreed. “We’ll have to be more careful.”
I woke up the next morning, eager for the day’s adventure. After breakfast, I bounded down the stairs and paused in the entryway, letting out a sigh. I turned around and headed down the hall to the pack offices.
“Alpha?” I said softly, knocking on the door.
“Hmm?” he grumbled.
“I just wanted to let you know I’m heading out for the morning. Gemma and I are going to the market,” I said, backing out and closing the door without waiting for a response.
I walked toward the front door and smiled when I saw Gemma.
“Ready?” she asked, linking her arm with mine.
“Ready,” I replied, grinning.
We strolled down the lane, past the pack housing, and onto a long street lined with shops.
“This is so cool!” I exclaimed as we walked down the street, stopping every now and then to explore a shop. Near the end of the row was a small boutique.
“Oh! Emery, have you found a dress for the ceremony?” Gemma asked, halting me in front of the shop.
I shook my head. “No, honestly, I hadn’t even thought about it.”
She beamed, pulling me into the shop. The doorbell jingled and I inhaled deeply as we looked around. The shop was bright and filled with hundreds of gorgeous dresses.
“Hello, how are you? How can I assist you, ladies?” the woman at the counter asked, coming around to greet us.
“We’re great!” Gemma replied cheerfully. “We’re here to find a dress for Emery, for the Luna ceremony.”
“Oh! Luna!” the woman exclaimed, bowing her head in respect.
“Please, don’t,” I said softly, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.
The woman looked up at me, smiling, before turning to the shop. “We have several dresses I think you’ll like. Follow me to the back, and I’ll bring them to you.”
I waited in the dressing room while she gathered the dresses, nervously twiddling my fingers. She returned with six of the most beautiful white gowns I’d ever seen.
“Oh my…these are breathtaking,” I said, running my fingers over the fabric.
She pulled out one of the dresses. “Try this one first.”
After trying on a few dresses, none of them quite right, I slipped into the fourth dress and felt a glow envelop me. I smiled broadly. “This one.”
I stepped out of the dressing room and towards the large mirror where Gemma was waiting. I stood in front of the mirror and smiled.
The dress was a long, flowing satin gown that fit my body perfectly. The top was an off-the-shoulder long sleeve made of delicate lace that extended down the bodice.
It was stunning and perfect. I turned to see Gemma grinning.
“What do you think?” I asked.
“You look like a Luna,” Gemma beamed.
