The Alpha and Luna Book 1: His Human Luna

JADE

I wake up, a grin already spreading across my face. Today marks a fresh start for Julia and me, a day dedicated to shopping for clothes and essentials for our new place.

Our apartment is practically empty, save for a few groceries. I jump into the shower while Julia is still lost in dreamland. She’s never been a morning person, unlike me.

I head to the closet and pick out a vibrant red tank top and a pair of blue high-waist skinny jeans. Slipping into my red converse, I make my way to the kitchen to whip up breakfast.

Opening the fridge, I grab eggs, sausage, and juice. I prepare two hearty egg and sausage sandwiches and pour out two glasses of orange juice. I call out to Julia, urging her to wake up and join me for breakfast.

She’s as much of a foodie as I am. She stumbles down the stairs, grumbling about the early hour, but doesn’t hesitate to stuff her mouth with food. Once we’re done, I clean up while she takes her turn in the shower.

When she reappears, I ask her if she’s ready for the day. She nods, and we head out to the car. We arrive at the sprawling mall and quickly navigate through the myriad of stores.

I suggest we tackle the clothes shopping first, then move on to the household items. The first store we hit is a quaint boutique that carries all my favorite styles.

I try on a variety of jeans, shirts, and dresses, assessing how they look on me. Once I’ve made my selections, I head to the counter to pay.

Julia is right behind me, ready to check out. I decide to wait for her by the exit.

Just as I’m about to step out, I spot the most attractive guy I’ve ever laid eyes on. He’s accompanied by two other guys, but they pale in comparison to him.

I don’t know why I’m thinking of him as “my guy.” He’s not mine. But I can’t seem to tear my gaze away from him.

He’s tall, towering over my five foot six frame. He must be at least six foot three, if not taller. His skin is a beautiful tan, his eyes a striking blue, and his hair jet black.

He looks like he hits the gym daily, never missing leg day. His shirt clings to his muscular arms and abs. It seems like if he flexed, his shirt might just tear.

His pants hug his calves, and his intense gaze is doing something to me.

I can’t look away. I’m so entranced that I don’t even notice Julia joining me. Then, without a word, he turns and walks away.

I’m left stunned until Julia comments, “He’s quite a looker.”

But all I can think about is how rude it was of him to stare and not say anything. I shake off thoughts of him, and we continue our shopping spree.

Despite my best efforts, his face keeps intruding on my thoughts. I wish it wouldn’t, because the last thing I need right now is a man.

Especially considering how my last relationship ended.

After we’ve picked out clothes, we move on to a store that sells household items. We select a sofa, beds, and other essentials. After hours of shopping, I’m ready to drop.

Julia, the shopping enthusiast, could keep going if it weren’t for her growling stomach. We decide to grab a bite at a nearby restaurant before heading home.

I’m relieved that the store offers delivery for our purchases. The beds are scheduled to arrive today, with the rest of the items due tomorrow.

I’m okay with that, as long as we have beds to sleep on tonight.

***

The next morning, I wake up feeling refreshed. My king-size bed was incredibly comfortable. Julia spent the night in my room again, but I don’t mind.

We’ve both been through something traumatic, and I think it’s time we talked about it. I’ve been avoiding the conversation, but I plan to bring it up tonight.

I slip into a blue maxi dress and my slippers, then head downstairs to make breakfast. I prepare bacon and egg sandwiches, pour apple juice, and call Julia down to eat.

She descends in her nightgown, devours her breakfast, and then rushes off to shower. The movers call to inform me they’ll be arriving soon. When I hear a knock, I know it’s them.

They start arranging the furniture as per my instructions. As soon as Julia comes back downstairs, my phone rings. It’s the college.

I ask her to assist the movers while I take the call. I rush upstairs just in time to answer.

They inform me that we can start classes tomorrow and that we only have two more classes to complete before earning our degrees.

I'm thrilled, because it means we're nearing the end and we can finally kick-start our own venture.

As I descend the stairs, I spot the movers making their exit and Julia, comfortably perched on the couch, flicking on the TV.

I join her on the couch and share the news that school starts tomorrow and we're just two classes away from completion. Her excitement mirrors mine.

After indulging in a reality TV show, I broach a topic that's been weighing on my mind. I'm not sure how to navigate this conversation, but I know it's necessary.

I inhale deeply, steadying myself.

“Julia, I believe we should consider therapy, perhaps together initially, then individually.”

I sense her urge to interject, but I raise my hand, signaling her to let me finish.

“I understand we've both endured traumatic experiences—my abduction and your fear of losing me. We need to heal, and I believe therapy could be beneficial.

“I also want to assure you that I don’t mind sharing my bed with you. You're welcome to continue until you feel ready to sleep alone.”

Tears trickle down her cheeks, confirming my suspicions. The fear of losing me has left her shaken. We've only had each other for years now.

“You're really okay with me sharing your bed, even though I have my own?”

I shake my head in affirmation and draw her into a comforting embrace. She sheds more tears, then consents to therapy. I promise to research options and keep her updated.

We resume watching Real Housewives. I know it's a ridiculous show, but I'm hooked. It's my guilty pleasure.

We decide on Chinese takeout for dinner. I opt for sesame chicken while she chooses General Tso’s chicken, and then we wait for our meal.

I can't seem to shake off the thoughts of the blue-eyed stranger that keep invading my mind. I find myself fantasizing about him, which is so unlike me. I need to banish him from my thoughts.