I danced with other men, seeking to attract Aldo’s attention, but it ended abruptly when he approached her in the bar. In an instant, my aspirations were shattered, and once more, I was relegated to the background in favour of my sister. They married a few months later, prepared to spend their eternity together.
This was the inaugural instance of our parents expressing disappointment in Laura, although I could not derive any satisfaction from it as she had Aldo for support.
Furious and mortified, I relocated to New York in search of self-discovery, only to be compelled to return following the car accident. Despite their actions, I continued to love my parents and never had the opportunity to make them proud.
Following their demise, Laura urged me to reside with her, likely feeling pity for my newfound solitude. I despised the notion of cohabiting with her and Aldo; but, I was grappling with difficulties in New York and ultimately acquiesced.
At that moment, I was introduced to the realm of werewolves, intensifying my envy for my sister. My parents were absent, and she was now supported by a whole community while I remained alone.
I implored their Moon Goddess, hoping that perhaps a single wolf among the multitude might desire me, however none ever proclaimed me as their mate.
Subsequently, as if a favour from the Moon Goddess, I experienced a stroke of fortune. Laura faced difficulties in conceiving, and the once flawless Luna was now perceived as imperfect. This was my opportunity to excel.
I leveraged my previous relationship with Aldo, positioning myself as a confidant for him to express his grievances. With minimal coaxing, we repeatedly shared the bed, and within a year, I reclaimed my fantasy, only to discover it was, in fact, a nightmare.
It appears that embodying Luna is significantly more challenging than it appears. Luna Kay readily highlighted my deficiencies and frequently contrasted me unfavourably with the admirable Luna Laura. She harbours a profound disdain for me, however she is not the primary concern. Aldo’s father is, frankly, the most unpleasant individual I have ever encountered.
What is even more exasperating is that the pack cannot seem to forget their Luna, Laura.
My anger intensifies as I survey the vacant hospital room. If Laura were in this bed instead of me, the entire pack would be visiting her, enquiring about her condition and wishing her a swift recovery. Aldo and Marlon would certainly dispute who would assume the initial watch over her, while several neighbouring Lunas would surely visit her.
A faint whine in my head startles me, accompanied by a sensation of restlessness throughout my body. The door swings open, and Beta Zen enters the room carrying a gym bag. He halts abruptly upon making eye contact, eliciting a flutter of butterflies in my abdomen and a stirring sensation within me.
“Comrade,” he murmurs, my eyes widening in astonishment.
What is it? How is this feasible? I have never experienced an attraction towards him previously! I contemplate, a gentle whimper reacting to my astonishment.
Startled, Zen relinquishes the gym, his gaze unwavering. For an instant, I perceive a trace of a smile concealed within his facial characteristics, and neither of us stirs, a part of me wishing this is merely a dream. Upon finally articulating, the enchantment dissipates, prompting Zen to hasten towards me and cover my mouth with his hand.
“Silence,” he whispers, sparks buzzing on my face from his contact.
My heart rate begins to quicken as he disconnects the cardiac monitor from the wall, one hand still covering my lips. Beads of sweat develop over his brow as he struggles to think of what to do until he eventually stares me square in the eyes.
You possess a wolf. <text”He murmurs to himself, ‘I can sense it within you,’ as if he is only now comprehending my actions.” “Nevertheless, you remain my Luna and the chosen mate of my Alpha.” “You must comprehend the reasons for my inability to accept you,” he implores, a whimper involuntarily escaping my voice as I grasp his intentions.
No… I moan, dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Negative, I implore you! I seek a partner. I desire love as well.
A lump constricts in my throat as I gaze into the eyes of the man whose essence complements my own, realising that my deepest fears are ultimately manifesting.
“I apologize,” Zen whispers, tears welling in his eyes. “I sincerely apologize… however… we-”
He grapples with his thoughts, contending with his inner turmoil but ultimately prevailing in his struggle.
“Please…” The term escapes my lips before I can restrain it, a fragment of me wishing it may alter my destiny.
Zen’s expression becomes gentle as he cradles my cheeks with both hands and draws me in for a kiss. Time ceases entirely, the world and its myriad issues dissipating with each articulation of his lips. It is the most exquisite kiss I have ever encountered, yet the euphoria endures only briefly.
“I, Zen Mitchel, Beta of the Blood Night Pack, repudiate you, Nina Ahmr, as my mate,” he murmurs, drawing the blanket to my chin and cramming it into my mouth to suppress my screaming.
A searing ache radiates from the centre of my chest, disseminating like minute needles throughout my skin. Agony constricts my throat, its claws penetrating my neck and obstructing my ability to breathe. Agony cascades up my spine to my toes in incessant waves, inundating my senses to the point of near submersion. My vision is obscured by tears as I weep into the blanket, my wolf lamenting in sorrow alongside me.
I am uncertain of the duration of the anguish, however Zen remains by my side till it ultimately abates and he withdraws the soaked blanket from my mouth.
He attempts to stroke my cheek with the back of his finger, but I withdraw from his contact, apprehensive that the pain may resurface. Turmoil persists in his gaze, although he refrains from acting on it, opting instead to separate himself from me.
