Chapter 30
The sun had barely begun to paint the sky with dawn’s soft hues when I woke up, the lingering glow of yesterday’s perfect day still warming me. It had been a dream, a stolen moment of pure joy with Astor, a day I wouldn’t trade for anything. But dreams, as lovely as they are, can’t last forever. Reality, stark and unyielding, waited for us back in the Pack.
I’d decided early on that the return would be easier if I kept myself busy, if ! focused on what I could control. So, today was a day of purpose, filled with visits to the elders of our Pack. Checking on them, making sure they were well since my last visit, it was a task I genuinely enjoyed. There was a quiet wisdom in their eyes, a gentle patience that I found myself drawn to. I’ve always felt a connection with the young and the old, a sense of belonging in
their simple worlds.
Part of my busy–ness was also an effort to avoid Astor. I didn’t want him to
think that one lovely day had fixed everything, that his overdue kindness had
magically erased the past. I wanted him to work for it, to understand that our
relationship wasn’t a switch that could be flipped back on. Staying far from
him was my plan, a plan that lasted about as long as a snowflake in summer.
Because, of course, we had visitors.
The news came late, a hurried whisper that the Alpha of the Crescent Pack was coming. I knew little about him, had never met him face–to–face, but the Crescent Pack was a name spoken with a mixture of respect and caution. They were a force to be reckoned with, no doubt about it. I could almost feel Astor’s excitement, his eagerness to meet this formidable leader.
I made my way to the Packhouse, my mind already racing. Order was my mantra. Even with the women around who clearly held no fondness for me, they knew when it came to the smooth running of things, to perfection, I was not to be trifled with. My efforts to make everything perfect for Astor, to
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catch his eye and show him I was the best thing for him, had always felt a ittle hollow, a little like chasing a ghost. But today, there was a different kind of purpose to my striving. First impressions mattered. What he saw when he stepped onto our grounds would speak volumes about who we were.
Orders were given, a flurry of instructions to ensure every corner was spotless, every dish prepared with delicious care, and the grounds
themselves looked immaculate.
You were born to be the Luna,” Astor’s voice startled me, a deep rumble that found me meticulously inspecting a table setting. His words, meant to be a compliment, felt… heavy. He said them as if it was a destiny already written,
a role I was meant to fill for him, and him alone. But I didn’t want to be just
the Luna of this Pack. I wanted to be born for him, to be the one meant only
for him. No amount of careful planning or smooth talk could change the
deep, burning truth of that in my heart.
The air in the main hall grew thick with anticipation. Then, the sound of approaching footsteps, strong and steady. Astor’s gaze flickered towards the entrance, a subtle shift in his posture. And then he was there.
Kyle, the Alpha of the Crescent Pack, was a striking figure. Tall, with eyes that held the cool depth of a forest lake and a smile that could disarm an army, he was undeniably handsome. But as my gaze met his, I felt no spark, no flutter of attraction. My heart was already spoken for, firmly tethered to Astor.
“Alpha Astor,” Kyle’s voice was smooth, carrying a quiet authority. “It is an honor to finally meet you.”
“The honor is ours, Alpha Kyle,” Astor replied, his own voice resonating with a newfound respect. “Welcome to our Pack.”
Pleasantries were exchanged, polite words that wove a tentative tapestry of connection. It became clear that a mutual respect, and perhaps even a
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shared vision, was forming between the two Alphas.
at some point I just wanted to leave the two of them alone because they we’re talking about pack businesses and I don’t find that entertaining at all but I also didn’t want to come across as rude.
Over the next few minutes, their conversation flowed easily and I genuine do you see the two of them being friends at some point in the future.
they even got to a point where they discussed each other’s personal lives which was basically Astor bragging of how perfect his mate is which is ironic because he doesn’t even know anything about me.
Kyle told him that he doesn’t have a mate and he is actually held bent on finding his fated which is rare. I don’t understand why he hasn’t taken a chosen yet but I respect that he didn’t take an innocent girl from her pack and make promises he can’t keep.
“We are glad you could make the journey, Kyle,” Astor said, his eyes holding a thoughtful glint. “We would be honored if you would stay with us for a few days. Perhaps… perhaps you might find something here that you seek.”
Kyle’s lips curved into a knowing smile, and he let his gaze drift, ever so
subtly, towards me. “Perhaps,” he agreed, the word hanging in the air with a
hint of unspoken possibility. He didn’t elaborate, but there was a warmth in
his eyes, a lingering look that made me uneasy.
I could be seeing things that don’t exist but I felt like he was looking at me when he said that and I’m not used to any kind of attention around here and it was just making me wary.
cphakathi28
#vote#
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