I saw Aiden and Nick eat so I knew that they’re both a heavy eater but Seth… Damn. He’s a monster. I won’t be shocked if he’ll finish all the food in just a few minutes. He sure looks famished.
Everyone started eating and talking at the table. Aurea left to do something at the back while Nick and Aiden kept on talking. And we’ll, Seth is still eating.
I felt a hand tugged on my shirt and it was Ava’s. I turned to her and smiled when I saw her cheeks blushed.
Seth’s claim is marked on her neck and it’s still fresh.
“Thank you for making me stay longer. I owe you.” she said, almost a whisper. I smiled at her and held his hand, gently tapping it.
“I’m glad you found your mate, Ava.” I said and her eyes started beaming again.
“I’m glad too.” I can feel her heart is still fluttering. She looks so cute!
Now, she will stay in the Prime pack forever. It’s great to think I’ll have a friend here.
“Seth.” It was Aiden who took our attention. His voice is stern so Seth almost choked when he called him.
Seth almost finish half of the food served. He took a big gulp of water before responding to Aiden.
“Alpha.” he said, suddenly acting formal with Aiden.
A short pause came and I figured they may be talking through their minds because Seth’s expression turned attentively listening to Aiden.
I proved myself right when Seth nodded and looked at me, giving me a warm smile.
“Ashira.” Aiden called me. His palm pressed to my back stroked in up and down motion. “Seth will be with you every time I’m away. He’ll protect you. So when you need somewhere to go, drag him along with you.”
I know that Gamma is the protector of Luna. That sets the relationship between Seth and me from now on. I understand it but a part of me is uneasy to have a guard every time.
“But-” I was about to protest when Aiden cut my words.
“This is for your safety and for my peace of mind, Ashira.” he explained like he can read my mind.
“And my loyalty also stands with you now, Luna.” Seth said in a gentle voice. “So if you want something to keep a secret with Alpha Aiden, I’ll zip my mouth.” he winked and that made me grin.
Somehow, that made me believe him and eased my doubts. I didn’t let any argument to preside. I know my secret will be safe with me but if I’ll have more that I’ll keep from Aiden, it’s good to have Seth as the keeper.
I have no choice since he’ll be with me the entire time Aiden is away.
“Can you come with me tomorrow?” Aiden asked. I looked at him, frowning.
“At the pack building?”
He shook his head slowly.
“The rogue that attacked killed six of our members. I need to attend to the families they left behind. I need you with me.”
Blood left my face and my mind started panicking. I know that will be one of my responsibility once I become the Prime’s Luna but I never thought this through. Sympathizing with the mourning loved ones of the deceased wolves narrows the chance of my abnormality to be exposed.
I felt Aiden’s hand gripped on my side lightly, making me snapped on my thoughts. I tried blocking my emotions but it’s too late for that. He already felt my tension.
“Are you nervous?” he asked bothered by my reaction.
I swallowed the huge lump on my throat.
“I’m not. I’m just…” I paused. Everyone around the table is looking at me, waiting for my words though I don’t know what to add with my sentence. “I’m… Surprised.” I suppressed to sound unsure and I’m glad it worked.
“That’s your fault.” Nick said pointing at Aiden. Aiden snapped his head to him and frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“You didn’t reveal her to the pack that Ashira might felt unwanted. Why would she be surprised if she hasn’t feel that way?” Nick continued giving Aiden a blaming tone. I’m grateful with Nick’s credulity, that helped me distract Aiden from my outcome.
Aiden snarled again making Nick shut his mouth. He looked at me with wary eyes and pulled my body close to his.
‘You do feel that way?’
I almost jumped when he mind linked me. His gaze is stern and concerning. I swallowed another lump, ready to lie to him for the first time.
‘Yes.’
He sighed and looked down. I felt bad when his emotions gushed through me. He felt a heavy guilt right now.
“Conduct an introduction ceremony soon.” Aiden ordered Nick who quickly cheered up from the news. Seth just grinned since his mouth is full of foods.
I was shocked from the sudden change of events. This is not what I expected! An introduction right now, this can be bad.
“At last! When?”
“The day after tomorrow.” Aiden looked at me like asking for a permission.
“That’s Christmas.” I said. Trying to postpone their plans. I’m not yet completed the process of mating! My wolf needed it! If not, the stealer in me will be tricked and all my feelings for Aiden might fade when I got stolen!
“I’m sure the pack will be happy to have a Luna as a Christmas gift.” Aiden said with finality. He then leaned and kissed the side of my head, inhaling on my scent.
Seth suddenly stood up and bowed his head to me. “It will be a great gift for the pack, my Luna.” he said and I was left with no more room for argument. I just smiled to him and he went back to his seat. “But I’m stuck with the rogue. When did the attack happen?”
The conversation was immediately changed and I was left with troubled mind. I tried keeping up with the chatter, blocking any thoughts that might send emotions that might flow through Aiden.
THE night ended with few talks after eating. Nick will sleep on one of the guestroom and Seth decides to sleep with Ava’s room. Aurea also went home after Ava and I helped her cleaned up the dishes.
I was left with Aiden as we walked upstairs. His hand barely left my back or my waist the whole time. I don’t mind though. I’ve started getting used with his gestures. What played my mind are the events that arise for tomorrow and Christmas.
“You’ll sleep with me tonight, Ashira.” he whispered to my ear as we stopped in front of his door.
I nodded at him. My mind was immediately filled with playful thoughts that I got preoccupied, not able to speak. I tried wiping aside every ideas that might led me to panicking or feeling anxious.
I knew I can’t escape my fate. I’ll just hope everything will turn out right tomorrow. To hope that no male wolf has lost its mate from the rogue attack to prevent my abnormality to be exposed.
His touch helped me ease my mind as dirty scenes started to build inside my head. My cheeks grew hotter each second.
He chuckled and I blushed upon thinking that he might have sensed my reaction. I wanted to curse the bond for making my feelings flow to him but I’m too grateful with it to even hate it.
We reached his room and my lungs are rapidly filled with his scent. It’s so sweet and delicious that I’m starting to feel my heat rising high. Forgetting anything else because of his addictive aroma.
Aiden walked me to his bed, not taking his hand on my back. The fabric I am wearing is not useful against the warmth of his palm. My breathing heavied as I lay down on his bed, him following beside me right after my back pressed to the soft mattress.
“Your emotions are not good over my repression.” he whispered in my ear as he rested his arm on my waist, tugging his body closer to mine.