The room felt heavy with unspoken words as I processed everything. Logan’s father leaned back in his chair, watching me intently, while Logan remained tense beside me. I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on my shoulders.
“I need time,” I said finally, desperation creeping into my voice. “Time to think about all of this. You can’t just drop a bomb like that and expect me to make a decision immediately.”
Logan’s father nodded slowly, his expression softening slightly. “I understand, Audrey. But you must also understand the urgency of the situation. The bond is not just about you and Logan. It affects the entire pack, and our survival depends on it.”
Logan, who had been silent for too long, turned to me, his eyes fierce. “Audrey, I didn’t ask for this either. But if it’s true-if what my father says is real-then we have to do this for everyone. For the pack. For your safety.”
My heart raced as I processed his words. I could see the determination in his gaze, mixed with a hint of vulnerability that tugged at me. “What if I can’t?” I whispered, a lump forming in my throat. “What if I can’t be the Luna? What if I’m not strong enough?”
Logan reached out, his fingers brushing against mine. “You are stronger than you realize. The bond will amplify that strength.
You won’t be alone. We’ll face this together.”
The thought of being bonded to him-of sharing a connection that would tie us together for life-was terrifying. But I couldn’t deny the flicker of warmth that ignited within me at his touch.
“What if I don’t want to be a part of this world?” | asked, my voice trembling. “What if I want to live a normal life?”
Logan’s father leaned forward, his expression serious. “Normal is a relative term, Audrey. You are already part of this world by blood. Your father’s legacy binds you to us. Trying to ignore that will only put you in more danger. You need to embrace who you are and who you’re meant to be.”
“I just want to understand,” I said, looking between the two of them, searching for reassurance. “What does it really mean to be the Luna? What will I have to give up?”
Logan’s father took a deep breath. “Being a Luna means leading alongside your Alpha. It means understanding the pack’s needs and supporting them. It also means making sacrifices for the greater good. But you will also have power, influence, and the ability to protect those you love.”
“Protect?” I echoed, thinking about how helpless I felt right now. “How can I protect anyone when I don’t even know how to protect myself?”
Logan’s father nodded knowingly. “I understand that fear, but I overheard you and Logan talking yesterday. He told me about your decision to train. I believe that’s a crucial step. Logan is committed to teaching you how to fight, and I assure you, the pack will support you in your training.”
I looked at Logan, surprised and grateful for his commitment. “You really want to help me?”
“Of course,” he replied, his eyes earnest.
“You deserve to feel strong and capable. The training will help you learn not just to defend yourself but also to understand what it means to be part of this pack.”
“But what if I mess up?” | asked, fear creeping back in. “What if I can’t handle it?”
Logan’s father spoke again, his voice steady.
“Then we adapt. Every great leader faces challenges and makes mistakes. It’s how we learn and grow. You have to embrace this journey, even the tough parts. The bond you share with Logan will empower you.
Together, you can do incredible things.”
I felt a flicker of determination rising within me. Maybe I could learn. Maybe I could find the strength I didn’t know I had. “So, what happens next?” | asked, my voice steadier.
Logan’s father exchanged a glance with Logan before responding. “For now, focus on your training. We need to prepare for any threats, and having you equipped to face them will be vital. You’ll learn to fight, but also to lead and understand your role in the pack.”
I nodded, absorbing his words. The idea of training was daunting, but I realized it was a part of embracing this new life. I had to confront my fears instead of running from them.