Crescent Moon Luna
Tori
Upon reaching the age of eighteen, I embarked on a significant moment in my life. The anticipation and unease filled me as the Mating Ball approached, representing a time-honored ritual that united packs for the purpose of finding our destined partners. Meanwhile, my friend Ray, who was still sixteen, had a few more years ahead of her before she could discover her mate. It was undeniable that she possessed a natural beauty, with her enchanting tan and cascading, fiery red locks.
Tonight, she prioritized me above all else, despite what happened two years ago. Reminiscing about the night of my sister’s mating ball evokes strong emotions.
The ball had just begun, and the announcement of all the packs echoed through the air. Guards were positioned at every entrance and exit, or so we assumed. Little did we know, the guards had been replaced by rogue wolves. As the dancing commenced, they launched a surprise attack, their primary target being our Luna. Without her, we were utterly defenseless.
However, Ray’s grandparents courageously intervened, slaying the rogue king. Unfortunately, this act triggered the feral instincts of the rogue pack, resulting in the tragic deaths of both Ray’s grandparents and the Luna of the Moon Stone pack.
Despite not being a member of our pack, she chose to stay with us since that night, burdened by the belief that she was responsible for their Luna’s demise. A knock on the door snapped me out of my reverie, and there stood my mom, holding the dress. We were almost finished getting ready. She had selected a breathtaking golden yellow ball gown with yellow and silver tulle cascading down the skirt. I instantly fell in love with it, knowing she had chosen it with me in mind.
Girls, I have a special surprise for each of you,” Aunt Ash exclaimed. “Ray, why don’t you go ahead and open yours first?” Ray graciously accepted the bag and replied, “Aunt Ash, you really didn’t have to get me anything. I truly appreciate it and everything you’ve done for me.” Just then, my mom chimed in, revealing that the gift wasn’t from her.
Ray looked puzzled as she opened the bag and discovered a jewelry box with her initials, R.G., engraved on it. She couldn’t comprehend where it came from, so she eagerly opened the accompanying letter.
The letter began with “Dear my precious ray of sunshine,” and it was written by both me and your grandpa. We wanted to give you something special on your 18th birthday, something to wear to your first adult mating ceremony where you might find your mate. Inside the box that your grandpa made, you will find the necklace I wore when I first met your granddad, as well as the rings we exchanged during our own mating ceremony. We eventually passed those rings down to your parents. I know you don’t know why your parents aren’t here, but it was for your safety.
They loved you very much and only wanted the best for you. They believed we would give you the best life before they passed away. Now, the time has come to pass down these cherished items to you. We love you, sunshine. As she read every word, tears streamed down her face.
Mom gazes at me and utters, “My dear Tori, this precious gift is from your beloved great grandma. She cherished you every single moment she was with us.” I eagerly unzip the bag and discover three treasures: a sacred ritual to receive my first ancient tattoo like hers, a hair tie adorned with the most exquisite gems, and lastly, her ring from the night she ascended as the pack’s Luna. With this ring, I will feel closer and stronger to my pack than ever before. Mom tenderly kisses my forehead and whispers, “One day, you will become an extraordinary wife or Luna.”
With utmost consideration, I chose a stunning black glitter dress that would flawlessly match her fiery red hair. As we heard the sound of the door, we were fully aware that it was time for us to make our exit. The thought of maneuvering through the throng of people without her by my side seemed overwhelming. This evening held great significance as it was the Moon Stone Pack’s inaugural appearance at the ball, following their parents’ previous refusal to attend due to the heart-wrenching loss of their Luna in a rogue attack.
As the ball continued, we mingled with numerous individuals, losing count along the way. I noticed a boy who seemed particularly interested in Ray. He belonged to the Moonstone Pack and was nineteen years old, at least. I pulled Ray away from him to inquire about their conversation. “Who is that you’re talking to? I’ve never seen him before,” I asked. Ray confirmed that he was indeed from the Moonstone Pack and that he was actually 20 years old.
In my mind, I wondered if he could be her mate. Usually, men know before women who their mate is, and since Ray is only 16, her wolf wouldn’t recognize him. I said, “Oh, okay. Just be careful and stay close.” She gave me a look as if to say, “You’re acting like my mother, please stop.” I apologized and told her that I just couldn’t bear to lose my best friend. I mind-linked him, warning him that if he even thought about hurting her or doing anything beyond dancing, there would be consequences.
He gave me a look and mind-linked back, saying, “Understood, princess.” He had quite the smart mouth and ego. I made sure to ask for his name, just in case. He replied, “My name is Jax Lester.” That’s when it clicked. He was the brother of the alpha of the Moonstone Pack. I asked him, “So where is your brother then? If you’re the little brother, what kind of big brother couldn’t be bothered because of his ego? What kind of alpha doesn’t even show up with his own pack?” That’s when I heard his voice through the mind link. He said, “The kind that doesn’t care about finding a Luna or dealing with a bratty princess." he retorted.
“Oh yeah, I think it’s more that the big alpha king can’t handle a woman the proper way, so he hides like a coward.” He responded, “On the contrary, that is my brother you’re talking to, princess. And that is my best friend that he is talking to, who has already experienced enough loss in the last two years. What does she know about loss?” His comment ignited anger within me, and I fired back, “The same as you felt when you lost your mom two years ago, you jerk. Her grandparents were the ones who were killed , and then she was left all alone.”
He rudely interrupted me, exclaiming, “Oh yeah? Well, where’s her pack?”, I responded, “You really don’t know? Y’all were the ones that pushed her away when she needed her pack the most. So much for a pack’s love.” Fuming with anger, He retorted, “Don’t you dare talk about my pack like that or to me. I am an alpha.” Angrily, I shot back, “Well, you keep my best friend’s name out of your mouth. You don’t get to speak her name. Y’all are the reason she is in our pack.”
The more I spoke, the more his anger escalated. “What in the hell are you talking about? My pack would never...” I interrupted, “Oh, aww, did precious daddy not tell you? Because you weren’t alpha then. The night of the attack, after everything, she was going to return to her pack, the Moonstone. But she was not let back in the gates and was told to wait for the alpha.
She had already lost her grandparents and felt awful about everything. So, when your precious daddy came, he informed her that he thinks it was best if she stayed with our pack until things had calmed down, but also asked to break ties with the pack.”
He rudely interrupted and questioned how I knew about the events of that night. I would have spoken up if I hadn’t been feeling so lightheaded and overwhelmed by a strong cologne. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself. He will deny knowing anything and inquire about your source. However, something about his demeanor changed that night when you were present.
He asked me which entrance he was at, to which I replied, “Why does it matter to you?” Just answer the question, princess. Fine, I was near the bakery at the south entrance. He immediately yelled back, asking if I had perfume on that night. Why are you asking me all of this? What does it matter to you? Because it does, he replied. Fine, I said. Yes, I had my favorite perfume on, Coco with coffee.
He immediately shouted, “I knew it! Don’t you dare move or go anywhere. I am coming up there.” His words made me furious. You are not my alpha or my designated authority. I am leaving now, and don’t you ever tell me what to do. His tone changed and he asked, “Oh yeah, and what happens if I do, sweet cheeks?” Don’t ever call me that ever again, I replied. If you leave, I will find you.
I stormed off angrily, refusing to let him tell me what to do. I informed Ray that we needed to leave immediately, but she insisted on staying, making her intentions clear. “Fine,” I snapped, “I’m leaving and going for a run.” I returned to my room and heard a knock at the door. It was my mom, pleading for me to open the door and asking what was wrong. “Nothing, mom,” I yelled back, “I’m just tired and want to go for a run.” I quickly changed into a t-shirt, jumped out of the window, and headed towards the forest.
As I approached the river, the strong scent of citrus mixed with the earthy smell of wood filled the air. I knew it was my mate - my wolf became incredibly excited. Without knowing who I would find, I took off, but then I caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye.
It was Alpha Cal Lester, the arrogant jerk who had insulted my friend. I was tempted to leave without him, but accidentally stepped on a branch. I sprinted away, and he immediately linked me. “You can run, princess, but you can’t hide from me,” he taunted, “I can smell your arousal and sense your curiosity about why the moon god would pair you with such a jerk.”
I will capture you, my little princess, so cease,” he commanded me with his alpha tone. I resisted, attempting to fend off his control, but while running, I unknowingly crossed into rogue territory. Suddenly, I found myself lying on the ground with Cal standing over me, urging me to be silent. As I watched, the rogue approached, lifting me effortlessly onto his shoulder. I couldn’t resist, knowing that if I did, we would be caught. Once we returned to Crescent’s territory, he set me down and questioned why I had run, stating that I could have gotten myself killed. I retorted, “Because you’re my mate, but you’re a jerk, and I don’t want to be around you.” He responded, “Oh, princess, we both know that’s not true. I can sense your wolf, and she’s desperate to be close. But as you wish, princess.”
I, Cal Lester, alpha of the Moonstone pack, thinking to myself while he is talking, fighting off Ash’s influence She insisted, “No, he’s going to reject us. You can’t let him do that.” I replied, “Yes, I can. I don’t want him as my mate. He’s a jerk who feels entitled.” She argued, “You’re furious because you think he was responsible for Ray. How could he not have known?” As I refocused on his words, I blurted out, “Stop you can’t It won’t just hurt me; it will hurt you too.” Reluctantly, I added, “Fine, I will consider becoming your mate, but first, I need to know the truth about Ray. Why wasn’t she allowed back?”
Before he could answer, we were attacked, and the last thing I remember before losing consciousness was him shouting, “You will die before you ever touch her.” I sensed there were three assailants, and all I managed to say was, “Cal, no,” before everything went dark.
