Merciless Luna

Chapter 8

*Raj's POV*

 “Raj?” Maya called out softly as she opened the door. I sniffled, wiping my tears with the blanket covering me, trying to look composed. Maya closed the door behind her and quickly moved closer to me, sitting on the bed while facing me. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry” she whispered, pulling me into a soft and warm hug. I sobbed, unable to hold it in much longer. I hugged her tightly as my sobs became louder, turning into painful cries that echoed in the room. Maya cooed and rubbed my back gently, trying to console me from the pain I was feeling.

 It was too much. Why did all this happen on my birthday? Why did I have to lose my mother? Why did I find a mate that hates me and isn’t here consoling me? ‘Because you shooed him away’ Ember echoed in my mind. ‘zip it’ I snapped to her mentally before she put up a block. After a while of complete silence, my cries died down to an occasional sob, with Maya never leaving my side.

 “Sorry…I probably ruined your shirt” I muttered embarrassed as I pulled away. Maya chuckle, brushing a few strands of my hair away from my face. “Clothes can be replaced” she said with a smile. “How’s the injury?” she asked me while pointing at my stomach. “The doctor said it’s healing slowly, and Arkyn…he said once my healing kicks in I’ll be fine in no time.” I pursed my lips as I uttered his name. I hoped Maya didn’t catch it but her raised eyebrow told me otherwise. “Was he rude to you? Because even if he’s my alpha I will knock some sense into him on how to treat a lady” Maya huffed. I couldn’t help but chuckled as she puffed her chest and grabbed her bicep in an angry fashion.

 “Wait? You said Alpha?” I questioned her. Maya tilted her head, seemingly confused. “Yeah…didn’t we tell you? He’s the Alpha of Blood Rain. He’s our leader” My eyes widen at this revelation. That would mean…shit. “I can’t be…” I muttered, lost in thought. “Can’t what?” Maya asked me. I looked at Maya, unsure if I should tell her about my current predicament. Her eyes started to narrow as her she moved her head closer to me. “RA-JE-I-RA” she sounded off my name and I smiled weakly. “M…Mate…” I stammered, my cheeks flushing as she stared at me blankly. “Wha..a..a..aat?” Maya blinked a few times slowly, processing the information I just unleashed on her. “Oh…my…Goddess!” she squealed and jumped off the bed excitedly. That definitely was not the reaction I was hoping from her.

 “This is amazing. This is great news. Raj! The Alpha is you m” “Shhhhh” I hissed at her before she could finish the sentence. “What?” Maya questioned “I can’t have people know about this Maya. This is the worst possible scenario for me right now, especially since we agreed” my gaze flickered to the window as I prepared to utter the next few words. “Agreed to what woman. For the love of the moon just spill it” Maya replied annoyed. “We agreed to reject each other once I healed” I finished.

 “Absolutely not!” she snapped. “Excuse me?” I questioned in shock. She hunched over me and pointed her finger at my nose. “Listen here young lady, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And what’s worse, is that he’s an Alpha. If you get rejected by an Alpha, it could potentially kill you” she whispered into my face worriedly. “Well, he’s dead set on it and frankly so am I” I huffed, crossing my arms in defiance. Maya rolled her eyes, sitting on the chair. “Well it can’t happen anytime soon. You need to heal, learn to shift, learn to control your wolf, and train in some self-defense before you can leave this pack” I sighed in frustration. I did not want to be here any longer after finding my mate. Why is Maya being so difficult? However, learning to control my wolf side and self-defense actually does sound like a good idea. What if I get found again by those wolves? I should be able to learn how to defend myself. I sighed in defeat, looking back at Maya.

 “Fine. I’ll stay until I’m done with my training. Once I’m done with everything, I’m rejecting Arkyn and leaving. That’s my final answer” I replied, holding my head up in conviction and to show I will not receive no for an answer. Maya started to bow her head slightly before catching herself. She shook her head confused and shrugged it off. “Whatever you say…Luna” she said, adding the last part jokingly. I growled and launched my pillow at her, which only made her laugh more. This is going to be the death of me.

~~~

A couple of days later the pack doctor decided to discharge me. I have to admit the pain had subsided immensely and the puncture wounds were almost sealed shut. I had finished getting changed from the hospital gown into a pair of sweat pants and matching sweatshirt when there was a knock on the door. “Come in” I called out, sitting on the bed to put my sneakers on.

 “Are ya ready buddy” Maya chimed as she skipped into the room. I chuckled slightly as suddenly the familiar scent of rainfall that mixed with the woodsy scent emanating from behind Maya. I tensed, realizing who was behind her. Lifting my gaze up I noticed he was standing right behind her, his intense gaze boring into me as if trying to make my soul catch on fire. My cheeks flushed as I saw his lips part slightly. Goddess those lips…I wonder how they would taste…snap out of it Raj! I blinked a few times, composing myself as Maya had a devilish grin. Why do I have a feeling she arranged for this meeting?

*Arkyn’s POV*

 I stared at her as she was tying her shoes. Her hair had fallen forward, exposing her neck. It looked so soft. I knew my hand would grasp her entire neck in a movement, knowing I could pin her as I ravaged that mouth of hers. Without realizing it I felt my heart race as she slowly looked up at me. Those eyes…those dark eyes that seem to hold some forbidden secret. It felt as if she was consuming my own soul and I just wanted to ravage her lips. Her face had flushed. Why was she embarrassed? Was she having similar thoughts to my own? I saw she suddenly compose herself and realized I needed to do the same. I cleared my throat, stepping aside so she wouldn’t see how she was affecting me.

 “We’re here to take you to your temporary home. Considering this is my pack, it would be beneficial for me to take you and” I cleared my throat once more as I felt Maya tilting her head slightly to make me hurry up. “Give you a tour of the grounds, so you can familiarize yourself better while you’re in our care.” Raj stood up, seeming to be in deep thought.

 “Thank You Arkyn. I thought Maya was going to be my tour guide?” she questioned. I felt my eye twitch in irritation as she once again rejected me. Maya moved over to Rajeira’s side, slipping her arm over hers and motioning for her to walk. “Actually, I need to get some items to your new room here that will help with school. So Arkyn volunteered to be the tour guide. Isn’t that right Arkyn” Maya answered, turning her head to me to give me a glare. Rajeira looked surprised and looked at me slightly amused.

 “Well…if you volunteered I supposed I can’t say no then” she said, a soft smile forming on her lips. I felt my heart skip a beat as I saw her features. This has to be the bond effects. There’s no way someone can be so beautiful and irresistible. Yes, that’s what it is and I’m sticking by it. I nodded curtly at her and motioned for the duo to follow me out of the room. I led them to my vehicle and opened the door for the ladies. Rajeira nodded in appreciation as she slipped inside. Maya quickly closed the door, leaning over to look at Rajeria.

 “I’ll be leaving now to pick up some things. I’ll see you soon ‘kay?” she told Rajeira. The look Rajeira gave her was of confusion and also looked like panic. I couldn’t help but smirk at her expression. She looked almost terrified of being with the big bad wolf. I shook my head in amusement as I went to the driver’s side and closed the door, turning the car on. Rajeira looked on as Maya walked away cheerfully and I wonder what Maya and Colton are planning with all of this.

 “So, we’ll be heading to the packhouse first. That is where you’ll be staying in the meantime. It’s also the safest place to be considering the circumstances” I mentioned. Raj looked like she was in deep thought before nodding her head and buckling herself. I sighed internally, knowing this was going to be a long ride, even though it wouldn’t take more than 5 mins to get to the packhouse. We sat in an uncomfortable silence on the drive, Raj kept gazing out the window and I wish I could know what was running through her mind.

 “Why were you there?” she suddenly asked me, her gaze fixed at the small cottages that we drove by. I opened my mouth, but the words couldn’t come out. What do I tell her? That I was aggravated she left me at the party and I had to find her? Do I tell her it was a business reason? Do I tell her it’s the bond? Why is it so damn difficult to answer her? By this time she turned her head, looking at me intently.

 “Arkyn? Why did you follow me that night?” she asked me again. I clenched my jaw, trying to formulate a response. “When you left the part, I never got a chance to find out why you and your mother were living on our land.” I said carefully. She continued to stare at me, as if waiting for more. I cleared my throat as the packhouse was coming into view. “As Alpha of this pack, it is my responsibility to know which wolves live in our vicinity. As you are aware, your mother and you had your scents masked, so you easily infiltrated our territory unnoticed for years. That is a cause of great concern for the safety of my pack.” I was glad the words were flowing now without having to include our bond as a reason. I looked at her from the corner of my eye and she looked pissed. What did I do wrong now?