The Unclaimed Luna

Spells of desire

(Lauren's POV)

I stood in the middle of the packhouse after I argued with Emma, pretending to be busy. No one here knew my secret. Not a single soul knew I was a witch, and I planned to keep it that way.

If anyone found out, it could ruin everything I’d been working so hard for. This pack wasn’t even supposed to be part of my life, but fate had a way of shaking things up.

Years ago, a pack warrior found me injured in the woods. I’d been running from something, though I never told anyone what. He brought me back here, where they treated my wounds and offered me a place to stay. That’s when I met Darius.

Darius was everything an Alpha should be—strong, commanding, and powerful. I wanted him from the moment I saw him. It wasn’t love, not even close. It was the idea of being Luna, of standing beside him as his equal, the way everyone would look at me with respect. That was what I wanted.

But things didn’t go the way I planned.

Emma came into the picture. She was sweet, kind, and, unfortunately, everything Darius needed. At first, I didn’t care. I thought she’d just be another passing fling for him. But then she got pregnant.

That should’ve made her a problem, but it didn’t—until Darius had a weak moment and marked her. That mark changed everything. It made her Luna, the position I was supposed to have.

I hated her for it, but I had to hide it. Back then, Emma and I were friends. I acted like I was happy for her, all while plotting in the background. Now, we don’t even talk. She figured out how I felt, and honestly, I don’t care. She can keep her distance. It’s better that way.

I’ve been working on spells for weeks now. Spells to trap Darius, to make him believe he’s in love with me instead of her. I know it won’t be easy. He’s stubborn and loyal to a fault, but I’m determined.

I’ve come too far to stop now. If Emma thought she could just walk away and leave the title of Luna up for grabs, she was wrong. I’ll take it, even if I have to use magic to do it.

Today, though, I had to focus on distracting Darius. He’s been so obsessed with Emma that the pack is starting to notice.

They’re whispering behind his back, questioning his leadership. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to step in and remind him that the pack needs a Luna—someone who’s here.

I found him in his office, staring at a map spread across the desk. He didn’t even look up when I walked in.

“Darius,” I said softly, “you can’t keep doing this. The pack needs you.”

He finally looked up, his eyes dark and tired. “I’m doing what’s best for the pack; I can't have the rogues enter my pack land again.”

I clenched my fists, but I forced a smile. “I know you think that’s what’s best, but what about the ceremony? The pack needs a Luna. They need stability.”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “I can’t just reject or replace Emma, Lauren. I already marked her.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “And where is she now, she gave up on you, on all of us. The pack doesn’t trust her anymore. They need someone they can believe in.”

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he might agree with me. But then he shook his head. “I can’t. It wouldn’t be right.”

I wanted to scream. How could he still be so loyal to someone who didn't want him? But I couldn’t lose my temper. Not now.

“Just think about it,” I said, keeping my tone gentle. “The ceremony would show the pack that you’re moving forward, that you’re still in control. You don’t have to decide right now, but we need to start planning.”

He didn’t respond, so I took that as my cue to leave. As soon as I was out of the office, I let out a frustrated breath. He was being stubborn, but I wasn’t giving up. If I couldn’t convince him with words, I’d use magic.

Back in my room, I pulled out my spellbook. I’d been working on a new spell, one that would make Darius see me the way I wanted him to. It wasn’t ready yet, but it would be soon. In the meantime, I needed something to push him toward the ceremony. Something to make him think it was his idea.

I mixed herbs and chanted under my breath, focusing all my energy on the spell. When it was done, I held the small vial of liquid in my hands. It was a simple enchantment, one that would make him feel calm and open to suggestions. I’d slip it into his drink later.

This wasn’t how I imagined my life would go, but it didn’t matter. I was going to be Luna, no matter what it took. Emma might have had Darius’s heart, but I would soon.

The next morning, I found Darius in the dining hall. He looked just as tired as before, but he managed a small nod when I approached.

“I brought you some tea,” I said, handing him the cup.

He raised an eyebrow but took it without question. “Thanks.”

I watched as he drank, my heartbeat racing. The spell would take effect quickly, but I had to be careful. If he suspected anything, it would all fall apart.

“You should take a break today,” I said casually. “The pack’s been asking about the ceremony. They’re starting to get restless.”

He sighed. “I don’t know, Lauren. It doesn’t feel right.”

I placed a hand on his arm, leaning in slightly. “You don’t have to decide right now. Just let me start planning. We can hold off on making it official until you’re ready.”

He hesitated, then finally nodded. “Fine. But only planning. Nothing more.”

I smiled, feeling the victory. It wasn’t everything I wanted, but it was a start.

As I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel excited. The Luna ceremony was going to happen, and I was going to be the one standing beside Darius. Emma might have thought she could leave, but she had no idea what she was up against.

This was my pack now. And I wasn’t going to let anyone take it from me.