The Alpha's Beastly Luna

Chapter 2

(Lumi)

Excitment bubbled up inside of me as Cascadia bounced around in the back of my mind. I could picture the white wolf wagging her tail as the word Mate echoed through me.

"Lumi, what is it?" My mother rushed, making me look towards her and my dad as I couldn't stop this big smile from spreading across my face.

"Cascadia senses our mate is close by." I rushed, seeing my mom's eyes widen before a happily little squeal escaped her.

"Oh, Lumi! I had a feeling that today would be the day." My mom gasped before hugging me tightly.

My dad on the other hand, didn't seem as enthusiastic.

"Let's just be 100% sure before we start celebrating." Dad mumbled, making me smirk at him before I pulled from mom and went to hug him next.

'It's okay to be nervous dad, I am too. No matter what, I will always be your daughter.' I linked, making my dad sigh before hugging me back tightly.

'I figured it would happen eventually. Let's just find the young man first and make sure you feel that connection before we do anything crazy.'Dad linked back, making me nod before pulling back and staring up at him

My father, Alpha Gabriel, was a handsome man. His long white hair was braided behind his back, reaching just above his waist. He had a well trimmed beard and kind green eyes. He was 6' exactly, towering above my 5'3" height, and was very muscular. You could see the definition he had even underneath his wool sweater.

My dad was the Alpha, after all. He was strong enough to protect every one of us and lead our entire pack through any situation. I trusted my father's opinion more than anyone. So I know he is right. I need to actually meet my mate first before getting too excited.

"Come, let's go line up, they are approaching." Dad added, taking my hand gently before grabbing mom's next and guiding us towards the pathway that led down the mountain.

That was the only way in and out of our pack. The rest of our borders were surrounded by rocky mountain terrain, which was not easy to navigate by foot or paw.

Taking a deep breath, I could feel my stomach start to twist into knots as the rest of the pack began to follow behind us.

Cascadia became more and more anxious with each step we took, bringing us closer.

'I can sense his wolf already.' She rushed, making me swallow hard as I felt her communicating with someone.

'His name is Huxley.'

Huxley... That's a cute name. I wonder what he is like. Oh goddess, I can't wait to find out!

"Here they come!" My mother whispered excitedly next to me, and that's when my gaze drifted up.

The first man I saw made my eyes widen in shock. He had black hair, tan skin, and gray eyes. The sheer size of him alone let me know he was an Alpha right away. But the person beside him was what captured my attention the most.

Standing next to the mountain of an Alpha, was the most handsome man I had ever seen.

He had short blonde hair. His eyes were a pretty hazel color that made my heart skip a beat, and his face was rugged yet defined with a single dimple on his right cheek. The look in his eyes was full of awe and disbelief as he quickly settled them on me.

The moment our gazes locked, I felt it. This connection that was destined from the beginning. The one person that was made for me. He was finally here. It took everything in me not to run right towards him and leap into his arms. My mate... I can't believe my mate is finally here! I could feel the word on the tip of my tongue as a few of our other pack members seemed to be saying it as well.

I wasn't the only one who found my mate today.

"Sweetheart, who is that? That isn't the same Alpha as before, is it?" My mother's voice broke this trance I was in, causing me to blink my eyes rapidly before looking back towards the large man I first noticed.

To my surprise, he was looking right back at me.

I froze, the intensity of his gaze rooting me in place as I wondered for a moment if something was wrong.

"Stop right there!" My dad shouted, his abrupt tone making me jump as I looked around in confusion.

'What is wrong?' I linked my mom, watching as dad stepped in front of us before a few of our warriors began to join him.

'Stay beside me, Lumi.' My mother rushed, causing me to peek towards the other pack and catch my mates gaze once more.

'Cascadia, did Huxley say anything?' I rushed, wondering if she knew what was going on.

'His human seems to have put some type of block up, I can't speak with him anymore.' Cascadia informed me, causing my brow to furrow. Why would he do that?

"Who are you? Where is Alpha Baron?" My dad boomed, causing me to glance towards the alpha once more as I realized he was still looking at me.

"Alpha Baron is no longer the Alpha. There was a rogue attack this past spring. I am his cousin, Alpha Kassius." The man stated, glancing towards my dad now as I stepped towards my mother protectively, wrapping my arm around her back.

"You there, you were the previous beta were you not? Is what he says true? Why were we not informed about this?" My father asked, pointing towards another man who stood beside my mate.

With the shields in place around our borders, we can still speak with others who stand on the opposite side, we just can't cross over. So they could've sent someone to inform us.

The Beta my dad was speaking to seemed a lot smaller. But looking at him now, I do recognize his red beard and round nose.

I could hear a few of our members using the pack link. The ones who came from the Blue River Pack in previous years were stating they didn't recognize this Alpha or his scent and didn't remember if the previous one had a cousin with this description or not.

All the chatter going on in my head wasn't helping as Cascadia continued to pace back and forth just as anxiously.

'We need to stay calm and collected.' I linked, feeling the link grow quieter as everyone listened to my words carefully.

"Yes, Alpha Gabriel, our previous Alpha was killed during a rogue attack. It wasn't until recently that Alpha Kassius has taken over. We were unable to tell you ahead of time because of the formalities of it all. We are still awaiting the final approval to be given by the elders." The red bearded mad stated, making my father look over the pack more carefully now.

"Lumi, do you see your mate?" My mother asked, making me nod yes before leaning into her.

"I do, it is the blonde one who is standing beside the Alpha." I informed her, glancing back towards my mate as he seemed to be avoiding my gaze now.

I felt my heart drop. The fact that he was no longer looking at me made my heart ache as Cascadia let out a soft whimper.

Was he not happy that I was his mate? Perhaps he expected something more. Or what if... could he already have a chosen mate? Glancing towards his neck, I didn't see a mark which made relief flood through me.

But that's when I felt someone else staring at me again, causing my gaze to drift back to the Alpha, and sure enough, those intense gray eyes were looking right at me.

"I understand this seems concerning to you all. We don't mean you any harm, and I assure you we come peacefully, baring gifts. I know a few of my men have already seemed to have found their mates. Who are we to hold back destiny? This is what the moon goddess intended, is it not?" The alpha spoke, making my dad hesitate once more as I saw his gaze snap towards his Beta Collin.

"Very well, we welcome you to the Snow Ridge Pack. If you come with us, we can start the celebrations." My father finally declared, making me let out the deep breath I had been holding as I watched a few of our pack members do the same.

'They seem to be telling the truth. But we will keep our guard up for the time being.' My father linked us, making my mother nod as the anxiety was written all over her face.

I just kept stealing glances at my mate, wondering if he feels the bond like I do. From the way he is walking so casually, it doesn't seem that way.

"Alpha Gabriel, will you introduce me to your family?" The Alpha asked while walking beside us as we led them towards the lodge.

"Yes, this is my beautiful fated mate and Luna Evangeline." My dad began, motioning to my mother before pausing.

"And this?" The alpha asked, glancing towards me as I swear I felt a shiver tremble down my spine.

"This is our daughter Lumi." Dad stated firmly. The tightness in his expression letting me know he was just as uncomfortable as I was.

Maybe it's only because he is a stranger. But things do happen like this in the outside world. Rogues attack other packs quite often I hear.

There is just something about this man that seems... off.

Suddenly, I felt my hand being grabbed, causing me to gasp as it was lifted up towards Alpha Kassius's mouth.

"Such a beautiful young she wolf, and unmated as well I see." The Alpha whispered, prompting another shiver to tremble through me as he went to brush this lips across the back of my hand.

I quickly yanked it back, feeling grossed out as I cleared my throat and straightened my back.

"Actually, I have found my fated mate today. He is a member of your pack." I informed the Alpha, watching as humor seemed to fill his eyes as he looked me up and down curiously.

"Is that so? Well, what a lucky man he will be to have you as a mate." Alpha Kassius said with a smirk. The tone behind his voice confusing me as he continued to stare.

"Shall we continue on towards the lodge? Lumi, why don't you go help Sasha with things in the kitchen." My father stated, making me look towards him in confusion as I was about to protest when I saw the seriousness in his gaze.

"Yes, father." I whispered, knowing he wanted me to leave them for some reason as I turned and went to walk away.

"What a good little she wolf. She takes direction so well." I heard Alpha Kassius laugh, making me scowl as I was so close to talking back but knew my father would be furious.

So instead, I turned on my heel and went to head towards the kitchen, wishing I could give that rude Alpha a piece of my mind when someone suddenly reached out, gripping my arm.

I could feel the sparks shooting up my flesh already, letting me know exactly who it was who did it as I was quickly pulled behind a tree.

"Goddess, you are beautiful." A deep voice rumbled, making my body tremble in response as Cascadia let out a pleased howl.

'See! I told you he would want us!'

I felt my mate's body pressing into mine. His touch alone was overwhelming all of my senses as the smell of cloves and leather engulfed me.

"My mate." He whispered before burying his face in the crook of my neck and inhaling. I could feel his nose dragging along where my mark would eventually rest as I felt my knees wobble. To have him here and touching me, this was a dream come true.

"f**k, you smell even sweeter than I imagined." He groaned, making me let out a gasp as my body began to flood with desire. Oh goddess, I have never been so attracted to someone in my entire life.

"Y-you smell nice too." I managed to choke out, making him chuckle before pulling back and looking down me.

"So, you can speak." He teased, causing embarrassment to flood through me as I felt my cheeks warming immediately.

That's when my mates eyes began to cloud over while I looked at him in confusion as he suddenly pulled away from me.

"I-is something wrong?" I asked, seeing my mate look away as what I thought was guilt filled his eyes.

"What is your name?" My mate asked, causing me to lift my hand up nervously and brush back a lock of white hair that had come loose from my braid.

"Lumi. What is yours?" I whispered, reaching out hesitantly before touching my mates face. The way his eyes fluttered shut made my heart race as his lips seemed to tremble.

"Why did the goddess have to make you so beautiful." He mumbled, making butterflies flood through me as I thought he was giving me a compliment.

I became so flustered that I didn't even notice he never gave me his name.

"You really think I'm beautiful?" I asked, watching my mates hazel eyes snap back open as he suddenly lunged forward pinning me to the tree.

"I'm not the only one who thinks that Lumi." He growled. Anger flashed through him as I felt like I was experiencing some type of emotional whiplash or something. What is up with him?

"I-I'm sorry if I did something to upset you." I rushed, wondering if I was already screwing this up somehow.

That's when my mate seemed to soften once more.

"No, it's not you." He rushed, gripping both sides of my face now before peering down at me. I swear I could see the hunger in his eyes. So why was he acting so guarded? Does he think maybe I don't want him or something?

"I can't believe you are really here. I have been dreaming of this moment for as long as I can remember." I whispered, the words just coming out as I was hoping it would let him know how I was feeling.

"Goddess, don't say that. Please don't say that." He stated, placing his brow against mine as his breathing suddenly turned ragged.

I could see that his eyes kept clouding over, like he was continuously linking someone as I felt compelled to ask him who. But before I could, he began to speak again.

"f**k, I need to go. Alpha Kassius knows I've been gone for too long."

"Is everything okay?" I asked in confusion, wondering why the Alpha didn't want him to be gone.

My mate just stared at me a few more seconds, his eyes darting to my lips as I swear he was about to kiss me. Instead though, he pushed off of the tree in a huff before spinning around and sliding his hands through his short hair in frustration.

"C-Can we sit next to one another for the celebration? My parents-"

"No. We can't." And with that, he walked away. Leaving me feeling confused and heartbroken as I'm pretty sure my mate doesn't want me.