My Luna's Revenge

Chapter 2: Mate

-Dean-

The rain was pouring, making my clothes cling to my body. I wrapped my arms around myself in a futile attempt to stay warm, but my body continued to shake uncontrollably. I knew I had to find shelter soon, or I would be overwhelmed by the relentless downpour.

At least the rain had a small consolation—it washed away the blood, though not all of it was mine. I looked at my hands, haunted by images of her cold, lifeless body replaying like a film in my mind. Her name had been Skylar.

Besides my cousin and Carter, she was my only true friend. Unlike others, she wasn’t afraid of me. She had always been so kind, reaching out to me in ways no one else could. I had loved her with all my heart from the very first moment I saw her. We had shared only a kiss back then… and now… now she was gone.

I didn’t understand what had happened, nor did I know how to avenge her. Skylar had been beloved by everyone. She was extraordinary. Why would anyone want to hurt her? I stopped in my tracks and buried my head in my hands for a few moments before throwing my head back and letting out a roar as loud as I could. My anger and grief poured out with that roar, leaving me feeling utterly empty. I collapsed to the ground, sobbing quietly. I had never cried before, but now, in the mud and the cold rain, I wept uncontrollably as I mourned her.

My beautiful and gentle Skylar. I still remembered her vibrant green eyes and her long blonde hair, always braided to keep it out of her way. I had vowed, the first time I saw her with her braid in two parts instead of one, that I would make her mine when the time was right. It was too late now. I had lost not only her but also my pack and my family.

I had no strength left to keep my head up as I knelt on the ground. What was I supposed to do now? Suddenly, two pairs of feet came into view in front of me. I slowly followed the feet up to strong leather-covered legs, then to their powerful upper bodies, and finally to the faces of two females. They were unlike any females I had ever seen. They looked like seasoned fighters. Terrifying, even. Before I could say a word, one of them delivered a precise right hook, sending me crashing to the ground.

-Cara-

“Where should we go next, Luna?” Scarlett asked as we sat in the large living room of the house belonging to the alpha I had just killed.

“Hmmm… I was thinking we should head north. It’s time we faced a real challenge,” I said with a cruel smile.

“Are you sure we’re ready for that?”

“Do you doubt me?”

Scarlett quickly shook her head. Zoe, sitting beside her, also shook her head slightly.

“Good. Then go prepare the others and—” The door to the warm, expansive living room suddenly swung open, and two of my warriors, who had been out on patrol, entered carrying someone between them. I stood up from my chair and moved to the center of the room. The two females dropped the male at my feet, and he groaned as he lay on the ground.

“And who might this be?” I inquired.

They both shrugged.

“We found him at the border.”

“Doing what?”

“Crying.”

“Crying?”

They nodded. I shifted my eyes to the male in front of me. He was drenched from the rain, and I could only make out his black hair.

“Look at me,” I growled, but he kept his head down as he slowly got to his knees. “I said, look at me!”

Slowly, he raised his head, revealing his features bit by bit. He had a sharp face with a straight nose and a small mouth—handsome, if I weren’t bent on destroying every male out there. But it was his eyes that captured my attention.

They were the color of blood and seemed almost surprised as they met mine. I felt the air leave my lungs, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still as I stared into his eyes. Goddess, I had never seen anything like them. Even dirtied and wet, his strong, musky scent reached me. My legs felt suddenly weak, and I wasn’t sure if they would support me.

Mate. The word echoed in my head as I stared at the stranger. But I didn’t focus on the sound. Instead, I slowly pulled a knife from my boot, crouched down, and pointed it at him.

“Who are you?” I demanded.

He continued to look at me, his expression a mix of surprise and perhaps confusion. Maybe he had never encountered a female who wasn’t afraid of him and was prepared to slit his throat if he tried anything.

“Answer me!”

But he just held my gaze. Why did I feel an almost irresistible urge to reach out and touch him? What was this strange sensation in my chest? It wasn’t anger or hatred, but something else entirely. It was as if he was calling to me in a way I couldn’t quite comprehend. It both intrigued and irritated me.

“I asked you who you are. If you make me repeat myself, I’ll start cutting you into pieces!”

His dazed expression seemed to clear, and he spoke with a voice that seemed to caress my skin, even though he wasn’t touching me. It made my body vibrate, and for a moment, I forgot who I was.

“Dean,” he replied.