Lunar Temptations

Ch 4

"Gorgeous." I heard Mom's voice and turned around.

I wore a red-coloured, one-shoulder sequin gown and had a strapped back. It looked breathtaking and hugged my body in the right places. My curves were highlighted appropriately.

"Thanks, Mom." I hugged her.

She pulled back and fixed a few strands of my hair. I had gone with a messy bun to showcase the strapped back of the dress.

"You ready?" She asked and I nodded but something seemed off, she wasn't dressed.

"Aren't you going?" I asked.

"No, someone should stay back to watch over Bennet." Her concern for Dad's health was visible on her face. She wrapped my hand in hers as we walked downstairs.

"Yeah, but Max can stay. Besides, Dad's feeling a lot better." I insisted.

She shook her head, "Now that you're here, your father and I deem it better if you represent our pack tonight as our eldest and The Lunar Pack's new Luna."

I gulped, then shook my head.

"I don't know-"

"You'll be perfect. I believe in you Ray, and so should you." Her hand tightened around mine, comforting me. "Just remember your place. You're no ordinary wolf and being a Luna comes with a lot of sacrifices and power. A pack wants a leader, one they can count on, one who could lead them and your father and I trust you to be the best for them." Her words rang through my mind. They encouraged and thrilled me at the same time. I could already feel the weight of the responsibility.

With a nod, I hugged her. We found Esme and Winnie waiting for us as we arrived. Mom bid us goodbye and soon we were on our way. The Castillo estate was located an hour's drive from here, so I had plenty of time to compose myself.

From having to see Zayden Castillo again to encountering my mate who had abandoned me, I wasn't sure how the evening will fold out and I didn't want my first appearance after years to go disastrous.

We soon arrived and as expected the place was swarming with wolves. The scent was enough to tell. Max helped us out of the car. He was instructed by Mom to go with us and even in his old age, he was as gentlemanly as ever.

"Hey, I'd suggest finding and talking to him," Esme whispered to me as we got out. I knew she was talking about my mate.

"I will, but duty comes first." I motioned for the two of them to walk alongside me.

The estate was like a palace and I had come here several times when I used to be on good terms with Zayden. It was a good thing that I had other things to focus on as well tonight aside from having to endure his presence at his engagement party.

I wondered who the poor girl would be.

We were met with more than a few intriguing glances the moment we entered the main hall. The place was flooded with people of all ranks but I could easily spot the prominent figures in their elite dresses. One thing I had always admired about Castillo's was their zero tolerance for discrimination among pack wolves. Yes, the ranks and duties were assigned to everyone but when it came to grand parties like this or funerals, they would treat everyone the same.

"There!" Winnie whispered to us. "Found Mr and Mrs Castillo." She pointed to our right where the former Alpha and Luna of Night Walkers stood chatting. I knew them well, from when I was best friends with their son and no matter my hate towards him, I had always respected and admired them as leaders.

I walked over to them, and my sisters followed close behind.

"Mr and Mrs Castillo?" I called them out and they turned around, only to go speechless. Their brows furrowed and I couldn't tell if they were having a hard time recognizing me or if they were simply too shocked to see me.

"Hello, I am-" I began to introduce myself but was cut off by Mrs Castillo.

"Raya Dawson, we know you, dear." She said taking a good look at my appearance. "When did you come back?" Their question hit me hard. They all thought I was gone for good. Maybe it was me who had abandoned my mate, not him.

"Yesterday." I smiled. She went ahead and hugged me. "We're glad to see you back. Bennet, Lydia and your pack needed you."

I smiled at them heartily. "Congratulations on your son's engagement. I hope the new Luna follows in your footsteps." I said. Their faces faltered slightly, but they covered it up. Esme and Winnie greeted them next. I fell a step behind when a familiar feeling from earlier returned.

He's here. - I didn't need to say it, my thumping heartbeat was enough to tell.

I grabbed a quick look around but to my dismay, the mate pull began to weaken. He was moving farther and I needed to act now.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom," I said and almost started running.

Through the huge crowd, I ran towards him. I couldn't see him, neither was he anywhere too close like earlier today but somehow I knew where he was. I had never taken the mate thing very seriously but now it was starting to feel miraculous.

Excusing myself, I finally made it out of the hall. A few people were scattered here and there but he wasn't one of them either. I knew if I went on blindly, I would never find him. I took a deep breath to focus on the feeling. It wasn't that hard because the next thing I knew, I was ascending a quiet staircase in a far corner outside the hall.

What was he doing there? Guess I was about to find out.

With a thumping heart, I followed the now strong pull. I reached the top of the staircase to find another empty corridor.

Great. He isn't here either. - I thought cursing under my breath. The place was barely illuminated by the moonlight cascading through the windows. My hand trailed over the window's glass, as I looked out over the people arriving at the party.

"Where are you?" I whispered breathlessly and knowing I could feel him but not find him frustrated me. Maybe he didn't want to see me, now that he was engaged to Audrey. A pang of hurt rippled through me and I held back a few tears.

"Were you looking for me, Ray?" A deep, husky voice tore through the silence.

Shivers trembled through me as I realized who it was. My breath hitched and my eyes widened when I felt him behind me, my mate. turning around ever so slowly I came face to face with Zayden Castillo.

I gulped hard as I refused to believe it. "No, it can't be" I murmured.

-------------------------------------------