Lunar Temptations

Ch 9

I blinked, not once but twice hoping that this was another nightmare and especially like one of those where everything is too real to not believe it but it was not.

Miranda was still smiling like a teenage girl who just got asked to prom yet here I was, looking like a miserable piece of s**t with an even shitty mental state. Why was he here even? Wasn't he satisfied with his stupid stunt from last night?

"He is waiting for you along with Alpha and Luna Dawson, downstairs." Her grin dulled. "Do you need help in getting dressed?" She said eyeing me briefly. I huffed, frustrated already and my day had only begun. The thought of having to deal with a turmoil of emotions in his presence was horrible enough but also facing Mom and Dad alongside was horrible on an entirely different level. They were not aware of the truth behind this sudden engagement with him but they did not have to know about it either. The last thing I wanted was for them to be dragged into my mess.

"No, I will be downstairs shortly," I said before closing the door and heading straight to my closet.

Was my remaining life supposed to go like this, pretending to be happy with my mate in front of the world? I shook the thought off. I had consented to this and denial was not the best behavior at the moment.

I hurriedly took a cold shower and changed into a printed halter dress which reached to my knee and truth be told - I had grabbed the first thing that my hand landed on. I wasn't the type of girl who loved to dress and spent minutes doing so. I half-dried my black locks and they later ended up in beachy waves. Overall I looked presentable in the look.

Taking a deep breath, I headed out. The hallway was unusually busy with maids hurrying around, to make sure everything was perfectly done in the presence of Alpha Castillo. That man brought chaos wherever he went these days, be it his engagement ceremony or my home. I arrived downstairs to find Dad seated on the couch with Mom by his side.

"Oh I am well aware of it but the rogues forming an allegiance for a cause would be the last thing to happen," Dad spoke to the man opposite him. His back was faced to stairs I was descending but the sudden familiar magnetic pull from his direction confirmed his identity.

"Good Morning," I announced, knowing well he could feel me behind him too. For a moment, I wanted to imagine what it would be like for him. Could he feel my presence when I arrived at his mansion last night? How did it make him feel? I had never seen Zayden in this way ever before and the mate thing had rearranged everything I ever felt towards him.

"There she is. Come here." The look on Dad's face was priceless. He looked the happiest and his eyes shone with pride like he could not wait for the entire world to know that the woman descending the stairs was his daughter. Even after Dad had addressed me, Zayden did not budge and remained calmly seated.

My heart sulked a bit but I shook it off. I did not care what that man did but we would have to look convincing to my parents. Even though another pack's Alpha and Luna were seated across him while he sat in their lounge, he was still managing to emit dangerously powerful energy somehow. His aura was filled with strength and domination that nobody else in the house reflected. My entire being felt on edge around him while he seemed unfazed.

I bent down and hugged Dad. He had specially come down to meet Zayden and he better not f**k this up now. I wanted to ask how he was but a mate pull reminded me of him and his eyes boring holes in my back. I did not even have to face him to know his gaze was on my back. I turned to face him and our eyes met.

My jaws clenched watching his breathtaking form stand up. He easily towered over me and I wondered what his wolf looked like now that he was the Alpha. The Alpha had the greatest wolf size among everyone else and once I become the Luna, I might catch up but still, I would not be as big. For now, his human form was exemplary enough. Our eyes met and his eyes scanned me briefly before glinting mischievously.

I wanted to wipe that smugness realizing what he was doing. Everybody stood awkwardly waiting for one of us to make a move to greet but that asshole didn't move. The challenge in his eyes was raw and he knew damned well what was at stake here. Gulping hard and without letting my eyes off him, I took a few steps towards him stopping just a few inches away. Normally, people tend to avoid PDA in front of their parents yet here I was - proving our affectionate relationship to them.

"Morning Zayd," I said, tilting my head up to look at him. Whatever smugness was there left his face the next moment. I used the nickname I gave him when we used to be close but stopped using it long ago. Bittersweet memories flooded my head but instead, I leaned forward and wrapped my hands around his neck pressing myself lightly against him. His hard figure felt contrasting to my frail body but invoked warmness inside me. My heart beat faster, and my mind felt strangely at peace as if I had been craving to feel him forever.

Why did I seem to forget his sins when I was around him? Why was he so insanely attractive and breathtaking now? Why did it have to be him, the person I hated and felt attracted to at the same time? - I had so many questions.

He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me back, "Morning, beautiful." he said, playing along.

We pulled apart when Dad's congratulations rang loudly snapping us out of whatever trance we got dragged into. After a few words on how proud he felt of me and praises for Zayden, his expression turned serious.

"Since you have finally found your mate Raya-" He paused and took Mom's hand in his reassuringly. My brows twitched and Zayden beside me was equally invested. "It is time we step down from our duties and you both shall take over as the new leaders of the Lunar Pack." He declared and the air turned quiet. The servants present around turned quiet and I was shaken. Just when I thought it could not get any worse, his next words made me choke on my breath.

"However, the wedding must take place in the next 6 months or I fear I won't live to see the day let alone retire from my rank," Dad stated and I gawked, dumbstruck.