The Luna's Journey

Chapter 6

Theron

My eyes wandered through the glass window, as I loosened my tie. I had been away from the packhouse for two consecutive days, dealing with important matters, and during that time, I had received no news about Hope. Now, as I watched her interacting with the omegas, a sense of relief washed over me for reasons I couldn't quite fathom.

"I never thought the cruel Theron could change for a woman," Hillary quipped, her gaze following mine. She raised an eyebrow and added, "Don't tell me you've developed a soft spot for her?"

My gaze remained cold and unyielding, showing no sign of humor in response to her teasing. Eventually, she raised both of her hands in a form of surrender. "Chill, I was only joking," she said, trying to defuse the tension.

"You have other responsibilities to attend to besides meddling in my business, Hillary," I retorted, my tone firm. "The firearms equipment needs to be delivered by the end of this week. Why are you idling here?"

Hillary, being the brat she was, rolled her eyes at me before storming out of the room. My attention returned to Hope, who was diligently watering the plants. I couldn't help but notice a bead of sweat glistening on her forehead as she engaged in conversation with another omega. Nevertheless, she still appeared as beautiful as ever.

I heaved a sigh, reminded of the internal problems I still had to grapple with.

The ongoing investigation has thus far corroborated her claim. She was undeniably Stormfang Luna's infamous illegitimate daughter. However, her assertion of escape remained a matter of uncertainty. It could very well be one of their well-crafted alibis. Who knows?

After some time, I settled into my swivel chair and began to scan through the stack of pending papers that had accumulated on my desk over the past two days. In the midst of my reading, the door to my office swung open, and Alex walked in. I had entrusted him with the task of conducting a thorough investigation into Hope's background, leaving no room for complacency.

"How's it going?" I inquired, taking a momentary break from my current task.

He settled into the empty chair across from me, handing me a new folder. "I've discovered that Stormfang Luna was sexually assaulted before being mated to her current partner, which led to the birth of her daughter, Hope Miracle," he explained, summarizing the contents of the documents.

My eyes widened as I spotted a familiar name in the paper, and my shock deepened when I realized his connection to Hope.

"Do you have any information on where this scoundrel is at the moment?" I demanded.

"I've heard a rumor that there have been sightings of him in Europe," Alex responded, his uncertainty evident.

I had never attached much significance to the existence of this man, but now, knowing his relationship with Hope, a sense of urgency coursed through my veins. I was determined to ensure that they would never cross paths with each other. If it came down to it, if killing him was the only way to guarantee Hope's safety, I would do it.

"Alert everyone in the pack that if they locate him, they are to apprehend him immediately," I commanded Alex.

He nodded in obedience, but before leaving, he cleared his throat and spoke up. "Hope has no knowledge of her father's identity. The Stormfang Luna has kept her in the dark about him until now."

A woman growing up without a father was undoubtedly challenging, but a woman with a rogue leader as her father was a cause for even greater concern. Knowing Hope's father's background filled me with worry for her. Her father's reputation for causing chaos, harming she-wolves, and participating in the despicable trade of women as slaves was deeply unsettling. Despite his heinous actions, he had somehow evaded capture, thanks to a loyal following willing to sacrifice everything for their misguided leader.

"Then that's better," I responded with a determined nod. "She doesn't need to know about this man."

I rose from my chair and made my way to the window. The omegas were now wrapping up their tasks, preparing for lunch as the clock struck noon. Hope assisted with the gardening tools while others handled metal equipment. What sin could she have done for her to run away scared from her pack?

Seriously, I'd never felt this level of curiosity about someone, no matter how alluring they might have been. In the past, I had encountered my fair share of enchanting she-wolves, but none had piqued my interest to the extent that Hope had.

'Maybe it's because she's our mate, stupid!' my wolf chimed in with a cold reminder.

My eyes closed as I absorbed the abrupt reality check. Hope was indeed our mate, a fact that had taken me days to accept. However, even with this newfound knowledge, I couldn't bring myself to claim her, not because I didn't desire her, but because I understood that the timing was far from right. We were ensnared in a web of complicated situations. She was my captive, and I was her captor, with her status and messed-up background adding further complications to the mix.

Hope was fragile and in need of careful protection, and my world was fraught with danger, with a long list of enemies eager to seize any opportunity to bring me down. If I claimed her, if I marked her as mine, her very existence would become known, and she would be a target for all those who sought to harm me. Hope was not prepared for that kind of life.

So, I resolved to wait patiently for the day she would be ready, for the day when she could willingly be mine, when the circumstances were more favorable, and I could ensure her safety and well-being.

"Alpha, what food would you like for lunch?" Hillary's shrill voice pierced through the closed door. I rubbed my temples, feeling a hint of irritation, and stepped out of my office. There, I found Hillary on the staircase, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, seemingly waiting for a response.

"Don't block the stairs, Hillary."

She instantly flinched and nearly lost her balance, teetering on the edge of the stairs. Fortunately, she managed to grab the stair rail and regain her stability. "I almost fell!" she exclaimed dramatically, voicing her complaint with theatrical flair.

I was on the verge of reprimanding Hillary when my gaze shifted to the ground floor. There, Hope stood at the bottom of the stairs, observing us. Her eyes were strikingly beautiful, yet they seemed void of emotion, appearing empty as if life held no significance for her.

"Chef Marky instructed me to inquire about your food preferences, Alpha," she asked nonchalantly.

Hillary responded with a snort and a snobbish eye roll. "No need, princess, we'll convey our preferences to Marky ourselves. You can go clean the windows."

Hope didn't argue and obediently nodded her head like a compliant kitten, willing to do as she was told.

"Quit being rude to her, Hillary. She hasn't done anything to you," I scolded her.

My eyes continued to track Hope's movements, quietly ensuring her safety in the subtlest way possible, especially without drawing undue attention from Hillary. I hoped that Hope could sense some level of security from me. It was the least I could offer her at this point.

"You're being awfully suspicious, Alpha. I genuinely think you like that woman," Hillary noted.

I released a deep sigh and ruffled her hair playfully before walking past her. "Whatever you believe, Hil."