The Rightful Luna

Prologue Carina POV “I will not marry her!” Mason’s voice is loud and angry. I quickly hide behind the bookshelf. I am not supposed to be here or listen to this conversation. I was returning a book to Alpha Richard’s private library when they entered and could not get out in time without them seeing me. If Mason or Alpha Richard caught me, I would be in a world of trouble. “You will marry her, or you will not be the next alpha,” Richard bellows. “Erica is my mate,” Mason argues. “Not Carina.” Me! They are talking about me. Wait … Alpha Richard wants Mason to marry me? “If Erica were a true mate, she wouldn’t have deserted you to gallivant across the world,” Richard explodes. “For f*ck’s sake, Mason, Erica is in a relationship with another man and it's public knowledge. Why haven’t you rejected her?” “Because I love her,” Mason shouts. “I agreed to wait for her, and if she needs to date other people to advance her career, I will support it.” “Don’t be an idi*t, son,” Richard bellows. “I didn’t raise you to be spineless. What kind of respectable man allows his mate to sleep with other men? You can’t be a ruling alpha with a frolicking mate. You’ll seem weak and the pack will not respect you.” “Erica has a year left on her contract,” Mason continues. “She’ll come home, we’ll get married, and she will be a devoted mate and Luna.” “Enough!” I jump when Richard slams on his desk. “I don’t care which way you spin it. Erica is a sl*t, she will not be this pack’s next Luna. You will marry Carina.” “Don’t call her that,” Mason yells. “Erica is my mate, and I will not allow anyone to disrespect …” “Disrespect?” Richard cuts him off. “That woman has no respect or regard for anybody but herself. You’re blinded by her looks, Mason. Erica is rotten and self-absorbed. You will marry Carina, or you can pack your bags and leave.” “You can’t force me out,” Mason argues. “I’m your only son! Who’s going to take over from you? One of my sisters?” “I’m not that old,” Richard’s voice is cold and hard. “Nothing stops me from having another son.” “Mother will never agree to it,” Mason’s laugh is humourless. “Who said it has to be with your mother?” Richard sneers. “You wouldn’t,” Mason says flabbergasted. “For the sake of this pack, I will,” Richard grunts. “Either you marry Carina or you’re out. Choose now and choose wisely.” The silence that fills the office is suffocating. My heart is beating so wild that I am afraid that they might hear it. “You’re willing to ruin three lives to have your way?” Mason sounds defeated. “Have you ever considered how Carina might feel about it?” “Unlike you, Carina has a sense of loyalty and duty,” Richard replies. “She’s her father’s daughter and will do what’s necessary.” “Dad, please,” Mason pleads. “Don’t do this. I’m in love with Erica, not Carina. You don’t have to step down now, right? Wait another year until Erica’s back. Don’t make me marry a person I don’t love.” “Fine,” Richard huffs. “I’ll hang on for another twenty years and step down when my other son takes over.” “Why, Dad?” Mason grunts frustrated. “Why are you so persistent that I marry Carina? If you’re willing to rule for two more decades to produce another heir, why can’t you wait another year or two until Erica’s back? Why are you so persistent that I marry before I take over anyway? There’s no law that an alpha should be married.” “Because Erica!” Richard explodes. “She’s not fit to be a Luna. We’ve been having this conversation since you brought her home when you were eighteen. You refuse to reject her. As long as my heart is beating, that woman will not be your Luna.” “You’re willing to disown me because you don’t like my mate?” Mason asks defeated. “I’m doing what needs to be done,” Richard insists. “It’s the best for you and the pack.” “Fine,” Mason shouts. “I’ll marry Carina, but I’ll make sure she knows you’re responsible for her misery. Not me.” “I’ll start the wedding preparations,” Richard replies. “Congratulations, Dad,” Mason sneers. “You just ruined three lives.” The door slams shut, and I slowly release the air in my lungs. I am going to marry Mason. My heart starts beating faster when the words resonate in my mind. I have been in love with him since I was a little girl and now … now I am going to be his bride. “You can come out now,” Richard’s voice brings me back to reality. Quickly, I get out of my hiding place and walk to Richard. “I’m sorry, Alpha,” I apologise. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was busy …” “I know,” he exhales deeply. “But I’m glad you’re here. Now I don’t have to tell you.” “Alpha, with all due respect,” I clear my throat and intertwine my fingers. “Why me?” “Carina, I’m dying,” his words are like ice water dumped on me. “Colon cancer. I only have a few years left, I need to know the pack is in good hands.” “Mason will be a fine alpha,” I reply softly, biting back the tears. Alpha Richard is like a father to me, and his revelation is devastating. “Erica will ruin him,” he sighs. “I know,” I agree softly. As an international pop star, everybody knows everything about her and, in my opinion, she is a close relative to the devil himself. “Your father died protecting me,” Richard continues. “I promised him I would take care of you. This is the only way I know how. You’ll be a good and fair Luna. I know you’ll be a good wife to my son, and he might think he’s in love with that … that hussy, but he’ll treat you fairly.” “But Mason doesn’t love me,” my voice trembles. “He will learn to love you,” his voice is soothing as he gently squeezes my shoulder. “It will not happen overnight, child, but be patient. You’re a good person and he’ll realise it eventually.” “Sir, I don’t want you to die,” I sniff and lower my gaze. “Don’t cry,” Richard pulls me into his embrace. “I made my peace.” “Thank you for taking care of me,” I throw my arms around his waist as my heart breaks. I cry shamelessly in his arms while he gently rubs my back. This man has been nothing but kind and sweet. He took me in when I was ten after my father died. He raised me as one of his own. Nobody dared to mistreat me. He would not have it. He protected me, and now he is dying. I am losing two fathers in one lifetime. “It’ll be okay,” he whispers emotionally. “You’ll be okay.” “I love you,” I sob, holding him tighter. “I love you too,” he gently pushes me away. “No more tears, okay?” He smiles at me. “I gave you the love of your life.” “You … you know?” I stare at him with big eyes. “Of course I do,” he chuckles. “And I approve. Now, go clean up. I’m announcing your engagement tonight.” Richard's laughter disappears as he walks away, leaving me alone with a heart beating chaotically and doubts. How can I become Mason's Luna when he hates me?