THE LUNA FOUND

3

Eventually, I heard voices nearby and pretended to be asleep. "Who is that girl?" someone said with authority and a deep voice.

After jumping into the waterfall, I had just enough strength to crawl to a tree in the dense forest and lean against it. I thought I had been sleeping, but I actually think I passed out.

My heart raced as his intoxicating scent filled the air, wrapping around me like a warm, irresistible embrace. Even though I hadn't seen him yet, a deep, undeniable certainty stirred within me.

He was my destined mate.

But with that certainty came a storm of doubt. Could he truly accept me for who I am?

The thought gnawed at me as I stood there, surrounded by the intense gaze of the wolves, my heart aching for a love that seemed almost too extraordinary to be real. I dreamed of a love so profound and passionate.

In the midst of my turmoil, I clung to the memory of my father's embrace. His words had always been my beacon, a promise that I would one day find my true mate.

My mate!

As I gathered my courage and rose to my feet, the air around me seemed to crackle with a palpable energy.

The wolves, previously surrounding me with a mixture of curiosity and caution, now recoiled in awe. Their eyes locked onto me. "Her eyes..." one of them whispered, and the rest followed suit, retreating as if in a choreographed dance.

Then, as if drawn by an unseen force, I found myself colliding with an Alpha... my mate. The encounter was electric, a collision of fates that sent shivers through every fiber of my being.

Time seemed to stand still, and the world faded away, leaving only the two of us in a universe of our own.

His eyes bore into mine, as if he could see through to the depths of my soul, and I felt a profound connection that transcended the boundaries of mere mortals.

Our hearts pounded in unison, synchronized by the ancient bonds of destiny that bound us together. As mates, we heard the rhythmic beats of love echoing between us, drowning out the sounds of the outside world.

The intensity of our bond was palpable, like a symphony of emotions playing in perfect harmony.

"Who are you?" he uttered in a voice that was both tender and commanding.

I wanted to tell him everything, to pour out my soul and share the depths of my heart. But the weight of uncertainty held me back, and I hesitated, my voice barely a whisper. "I am Lyara."

His gaze never wavered, and it was as if he saw not just the name but the essence of my very being. He reached out, his hand trembling with anticipation, as if on the cusp of touching a rare and precious treasure.

I felt a surge of energy course through me.

He placed his hands on my face and shook his head, "No. You are my mate."

I was gazing softly at the Alpha, not uttering a single word. I had loved him from the very moment our eyes met.

But why did he claim that I was his mate?

Could it be that he truly accepted me, despite my poor appearance, my clothes soiled with mud and sweat?

At that point, I did not even know his name. My days and nights were consumed by work in the castle, leaving me detached from the normal lives of werewolves. I was worse off, having forsaken my studies and lacking the training that would make me worthy in the eyes of the Alpha.

His eyes softened, but my mind could not comprehend the reason behind his happiness upon finding me. After all, he was an Alpha, capable of choosing any mate he desired.

Why then did he choose me?

Gently, he took my hand and bestowed a tender kiss on my upper hand.

I trembled slightly, yet his touch did not repulse me. "I am so confused," I blinked, trying to make sense of the overwhelming emotions surging within me.

In response, he removed his expensive jacket and draped it over my shoulders, a gesture both kind and protective. "Why, my Luna?" His voice held a tenderness that sent my heart aflutter, like a bat taking flight in the darkness, heralding the early sunrise.

"I am poor and dirty, and..." I tried to explain.

He gently cupped my cheeks, peering deeply into my eyes as if he could see into my very soul, as if his powers allowed him to invade my mind and unlock my past.

"Lyara? Am I right?" he inquired, and I nodded, my cheeks warming with a light blush. "Where is your home? Where do you live?" he asked.

Should I say that I ran away from my adoptive mother after being abused for eight years?

Nervously, I gulped and mustered the courage to speak, "Do you really want to hear the truth?" I asked, anxious about his reaction.

A warm smile graced his lips, but his eyes held a firmness that warned against dishonesty. "Of course, everything. I despise lies, remember that."

Taking a step back, I nervously fiddled with my fingers, glancing around at the presence of his pack, guards, betas, and friends surrounding us.

Though I wanted a fresh start... what if he decided not to be my mate after hearing the unvarnished truth?

As he noticed my momentary distraction, he closed the distance between us, his voice firm yet compassionate, "Where do you live, Lya?"

I blurted out, "In the mountain house, before the waterfall."

"Good, then come with me. You do not have to say anything. I will figure it out myself," he declared confidently, as if he had already seen beyond the surface of my words.

Once he grasped my hand, fear gripped me as I realized that I had just fled from Damon and Drew. They could spread lies about me or worse, decide to kill me right in front of the Alpha's eyes.

Desperately, I shook my head, pleading with him, "No, I can not go there. Please let me go. You will not protect me. Nobody likes me in the pack. They all hate me."

In response, I heard a low growl, and he turned to his men, issuing a command, "Now, everyone, inform the alpha of the pack that the King is coming."