Luca POV:
Seeing Nova talking to Alpha Jax in the rose garden I hang back to allow them time to discuss her wolf. Sitting down I grab a long blade of grass in my hand and twirl in between my fingers as my mind races. I mean how Axton could do this to my sister is beyond me, I believe they had truly fallen in love over the past three years, although I have to admit I always thought he had a soft spot for Nova. I remember when the elders first suggested a chosen mateship between the two because Axton had yet to find his fated, he was like a kid in a candy shop he was so ecstatic about the idea. Nova was the one who was slightly more reserved, but even she didn't outright oppose it, she just had to think of the possible outcomes in the long run. But after a few weeks of spending time together I saw the soft smiles, the laughter between them and their ability to work well together. After a few months no-one could doubt they loved one another. With the help of Nova Axton has got the pack back to its past thriving status, one which other packs are envious of. Now..now I don't know what's going to happen to the pack, to Nova and also to Axton and Is relationship. We may be Alpha and Beta but we have been friends for years, training together since young children.
"He's betrayed us all" my wolf Reed growls to me.
Sighing i can't help but agree with him. I know Nova and Axton have spoken before of what they would do if either of their fated came along, they both accepted they wouldn't stand in the way and that they would follow the mateship laws as it was what each other deserved, Nova had even ensured a clause was put in where she would train the next Luna to the standard required for the pack so she could continue the hard work Nova had put in.
"Fool" I muttered to myself angrily.
"Who is a fool Luca?" I hear the soft melodic voice of my sister ask as she steps in front of me holding her hand out to help me up.
"Axton" I growled in response.
"Oh..well yes, I'd have to agree now" Nova tried to laugh it off but I knew her too well and could see the hurt lingering in her eyes.
"How are you?" I ask softly as I wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side guiding us towards the forest edge.
"Hmm I'm better than I thought I may be, it helps that Alpha Jax has been so helpful and understands my situation properly. I'm hurt that the man I grew to love could treat me as he has despite my encouragement to great his fated" with a slight sigh she shrugged her shoulders slightly, "but it is what it is. This scar on my neck now shows of his betrayal and that's something I unfortunately will be reminded of every time I look in the mirror."
Moving a lock of her hair I look at her scar where her mark used to be, it looked angry and red but Doctor Trevor had reassured us it would calm down within a matter of days and would result in a faint silver line. Squeezing her shoulder reassuringly I smile slightly, "instead of looking at that and it reminding you of being betrayed, you should look at it and remember just how f*****g strong you are. No one, and I repeat no one has recovered that quickly, you know the fatality rate is incredibly high. You should be proud of your strength Nova, I am."
Smiling up at me with glossy eyes I gathered her in my arms for a hug. "You're in safe hands there Nova, I'm sure of it. Midnight Sky is a formidable pack and Alpha Jax is known to be a strong Alpha who cares for his pack members. From the sounds of it he's been through a mates betrayal himself, he understands your pain love."
Seeing her nod her head and square her shoulders she looks at me confidently, "what is it that dad used to say?"
Smirking I reply, "there's no stopping this firecracker."
Letting out a tinker of laughter at my sass she nods her head, "exactly! I will be fine Luca."
As we walk a bit further Reed suddenly puts an idea in my mind. "Do you think that's a good idea?" I ask him. "Yes I think Nova would like it, but why don't we just ask her?" He suggests.
Clearing my throat slightly I stop in my tracks making Nova turn and c**k her head at me, "so Reed just mentioned how close you are to the pack members here, I know Axton is busy and you would rather leave without a big fuss but would you like me to notify the pack that you are leaving so you can bid them farewell?"
Seeing tears gather once more in her eyes she breaths deeply resting a hand over her heart before replying, "I would love that" she breathed out. Reaching her hand up to my cheek she smiles, "Reed you beautiful wolf, I'm going to miss you. How about a run before we say bye?"
With that Reeds ears perk up in my mind and he pushes to my forefront showing his eagerness. "I think that's a yes" I chuckle in amusement, Reed has always had a soft sport for Nova, he acknowledges her position and her role to the werewolves but first and foremost she is his sister.
With that we step back and turn around to undress before shifting. We may be werewolves and nudity be a part of life but it's still unnecessary to see our siblings naked if it can be helped. Hearing a loud crack of bones as I shift Reed turns around to be greeted by a large wet tongue on his snout. Huffing in pretend annoyance he yips at Kia as she snorts in laughter, butting his head into her side they immediately take off at a sprint, rushing through leaf piles and howling their amusement to the sky. After half an hour we make our way back to our clothes and shift back before wandering back towards the pack house.
"If you ever need me Nova you know where I am, you're welcome here whenever and that's a Betas order" I say puffing out my chest.
"Haha thank you Luca" she smiles, "I doubt his fated would be so willing to have me back anytime soon but I'll be sure to visit you. Plus I will still have visitation rights if I wish to pay my respects to our parents."
Smiling I reach over and squeeze her hand once more before we stride out of the tree line. We both pause in shock at the sight in-front of us...the crowd of people is so large it looks to be almost the entire pack that have come running to say their goodbyes to Nova.
Looking at her I see she has both her hands over her heart as tears stream down her face, "oh my Goddess Luca" she sniffled.
"They love you Nova" I whisper as we head towards them all.