The Unwanted: Embracing Fate

Chapter 6

Fleeing through the woods, Kaia wanted to run away. She always found herself wanting to run away and now she wondered how would she ever be a good Luna, her urge to flee, a mate who didn't want her and a fake mate who was willing to do whatever it took to stay in power. It felt like a mess and she wasn't sure what to do. She felt so young and unprepared she was only nineteen, her mother had taught her all the proper ways to be a Luna but not what mattered, not what really counted she didn't even have a mentor since the Alpha’s mate had passed a few years ago. Amongst the thick of tree, she stopped suddenly however, she was happy to be in her wolf form finally, relishing in her paws that sunk into the dirt beneath them and the noises and scents her ears and nose could pick up it was always so freeing yet here she was stopped because she knew deep down she couldn't keep running not now anyway. As she went to turn around and head back a large man emerged from between the trees, her mind had been so distracted she had completely missed his presence she wanted to scold herself for it making her feel more incompetent “who are you?” he ordered dark hair falling around his shoulders and dark chestnut eyes piercing her with suspicion. Her wolf stood tall in front of him not willing to cower back. She did not need to however the man seemed to lose patience with her “whoever you are you're near the borders so I advise you head back to whichever way you came from” he instructed. It was a warning the borders were dangerous where most of the warrior's outposts were stationed making sure they were right near the fight if need be. There were plenty of dangerous wolves and other creatures beyond the border and of course if they wanted to cause trouble what better place than where the Alpha of Alpha’s resided.

Thinking over the man's instructions before leaving it made Kaia realise something, a place to start in settling into her position. She held no loyalties amongst the kingdom yes she was destined to be Luna but Actaeon was loved by his people and if he said a word against her they could turn on her with ease. Kaia wasn't sure about Valen but if push came to shove and she had to face what the Lycan region had to offer alone she needed to earn the trust and respect of the wolves amongst it Actaeon had had the time now Kaia needed it desperately than she realised especially if she would eventually have to face off against Actaeon she would have to come up with a plan and not wallow in self-pity over the matter. The man had barely made it a few feet before Kaia transformed to her human self with ease “Wait” she called.

The man stopped he barely glanced back for a second before averting his gaze and taking off his shirt tossing it to her “cover-up before we continue this conversation” he insisted. She wanted to laugh at his gentlemanly manner.

“My name is Kaia Laurent ” she introduced herself as she pulled on the loose-fitting shirt.

The man seemed to tense at her words “Future Luna” he all but mumbled his head quick to bow in respect.

“It's ok” she insisted smiling at the man “what's your name? What are you doing out here?”

“My name is Bas Ariti” he introduced “The east side positioned of the warriors are training and of course on watch to patrol the borders.”

“I see” she observed him for a moment he was tense and awkward in her presence but it only made her realise this was a start. She would start with the warriors “will you take me to them?” she questioned.

“I don't know--” he lingered she could force him they both knew that from her position she could have made him but Kaia didn't want to do that to him.

“I would really appreciate it, Bas. I would like to start getting to know the wolves here now I'm settling in” Kaia smiled at the man who seemed unsure before letting out a sigh and nodding in agreement.

“Of course Luna” he answered formally.

Kaia stepped to stand by his side “please call me, Kaia” she insisted before they started walking making idle chit chat.

:::

Kaia didn't mind the walk with Bas but as soon as they got to the clearing amongst the other warriors they exchanged many confused looks as she strolled beside the man wearing his shirt. One of the men was quick to run towards them in concern “Bas, who is this?” he exclaimed.

Bas growled at the younger man “show some respect this is our future Luna” he insisted. Kaia smiled at the man in appreciation of their brief walk alongside one another she had already learnt quite a bit about him. The young man looked at her for a moment her comforting aura radiating off of her quick to make the young man soften.

“Of course” he was quick to bow as did a few that had gathered around.

Kaia looked around at the men “please call my Kaia, I just wanted to come by and see what a great job you were doing protecting the borders” that seemed to give a glimmer of pride amongst them before she began to go around personally introducing herself. Perhaps she should have held more embarrassment over wearing a strange man's shirt but amongst their kind, it wasn't so strange only perhaps considering her role amongst them. However Kaia was insisted on her path, her nerves diminished as each of them were quite friendly and welcoming towards her however Kaia knew she had the advantage with that. Bas seemed to stay close by keeping a protective eye.

“Have you trained before Lu-- Kaia?” one of the young men asked.

“Not really perhaps I will when I officially settle in here” she commented glancing off to the few men who were continuing their fitness routine.

“I don't know about that, Kaia. The future Alpha doesn't want the females to train” he commented her eyebrows turned to a frown at his comment yet somehow it didn't surprise her of Actaeon’s decisions. Before she could even open her mouth everyone seemed to freeze in place as a loud voice boomed across the sectioned off training grounds.

“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?”