My Only Luna

Chapter 2: Recognition

Owen's POV

“This does not look good."

Sebastian's gaze wanders, along with mine as I follow Patrick, my Omega and one of my best friends, who along with Phil, the cook, are placing a movie-like roast pig, with the apple in its mouth, in the middle of a huge banquet table. The pig in question is heavy enough for the two men to maneuver with it, in an attempt to keep it from falling into the pool, and encouraged by the crowd that does not stop clapping and cheering as they pass by.

Honestly, and even though the food looks appetizing, I think everyone present is wishing for the pig to fall in, because without a doubt, it would be a much more entertaining spectacle to watch.

Luckily, that doesn't happen and Sebastian and I sigh at the same time, somewhat relieved. We find ourselves a bit secluded from everyone, in one of the pool areas set up with loungers and comfortable chairs that are set back from the main area by the pathways and lattices of manicured bushes, which wind up and down the entire patio, until they get lost in the distance, on the stairs that go straight down to the private beach that is on my property.

Sebastian takes a sip of his drink as he watches the people, and for a moment, we are both silent. We were actually engaged in a conversation a little deeper than the food at the party, but Patrick's maneuvers have distracted our attention. Still, there is a certain tension in the air.

But I suppose there's no other way for it to be. My father's death has brought with it responsibilities that I had only read about but never put into practice.

My pack, after all, is one of the most important in the country, so the Alphas of our pack from previous generations, and now me, have always been part of the High Council, a formation of Alphas that together with the king of the wolves, leads over the packs.

We are the ones in charge of maintaining order and making things work under the command of the king, but for years now, everyone has known that the king in question is not in office, as he has decided to abandon his duty, so to speak.

After the death of his daughter, the man relegated himself to his mansion and his voice was never heard again, so that for more than twenty years it has been the High Council who rules over the packs.

My father was always just, and his voice was always heard without problems, but sometimes I feel that this responsibility weighs a little more heavily on my shoulders than it ever did on his. I try to be worthy, to bring honor to his legacy, but sometimes I think it is impossible for me to emulate his strength.

But I also wonder, if perhaps the conflicts he faced were as serious as the ones I try to face. Although the people gathered here, belatedly celebrating my ascension as Alpha may not know it, hard times are upon us, as a section of the council has decided to vote in favor of war against the humans.

They are of the opinion that humans should be treated as mere cattle, as slaves, and not as equals. I am opposed, and thankfully so is a good portion of the council, and that has been what has kept the peace so far. However, I can't help but wonder how long that will be the case.

A late council meeting, which was held this morning, has shown that Angus Allen, an old friend whom I can no longer call by such a name has been one of the ringleaders of the movement that is in favor of the war. He has given a whole speech that is disguised with hateful overtones and talks about how we should stop being subjugated by humans. His words are troubling to me because of how easily they have had an easy time rubbing off on some members of the council.

Sebastian, my Beta, is the only one who knows about this. He shares my concerns, and together, we are trying to find a solution to this issue, although part of me feels there is not much we can do to stop the advance of the pro-war without help from the king.

“Owen. For now, you'll have to relax a bit." Sebastian pats me on the arm, and looks at the people with interest. He's used to worrying about things when the situation calls for it, but he also has an incredible facility for letting go of problems and relaxing, so that sometimes it seems as if nothing is weighing on him.

Sometimes, I envy his ease in letting go of worry.

Inside me, Fenrir my wolf, choruses Sebastian's feelings. He is much more relaxed than I am and at times, he thinks I worry too much about nothing.

The wolves' senses alert, however, as a small murmur arises among the party. I follow the glances with interest, while noticing a small group gathering around a figure I can't see. Someone has arrived, but who? From the commotion he's caused, I'd say he's important, but I can't think of anyone who isn't already here.

“Oh sh*t…" Sebastian says next to me, and I'm about to ask him what's going on when I see her.

Her. My very unexpected and unique Luna.

Fenrir feels the change in the atmosphere, and immediately, it's as if my whole world changes. The very sight of her resonates strongly within me. My skin crawls and my breath catches. It's as if I've suddenly been pulled in every direction. As if the world had shifted its axis in a single instant.

“Owen…"

But I don't feel able to listen to Sebastian. I stand up, as I think... of all the people in the world... It had to be her, of course. A part of me always knew it. Because we are only able to recognize our mates at twenty-one, when our wolf consciousness awakens. Only then do we see the world clearly. Only then do we understand to whom we are destined for life.

But a part of me always knew. That I belonged to her. It couldn't be otherwise. In the middle of the crowd I see her, smiling at her friends. She's wearing a tight-fitting, mustard-yellow dress that highlights her chocolate skin tone, making it gleam like gold. Her hair, curly, thick and abundant, falls free down her back and outlines the right side of her face. She is wearing short boots, but they are not needed to highlight the length of her legs...

I remember the taste of her skin, the melody of her laughter, the feel of her touch, as she ran up and down my arms, and the way her eyes, of incredible light hazel hue, as luminous as if the sun were hiding behind them, were fixed on me. I remember her completely.

“She was always my Luna," I say then, in a whisper, but it's enough for Sebastian to hear.

“Hailey? Oh, sh*t... Owen. What a mess you've made..." he says, but I don't care.

Before I have time to say another word, I leave him behind, and start to cross the party, looking to get to her. Her presence has erased everything else, and I know that having her by my side, that feeling her in my arms again is all that matters right now. As wolves, we are not complete until we find our mate, and once we do, her presence becomes irreplaceable to us. She is all that exists in the world for me. Period. It's always been that way, but, after all, I can only see it now.

“Hailey?"

That's when I get her. Her back is to me, but I notice how my voice cuts through the distance and gets her. Her skin bristles, her shoulders rise, and she turns to look at me. Her hair covers half her face, and her wary eyes scan me cautiously.

“Hello, Owen..." Her voice, a whisper from my memories almost makes me smile. She has a naturally sweet, slightly raspy tone to her voice that could easily charm anyone. It has always captivated me. “Long time no see."

“Too long," I admit.

She turns to me, and her whole look gets me. I wish I could have seen her again in the middle of the beach we used to walk, being alone, and not surrounded by a million people, but having her by my side again, knowing what I know, is better than nothing.

“Can we talk alone for a moment?" I ask her, and my hand rests gently on her forearm, running over her skin softly, delicately. A shiver runs through her that does not go unnoticed by me. “There are one or two things I need to tell you..." And I wonder how she will react when I tell her that after all, she is my Luna.