Loving Luna - Sasha

Chapter Four - Announcement

Sasha woke up with a strange feeling. Expecting to open her eyes and find someone in the room with her, she was somewhat disappointed to find herself alone. Although it did look as if someone had been laying next to her. She smiled as she ran her hand over the pillow, pulling it to her she breathed in Ayden's scent. Whether he wanted or needed a mate, his actions spoke louder than words. There might still be hope for them yet. Her door opened and Lilly walked in with a tray.

"Good Morning." She said placing it down on the sideboard. She bowed her head and waited.

"Good Morning indeed Lilly, could you hand me my robe please." Lilly did as asked and she slipped it on. After pouring a cup of coffee, she took a sip and sighed in pleasure.

"Nothing beats a great cuppa in the morning." She smiled at her. "Tell me about yourself Lilly." she invited. She didn't know anyone yet and she wanted her to feel comfortable around her.

"I am Joshua's mate."

"Oh wow, I had not been expecting that." they smiled at each other and Lilly continued to tell her about when they met and gotten married. Sasha finished her coffee, excused herself and took a long hot shower. She was going to meet the pack today and she wanted to make a good impression.

-

Ayden stood at the foot of the staircase, waiting for Sasha. He had asked Lilly to help her and he was actually nervous. Last night he had sneaked into her room and watched her sleep before drifting into his own slumber. He could no longer deny the fact that he wanted her. He needed her and his wolf agreed completely. 

"Alpha." Joshua greeted him.

"Joshua, is everything ready?"

"Yes, the pack are eagerly waiting to meet their Luna." he grinned sheepishly. He couldn't wait to talk to Sasha, show her around and introduce her to everyone. It was at that moment that she appeared. He watched in stunned silence as she descended the staircase. She truly was beautiful. Her long wavy hair was loose and she wore the pack's colors. A dark grey princess vest with black skinny pants and grey boots. 

"Ayden..." She bowed her head in respect and he grinned even bigger.

"Sasha, you look beautiful." He held out a black velvet box and presented her with the gold crescent moon necklace that his mother had worn. Sasha gasped as she lightly fingered the jewelry. 

"This is exquisite!"

"It belonged to my mother, and now it is your's Luna," she rewarded him with a beaming smile and she turned and gathered her hair to the side so he could put it on. His hands lingered on her neck before he gently turned to look at her.

"Magnificent." he heard Lilly say. He couldn't agree more. Sasha leaned up and kissed his cheek. She was blushing ever so slightly and he found her even more attractive.

"Come, it is time for you to meet my pack." they made their way outside and a large gathering was awaiting them. Ayden smiled proudly at his pack.

"Alpha." the crowd said in unison. Each bowing there heads for a moment in respect.

"Midnight Pack," he addressed them. "Today is the day of a new beginning. We have formed a strong alliance with The Night Drifters pack. I am happy to present to you, your Luna." he gestured at Sasha, who standing just slightly behind him, glowed.

"Luna!!" the crowd cried out in joy. Each bowing there heads once more with respect. Sasha was radiant as she smiled happily at the gathering.

"May the celebrations begin!" he announced.

-

Sasha was feeling overwhelmed. It seemed Ayden had decided to accept her as his mate. She was at his side as they moved through the crowd. Greeting his pack and their families. They were strong beautiful wolves who welcomed her openly. Offerings of flowers, fruits, loaves of bread and much more were presented to her. Joshua was right there to have it taken back to the mansion.  She would catch Ayden smiling at her, more often than her heart could take. Happiness was shining throughout her whole body. Each time they touched she felt shivers and it was exciting. But there was a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that she couldn't quite understand. She felt his hand on her elbow as he leaned in to whisper to her.

"Come, we have much to discuss." she nodded and he guided them towards the forest. They walked in silence until they reach a clearing by the river. 

"This was my mother's favorite spot to come too." 

"It is beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you Sasha." she blushed at his words.

"I realize I made a mistake by pushing you away yesterday. I don't want any secrets between us. I cannot reject you. I cannot lose the alliance with your father." Sasha frowned. This wasn't exactly what she had been expecting when he said they needed to talk.

"I understand, but where does that leave us, mate?"

"Sasha," he turned and stood before her. "I don't want nor need a mate. What I do need is a partner."

"A partner?" she laughed "Aren't mates naturally partners Ayden?"

"I will not mark you," he stated bluntly. "And I will not reject you. You are mine. And mine alone." she slapped him. He stood back, stunned by the sting on his cheek.

"I am yours, your mate but you won't mark me?" she threw her hands up in anger. "So this was just a show for your pack!"

"Our pack," she wanted to slap him again, but he caught her wrist and pulled her against him. 

"I need this alliance, Sasha. Not a mate to distract me."

"This is bullshit!" she twisted away from him. "Tell me, you said no secrets, why won't you accept me as your mate?" she questioned him. He was silent for a moment and when he spoke his voice was soft.

"My parents were not mates. After she died, another woman came into my father's life. And she turned out to be his mate. When he marked her, all seemed wonderful. The pack thrived and everyone was so happy." Sasha watched the emotions play across his strong features. He ran his fingers through his dark blonde hair and she longed to comfort him.

"It was such a blow when we were attacked. My father had been so distracted with his mate that he died in battle."

"Oh,"

"His mate died soon after," they stood in silence. Sasha didn't know how to respond.

-

Ayden watched her closely. He didn't want to tell her anything but he had meant what he said about not having secrets. He didn't want to hurt her but he did want her to understand why he couldn't accept her fully.

"It took so long for the pack to recover. The attack had been brutal and left many families devastated. Including mine. Jewel and I tried our best to rebuild. And today we have made a new stamp in this village. We are strong, powerful and proud. But I do have alliances with other packs in order to protect us." Sasha walked to the river and looked down. He wished he knew what she was thinking.

"Ever since that day, I vowed never to have a mate. A partner yes, but not a mate."

"I understand," she whispered. If he hadn't been listening he might have missed her words. He wanted to hold her, he wanted to protect her but he also didn't want to get too involved.

"I won't hurt you. And I apologize for my behavior yesterday." She didn't say anything more. Instead, they stood at the riverbank together. Both lost in thought.