You Will Make A Beautiful Luna
Chapter 3
.
.
.
Elena
Nicole walked me back to his den, her heels making loud noises against the stone path.
“You should really smile more. It makes the rumours die quickly.” She said over shoulders.
Rumours was at the bottom list of my problems. Kael's leashes tightening around my neck was a bigger problem.
As I approached the den, two guards pulled the heavy door awaiting me. Inside smelled of old woods, smoke and something like dominance. Well I wasn't suprised, he was the Alpha after all.
I saw Kael standing by the large table in the centre of the hall with his hand folded across his shirt. His head snapped as he saw me. His gaze sweeping over me like a brand.
Nicole curtsied lightly and left, leaving me and him alone.
“Sit.” He said, looking at the chair across from him.
I sat down quickly without saying a word. I could feel my heart pounding.
He stared at me for a moment, then it turned to a long stare. It felt as if he was trying to read my mind.
Finally, he spoke.
“You've been distracted lately.”
Did he summon me here just to tell me this again? I didn't even know what to feel at that moment.
I laced my fingers tightly into my thighs. “I’ve been preparing. Training.” I tried not to come off rude.
The room felt tight suddenly.
Kael leaned in, his voice lowering. “I need to know that you're committed to this bond Elena. To me. For our future.”
“I am.” I said instantly.
He smiled– but it didn't reach his eyes.
“You need to start liking it then.No more wondering alone.”
I never knew I wasn't allowed to walk alone. I said to myself.
“Understood?” He said.
“Understood.” I said trying to force that word past my throat.
Kael's expression softened.
“Good girl.”
That phrase made my stomach turn but I kept a straight face.
He stood up from the chair and rounded the table, coming to stand behind me.
For a split second, he said nothing. He just stood there, close enough that I could feel the heat of his body.
Then he bent down, his mouth near my ear.
“You will make a beautiful Luna, only if you obey.” He murmured.
I nodded stiffly, wishing I could escape this moment.
Instead I sat still until he straightened up and kept his left hand on my shoulders.
“You're dismissed.”
The word I've been waiting to hear. I didn't wait any second longer.
Outside, the air felt cooler and fresh. I sucked the air into my lungs as if I was drowning seconds ago.
Rhea was waiting for me near the edge of the training field, her arms crossed and brows knitting into one.
“Elena, talk to me. Are you okay?” she asked immediately.
I gave a small tight nod.
She didn't buy that. She never believed it.
“What does he want?” She said.
“To remind me who I belong to.” I muttered bitterly.
Her lips twisted. “Ass.”
I let out a shallow laugh.
It felt good for just that moment.
“You coming to watch the sparring today?”
I hesitated for a second. “Nah, I think I will skip,” I said finally.
Actually I had several lessons today to catch up with – etiquette, history and all the useless crap expected of me when I became Luna.
But every part of me craved the field.
The open air
The battles
And him.
“Bummer, Lucian was gonna spar against Rowan today.” Rhea said, pouting.
The thought of his name made my heart race.I sighed and looked at Rhea who was already smirking at me. She really did know how to have her way around me.
“I guess I will stay for a while.” I said.
She grinned. “Good.”
When we reached the field, a small group of people had already gathered.
Pack members lined the edge , awaiting the show.
Sparring days were usually more of a celebration here; a chance gossip, place bet and cheer on for your favourite.
I spotted Elara and Aya by the refreshment table. Aya waved when she saw me and Elara barely looked at me.
Better. I wasn't even in the mood to deal with her today.
I turned my attention back to the ring just as Rowan lunged at Lucian.
Lucian dodged easily. He was doing more attacks than defense. Every motion was precise. Controlled.
But there was this tightness around his shoulders that hadn't been there before. Like he was barely holding something back.
Rowan threw a punch; Lucian blocked
A kick; he ducked.
It was pleasant to watch, but the energy around him today was different.
Wilder.
Sharper.
My eyes widened as I realised why.
He had heard what Kael said.
He knew.
I shifted closer to the ring edge without meaning to.
Lucian caught my movement in his peripheral vision. His gaze forward– just for a few seconds.
Rowan slammed into me causing them both to fly into the dirt.
The crowd roared.
Lucian grunted, standing to his feet again. My eyes suddenly caught the flash of blood near the corner of his mouth.
Something inside my snapped.
Because I could think and stop myself, I had already moved forward.
“Enough.” I yelled loudly.
Silence filled everywhere.
All eyes turned to me including Lucian.
Kael appeared at the side so fast I left like puking.
His hands around my elbow then he finally spoke.
“You overstepped love.” He said softly, only loud enough for me to hear.
My cheeks were covered in red. “I'm sorry.” I said, slightly bowing.
Kael squeezed once before releasing.
Lucian wiped off the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, still staring at me.
That night I couldn't sleep.
I turned and tossed under my thick covers.
Images from the day replayed in my mind and above all Rhea looked at me as if she already knew the disaster I was hurling towards.
I couldn't stay like this.
I couldn't pretend everything was alright meanwhile Kael closed in and Lucian was on a thin thread of self destruction.
I had to do something.
Anything.
I sighed and curled my self to sleep