My husband had not returned from his quick drink. It was a few minutes before 8:30. I couldn't call his cellphone because he left it in the bedroom, so I sent an omega to go get him.
They didn't find him at the mini bar where I assumed he would be. Maybe he'd gone into his study to do a bit of work. It was hard to understand how a playboy could so quickly turn serious about life in general. He became a workaholic right after we got married. Whenever I thought about it, I felt proud of myself that I'd inspired such a good change in him. Not everyone could turn a ladies' man into a serious businessman. However, I got frustrated sometimes with the fact that took the business far more seriously than our marriage. Granted, ours was an arranged union, but I expected to be a priority in his life. I was his mate and wife. And today was very special. How could he think to work? With my pretty dress and makeup, I left the room to go fetch him from his study by myself, snatching his suit jacket on the way out. I'd taken a few steps when he appeared from the corner of the hallway. He saw the disapproval in my eyes and smiled, "I was on my way, babe." "No work or business today, Liam, you promised me." He came to kiss me on the cheek. "Sorry. Won't happen again. But you know running a pack isn't easy, Luna Keira." "What does that mean?" He made these type of comments occasionally. It always touched a nerve. "You sound like you're running the pack alone." A weird expression crossed his features, but he quickly smiled again and said, "You have to admit, I do more." Before I could reply, he dropped another light kiss on my lips. "Just pulling your legs, Kiki. C'mon, let's go renew our vows." I found it charming whenever he shut me up with a kiss. And he always did that after such comments. I had a pack to run and refused to fight with my husband over silly things, so I always let it go quickly. I was Luna. Not just the co-leader, but the one with alpha blood between the two of us. While, he was first born son of a warrior, I inherited the pack and the winery from my late father, the former Alpha. In fact, if not for pressure from the elders, I would be probably be single still and ruling the Spring Moon as Luna Keira Gray, sole leader of the pack. As we reach the entrance, the troubling thoughts moved to the back of my mind. My beloved uncle came to meet us. "Good morning, Luna and Alpha. Your guests are here. The Chief Elder is waiting to speak the blessings." Moments later, Liam and I stood before an older werewolf, exchanging our vows afresh. After that, the customary blessings was spoken upon us like the first time. The grand hall was packed with people. Alphas dignitaries, well-wishers and prominent pack members. More people were still arriving. I gave the welcome address of thanks. Then Liam and I danced. After the dance, he began giving a toast, when someone strode in. The person's presence seemed to fill the vast place. He walked like he was entering a bar that he owned. He looked about Liam's age. From his bearing, I knew he was not just any dignitary. This was an Alpha by blood and rank. Although I'd never seen him before. The hall went silent. His footsteps were the only sound, though inaudible to an ordinary wolf. His general aura was entirely foreign and imposing. There was only one Alpha whom I had never met on our side of the country. And that was the notorious, prodigal, lycan son of Alpha Ralph of the Autumn moon. I didn't need to be told that this was him. My uncle confirmed by going over to offer greetings. "Alpha Nox, before our very eyes. Welcome! We didn't think you'd make it." They clasp hands like old friends as my husband called out a greeting too, "Welcome, Alpha Nox." I raised a brow at Liam, but he ignored me as the new arrival returned his greeting with a smirk and a nod. Then, fierce purple eyes moved to me and his smirk gradually faded. An iridescent sparkle emanated from those odd eyes, causing something to stir deep inside me. It felt like Aria, my wolf, had just moved inside me. No, that wasn't possible. She should be sleeping at this time of the month because of my secret condition. I felt confused and frightened by these feelings. Quickly, I looked away from the strange beast of a male, terrified that someone could catch me staring at another during my wedding anniversary. I disliked the guy immediately. Why did he stare at me like that? I kept my eyes on Liam, who was now giving his toast. He finished in a moment, and the hall erupted in thunderous claps and howls. Then he took a sip from his glass before lowering himself to the chair beside me. I maintained my poise, smiling at my husband like a loving wife should. The temptation to ask him about our newcomer was strong. But I overcame it, telling myself that it was best to keep my focus off of the stranger. People stopped clapping as a female elder began to give a toast. Then Liam reached for my hand to squeeze it lovingly. "Theirs is a beautiful match indeed," said the elder. Liam's phone made a zzz sound. I gave him a disapproving look because I knew it was work. "Just a peek," he pleaded silently, then let go of my hand to reach into his pocket. When he brought out the cellphone, something fell out. A small piece of cloth. Red and silky. A curious color and a weird fabric for a handkerchief, I thought. We bent down at the same time to pick it up. I reached it first. Lifting it up, I held it out to see what it was. Hanging on my index finger was a woman's undies. A g-string.Keira POV The day of the full moon came like every other day. I drove to the Pine to do my work as usual. Pavlov remained my personal guard and he was no longer the only one. Conan had returned to work as the Head of my warriors. He followed me around like before. There was another. One from the Autumn Moon. The protection was a bit excessive, but I could not complain. Liam was still out there. I may have fought him squarely that day, but Goddess knew I didn't want a repeat. Not yet. Not when the moon had not yet appeared in the sky and I didn't have the confidence to shift at will. The antidote was effective. I felt Aria below the surface of my consciousness more and more, and she felt strong. But I didn't wish to risk shifting yet. All in all, it felt reassuring to know that if someone attacked me, I wouldn't have to fight them alone. Nox and I had not talked since he left the Spring Moon. He did not call. Neither did I. It felt like he was giving me space to take back contro
Keira POVNox's arm became loose around me. I grew worried that my words may have upset him. That he would go back to that same guy that yelled at me and called me unfit. That he would become cold again.Rather than anger, his features grew thoughtful as though he was considering my words. Then he reached out and gently smoothed my forehead, tucking an errant strand behind my ear. A kind, small smile graced his lips as he regarded me."You're right to feel the way you do, Keira. Indeed, you are a Luna in your own right.""Nox..."He placed a finger across my mouth to stop further words, then ran his thumb on my lower lip in a gentle caress. "I get what you're trying to say. My father won't take it very well, but I'll make him understand. I do have one condition.""What's that?""Actually, it's not a condition. It's something very important that I need you to understand. We are fated mates, Keira. Ceremony or not, you are mine. My Luna. My female. I don't intend to ever let you go!"*
Keira POVNox's face grew hard as I said the words. I expected that he would insist on a ceremony. Not only for his sake but for his father's. After all, he did say that he would not take no for an answer.He motioned for my door, which stood some feet away, then followed me silently into the freshly cleaned bedroom. He guided me inside with one hand on the small of my back. When he shut the door, he didn't take his hand off me. Instead, he moved closer with piercing eyes roaming my face. The large bedroom was silent, and I was keenly aware of him now as he asked,"Tell me why you're upset."The warmth of his body engulfed me. His hand moved slightly to rest on my waist."Tell me. Let's fix it together," he lifted his other hand and brushed an errant strand away from my face.I should speak, but my mouth laid parted as we both stared at each other's lips. Then he leaned close."I need you..." he breathed. "To tell me."Our lips were only a breath away. I did not pull back. I could not
Keira POV"What high priest?" I looked from father to son.Nox was also looking at his father, but his expression was no longer stoic."The one that would officiate your ceremony," replied the King. "The one that would pronounce you mated couple in front of your kin!""Father-""I can see that you bear faint traces of my son's scent," King Cyrus went on, ignoring Nox. "So it's safe to think that you two have moved forward a little bit."I lowered my head to hide the blush as he added,"That is a good thing." A faint hint of pride lit up his eyes as he looked at Nox. "But the full moon is coming. You two must be properly wed by then, so that you can claim your mate properly. Officially.""Your majesty-""Father-"We both called out in unison. Nox avoided looking my way."Luna Keira and I need to talk about..." he pursed his lips, then said instead. "You know what, you're right, your majesty. The full moon is almost here. My Luna and I will talk about the details and begin preparation
Keira POVI was disoriented and unsure of my present form when I first came awake. Was it Keira or Aria whose half-shut eyes stared at the door? I moved my limbs and confirmed that I was in my human form.Then I sucked in a deep breath, feeling Aria as she continued her rest deep in my consciousness. Unlike before, she felt so close to me now. The same way she'd felt the first time I got her right before the attack. My eyes opened some more. At the same time, memories of my encounter with Liam returned.I recalled the violent fight that ensued when he tried to have his way with me. My wolf had come to my rescue, shocking the both of us. I'd cut him very badly and could've killed him if my wolf had been fully healed. When he saw that he couldn't win the fight, he'd taken off, vowing to come see me again.I smiled inwardly as I recalled the look on his face. He'd expected me to pass out after shifting. A part of me feared the same. Then he'd gone ahead with attempting to claim and ma
Nox POV Without another word, I turned around and proceeded towards the cell where the omega was being held. The sound of shuffling feet echoed into the hall when I came near the door. The stench of fear engulfed the prison. Without waiting, I pushed open the door of the cell and entered to find the Blake guy on his knees with his head bowed down. He began speaking at once, "Alpha, please forgive me. I only did as I was told. He is a dignitary of the pack. I dared not disobey. I feared for my life and that of my son." Sweat poured down his brows. I went to meet him, and gripping his chin to make him look at me, I asked, "Who? Who put you up to it?" **** Ron Barton! Or Elder Ron as members of the pack called him. I knew the male well enough. He was the former chief of Keira's elders' council. I had just dissolved that body of old traitors. The male was also one of the people who snuck to my pack to hide on that full moon night. Not only that, he also paid me a secret visit