Chapter 7: The Luna

Harper's POV

The compound gives off an eerie vibe as we walk through. My home felt alive and inviting, while this place is dull with no sense of excitement or fun buzzing around. I'm sure this is the influence of Asher's uncles; he would never allow his pack to live like this if he wasn't under their thumb.

There doesn't appear to be anyone around when Asher opens the front door. Julius and Dean are not far behind us when we enter the living space. In a compound of this size there should be multiple members of the pack moving around and hanging out. I don't see a single person, even though it's the middle of the day.

Asher looks as confused as I am.

"Where is everyone?" I question him.

He shrugs his shoulders, placing the suitcase by his feet, "I'm not sure. I wasn't aware of any events being held today." He looks towards his uncles, "Do you know anything about this?"

Instead of responding, they smile and head through the house.

"That was odd," I comment.

Asher frowns, "Very."

We walk through the house towards what I assume is the backyard. We pass multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, but not a single person is around. The inside of the compound is how I pictured it after seeing the outside; dull and sad. The walls are a dark grey and the wooden floorboards creak with each step we take. Living here is going to be a challenging time.

I notice how tall Asher is as I follow him through the house. He's got to be at least six foot one. I'm a tiny five foot two.

I hear the crowd before I see them. There's an eruption of cheers, the voices piercing through me in a wave. I jump back, clutching at my chest. When I step around Asher, I see a crowd of up to seventy people standing on the lawn. 'Congratulations' balloons are hung across the porch and multiple tables of food and beverages are set up off to the left.

I'm speechless.

"What's this?" Asher questions Julius.

"I told the pack the good news of your engagement," he says, "What better way to celebrate love and the arrival of our new Luna than a party?"

I'm still standing behind Asher, not sure if I should go down and meet the rest of the pack. Maybe he should introduce me first. I nudge his shoulder and gesture for him to address his pack and introduce me.

Asher clears his throat, facing the crowd, "Now that I know you've all heard the good news," he begins, but is cut off when the group erupts into another cheer.

I smile at them. They're so happy for their leader, it's nice to see.

"It is true," he continues, "I'm getting married. I have found my Mate and she is the love of my life." Asher takes a step to the side so they can see me, "This is Harper Cole from the Red Moon pack, she will be my wife and your Luna."

The group begins to clap for me as I offer them a warm smile and a gentle wave. I'm eager to meet them. I would love to know stories about Asher and hear how his pack is run.

"I'm excited to meet you," I announce, "I hope I can be the perfect Luna to you all."

It isn't long before the party is in full swing. Music blasts through speakers, drinks are being poured and conversations are flowing. I've lost Asher amongst the group. I spot him talking to a group of younger girls, it is clear they are all in love with their Alpha. The look in their eyes as he speaks shows how much they admire and respect him.

I've been doing my best to mingle with the group and introduce myself to as many people as possible. A lot of them asked about my own pack and know my Father well. I heard stories about Asher and I's Fathers being best friends. It warmed my heart hearing stories about my Father's childhood, his sense of humour and personality was contagious amongst both packs.

Hours pass, the sun begins to set low in the sky. This pack knows how to party. My pack would've called it a night by now and retired to bed. Not this crowd. I don't see this 'engagement' party ending any time soon.

"We fell in love just like that," I snap my fingers. I've lost count any many times I've had to tell Asher and I's 'love story.' I know it isn't a real story, but it's exhausting having to repeat myself every five minutes when I meet a new person.

I excuse myself from the young lady I'm talking to. I need to find a quiet place to sit and take a moment to myself. Today has been a lot; I need alone time.

I walk around the compound, hoping to find a path that'll lead to a grove similar to the one back home. That moment never comes. After walking around the compound's grounds for almost twenty minutes I give up and take a seat on a fallen tree trunk. I watch the party from a distance. I see Asher talking to a group of guys his age.

He throws his head back in laughter, and I admire his gorgeous smile.

The scene in front of me is my new life. A dull building and a pack who is too afraid to stand up against Asher's uncles. The next year will be interesting.

A twig snaps in the distance. I turn towards the sound, ready to attack if need be. A small woman comes out of the shadows. The light from the party illuminates her features. Long blonde hair reaches her waist, her blue eyes glow under the light. She's beautiful.

She takes a seat next to me, offering out her small hand.

"I'm Amaris Grey," I shake her hand, "I've been wanting to introduce myself all evening but never got the chance."

I offer her a comforting smile, "It's nice to meet you."

"Are you enjoying the engagement party?" She asks.

I nod, "Of course! I'm so excited to be here meeting you all."

"I never thought Asher would meet such a nice girl like you," Amaris shocks me by saying.

"What do you mean?" I question.

Amaris fiddles with the end of her hair, "His last girlfriend left him without warning before he could propose to her. She wasn't very nice to the pack and never wanted to spend time with us," She looks sad, but smiles anyway,

"You're so kind and caring. I can tell he's going to be happy with you."

Amaris is the sweetest girl I've ever met. I know the relationship with Asher is fake, but it warms my heart hearing I make someone else happy.

"How long have you known Asher for?" I ask, curious to know more about him.

"We grew up together," She laughs, "It's embarrassing to admit but I had a crush on him when we were eight years old."

I laugh along with her, "Really?"

"Oh yeah, I was convinced we were going to get married at the playground in the sand box."

I knew he had a playground relationship. I'm not sure why he would be too embarrassed to tell me.

"Has he had other girlfriends?" I ask.

Amaris shakes her head, "Apart from Zoey, no."

The wind picks up, small droplets of rain land on my forehead. I look towards the sky, sensing a storm on its way. I look back to Amaris, who is watching me with big eyes.

"A storm is on its way," I announce, "I should let the rest of the party know so we can call it a night."

We stand to our feet and Amaris takes my hand into hers, "I want to get to know you better, Luna."

I smile, "I'd like that, too."

We head back to the party to round the group up. It isn't long until everyone begins to disperse back to the bedrooms. I offer to help clean up, but Amaris insists she can handle it. I look through the crowd and spot Asher, who appears to also be searching for me. We meet in the middle of the porch.

"Hey," we both say at the same time.

Asher laughs, "Sorry about the party. I didn't know my uncles had planned it."

I shake my head, "Don't worry about it, I had fun. It was nice to meet your pack."

Asher sighs in relief, "They love you already and we're not married yet, it's a good sign."

Groups of drunk people move around us, laughing and stumbling. However, it feels like Asher and I are the only two people out here. Small droplets of rain land on my skin. It isn't long before they fall faster.

"Where's my room going to be?" I question. I want to begin to set my things up and get a good night's rest.

Asher looks at me confused.

"What?" Now I'm confused. Am I going to be sleeping on the couch?

"You're sleeping with me," he says, "In my bedroom."