Chapter 3: The Rejected Luna

Chase and I walk back to the Alpha's Manor together. Wolves are everywhere in sight and many are watching with interested eyes. They want to see how we are together and hope to catch the slightest error that will spur gossip around the pack. We maintain and once we reach the Manor and at his room door; he shoves it open and lets me in after him.

My coronation is over now. I'm in a new year of my life and the alpha and I must consummate our mate bond, just as the moon goddess has deemed it so. I'm excited and scared as I stand awkwardly in the middle of the room. Chase takes off his white tunic and leaves his pants on. He turns to the wine cabinet in the room and drowns his sorrows in the glass of bourbon. 

This isn't what I want. I'm his Luna now. We've bonded with each other forever and no one can come between us. I want him to drown his sorrows in me. I want to be the one he turns to whenever he's sad or needs help.

"Chase." I call as I walk over to him and place my palm on his bare back. My heart is aching in its cage. I feel his hard breathing and I'm sad because I do not want to be the cause of his pain. "Chase, please listen to me—" 

"Get out." 

His voice is low at first, and I ask. "What did you say?"

He suddenly spins around and flings my hand away. The look I see on his face makes my knees wobbly. I step back from him because of the rage I can visibly discern.

"Get out, Marelyn!" He shouts, and I jump, pressing a hand over my heart.

My hands are shaking. Another wave of tears is threatening to burst out, but I've cried enough in one night and because of one man. So I purse my lips and swallow the fear his shout caused.

"Are you really doing this to me?"

Chase reconsiders his past reaction and is more calm this time, but his face still holds that granite look. 

He says, "I prepared a separate room for you. In this union, we have rules, and the first on my list is that I want nothing to do with you."

"But that goes against everything the moon goddess has defined as mate laws." I stand my ground and tip my chin. "You will not disrespect me and ruin this special moment for me, Chase." 

He comes forward and grips the back of my neck in a stronghold. "Check again because it's not me that will live with you or lie with you in the same bed. Over my dead body."

We stare hard at each other for a moment. Sea blues against ink black. The fire in our gazes attracts and detonates as ire. I can see that he's as serious as a heart attack and nothing will change his mind from hating me the way he does.

"Why don't you make this easier for both of us? Just leave me, Mare."

"No! Let me go." I can't hold it in anymore. A single tear trickles down my cheek. 

Chase doesn't listen. He manhandles me and shoves me out of his room. The door shuts in my face and the wind it gathers blows my hair out of my face. 

He says from behind the door and I hear him clearly, "The next room on your right. I just hope I won't see much of you. Do me a favour and make yourself scarce." 

I can tell when he leaves the door post and sinks deeper into his wide room. I crouch low on the floor and pull my knees to my chest. My long dress pools around me and I feel nothing like a princess at this point. It's the exact opposite. 

I don't know how long I sit here sobbing, but I hear footsteps approaching a while later. I raise my tear-filled gaze to see who it is. My eyes make out Ruby's figure and I can't feel more like a fool. 

She unlocks his door and slips inside immediately. I shoot to my feet and still meet the door banging closed in my face. Ruby had the key to my Alpha's room. Rage kicks in. I knock and knock. I do not use my wolf's strength, but I'm screaming at the top of my lungs for someone to answer me. When I can't find my voice any longer, I withdraw my bruised knuckles and sob quietly. 

I realize too late that there's nothing left for me here. A part of me had hoped he would reconsider into the night and that was why I stayed. With slumped shoulders, I walk over to the second room on my right and turn the handle. It budges and I enter. The busted skin of my knuckles heals within seconds, but then the room I'm inside feels so empty and cold. I miss home immediately. 

I cry myself to sleep because I do not want to hear the sounds of Ruby giggling and moaning across from me. Jealousy would have killed me by morning. But when I wake, Chase's voice is still the first thing on my mind. Make yourself scarce. How on earth am I supposed to do that? 

Maids come that morning and suit me up for the day. It's my first day as Luna of Red Valley and the sound of it all makes my skin crawl. My lungs feel tight and I'm yearning for an escape. I feel trapped and I need saving. 

I'm staring at my reflection in the mirror and I can't recognise myself. The dress I'm wearing was made from the Carodian pearls my father brought yesterday. They'd been cut down into tiny fragments and, like always, my attire is blue because I will never forget where I come from. 

These maids stay on my trail as I walk into the throne room minutes later. A gathering has already formed within the space and my Alpha already sits on his throne. He avoids my stare immediately and doesn't even acknowledge my presence.

Loki says, "Luna Marelyn, you're most welcome!" 

The small crowd cheers. "Welcome, Luna Marelyn!" 

It should spur me on and give me the courage I need to face this, but no, it does nothing to me as I reach the stairs, climb up and take my seat. I feel indifferent. Chase does not even spare me a glance or say a word to me, and my father catches on quickly. He glances at me with a question in his gaze. 

He knows all is not well and I discern it immediately, even though his mouth did not speak it. Blue Silver wolves do not have mind links as an ability, but there are many other things we are capable of.

My father says, "My pack and I will set out today. Alpha Chase, thank you for choosing my daughter as your Luna. I know she's in safe hands." 

"Of course she is, Alpha Ivan." Chase smiles at me and it baffles me how much he can fake it till he makes it. "In fact, Luna Marelyn and I have come to an agreement."

I frown. "Have we?" 

He nods and I'm wide-eyed with shock as he rolls on.

"Mare complained all night about how she'll miss her family and her people, and we all know how generous I can be. I've decided to grant my Luna's wish." He stands on his feet. "Alpha Ivan of the Blue Silver pack, my wolves and I demand your second daughter."