The Luna’s Defiance

Wasting no time, I leapt onto the stage and caught her before she could hit the floor. Swiftly, I draped my trench coat around her, hating to see her exposed in such disgustingly revealing clothes under the predatory stares of the audience.

I lifted her into my arms and turned to leave when I felt Marcus's hand clamp down on my shoulder from behind.

"Big spender, you seem quite eager for this beauty, but remember, she's only yours for one night. Return her by tomorrow."

His voice dripped with arrogance, and I loathed every word. "I never share what belongs to me, especially my Luna," I stated, shaking his hand off my shoulder without bothering to look back.

"Luna?"

"Marcus Cromwell, who do you think you are, the self-proclaimed king?" I turned to him and removed the black mask that had covered half my face.

"Jacob Wood?" Marcus mumbled, a frown creasing his brow.

"Yes, Jacob Wood. I've come to put an end to this auction and all your illegal activities, once and for all."

Before he could react or summon his minions, I delivered a swift kick to Marcus, not giving him a chance to defend himself. It was immensely satisfying to see him flying across the room, crashing into the wall at the far end of the hall after my kick.

Utilizing the fire element through my eyes, I conjured a fiery barrier in front of the rogues before striding purposefully away.

"Did you memorize the faces of those lecherous eyes and dirty remarks passed on your Luna tonight?" I questioned Austin in a firm tone.

"Absolutely, Alpha," Austin replied respectfully, demonstrating his competence as usual.

"Each and every one of them must be dealt with," I ordered before walking out with my Luna cradled in my arms. Austin could handle the rest.

_________________

"The injuries aren't severe, but she's a bit weak, has lost some blood, and has a few injuries which I bandaged."

I summoned Dr. Zack, our family doctor, to examine my Luna. Since she passed out, both Dylan and I have been on pins and needles.

"Is there anything serious? Why is she still unconscious?" I couldn't conceal my restlessness.

"No, she just passed out due to the trauma. She should regain consciousness in a few hours."

I released a sigh of relief.

"Handle her with care and tenderness, Jacob."

His reminder came with a touch of kindness. I confessed that I am usually rugged when treating women. But my most gentle side is reserved exclusively for my Luna. Seeing him off, I entered our master bedroom, my heart wrenching at the sight of bruises and blemishes littering her body. Her once flawless, milky white skin was now marred with numerous red marks.

Once more, anger surged through me. I called for a nurse, and asked her to attend to the slumbering figure, then swiftly departed, summoning my beta to join me in the study through our mental link.

"I want a comprehensive report, leaving no detail overlooked." I instructed coldly as I settled behind the table, which was cluttered with files.

"Alpha, the situation at the auction house has been resolved. All the prisoners have been rescued. Those without known connections have been sent to a refugee camp until they find a pack or relatives to take them in. Additionally, all the culprits have been punished according to your orders, however..."

Austin paused. It was unusual of him to hesitate. I couldn't contain my frustration and slammed my hand on the table, demanding, "What?"

"Unfortunately, Marcus escaped," Austin said with his head bowed, bracing for my reaction. I felt a surge of anger.

Slamming my fist onto the table, I made everything on it shake. Despite being a rogue, Marcus once held the position of gamma in a powerful pack before severing ties. He was merely lucky that I was preoccupied with caring for my Luna; otherwise, he wouldn't have lived to see another day. Next time, I won't let him go.

"Keep searching for him," I commanded and ended the meeting.

I walked back to the bedroom. Inside, I found her still asleep, with the nurse dozing off beside her bed.

I snapped my fingers near the nurse, startling her awake. She immediately apologized profusely. I gestured for her to leave and stood there watching my Luna. Though she's sleeping soundly, a kind of stress still lingered on her face. I wish I could never let her feel any pain again in life. Staring her skin, her lips... She is so beautiful that I felt something wrong with my body. Shit!

I stormed into the bathroom. I stood in the cold shower, with the cool water to wash over me, hoping to soothe my overheated, buzzing mind.

The events of the day, from my Luna's innocent gaze to her embarrassment in those revealing clothes. And I tried hard to calm myself.

After spending what felt like an eternity under the shower, I turned off the faucet and heard a stirring sound from outside. It must be her, regained consciousness. I wrapped myself in a white robe and hurriedly stepped out. There she was, gazing at the bathroom door. But as her eyes met mine, she visibly flinched, pulling the comforter tightly around herself as she leaned against the bedpost.

This is far from what I had imagined. From the moment I laid my eyes on her, I was eager to make her mine, but why is she terrified of me? None of my words seem to calm her down, and even my friendly attempts are falling flat. I attempted to engage her in conversation, but she seemed resolute in her silence.

I can't comprehend why she’s still on edge around her mate, even after waking up. Doesn't she feel the bond between us as intensely as I do?

"Do you know who I am?" I gave it another shot, hoping to break the ice, and this time, it worked.

My question seemed to awaken something within her. She turned to me, her face flushed with embarrassment and her eyes blazing with defiance. "You're the highest bidder and the one who won," her reply was sarcastic.

My frown deepened at her words. Was that truly all I was to her?

Now why is she scanning the room, what's that her gaze searching for?Before I could wrap my head around she swiftly leaped out of bed and snatched a dagger from the set of five daggers hung on the wall of my bedroom as decoration.

"What are you doing?" I yelled in shock and anger, taken aback by her sudden aggression.

"Dare to force me, and I'll either kill you or myself." Her eyes were determined, still her voice quivered when she threatened. Strong headed, i refused to halt my advance but then I saw her running the blade of the knife along her wrist.