Lua POV:
"I can't believe this. This can not be happening. I am not this stupid! Why was I so stupid!?!?"
I couldn't stop my hands from trembling as I stared at the positive pregnancy test. What did I do? Why am I so selfish! Pregnant by the most powerful Alpha whose been searching for me for the past week now. I couldn't help but laugh at my own stupidity. I'm a hunted white wolf for fucks sake. But noooo I just had to go to that party and woo that stupid Alpha Elias. Fuck those light brown eyes! And that impeccable body. And that perfect face. Shit! I am so screwed. He doesn't know I'm a white wolf. I've never shifted with him and thankfully I am able to change my aura due to my powers. One of the many powers that made white wolves stand out and eventually envied enough to be slaughtered. I have survived my whole life through this war, watched my family slaughtered, to now be hunted not because I'm a white wolf, but because I'm carrying the heir to the richest, most powerful and feared Alpha. I pace around the gas station bathroom and have to talk outloud to myself. it's the only way I can think clearly.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!!! He's getting too close. He is not going to stop until he finds me. There's no way to escape. He owns these 3 states and I'm days away from being able to pass his borders. There's too many roadblocks and security has doubled at all borders. I'm trapped and royally screwed!"
Suddenly someone started pounding on the door. I held my breath. My heart beating faster than a goddamn racecar.
"Hello! I got to fucking go hurry up! What are you doing!"
"Sorry just a second!"
Thank God. Just someone who needs to use the bathroom. How long have I been in here anyway? I throw on my bag and shove the pregnancy test into my pocket. I pull my hat down as low as possible. I quickly walk pass the lady and mumble my apologies for taking so long. I walk to the diner right next door and have a seat. I'm so starving I could eat a whole deer. In fact I might have to hunt for one later because the craving for deer meat is driving me insane. I ate like an hour ago. This baby is already costing me so much.
"HI there welcome to Maggie's Diner may I take your order?"
"HI, yes I'll have the French Toast with Hashbrowns, banana parfait, carrot cake, and 2 glasses of milk please"
"Wow will that be all? You sure pack it away nicely! I wish my metabolism worked like that!
I half smile and force a chuckle before confirming my order. Why do people always have to comment on my big appetite? Just because I'm 5'2 and 120lbs doesn't mean I don't eat. I stare out the window searching for any sign of trouble. Elias has everyone he can out looking for me. We went out for only about 3 months yet he still had me followed and one of his little spies saw me buy the pregnancy test. He tried to grab me but I managed to escape. How did he know before I did that I was pregnant? He was always wanting to be with me, borderline creepily attached. I didn't even want to go out on dates with him! But how do you say no to an Alpha? I don't think its even possible with an aura as strong as his. He isn't a bad guy either. He's actually quite romantic, kind, and believe it or not, sensitive. I knew he was falling in love and I had to leave before he found out, but I didn't feel right and needed that pregnancy test. Deep down I knew before taking it I was. Mother's intuition I guess
"Alrighty here we go hungry hippo!"
"OH geeze you scared me! wait what did you say?"
"OH I'm so sorry mam I say that to my son all the time when he wants to eat a big meal. I really meant no insult. Your meal is on me just please don't tell the manager I really need this job"
"It's ok I understand. Theres no need for that. No offense taken. I feel like a hippo these days anyway"
"Thank you so so much!"
I nodded and watched her walk back to kitchen. I take off my hat because it's making me sweat. What is it with these hot flashes? They're very annoying! I look down at my glorious food and think about what I'm going to eat first. I decide I will take a bite of everything instead of eating one thing at a time. I get so caught up in my food that I don't realize the whole diner is staring at me and whispering. By the time I finish my food and catch them all staring, I notice my picture plastered on the news and three black SUVs screech to a halt outside the diner. I see him. Alpha Elias is here and he saw me right away. No! What can I do? I cant escape. This is it. I'm caught! My heart sinks. Get it together! You have to play dumb. Oh I know the perfect lie!
"Everyone out!"
His Alpha aura cleared the room faster then you could blink. I finished my drink then stood up, faking a sad yet happy to see you look on my face. He motions for me to sit as he does, so I do.
"What the fuck Lua!"
"I'm sorry Eli, I really am"
"Why did you run from my guy?"
"Your guy? The one who tried to grab me out of the drug store was your guy? I thought he was one of your fathers guys!"
"Why would you think that?"
God the way he raised his eyebrow and tilted his head was so sexy. I wanted him as badly as I wanted to eat a deer. I blame the baby hormones!
"Last week your father offered me 10k to leave and never contact you again. He said I was a gold digger and was taking your attention away from your duties. He said I was just trying to get knocked up so I would become Luna and not be a broke whore anymore"
"He said that! Why didn't you tell me"
" I didn't want to cause problems. I know your dad puts a lot of pressure on you, and I was afraid of him. I mean I know he's your dad but he is quite intimidating. When that guy grabbed me I knew he saw what I bought. I thought your dad was going to kill me. He made it clear I wasn't Luna material."
Eli grabs my hand and squeezes it. He then leans over the table and rubs my shoulders. It felt so good. His touch melts me without fail. It's going to be so hard to escape again. He is not going to leave me out of his sight once I tell him.
"I'm sorry Lu. I'm sorry about what he said and how I scared you. Something felt off about you so I selfishly had my guy follow you last week. Honestly thought you were cheating on me. I know we're not exclusive but you're so out of my league I was being insecure"
"It's ok Eli, really it is. I'm sorry I ran. I should have gone directly to you but I guess your father's words put some doubt in my mind about us. I thought he'd convince you I'm not good enough and you'd take his side. I didn't really think and I just kept running. I'm sorry babe"
"I understand now. I'm not mad. Well not at you anyway. This is all my father's fault. And sorta mine. I should have trusted you and not let my insecurity get the best of me. Lua, I promise you he will never threaten you again. I am Alpha and he has no say here. I will have him relocated elsewhere if he dare bother you again. He lost his position for a reason. And I'm the youngest most powerful Alpha for a reason. I can and will protect you no matter what. Please come to the pack house with me. We can talk further"
Here goes nothing. I have to tell him now. Maybe he'll let me go. Maybe he doesn't want a kid and he'll let this go and we can sweep it under the rug. I'll just have to move to human territory far away that's all.
"Eli, I need to show you something first. Now this was my mistake and I completely own up to it. You don't have to feel obligated to handle this. I can do it on my own and I won't ever bother you or come after you for anything. We can sign a legal contract as well."
I take out the pregnancy test and place it in front of him. It takes him a second to read it, but the second he does his eyes light up and a huge smile cover his face. I knew he was going to be happy, but deep down I wanted him to not be. All I needed was for him to throw me aside like everyone else did because I couldn't open up. But not him. He chased me like a puppy since the first day we met. Fuck me. Onto plan B.
"OH Lua what are you talking about! I'm ecstatic! I never thought I'd be a dad at 22 but hey, surprises are the best thing about life. oh Lu I'm so happy. I am. I want to be a dad and I want you. Everything will make sense to you soon!"
He got up and lifted me up out of my seat into a tight hug but quickly put me down concerned that he hurt me. I laughed and assured him he didn't hurt me or the baby. He wrapped his arm around me as we walked to the car. Everyone but the workers had left. I held onto his hip and squeezed. Wait a second. What did he mean by everything will make sense soon? That was sketchy as fuck. Did he brake the condom on purpose? Is he an obsessed stalker and knew I was drifting away from him so he knocked me up? No he's not like that. I'm good at reading people; but he's an alpha. He didn't get this authority by chance. Maybe I don't really know him. Maybe I've been fooled this whole time!
My head was spinning at what he meant that everything will make sense. He was in a conference call on the way to the pack house but he held my hand the whole time. I stared out the window anxiously. I have to make an escape plan. I only have 6 weeks before this baby is born. White wolves pregnancies only last 3 months and I'm at least 5 weeks in. He's going to get suspicious about how fast my stomach is growing. I need to escape within the week. Once I hit 6 weeks I'm going to blow up like a balloon. Then everyone is going to know. They're all going to know im a white wolf. I'll be executed on the spot. No trial, no begging. I have to think fast and smart. I have to stay focused!
"Alright babe my attention is all yours. Sorry about that call. Couldn't reschedule it. It was supposed to be in person but I was able to get it to just a conference call thankfully "
"Eli, what do you mean it will all make sense soon?"
"What?"
He tensed up. I felt it. Somethings wrong. He is such a horrible liar. Shit what am I going to do! He's not going to come clean. I can sense he's already trying to think up a lie. Fuck! what does he have planned? What does he know!"
" Elias, you know what you said. What did you mean? I had a horrible week on the run being pregnant on top of it. I thought I was going to be killed. Please don't lie to me. I know you"
"Lua please don't make me ruin the surprise. Can I just give you a hint? please ? Ever since I met you I've been planning this. Please don't make me tell you. It won't be romantic at all if you make me spill the beans"
" I don't want just a hint. I want the truth. You're stressing me out and thats not good for the baby."
" Babe please. Please just a hint. It's a good hint. and if you think hard enough you'll probably figure it out. just know if you guess what it is and make me confirm it the surprise will be over and we'll have a lot to talk about. it's a good surprise I promise.
" I want the hint then. And I'm going to guess and if I guess correctly you tell me. Unlike you, I don't like surprises. They stress me out and I'm stressed enough. I'm an unmarried pregnant 20 year old knocked up by the most powerful Alpha whose father already hates me."
"OK, ok. though It would have been the most romantic surprise ever, It has something to do with your 21st birthday next week and our relationship. I basically told you. If you don't figure it out that's a you problem. My hint is basically a cheat sheet!"
"I told you I hate my birthday! I didn't even want to tell you what it was when we first met. And by the way. that was weird how you insisted that I tell you my birthday when all we did was have a few drinks together.
"Well if you figure out the surprise you'll know why I insisted and I'll be less creepy to you.
I scoffed and returned my gaze to window. Why not just tell me! I fold my arms and think. Ugh I have to think this one out loud. How embarrassing. I hate how I have to talk to myself outloud to process important shit. Living on your own since 8 years old and not trusting anyone will do that to you. I think I'm insane. Sorry baby. Your mommy is a nutcase and your father is probably going to kill us both. Welcome to earth
" My birthday and our relationship. What does that have to do with anything? We've only been together 3 months. My birthday doesn't fall on the 3 month anniversary of our first date. Nothing significant happened for my birth day to be an anniversary. it's my 21st and that's already special because....... OH SHIT!"
No, no way. that can't be it. Can it? This can actually work in my favor. I might not have to escape. Oh my God I might get to live! Actually live! Not just survive and move from town to town every few weeks. I might actually get to be who I am. With the full protection and support of not only a feared, strong Alpha, but his entire pack! I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Am I dreaming? Is my shitty life really going to turn around now? Has the Moon goddess finally did something good for me? Oh my God Yes!. Yes! He was right. I am too smart. And now I have a plan c. Forget Plan b. Plan C is where I finally get a life!
"Babe are you ok? Why are you crying? Are you in pain? How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling ecstatic! I'm over the moon! I'm sorry I ruined your surprise but I understand now. I understand why you were moving the relationship forward so fast. I understand why you couldn't be apart from me for too long. I understand why you came to only me in a room full of women more beautiful and with better bloodlines then me. It makes sense now. I can't believe I didn't put it together sooner! I thought you were just in some phase of your life! But now I know. And I couldn't be happier! We do have a lot to talk about indeed. So much to talk about. There's so much you don't know.
"Woah woah woah. You didn't even guess. You're going on and on with such confidence what if you're wrong? that would be embarrassing."
He laughs his intoxicating laugh and gives me a hug. I love him. I didn't want to admit it but I do. I tried to distance myself but it was like I was in a trance. But now I know. I know why I couldn't control my emotions. Why I longed to be with him. I have always been able to turn guys down, but not him. I couldn't even speak when he asked to sit and have drinks with me that first night. I have always bottled up my feelings but was able to let loose a little bit with him. He made me feel things I never felt before. I thought it was because we fucked and he was my first. I chalked it up to a little crush because he took my virginity. Boy was I wrong.
" Eli, I know Im right. So here's my official guess. the reason you came after me is because I'm your mate.
You knew the second you saw me! We can only sense our mates once we're 21. In a week I would have known. You wanted to surprise me?"
"Fuck that beautiful smart mind! But yes I knew the second I walked in the room. You were glowing. You drove my wolf insane. I longed to be near you and learn everything about you that I could. But damn did you play hard to get! You made me work hard for the smallest piece of information. But it's ok I know you've been through shit. But now that you know babe I want to know everything about you. I want to spend the rest of the day satisfying your pregnancy cravings while I get to know everything about you, and you'll get to know everything about me. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it. I'm an open book. And I know you're hesitant opening up your heart but babe we're mates. I've been waiting months for next week. Can that please be the plan? Can we spend the rest of the day absorbing everything about each other?"
"OH Eli yes! Yes yes yes. But I have to warn you. I have some dark secrets. Very dark. And a lot of trauma. I am so ready to tell you everything but things might change. I hope to God they don't but they might. I have never said this to anyone and I don't take this lightly. I love you Elias Onyx. I knew deep down that I loved you but my messed up head and broken heart wouldn't accept it. God I've wanted to say this for so long. It's crazy that I'm letting myself feel this way. I love you, I love you, I love you!
I unbuckle my seat belt and basically tackle him. Tears run down my face as I squeeze him as hard as I can and he squeezes back just as hard. It feels so good. Pure ecstacy. Please please please let this work. The war has been over a few months but the hate of white wolves hasn't just disappeared. No white wolves have come forward. I could very well be the last one, or they're smart enough to stay in hiding. But I think I let loose and started living a bit because of fate. I never went to a party in my life. I was taught to always be on the move, to never talk to anyone unless necessary, to never show any emotion or get attached to anything. Well once the war was officially declared over and a peace treaty announced. Something clicked and I decided to abandon all the values my family burned into my head. I was born right at the start of the war, always on the run before I could even sit up myself. I was taught to be quiet. Never cry. Never ask questions. There was no time for play. only survival. I was trained hard. My parents needed to teach me everything about being a white wolf. I needed to know our true history and master all our special gifts. Life was so fucking hard. Especially when I lost them all. They died because of me. It was my fault.
Before I knew it I fell asleep in his arms, having flashbacks of my life thus far. We had a 14 hour drive ahead of us still. The last thing I remember before I fell asleep was Eli's strong yet soft hand petting my hair as I curled into a ball on his lap. For the first time I felt safe. Truly safe. God was this feeling releaving.
~Flashback, Lua Age 8~
"A puppy! What a cute puppy! He's white just like me! Mom is never going to let me keep you little guy. I'm definitely going to get a beating for even being out here. I think she'll even kill me for shifting. But I understand you better in wolf form and you only trust me in wolf form. You can be my brother! Yes I know youre a dog and I'm a wolf but we can play and have so much fun! I will teach you like mommy taught me. you can follow us from afar and I will sneak out every chance I get to take care of you. it's a boring life I know but if we have each other it won't be too bad. Now I just have to figure out how to teach you!"
Lua and the stray pup played for about an hour at the stream by the cave her family had spent the last 2 weeks at. Lua found the pup the first night they were here and hid him. Every night since she snuck out to play. Her parents had no clue, but they were both sick which was the only reason they stayed in the same place for more than a few days. The war had turned them completely paranoid. They struggled for years to conceive, then struggled a few more years with miscarriages. When they finally got their rainbow baby, the White War had just begun. In fact Lua was born the first night of the war when thousands of white wolves were already slaughtered. Lua's parents knew they had to survive and they had to teach her everything as soon as possible. They've been especially hard on Lua the past year because they were sick and knew as their strength dwindled they were going to have to send her off on her own to survive. They were strict and even brutal, but they just wanted their baby girl to survive and get a chance at a life. If they knew the war was coming, they never would have continued trying for a baby. They were going to force Lua to move on without them the next day. it broke their heart that they had to abandon her, but it was for the best. Unfortunately they didn't get to have a last conversation with their daughter, for that night they were caught.
"OK little guy. You're fed, bathed, and tired now. I have to go. mom and dad will be up soon. I'll be back tonight. You have everything you need until I get back! Just like ma taught you Lua. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Say goodbye to your wolf and hide your aura right away. It'll be visible for a split second when you shift and that's all it takes for them to find you"
Lua shifted and hid her aura right away. Just as she did she heard a blood curdling scream. She knew it was her mom. Then she heard her dad scream. It was a scream of pain she had never heard before. She mind linked her parents but they have been too weak lately to mind link back. Lua started running as fast as she could to the cave when suddenly a rule echoed in her head.
"Never run towards a scream. No matter who it is. If you scream you get left behind. You are not here to protect us. You can't protect us. If we scream. You are on your own. You follow the rules and remember your training. You must get to the human territory. It's known as Canada. You don't look back only forward. Trust no one"
Lua stopped in her tracks as tears flowed down her face. Closing her eyes she took a breath. She knew what she had to do. This could be a test and if she fails she'll be beaten. She hasn't failed many tests. She's a clever pup as her dad would say. She decided she didn't care. She would gladly take the beating. She prayed this was a test. Yes her parents were mean but she loved them. She knew they were trying to keep her safe. She completely turned off her aura, grabbed her puppy, and walked towards the cave. There was blood everywhere. The stench of death filled the air. Her mother laid to the right of the cave. Eyes wide open and hand reaching towards the river. Her father's arms were cut off and thrown far from the body. He had a huge hole in the middle of his forehead. Lua could even see his brain. Tears streamed down her face when suddenly she heard a branch snap.
"You!"
Lua remembered her training. She had no aura. She appeared human. She was to act like a defenseless human child now. Don't forget your back story. Keep it simple, act traumatized.
"P-p-please help me!
She ran sobbing into the woman's arms.
"You're a little girl... are you lost?"
"My mommy and daddy are gone I don't know where they went I've been looking for them with my puppy since the Morning! I'm hungry and scared and those people were eaten by something! Is it going to eat me too?"
"No, no sweetie I will help you find your mommy and daddy ok? I know that must of been scary to see those people like that a white wolf attacked them. Did you see a white wolf anywhere?
Lua shook her head no. She blocked all thoughts in her mind and focused on concealing her aura. She completely shut down. She recited over and over her story. She was on vacation with her family. They played hide and seek in a boat because the airplane was a lot of money. They were all camping in the woods. Now she had to add that she found a puppy playing with a white wolf. The wolf started coming towards them so her dad threw rocks. They started running and got separated. Then she found the puppy again and heard screams. Lua kept going over details. Her human parents names, her name, their address. Lua knew she had to get the information right, because the names and address was a code to the human government that Lua was a refugee. The law was that any humans in Werewolf territory without a Visa would be sent directly back no questions asked. With Visas you can only travel by plane, those without traveled as stowaways on boats. Within 3 days Lua was sent to a refugee camp in Canada. Though once she got there she realized there were no survivors. She was the only refugee to ever get to Canada. No one else made it. She was really alone now.
~Present Time Lua POV~
I awoke in a sweat. My breathing is out of control and my heart is racing. Elias is talking to me but I can't hear what he's saying. His lips are moving but nothing seems to be coming out. I look around and we're outside the pack house. Has it been 14 hours already?
The next thing I know Elias has wrapped me around his body. He sits on the ground and rocks me back and forth while hushing. Slowly my heartbeat returns to a normal rhythm and I can breathe.
"Lua, I think you had a panic attack. You slept the whole ride and I let you because you've been on the move a week with barely any sleep. Right when we got here as I was carrying you to our room you started breathing heavily and your heart was beating crazy fast. I couldn't wake you up then suddenly you were awake. Are you ok? The doctor is on her way.
" No doctor! I told you I don't like them! ugh it was a nightmare about my past I'm fine. I need to pee and I'm starving. I embarrassed myself enough let's just go inside we need to talk. I want to see no one until we've talked ok? Please? It's urgent."
"You're freaking me out what's going On? Lua tell me. I'll hold off on the doctor for a bit but you're going to tell me everything. I need to know how to help you"
This was it. Eli was carrying me to his apartment on the top floor of the pack house. From the outside it seemed like a normal one family mansion but in reality consisted of huge apartments Alpha Elias, his Beta, and other important pack members along with their families all lived in different apartments. Damn it Lua focus. In a second your secret will be out. No delaying the inevitable now. As Eli puts me down on his couch, I grab a pillow and pull my legs up to my chest.
"Don't say anything and sit Eli. I need a second. This goes against what I was taught my whole life. Remember I'm your mate and the mother of your soon to be first born."
"Lua nothing you did is going to scare me away. As you said you're my mate. I will not judge you"
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course baby, talk to me. I will listen and I will only talk when you ask me to."
"It's easier to show you. Close your eyes and invision me ok? Think only about me"
Eli did as I said even though he doesn't know what I mean by show him. I took a deep breath and got up. I looked down at my hand and saw my claws. Here was another power that white wolves had. We can half shift into actual werewolves. We had claws and all the senses of our wolf. My face didn't change and I didn't get hairy like in all the human shows and movies. I only had claws on my hands and feet and my wolf senses and strength. I could also shift without hurting the baby which was a bonus. I took a hard look at Elias' concentrating face. This was it baby. You will now know everything about me. I won't read your mind and memories but you'll see mine like a fast movie. Here's to hoping the mate bond keeps me alive. With my last thought, I sunk my claws into the back of his neck. Both our heads jerked upwards and we appeared to be having a seizure. In reality, we were watching my life together. All my thoughts and memories from since I was a toddler to now. Funny to think that all the shit I went through is basically a movie in my head, and Elias is getting to see it all.
