Chapter 9

Neriah

I sat still on the bed, unable to move or say anything while Jasper’s eyes darkened in anger and frustration. His hands were curled in fists. He was furious about seeing my outside, I know that much. My hand shook slightly at the edge of the hospital gown I wore, feeling like a defiant child. 

“We are going home. Now.” he said, voice low and sharp, leaving no room for questioning. 

I blinked in surprise. 

“Why?” I asked quietly. I know what I did was wrong but how can he say we are going home when I only just woke up today and my body is still weak, can barely do anything. “But my body is still weak.” I added, not wanting to be defiant again knowing I’m in the wrong. 

“You should have thought about that before wandering around the lobby like you own the place.” he lashed out, narrowing his eyes on me. “Are you trying to sabotage my Luna by trying to get close to my pack members? Are you hoping she won’t come back so you can take her place completely?" his face was contorted in a stern frown. 

I swallowed hard. “No,” I said, fear gripping me, wondering why he’s thinking like that. He has made it clear that I'm not his luna and would never be, that I’m just a substitute, so why will I do that. He also told me he’d punish me every time I disobey so why is he saying this.

“I felt bored after Tina left and walked down the corridor. I really don’t know I would run into those people and I don’t have any of those plans to sabotage your Luna.” I added, hoping he'll lighten up a bit. 

“If you think any of your plans would work, then you’ve failed because I won’t allow that. And don’t think about running because you can’t escape me.” 

“What, No.” I was stunned, completely embarrassed. Did he think I ran away? I would never think of that. “I didn’t run. But have you been looking for me for long?” 

He didn’t answer, just went to sit, wearing the same expression on his face. “Change into something else.” he growled. “We are going home.” 

“I’m sorry…” 

“Apologising won’t stop you from going home. This place isn’t safe for you either.” 

I nodded, but I don't have anything to wear. I haven’t seen my bag since I woke up. I’ll have to go home like this since it’s already night. I thought.

“Can I just change at home? I don't have any clothes here because m my bag is not here.” 

He stared at me for a second, then said something under his breath before he pointed at a bag Tina left when going. “That’s your cloth, wear it and don’t embarrass me.” 

“Okay.” I muttered under my breath as I headed to the bathroom to change my clothes. I thought he would stop me, but he didn’t. Little did I know what was waiting for me at home. 

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if the cloth belonged to his mate, but left with no choice, I slipped into the silk slip gown quickly and went out.

The drive home was filled with silence as the car sped through the Moonveil pack. The pack is indeed big just like the tumors I’ve heard. The car has been going for twenty minutes, yet we are still not home. Everywhere was bright. There’s light on the streets, massive buildings with unique designs and on almost everything which beautifies the pack. The entire pack screams of wealth, there are different things that I couldn’t stop admiring. 

Alpha Jasper’s face remained glued to the window. He didn’t say a word to me since we entered the car and his silence was deafening. I sat curled up on the other side, praying we get home quickly so I can retire to my room. At least I won’t have to speak to him again today or see that angry, handsome face and the expressions that come with it.

The Rolls-Royce stopped in front of a massive building made of black and gold stones. The building was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in my entire life. It is tall and intimidating just like jasper. It has black marble floors, white ceilings with chandelier lights. 

I followed closely behind Jasper as I continued to admire the beauty of the place. I wonder if this building is his own because I haven’t seen anyone around or maybe everyone has gone home. 

He finally stopped in front of a room whivc opened by itself and the moment we stepped inside, he turned to face me. “Remember, no slipping of unnecessary details,” he warned. 

I simply nodded again. 

The moment we stepped into a large grand foyer of a sitting room, the loud sound of “WELCOME BACK HOME, LUNA!” filled the air. 

There are pack members waiting in the big sitting room. Among the people are Sylas and Tina, his mate, the others are new faces. 

My hand shook slightly by my side, praying this moment will just pass and I retire to my room. 

The sitting room was decorated with balloons, lilies, silver and white streamers spread on the walls. There was a banner put just above the fireplace, where they wrote ‘welcome back home, Luna’ in a bold letter. There was cake, food and drinks everywhere. It wasn’t too big, but warm and unexpected. Even Jasper looked shocked, he wasn’t aware because he stood still beside me, eyes raking through everything.  

“You’re welcome back home, Luna. we love you.” they chorused again before the women came to hug me one after the other. 

Despite being nervous, unsure how to deal with them, I still love the way they welcomed me or should I say their Luna home. I feel even more jealous of their real Luna. she must be a good person for them to do all this for her. Everyone was happy, smiling. 

Becca and Tina helped me to my seat, while Jasper sat with Beta Sylas and other men, his eyes fixed on me the entire time.

Jasper didn’t allow us to stay more than thirty minutes before he came to meet me. He helped me up, slipped his hand on my waist, which made me really uncomfortable. Why does he keep doing this thing? 

“Thank you all for celebrating Luna Letana's return.” He started, gazing around the venue. “I want you all to know that the real celebration to welcome my Luna back home will be in a week's time. And I want everyone in my pack to come together to celebrate my Luna’s return.” 

I blinked, my mind struggling to process what he’s saying. Didn’t he say he wanted me to stay hidden, not get involved in anything? So why is he setting me up for this? How on earth I'm supposed to face the elders, councils and entire pack without proper preparation in one week. Just how? 

“For now, we’ll retire to our room. I want to have some alone time with my mate.” 

“Of course, Alpha. You deserve it.” some said, while some laughed as we left the place. 

He stopped in front of a door, pushed it open, gestured me inside and left, locking her within.  “This is your room. "Everything you need is there.” He said, turning to leave, but the question slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it. 

“Are we sleeping in different rooms?” I don’t know why, but I just felt the need to know what I’m getting into. Not that I have another choice now, but I really want to know. 

He paused, glancing over his shoulder. That annoying smug smile playing on his lips.  “What do you think?”