The Luna's Destiny

by Drea Shane

  The crescent moon was about the size of a ping-pong ball. Hand-crafted metal encased the charm, but the most mesmerizing feature was the moon itself. The crescent was luminous, bright, and iridescent. There was no denying the fact it had supernatural properties.

  For once, I was speechless and could only stare down at the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I ran my fingers gently across the charm, and a calming energy washed over me. Startled, I looked up at my dad.

  "That's always been yours. It just wasn't yours to wear until now. I'm sure you've noticed that it's not just an ordinary necklace. It has certain magical properties that are meant only for you. I'll explain later. Don't put it on now, let me finish what I have to say first."

  In a trance-like state, all I could do was nod. The energy skipping through my veins was magical. I didn't even know something like this could even exist, and it was the best present I'd ever received.

  When I didn't speak he continued. "While you were asleep I considered the matter of finding you a personal assistant. I wasn't sure how long you’d be out but I knew you’d want something to wear for tonight. So, the person that’s going to be helping came highly recommended from a friend of mine.

  "Now, I know you didn't pick these out yourself, but I thought it would give you a good head start. You can speak to her this evening after dinner and plan things out then."

  He slid over a bag stuffed to the brim. My hands were already itching to see what was inside. Before I could, he spoke again.

  "The guys have been chomping at the bit to see you. They're getting anxious, and I understand why. So even though you've been through a lot, I’d like you to at least join us for dinner. You can get showered and find something to wear. Make sure to put that necklace on before you're done. I’ll send Joe to get you in about an hour and a half."

  I internally cringed thinking about all those wolves ready to close in on me. Would it be rude to shout, “Relax, we’re all crazy! It’s not a competition?” Maybe I should just tell them my bullshit meter was on high and to fling it elsewhere.

  But I couldn't deny my dad or my Alpha anything. He had gone through way too much trouble for me to complain. This was the first time we had multiple conversations in a civil manner. Besides, he brought me all kinds of new stuff.

  “That sounds good. And Dad? Thank you.”

  Hopefully, my voice conveyed my appreciation. I wanted him to be proud of me, now more than ever. There were still a lot of questions but they could wait.

  He gave me a wry smile as he got up and turned to leave. Just when he reached the door, he paused before turning back. "Oh, and I'll have Joe bring some books up for you to read when he retrieves you for dinner. I'll see you in a while, daughter of mine.”

  Oh, yes. Send Joe up with those books. I’d love to go over a few scenes with him. Preferably while naked; up against the wall.

  These images, while titillating, were seriously confusing. Would I like him naked, trapping me against a wall? Yes. Yes, I think I would.

  The shower’s scalding-hot spray rained down, allowing me to practice burning in hell. That’s where I’d go if my indecent thoughts of Joe didn’t stop. His scent, when aroused, smelled like my very own kryptonite.

  I struggled to shift my focus and reflect on everything that happened since Dad walked in the other night. There were so many thoughts and feelings running through my head, sorting through them became a chore.

  My eyes closed, trying to bring back whatever I’d been dreaming about while unconscious. It wasn't working, and all I got was fog. It felt important and nagged at me. After several minutes, it was clear I wouldn’t be remembering. Not right now, at least.

  I thought about the box with the somewhat recognizable symbols and carvings my dad brought with him for our first conversation. There was a peculiar pull, and I knew it was extremely important to unravel whatever secrets others kept hidden for so long.

  Passing out two times in one day didn’t help my stress. My body was preparing to undergo my final change soon. Eighteen. That's the year when everything fell into place for a wolf. Our species rarely experienced sickness. Now I didn’t doubt my wolf and I were sick.

  She felt antsy underneath my skin, just begging to secure some freedom. I craved shifting and running more than ever.

  Something about that wolf we met caused her to stir when I thought of him. We felt a connection instantly. I frowned, thinking about the other night and how he did not make himself known to me. It was disappointing and left me wondering why.

  With my thoughts all over the place, I hadn’t realized the water froze. I turned the tap off and grabbed the terry-cloth robe, wrapping it snugly around my body. A towel bound my wet hair. I opened the bathroom door and quickly moved across the hall, shutting and locking the door behind me.

  My excitement grew just thinking about the new clothes my dad obtained for me. I didn't do dress-up, so this experience thrilled me. I was anxious to wear my gifted necklace. It was gorgeous and called to me.

  For the next thirty minutes, I primped. My dried and pinned hair displayed the slender part of neck. Knowing the skin there was smooth would drive the males’ crazy with a desperate need to claim me as their own.

  Wolves were territorial and marked their mates for everybody to see. It served as a sign to stay away. Men were bad enough about staking their claim, but wolves were a lot worse.

  Mom always wore hers with pride. It spoke volumes about how much she loved my dad. I only hoped to find a mate that would produce a love like theirs.

  Surprisingly, there was make-up in the bag. While I had little experience with it, I’d seen enough video tutorials explaining how to put it on. After fifteen minutes, I finished. The colors the PA included were all very neutral and only served to enhance my features.

  All the clothes and shoes were in a heap in the middle of my bed. There wasn't time to organize and put them away. I had to give the woman credit. Everything she picked out for me was tasteful but sensual.

  Without the luxury of time for indecision, I settled on a trim, white sundress. The bottom hem fell just above my knees. The top was sleeveless but settled in a V just above an average amount of cleavage. The formfitting design accentuated my curves, making me look much more mature.

  I even went with the impractical strappy, white, wedge sandals. They made me a little taller and would be easier to clear the bullshit while standing closer to their level.

  It was time to accessorize, and the only thing I planned to wear was the necklace. Letting the magnetic pull take over, my hands gently picked up the dainty chain. Once unclasped, I took great care to secure it around my neck.

  Before I could say or do anything, a tiny gasp escaped my lips. Crackling energy infused me just below the surface of my skin. It was a heady feeling, and my eyes closed of their own accord.

  As the sensations settled down, I opened my eyes to see the necklace. It glowed and fell just below my collarbone. The biggest shock of all was the silver in my eyes; they weren't just gray, but swirling, moving silver pools. I’d freak out if the sight wasn't so beautiful.

  A knock on my door stole the moment. Taking one last look in the mirror, I moved and opened the door.

  It had to be Joe, since Dad told me he’d be coming. However, I didn't expect him to be standing so close to the door. I took a step out of the room and we came face-to-face.

  Only a breath apart, the air crackled with tension and chemistry. My heart started thumping loud enough for him to feel and hear the effect he had on me. I expected Joe to step back, but he remained. We stood there, suspended in time. Nothing else mattered. The intensity flowing between us dwarfed our earlier interlude.

  His arms did shift, but just enough to encompass my waist, pressing my body flush to his. I was aware of how intimate each encounter became as our connection strengthened. My breasts strained against the hardest chest. He was all muscle, lean yet defined. The friction and arousal had each nipple tightening.

 
I’d never been this close to anyone but him. The intimacy was a foreign, yet welcome feeling. Butterflies rustled inside me, and heat spread throughout my body. Dampness slicked my silk panties, but the sensations overpowered any embarrassment.

  His nostrils flared, so I knew Joe could smell my desire. His hardness was stiff and large against my stomach. He pressed himself slightly rougher against me, and I felt the length of him twitch. Joe was just as affected by the moment as I was.

  My own sense of smell was acute but somehow seemed stronger tonight. I could scent his desire in the air along with the unique aroma of sweat, hay, and male deliciousness. There was a stronger pull toward him than I ever felt growing up.

  Was he going to kiss me again? My mind whirled through so many different thoughts and scenarios. Maybe I should kiss him. My tongue darted out and moistened my lips.

  Suddenly, Joe sucked in a ragged breath and took two steps back. I felt the gap between us pull at my insides. It was a mixture of disappointment and confusion. I tried to gain clarity while he stood in front of me, regaining control over his wolf.

  Apparently, my feelings were expressive. “You have no idea what you do to me, Syd. I barely controlled myself, both me and the wolf, during our first kiss. Trust me, two more seconds just now, and I’d have taken you up against the wall, the door, hell—anywhere convenient—and given in to my wolf.

  “I can’t get carried away like that,” he continued, “especially during Assembly. If we were to do anything permanent like mating or marking, our pack could have a war on our hands from the other Alphas. Besides, you’re too special and deserve to be courted like the gorgeous slice of heaven you’ve become.”

  I had felt his wolf, dominating and sexy, just like the man. He called out to my own wolf, trying to feel for a connection. Judging by my growing attraction to him and his obviously turned on body, it was safe to say there was one.

  My eyes went wide as I took in all of him. He looked delicious in a pair of tailored grey pants and black dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves. We were so close before that I hadn’t noticed how good he looked. Double damn.

  There wasn’t time for more contemplation. Joe cleared his throat and reached for my arm.

  “I’m sorry about that, Syd. My wolf was trying to break free. That’s what you do to me. It hasn’t always been like this, but you’re coming of age, and your own wolf has begun her search for a mate. Until mated, she will secrete a scent of allure, calling out to us.”

  Stunned, I didn’t quite have a response for that. It was information overload. Maybe that’s why my dad was in such a hurry to call Assembly. He must’ve known what would happen and how my wolf was going to react.

  I’d have to dissect the knowledge later. He slid my arm into the crook of his own and guided me forward.

  Curious about my necklace, I looked down. The glow still emanated from it. That just made me frown. Why didn’t he notice it? Hmm . . . One more thing to ask Dad about.

  Once we reached the top of the stairs, I was back to normal. My wolf still reached for Joe, but she was firmly tucked away and under my control. Having established power over her didn’t stop my own body from the humming just beneath my skin, nerves lit and charged.

  I didn’t look up until we cleared the last step. My eyes automatically widened. The room was brimming with male shifters. Unlike the last meal, this was even larger. The front door was open, and I could see men milling about on the lawn.

  Sweet, sexy shifters; my eyes couldn’t stop checking them out—so strong, attractive, and dominant. It was clear the way they held themselves. My mouth started to salivate with each man I watched.

  Once again, my wolf was pulling at me, trying to break free. She wanted to smell these shifters, rub up against them, and run under the moonlight. She was getting harder to control, and that made me nervous.

  Goddess, my mind needed to be clear of these seductive thoughts. It was bad enough most of the shifters would scent my damp center and attraction to them. I was a walking bundle of hormones.

  I didn’t come back to myself until Dad cleared his throat and addressed the masses. “Attention, Alphas.”

  Joe moved forward, and we took our places next to our Alpha in seconds. My dad beamed with pride when I met his gaze. Score one for me. My appearance obviously pleased him. Once he looked away, I took a brief second to check on my necklace again.

  The color had dwindled to just a dimmed luminescence. Even the surface against my skin had cooled. The necklace seemed just as elusive as my dreams were. I stopped my internal questions and returned to the present.

  “Some of you were here the other night and have already gotten the chance to be around Sydney briefly. For those that recently arrived, welcome. My apologies for the late start to Assembly. We ran into a few kinks that needed worked out.”

  Dad must've kept my state of consciousness a secret. That was a relief. I really didn’t care for questions by a ton of people about the incident.

  The amount of Alphas present was overwhelming, now that I wasn’t drooling over them. One of these shifters would be my mate. My breathing picked up, part anxiety and part lust. What was happening to me? I really needed to read about my heritage. I was so flipping clueless.

  “I’m excited to announce we will begin the selection process tomorrow. The showing will take place at noon in the living room. That will ensure my pack has the crowd controlled and the process moves along smoothly.”

  Hushed conversation began to break out through the crowd. The excitement in the room was palpable. Dad wasn’t happy about the interruption. He was Alpha in this territory, and to disobey him was an insult to his authority.

  These alphas weren’t street smart, more like ‘Sesame Street’ smart. Obey thy Alpha—the only rule that mattered in our society. Idiots. Not a promising sign for finding a capable mate out of these wolves.

  The intensity of his loud, thunderous growl boomed inside and outside. It was a signal to these male shifters that he demanded respect and obedience. Quiet fell over the crowd once more.

  “As I was saying . . . The showing’s set up will allow my pack to separate the wolves my daughter has chosen to stay and those not picked. The Alphas leave my territory at once when cut. Please make sure your bags are packed tonight so tomorrow goes as planned.”

  In other words, the trash went out tomorrow. Be ready.

  I started to give myself a mental pat on the back but then he turned to me.

  “My daughter would like to say a few words before we have dinner.”

  My mind raced with things to say, at once throwing some out in favor of more sensible ones. I didn’t enjoy being put on the spot. Ninety-nine percent of what came out of my mouth was inappropriate for public consumption. It felt too soon to send them running, so I decided to keep it short and sweetish.

  Upon clearing my throat, I steadied my nerves and began.

  “I’d like to thank every Alpha here for coming. I’m flattered by your interest in taking me as a mate and look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.”

  Hoping that was enough, I turned to Dad for instruction. He nodded in approval, and I let out the whoosh of breath I held.

  “My pack has prepared a wonderful meal for us to partake in tonight. Eat, socialize, and enjoy our hospitality.”

  At the overwhelming sounds of excitement and clapping, I cringed. With my hearing so sensitive tonight, each sound was like nails clawing a chalkboard.

  The moment everyone settled down, relief washed over me. My wolf and I were so mixed up tonight as things only grew more confusing.

  The Alpha’s blessing served as a perfect distraction from my inner turmoil, forcing myself to remain present for dinner.

  “I bless this meal provided by the moon goddess and the chance to share our sustenance as a pack. You are all welcome in my home. With prayers to Selene, I deem the dinner purified and give permission to begin.”

  As soon as the word ‘begin’ left the Alpha’s mouth, chao
s erupted. Males stampeded toward the various tables holding the buffet of food. It was surprising these shifters could be in close quarters with each other, given the dominance each one exuded.

  I didn’t even want to ponder that, so I turned my attention to the meal our pack members served for Dad, Joe, and me. As the hierarchy went in the pack, we were on top and always served first before the other members. The tradition went back to our species creation and ingrained into each of us.

  Our pack served us large slabs of raw beef for protein, accompanied by sautéed baby potatoes and bacon-mixed green beans. Our wolves needed protein, so a large part of our diet included raw meat. It may sound gross, but the taste was delectable. I was craving mine so hard, I didn’t wait for anyone else. Blessings given, and it was time to enjoy the first meal in days.

  I was careful not to get any of the juices on my dress. White was not the best choice for dinner, but it looked stunning, and that was the important part. It felt awkward sitting hunched over my plate but was the only way to avoid any mishaps.

  I battled with my wolf about whether our mood was fuck off or fuck me. Right now, it was a fine line of angry and horny that had me so confused and wondering; what the fuck?

  After the meal started to die down, I could feel the eyes of some Alphas watching me intently. It overwhelmed me, but my wolf reveled in the attention.

  I ate in silence, just listening to the general conversation around me. Everyone was excited about the showing tomorrow. Meanwhile, my emotions ran the gamut from angry, then overwhelmed, to interested and attracted, then sullen and contemplative.

  Too much; just too much of everything—everywhere. I couldn’t think straight anymore. Rational thought left, and I bolted. Before anyone could react, I was in my room with the door locked.

  I threw myself down face first on my bed. If my vision wavered, it wouldn’t be wise to stay anywhere I could hurt myself if I passed out again. The tidal wave of emotions swept through me, looking for an outlet.