The Luna's Destiny

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The Luna's Destiny Page 12

by Drea Shane


  Cue the next Alpha male for my approval. The next few were all perfect specimens, screaming power, and strength. I should’ve been excessively hot and bothered, but nothing. My wolf was silent and uninterested, as was I.

  My patience wore thin, but there were so many shifters waiting, my hands felt tied. I reached out to my wolf, trying to get her to perk up and help. Once she was semi-interested, I nodded for the next candidate.

  In strode a male that exuded self-importance. The look in his chocolate eyes, the jut of his chin tilted up, and the way his chest puffed out said it all. This one was a total narcissist. Yucky. That was a huge turn-off. I’d no desire to spend my life padding his ego.

  Not even bothering with subtlety, I made eye contact with James and mimicked slicing my neck. He wasn’t just a no, but a hell no.

  Goddess, this was brutal. The buildup and let down with each passing wolf wore on my patience. I was starting to lose hope as my wolf dismissed each Alpha.

  This showing only continued to go downhill. Aside from drool-worthy bodies and smoldering looks, my wolf also eighty-sixed the next two. She didn’t want anything to do with them.

  When yet another wolf exited the room, I’d run out of patience. I jumped up and turned to Craig and James. “That’s it, I need a break. This process is already driving me crazy. My wolf and I haven’t even had an inkling of a connection with anyone.”

  “Alright, Sydney. Let me get the Alpha, and we’ll go from there,” Craig said.

  As soon as he was out of the room, I moved to the window and sighed. All these shifters. The line looked just as long as ever. At this rate, I’d be sleeping before we ever saw my wolf form. So much time closed in this room had her feeling caged. Her temper was rising, and she pushed me for release.

  Maybe I could get away with just choosing Joe and my gray wolf. We could send the rest of these Alphas home today. I could get to know each of them as potential mates, and the Goddess would be satisfied with those two.

  I knew my dad wouldn’t allow it. He was firm in his decision to go through with this and follow whatever deal he made so long ago. He had his reasons, and I was slowly discovering them.

  This part of the process was more important than my actual mating; I just didn’t know the whole picture yet. However, I’d get to the bottom of it soon.

  When Dad entered, I sighed in relief. Even upset with the all the secrets he’s keeping, I needed his reassurance that everything would be okay.

  As soon as the door clicked shut, I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. He returned my uncharacteristic show of affection with a tight hug of his own.

  “By the Goddess, this is far from fun. I thought the showing would at least be entertaining, but now these alpha males are just making me antsy. My wolf is showing no sign of interest for any of them. There are just too many. I don’t think I’ll survive this process.”

  Dad gave me a soft smile, his lips quirking up at the corner. “I didn’t expect so many to show up, so this will be a bit more tedious than originally planned. If it makes you feel any better, we’ve already escorted the first bunch of males off the property and on their way.”

  That brought the conversation with Lila to mind. It was probably an even more embarrassing topic than the one we had about sex with multiple Alphas.

  “Did you have any problems with, um . . . the rejected shifters?” I couldn’t meet his eyes and was feeling a lovely shade of bright red.

  “No, what makes you ask?”

  “Oh, just something Lila mentioned. Don’t worry about it.”

  Then, an idea came to me. I didn’t give him a chance to respond to that last statement.

  “Can I do a test of sorts? Before I see and send more males home, I need to see if my theory is correct.”

  He looked at me for a minute, assessing. “Sure, sweetie. If you think it’ll help, I’m on board. Just let me know what you need.”

  “Can you send Joe in next?” I waited for a beat for his reaction. I knew he was rooting for us, so it was no surprise when his enthusiastic response came.

  “Of course. I’d really love to see how you two respond to each other in this setting.” Without another word to me, he turned on his heel and addressed Craig.

  “I’m sending Joe in next. Let me know what happens.” Then he was gone.

  I returned to my chair and tapped my right foot, anxiously waiting for Joe. If my theory was correct, my necklace would light up when he approached.

  The crescent moon had been flickering off and on ever since I got it, especially whenever I was around him. This would be easier if I just knew there was at least one guy to hold my interest.

  I didn’t have to wait long, and a strong, steady knock boomed around the room. My guards allowed entrance to the next candidate.

  It was a relief to see Joe coming towards me. The moment his eyes met mine, my necklace came to life, glowing and filling me with a sense of rightness.

  My test was a success. Joe was a potential mate, and my supernatural trinket wasn’t defective. My potentials had yet to meet me and that’s all it was.

  When he approached, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

  “You look ravishing, princess. I was hoping to see you sooner rather than later. When the Alpha came and got me, I couldn’t believe my luck.”

  His eyes swirled with desire, and the full power of our connection roared to life. My body craved his. That intense sexual hunger swallowed every lick of common sense I had.

  He’d felt it too. I could tell by how tight his jeans became. The impressive size of his length strained against the fabric. My core warmed, and I grew slick with need.

  My sole focus was Joe and getting to him. My wolf wanted to shred the material separating us and have what she wanted before so many times, and just recently in the shower. We wanted to taste, touch, and feel him fill us. Joe was ours.

  His nose flared and instantly he stood over me, one leg pushed in between mine. A finger curled under my chin and lifted to meet his hungry eyes. Goddess, please let this man devour me.

  I was halted from taking things further when Craig fake coughed to get our attention. Once he got it, the surge of voices and chaos beyond the room became clear.

  This was what Lila talked about. Damn. How would I survive the day, let alone until my birthday? The wolf inside was shifting closer to the surface and our desires were blending.

  Knocking started on the door, loud and insistent.

  Time was up. Joe kissed my forehead and stepped away. “Now that I see just how beautiful you look in that dress, I have something to get me through the rest of the day.”

  My mood plummeted, and I felt like a sullen child as I watched him walk away until the door clicked shut. Craig grinned at my reaction.

  I tried to roll my eyes, trying to avoid his scrutiny, but it didn’t work.

  “Joe, huh? That was hot. I’m glad the stubborn jackass finally met his match.”

  My cheeks tinged pink and that only seemed to amuse him more.

  “Okay, okay, can we get back to business? There are so many flipping males just waiting to see if we click. My patience is already wearing thin.” He returned to his stoic self. Swinging the door open, he nodded and another Alpha entered.

  Before he even got to me I knew he wouldn’t be a match. His vibe gave me the creeps. Goosebumps crept up my arms, and I instinctively knew this wolf was not a good one. Before he got too close, I looked up and said one word. “Craig.”

  I didn’t even need to say more. The guys escorted him out of the room, but I couldn’t miss the menace in his expression.

  Holding in all this sarcasm was physically painful. There were a few choice words I would’ve loved to say in response to that Alpha’s attitude. That, or give him a pat on the back—with a hammer.

  He was dangerous, and I really hoped he wouldn’t cause problems. Could it have something to do with the lingering scent of sexual tension and need clinging to the room?

  Di
d he think I was a tease? I rejected him when it smelled of desire and wanting. Maybe they were sugarcoating just how hard it was to get them off our property. At this point, I didn’t care, so long as Alphas like him stayed long gone.

  Joe had given me hope, but that wolf took it away in just a matter of minutes. I was back to square one in questioning this process.

  Knowing how many people still waited to meet me, Craig brought in the next guy. Shifting gears, my focus returned to the present and this shifter.

  He was more promising—green, puppy-dog eyes met mine. He brushed his slightly-too-long blond hair from his eyes. The man smiled, and I noticed his cheeks turning pink, letting me know how shy he was around women.

  It was endearing, and I couldn’t help noticing how he was lean but lithe. I had no doubt his sinuous muscles filled his frame, making him stronger than he looked.

  To be here, I knew he had to be an Alpha, so I didn’t worry about his shyness. My necklace didn’t light up as it had with Joe, but there was a low hum and a dim light.

  I winked and couldn’t help but think him adorable when his cheeks reddened further. Then, I nodded to Craig and it was on to the next.

  Two down, a million more to sort through. Three more wolves came and went with nothing of interest, not even so much as a blip. That was it. If I didn’t get a break I was never going to make it through the rest of the showing.

  I stood up so quickly that my chair scooted with the force of the motion. I stepped toward the door, but Craig blocked me.

  Rolling my eyes, I stared at him, forcing his submission. He dropped his eyes to the ground and bared his neck in a show of deference.

  Satisfied, I opened the door but thought better of it. “Can you clear a path so I can head up to my room? I need a quick break before we continue.” Still looking at the ground, he nodded and slipped through the door.

  It took a few minutes, and I was already plotting my escape if he didn’t return soon. I had to pee and wanted a few minutes to collect myself.

  This would be the longest day filled with emotion that I had endured since Mom. I was trying to hold it together, but she should be here with me. There were so many times I needed her but now was more important than ever.

  Thank the Goddess for Lila. As much as I wondered about her, I was more grateful than anything to have her here with me. Dad did well.

  Speaking of, Dad strolled through the door. Without preamble, he gestured for me to follow him. He’d managed to clear the way, and we moved through the house, up the stairs, and to my bedroom quickly.

  “This is where I leave you. Thirty minutes, Sydney. That’s all the time I can afford to give.”

  He kissed my forehead and left the way we came. My door burst open and a spunky, excited Lila pulled me inside.

  “Get in here, sweetie. I wasn’t sure they’d let you out of that room today. Since they did, you owe me details. Dish. How hot are some of those shifters? Did you meet any potentials?”

  She was bouncing on the balls of her feet and looked like she’d had a few too many cups of coffee. This was Lila times ten.

  “Whoa, slow down. You look like a kangaroo bouncing like that. Take a deep breath and dial back the intensity. Sit. You’re making me nervous.”

  She rolled her eyes at me. I deserved that, considering how often I used that same gesture. “Fine, spoil all the fun why don’t you.” She was just teasing, though. The tone of her voice and the grin on her face said it all.

  “My ass hurts from sitting in that stupid chair for so long. I’m going to stand. This isn’t fun. Trying to remain seated in the ‘room of doom’ is pure torture.”

  “Oh, my goodness! If the line outside is any indication, you’re gonna be stuck in that room all-night long. Those shifters won’t give up, sweetie.”

  I put my head in my hands. “I know. Ugh. The Goddess is torturing me, for real. I’ve never endured something this painful aside from . . .”

  I trailed off, not wanting to finish that thought. Mom. Turning my mood maudlin wasn’t a good idea. It would only make the process more excruciating.

  “It’s okay, sugar. You don’t need to say it. Just know, I’m here for you and not going anywhere. I can’t replace her, but I want to be a part of your life.”

  Curiosity piqued again, I made a split minute decision. “Lila, you don’t have to answer, but I’ve been trying to figure out who you are. I know not human, but supernatural. Why does Dad trust you so much? He doesn’t let anyone near me.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. The question was unexpected, and she opened and shut, then opened her mouth. After a few minutes, she composed herself.

  “There’s a lot you still don’t know, sugar. You’re correct, not human. My story is long and complicated. We will discuss it soon, I promise. Now isn’t the time, though. One step at a time. Let’s get some of this testosterone off the property first.”

  “I’ll accept that answer—for now. Don’t think I won’t ask again. If you don’t explain, I’ll wear you down. Understood?”

  Lila nodded, and then, just like that, she switched gears. “Let’s talk about those sexy Alpha males. Give a girl a bone. I’m living vicariously through you.”

  I shook my head. “This is a disaster. I didn’t click with anyone at first, so we tested Joe to make sure something wasn’t wrong. As we already know, our chemistry is hot. He’s a potential so I’m drawn to him in a way that lowers inhibitions and pulls the sexual tension to the forefront.

  “During that whole process, I only found one other possible potential. My reaction was faint, but there. He felt more like a friend and maybe more, but not the scorching sexual attraction.”

  “That’s it? It’s been several hours. No wonder you don’t want to do this anymore. Shucks.”

  “I lost my patience and demanded a break. Here I am.”

  When the knocking started, dread filled me. No, it was too soon. I couldn’t face more shifters yet.

  “Sydney, it’s time to get back. The males are growing antsy, and the amount of testosterone they’re flinging around is about to drive me to drink.”

  Lila and I hugged briefly before I exited my room and started back to the task at hand.

  My feet dragged in reluctance as they forced my return to what I now dubbed “the room of doom.” I expected to feel slightly refreshed after a break, but no; I was more irritated than ever. Even my wolf agreed with my impatience.

  I cringed at the sound of the door clicking shut behind me. It took everything I had just to force myself to sit in that damn chair again.

  I knew without looking that Craig was back to his guard position. Max took over for James. It was nice to have another friendly face in the room. He was one of my favorite guards.

  This time my eyes fluttered closed and I didn’t bother to open them when the next wolf came in. It was a different method I wanted to try.

  As painful as sitting through this process was, I wanted to let my wolf out a bit more. Her intuition was better than mine, so she might make this faster if I dropped my control.

  However, whoever stood before me, caught my wolf’s attention, and the intensity had my eyes snapping open. My necklace was glowing more brilliantly than it had ever before.

  He was a potential, and my trusty necklace was reinforcing that fact. Brightly. If I hazarded a guess, he could be one of my actual mates.

  Wow. Words escaped me, and my mouth hung open. Oh yeah, there was no shame in my game. I checked him out and let my mind wander to things much dirtier than it should. I was studying him and didn’t care.

  Tattoos covered most visible portions of his skin—each one black and detailed. I wanted to trace them all with my tongue, even the hidden parts. He had a body I could worship.

  As soon as my gaze lifted to his face, the smile had my panties melting. The slickness dampened said panties, and I squirmed. Such beautiful sapphire, hooded bedroom eyes, just waiting to devour me.

  My whole body tingled in awareness a
nd heated up to a delicious simmer. It was a similar reaction to what I felt with Joe, only times ten.

  He wasn’t shy about his perusal of me either. I felt every inch of my body lick with flames. My hormones were going wild, and the glow of my necklace was almost blinding.

  Breathing was hard. All I could get out were short, choppy gasps. Then I saw the outline of him through loose pants. Commando and sporting a very intimidating hard-on.

  How would he feel if we were nothing but bare skin sliding against each other? The aching between my legs only grew, and it was intoxicating.

  When my body arched forward slightly and involuntarily, Max quickly put a stop to it. There wasn’t a need to give him the thumbs up, given our interlude.

  With resistance, Max forced him from the room. The pheromones in here must be strong. Even though he left the room, nobody else entered.

  I turned to my two guards and found the reason. They were affected by my arousal. Wow. Both men stood there, visibly showing just how much they wanted me. Their erections were hard to hide, and they were both packing.

  So . . . um . . . well . . . yeah. I assumed my desire only affected the Alphas. Was that wrong, or did the encounter just amplify everything to the max?

  I blushed furiously and had no words to ease the awkwardness of this situation. Max shifted uncomfortably while Craig was looking at the floor. I needed to put a stop to this and keep this process going, no matter what just happened.

  I rushed to the window and slid it open. Fresh air filtered in, but the smell of male wolves caused me to promptly shut it. The smell of sexual desire wafting out of here was also strong, the crowd started to come alive. There went that idea. I huffed in frustration and began to pace back and forth.

  Craig moved into action and a hand landed on my shoulder. When I whirled around, he guided me back to the chair. With one quick glance at both enforcers, I was relieved to see they were both under control once again.

  As soon as I settled in, I addressed them. “Well, now that we’ve moved on, let’s get started again. I’m ready to stop for the day and we haven’t even hit the halfway mark.”

 

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