The Luna's Destiny
Page 14
My head dropped to look at the way my hands were twisting in my lap. For once, there wasn’t a snide comeback.
Dad was being genuine. There weren’t any commands or arguments. My wolf didn’t feel challenged or the need to assert herself. It was quite unsettling.
Then, something occurred to me. “Why aren’t you upset about what just happened downstairs?”
I was careful not to go into detail for fear of flaring his temper. Tread lightly. I had been in a room full of my potential mates. Biting, licking, and then naked interest; pheromones out of control.
“Honey, there wasn’t anything to be mad about. You did exactly what was needed. Congratulations, you completed part two of the showing. Every male in that room showed acceptance of your wolf form as well as your human form.”
My eyes widened. “That was part of the showing? I don’t have to show them my wolf form again? If that’s so, why pull me out of the room so forcefully?” I questioned.
“I didn’t have a choice. Once you and your wolf agreed of their potential as mates, the pull became too strong. If you were left in that room, other things would’ve happened with how many pheromones were flooding each of your senses. It’s too soon for that.”
“Oh. That makes sense.”
“That part of the showing was planned, but you went off script. I shouldn’t have been surprised. It seems I’ve been underestimating you lately.”
My eyes were still downcast, and I wondered what would happen next. This was all so confusing, and now, alarming. But there was something nagging at me, pushed back by the severity of what just happened. Suddenly, it came back with a vengeance.
“I hate to bring this up, but I have to know. Remember when I told you what Mom said just before she was taken?”
I winced at the acknowledgment of something so painful for both of us. Her words had something to do with this family secret, and I needed that mystery solved.
“You’re my daughter in every way that matters. Go on to do great things, Sydney. Keep the faith, and know that I love you so incredibly much. The pack will keep you safe. When the time is right, your father will explain . . .”
He hesitated, but then resignation overtook his features. The sadness was palpable. My concern increased as did the gnawing in the pit of my stomach.
“You’ll have to be patient with me, Sydney. I’ll tell you what I can for now, but remember, dredging up the past isn’t easy on me. Your mother had a lot to do with the path our Goddess chose for you.”
Dad looked fragile, vulnerable for the first time since I was young.
“I’m opening a wound and rubbing salt in it; the feeling laced with pain. The important thing to remember is that the Goddess has always had a plan for you. It’s an honor your mom and I were able to be a part of.”
“You’re being purposefully vague. Can you give me a little more? I’m confused, and without the truth, I’m trusting you to take care of me. Let me help take some of that burden. Family always watches out for family.”
“You’re right. I know that. The burden of our secrets is too much for you to handle at this point. For now, I’ll give you a few things to come to terms with.”
Trying to lighten his mood, I let my sarcasm slip. “Are you trying to explain how those sexy men down there are my mates? There are like, what? Nine or ten Alphas waiting. Do I have to perform a kinky sex ritual in front of the pack as witness? Tell me, are whips and chains involved? What about ball gags?”
My Alpha dad went still. The color drained from his face. I watched his mouth drop open. Goddess, I’d never seen him look that shell-shocked.
I should’ve felt bad for sounding so blasé about such taboo implications. I didn’t. Not in the least. Maybe, at some point before everything fell into motion.
If I had to come to terms with numerous life mates sharing my body, he could come to terms that I knew about sex.
I assumed everyone read the kinky book series about the virginal girl. A dominating man brought her into sexual enlightenment. They even adapted it for film. That man was as Alpha as they came.
“Don’t be so vulgar, Sydney. I’m trying to be serious right now.”
I gave him an innocent smile. “I know, Daddy. That’s the reason I said it. Whatever you uncover, I’ll deal. Have a little faith. I’m pretty sure you’ve already dropped the biggest bomb when I learned of my mates.”
“It’s not the best idea to be so presumptuous. We’re unraveling a lifetime of truths. No matter, let’s stay on track.”
I shrugged my shoulders, displaying my indifference. Dad took it as a sign to continue.
“Do you remember the book I gave you on Greek mythology?”
“Yeah, I was going to read it, but a really old letter fell out. I must’ve forgotten to discuss that with you. The letter was way cryptic. I’m still not sure what it means.”
Surprisingly, he grabbed the book and the letter from their place on my window seat. Would he tell me who the letter was from?
“These are significant. Guard them, memorize them, and prepare to discover their importance. Only then, will you be ready to learn that part of your story.”
I leaned in, making eye contact. It wasn’t about werewolf laws or dominance challenges. This contact was about my thirst for knowledge. Searching for the truth.
“Who’s the letter from? What about my necklace? The faded writing and paper look about a million years old.”
I had no idea if he’d tell me the truth or wait. The weight of the words was heavy, and the answers blew my reality to smithereens.
“The unique gem in your necklace is a moonstone. They aren’t just myth. You won’t find them unless gifted from someone who has a pulse on the moon. Take that knowledge and decipher it as you want.”
The implications of his admission baffled me. Moonstone was something only our Goddess could have given. Was I so important to her, she’d give me something so valuable?
Dad didn’t give me time to dissect the information and kept right on going.
“By reading the book, your memory will start to come back to you. Dreams you’ve repressed can surface. Start there. We can talk again once I can answer more of your questions. I suspect you’ll discover many of the answers on your own.”
The burden my dad carried was impossible. Without Mom, he must’ve been drowning in his responsibilities. The Goddess taking notice of our family held more duty than any other pack in existence.
Abruptly, Dad changed subjects. “Enough talking for now. You have a room full of just marked potentials downstairs. It’s time to formally meet them.”
My wolf yipped in excitement, bleeding into my own subconscious. The room brightened, my necklace glowed, and I smiled.
“Hold on there, my beautiful princess. Get dressed first. There won’t be a repeat of the last encounter.”
He exited the room, and I rushed to the closet. Where was Lila? I desperately needed advice on what to wear. A dress didn’t seem appropriate, yet they’d already seen me naked.
Unbidden, I grabbed the first thing my eyes caught. Just the word naked brought images and feelings back. Concentrating on anything besides the sexy shifters downstairs was near to impossible.
I managed to slip into a pair of panties and a random bra. They may or may not have matched. A pair of skinny jeans and a t-shirt were next, picked from a pile of clothes folded in my dresser. The closest pair of flip-flops would have to do.
The mind could be a beautiful thing, but not when slipping into the gutter around so many shifters. Once in front of my potentials, it was inevitable.
Right now, Dad waited on the other side of the door, and he didn’t need to deal with my raging sexual desires.
I yanked the door opened and bounced on my feet. Dad shook his head in exasperation.
“Let’s get going. If we don’t hurry, they might come hunting for you. Always remember, you’re the predator—always the predator. Those shifters downstairs are your prey. Regardless of
how much they’ll attempt to shift that dynamic; never back down.”
It was hard to keep from rolling my eyes. I understood that with multiple mates, I led. Besides, Dad should know me better than that. I’d never release control unless my body was in a grave.
“Do I look like a doormat? Have I ever rolled over and submitted to anyone besides you in my entire life? These Alpha’s have no control over me—not now, not ever.”
By the time we made it down the stairs, I was feeling more like myself. Dad diminished some of the tension he held onto so tightly.
I hadn’t a clue what to expect when we entered the living room. What I saw wasn’t it.
Guys stood at attention, baring their necks to me. They deferred their dominance to their potential mate. It dawned that I’d have to spend time with all these Alphas.
Everyone wore clothes this time. Their clothes were casual, so I didn’t feel out of place. Counting. Nine! I’d have to wade through nine potential mates.
Each man stepped forward and introduced himself. This was formal. With my new connection to them, the respect they felt for me was overwhelming.
Everything moved fast. Dad didn’t allow time for anything other than a brief introduction. In five minutes, I learned my potentials were Joe, Ash, Elijah, Javier, Theo, Kai, Zander, Cam, and Blake.
In that moment, I decided to embrace my destiny. Looking at my potentials—each so different, yet all dominant—excited me. Suddenly, I couldn’t wait to unwrap each one and find my way to their gooey center.
I wasn’t sure why I’d feared this process, multiple mates, or my role as the Luna destined to be the strongest in history. No, these shifters had started my sexual awakening. I couldn’t imagine anything more fun than getting to know them.
The Goddess had plans for me. It was an honor, not a duty. It reminded me that she still had a hand in shifter society.
Our Goddess was with us, and that gave me hope—hope for our race. Maybe, she’d work to repair our future population.
Turns out, I had a backbone after all. This wasn’t the end of my story or even the middle. No, this was the beginning.
Continue the series in:
The Luna’s Choice
The Luna’s Sacrifice
TBD
As an author, the kindest thing you can do to show your support is write a review. Other readers find our books based on reviews and I love feedback on what you thought of The Luna’s Destiny! I hope you enjoyed getting to know Sydney and her antics!
Author, Biologist, Tech Junkie, Entertainment Encyclopedia, Art Collector, Book Nerd, and Greyhound Lover.
Paranormal Romance book junkie
Lives in a constant state of creativity; a dreamer, and a kind soul. Author since grade school. Reads more books in a year than is socially acceptable and a book hoarder, Kindle edition.
Mother to 2 Whippets and her husband of 14 years. Tim Burton and Dr. Seuss got things right and Lewis Carroll was a brilliant author that has shaped Andrea's style and passion for writing.
Sydney’s sassy attitude needed some fuel. Here are some of the repeat tracks I listened to while writing this book.
Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift
We Should be Friends by Miranda Lambert
Birthday Song by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Future Me by Echosmith
Sit Still, Look Pretty by Daya
Feet Don’t Fail Me Know by Foxes
America’s Sweetheart by Elle King
Issues by Julia Michaels
Different For Girls by Dierks Bentley
Woman by Kesha
Secret by The Pierces
No by Meghan Trainor
Fight Song by Rachel Platten
Girls Your Age by Transviolet
You Picked Me by A Fine Frenzy
Playing With My Heart by Kate Voegele
Take Me on the Floor by The Veronicas
Believer by Imagine Dragons
Wolves by Selena Gomez and Marshmello
Like Reverse Harem books? Try some of my favorites! Warning - these are varying in heat levels. (I have personally read these and am not just promoting them.)
From the Ashes by Amber Lynn Natusch
Trying to Live with the Dead by B.L. Brunnemer
The Vixen’s Lead by Tate James
Trickery by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington
Winter’s Guardian by G. Bailey
Her Mates by Tamara White
Finding My Pack by Lane Whitt
Wild Pride by Kristen Banet
Charcoal Tears by Jane Washington
Brothers of the Flame by Mary Martel
Coming soon in 2018!
The Moon Goddess Series
More books TBA