What The Luna Wants

Chapter 7

TRE

We talked about something else after that and I couldn't help but feel guilty for hiding something from my mate. Ash was right when she inquired if I knew something because I did. I knew exactly why she couldn't smell him. I knew why she was able to take the rejection a little lighter than the others.

"You're still up." It was Tyr.

I left Ash in the bedroom sleeping. She had too much to drink, but it equated to the laugh we had during dinner. After she had a few glasses of wine, she began to relax a little and told me some of her childhood memories. She may be twenty-two but still a kid at heart. I'm going to have my hands full, that's for sure.

"I thought you'd be reading your book by now, or asleep." My brother joked, but I can still see the sadness in his eyes. He went to see me in my study seeing my lamp was still on.

Years ago, I was against his plan. I told him to take a chance, but he was so worried about the seer's vision that there was no time for discussion. Tyr said, what do I know about mate bond when I'm not mated myself?

That falling in love with a human once was not counted.

That the pain of losing that human from death does not compare to the pain of breaking the mate bond between two wolves destined to be together.

What we did not expect was that I would be taking his place. I was not sure if it had been easier for him if it was some other guy.

"I couldn’t sleep.”

“Your mind should be at ease now that you can introduce her to grandma.” He sat down on the couch.

“It is only temporary.”

My brother’s brows knitted. “What do you mean?”

“Close the door.”

Tyr had a look of defiance but in the end, he got up and closed the door. This time, he leaned towards the big window close to my table.

“Start talking. What is this temporary thing you’re talking about? You’re not keeping her?” Tyr looked surprised, relieved and annoyed all at the same time.

While I enjoy our little banter and her annoying and immature antics, I am having a hard time keeping her knowing I would be hurting my brother in the process. He's my family.

“Did you found your second chance yet?”

Tyr shook his head. “You know it’s rare.”

“Ash did immediately. Maybe you need to go away for vacation or visit neighbouring packs.”

“I honestly don’t want to. But I get what you’re trying to say to me. It is hard for me to see you both together.”

“And that’s why I said it’s only temporary.” Tyr didn’t look happy. “You don’t like the idea?”

“Tre, I will get over her eventually. You should not base your decisions on me.”

“You’re best friends. And don’t lie about the mate bond. You loved her even before you knew you’re fated.”

“And that’s why I let her go." Tyr didn't want to talk about it anymore. "Goodnight, big brother. Take care of Ash and don’t break her heart the way I did.”

I watched my brother leave the room, and I was once again left alone.

I looked at the moon shining brightly outside. It was such a mystery that it only came at night when everything was dark.

"She's ours," said Finn.

"Just for a little while, Finn."

"No." Finn growled in my head and I could feel his anger. "I have waited for Foxy a long time. What makes you think I will let her go just like that?"

"I can't hurt my brother like that. He is my family."

"SO AS ASH! She is your other half. Get it into your thick head that there is a reason why your brother had to give her up. And that's because they are not meant to be!"

"They were fated mates. How are they not meant to be? Do you know something that I don't?" But he didn't say anything and ignored me. "I was ready to take Jessie as my chosen mate, Finn. I loved her."

"I don't like her."

"You never told me that."

I was surprised by what Finn said. When I was in a relationship with Jessica, Finn was quiet and would rarely talk to me. I still let him out, but whenever my girlfriend was around, he would be silent. I thought he was just giving me privacy. I didn't know he felt this way.

"I told you to wait." Finn's voice was reprimanding. "I won't stop you from taking a chosen mate if you really love her, but you can't be the strongest Alpha with her by your side. She would be a liability. And who knows if she will survive the birth of the child, let alone live in our pack? She doesn't know our way of living. And did I mention she was sickly?"

Everything Finn said was true. Jessica often gets sick but she makes me laugh. I like the way she asks me for help or my opinion before she does something. She always includes me in her decisions.

"I feel bad that she is no longer with you, Tre. I did not like seeing you unhappy, but I knew someone better would come along. Ash is—"

"She's stubborn."

"Yes, but—"

"She rarely listens to me, and she always does what she wants, regardless of how I feel about it. We are not a match." Ash was Jessica's opposite.

"And that makes her unique. You just have to give her time. Listen to her and meet her halfway. Do you want to hear something?"

"I bet you're going to tell me anyway so what's the point of asking me." I said to Finn dryly.

"You liked being with Jessica because she's easy to be with. She follows whatever you say and at one point, you feel bored with her." I was about to say something when he cut me off. "And don't deny it. You think she's a breath of fresh air because she's one less problem to deal with. If Jessica was your chosen mate, your grandma would not be impressed, but she would not make a fuss either because it's done. You will have a Luna by your side to run the pack."

Damn Finn summarized it all.

"Ashina makes you mad and wants to pull your hair out, but she also excites you. She makes you want to go home early and leave work so you can ask how her day went. And when you see her sad, it makes you want to beat the one behind her sadness only to feel guilty because it was your own brother. It's hard. Having Ash is hard, but she's worth all the trouble, Tre. Jessica is never coming back. She's gone. Ash is here— full of life and ready to share it with you if you're patient enough to heal together."