The Alpha's Moon

”I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than depression and I am braver than loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.” – Elizabeth Gilbert My chest was tight, breathing felt like a chore as I gazed at her from afar. Every laugh, smile, blush, and sway of her body disturbed me. How could I have hated the idea of her so much before? The epitome of perfection. Kissing her sun-kissed shoulders or pushing a single strand of her silky brunette hair behind her ears as she gazed at me with curious hazel eyes, slowly batting her long lashes; I could see it all - I wanted it all. Mate. Mate. Mate. Mate... it was all I could hear as I became more and more enamored by the girl whose name I didn't even know. What was it? Would she tell me if I asked? "H-hey!" "What?!" I growled. "You're gonna burn a hole into her. She's probably human and doesn't even know about the whole mate thing, but staring at her is definitely gonna make her think you're a damn creep." Ray was right, humans, well, normal humans don't drool and stare at someone for so long. "I couldn't help it, my wolf, it was screaming at me."I sighed, still keeping my eye on her as she giggled with her friends while sitting on a patch of bright green grass. "You think she'd give her name to me?" "Only way to know is to ask loverboy." Ray chuckled, punching me in my arm. "Who would've ever thought that you, asshole prince to all women, would ever want a girls name." "My wolf is attracted to her, I'm not. If he wasnt threatening me, we wouldn't even be here." I continued to watch her as Ray began to prattle on and on about how his beta wolf was lazy most of the time so he'd never have to worry about his body being taken over without consent. Me on the other hand, well, alphas... especially my family were inherently different, those of us whose wolves reigned supreme over all other. My wolf was aggressive, cunning, intelligent, and could wrestle me for control if he really wanted to. We couldn't be weak mentally or emotionally, especially if the monster inside of us wanted something more. As my gaze kept following her, I noticed she perked up for a second as someone began to approach. A man. Who the hell is he? Why's she so happy?! My wolf was seething with agiation as the man wrapped his dirty, lanky arms around her exposed waist, before landing a vomit worthy smooch on her cheek. Shredding him apart would be so easy. I felt a sharp and warm pain in my arm. Ray shook my body as his nails pierced my skin. "Dude. You're losing it, take a breath." Looking over at Ray, I could see concern flashing through his green eyes. She's human, it's normal for her to have a boyfriend, it's fine... a shaky breath left me feeling tired. "So, she has a boyfriend." I bit out. "And? You're alpha dog? Hotter, stronger, bigger, every woman's dream. Not even our ugliest she-wolf would take that slimeball." He joked, trying to lighten the mood. "We came out here to find your mate that you've been disgustingly sniffing out for months, I'd ignore the man and approach her." "And if he tries to fight me? "Well, use your matcho alpha voice and tell him to sit like a good boy." Ray pushed me off the tree we'd been leaning on. Giving me an enthusiastic smile and mouthing some random words of encouragement, like a mom taking her son to a sports meet. I hate to admit it, but he was right. This whole mate situation hasn't been making me think the brightest. Just be cool and approach her, she'll feel the pull just as much as me - wolf or no wolf. Be natural, I repeated as I made my way towards the group; mostly women and then her slimy boyfriend. The closer we were to each other, the more my wolf ached. His thoughts blending more with mine; every step felt as if my blood was boiling and fireworks were sounding off in my head. Her friends began to notice the steps bounding towards them, giggling and whispering to themselves as I approached. One even fixing her shirt, exposing cleavage to which the slimeball responded in indiscreet glances. Asshole. "And who are you?" The blonde of the group blushed. "Sorry to cut in when you guys seem to be having fun, my friend and I couldn't help but notice." I gestured back at Ray who gave a small grin. "We're new to town, and were wondering if you guys were locals?" "I guess you could call us that, we're mostly all second years at Grandall University. I'm Laura." The blonde sweetly spoke, fluttering her eyelashes. "Laura, it's a pleasure. I'm Aldric." "No fair Laura introduce us all." A voice chimed in. With an audible sigh, she began to point and rattle off names. Laura, Camille, Rose (Rosemary), Cara, Devin the piece of s**t, and last but not least Aria. Her name echoed in my head, rolled around on my tongue and nestled itself deep. It was prettier than I'd imagined it'd be - Aria. My eyes fell upon her as she gazed at me with bated breath; she could feel it too, she had to. Devin's grip tightened on her waist as he noticed where my eyes locked. It was too late though, I could practically see her heartbeat, just as much as I could hear it. "There's a party tonight, you guys can join us to help introduce you to the area." Rose, the one with exposed cleavage informed, breaking me out of my trance. "Give us your number, we can send the deets and meet up later?" "I'd be happy to." I answered before giving away my contact information. "I'll be expecting a text, if not, I'll come find you." All but Aria giggled at my comment. Her gaze still cautiously watching me as I gave a smile before making my way back to the tree. My spine tingled; I wanted to nuzzle my head into the crook of her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent. She smelled like all the nostalgic scents from my life; a summer breeze, a sunny day after rain, pine, just everything that I loved. The wolf's pull was no joke. Every mention of mate and pull made me want to vomit in the past. We weren't animals with no control, we weren't living in the past, mates aren't necessary... but Aria, felt oh so necessary. All my thoughts about mates jumped out of a window as soon as her scent strongly hugged me. But, physical attraction was it, we didn't even know each other. We wanted each others bodies, my wolf wanted to ravage her. Just my wolf. "Let's go." I told Ray before pulling my car keys out. "I can finally let loose! You think that chick with the red hair... um, Rose, right? Think she'll let me play with her?" "Ask her." He'd f**k anything with a v****a and then forget their name the same night. 1967, black Shelby GT500 Mustang with white racing stripes, a classic beau. Just imagining Aria sitting in the passenger seat made my heart leap; her brunette locks swaying about as we drove out to the middle of nowhere to bask in the sun. The pull is stronger than you. Later 9pm... Ray and I killed time at a diner and then an arcade. He kept complaining, asking when the text was going to come and as did my wolf. Aria seeped into my thoughts repeatedly, wisking me away to a flowery field where I'd wrap my hands around her and expose her delicate neck. We'd breath in-sync and lust even more for each other as my lips trailed her neck. Yet, Ray's annoying whines kept breaking through until eventually my phone dinged from one of the girls texting me. He reached for my phone, quickly snapping it up and read the text aloud, rattling off an address to meet them at. The girls were made up and showing more skin than earlier. Devin, possessively draped his arm on the back of Aria's neck, fingers dangerously close to her breast, almost asking to have them torn off. She wore a short black dress that hugged her in all the right places, lace lining the sweetheart neckline, and a small golden moon necklace. I was so close that I could almost touch her. She had a light spread of freckles across the bridge of her slender nose and a barely noticeable beauty mark on her peach neck. Her smoky eye makeup gave her a sultry look, while her lips were tinted red. Aria's hazel eyes lowered under my watchful gaze, she bit at her rosy lip as her scent emanated more only to linger in my nose. While I watched her out of the corner of my eye, my body answered on autopilot to all the questions the other girls had as we walked towards a bustling house. Ray, already handys with an excited Rose who practically was shoving her t**s into his arm as they walked. Their conversations all drowned out as the booming of the music became louder, then the smell of sweat and booze soon filled the air. "I'll be with Rose, so if I don't show back at the cabin, don't mind. Loosen up and have fun." Ray mindlinked me before leading Rose away to get drinks. It was a party. Parties are meant to help people loosen up and meet people, like getting to know Aria. Devin still kept Aria in his grasps as he lead them to a group of friends. She looked out of place and almost nervous, yet for what seemed like hours, Devin dragged her along. "Hey sexy, grab a drink with me." Camille, grabbed at me, pulling me along to a table covered in booze. She was already wasted and sweating alcohol, the annoying giggle was proof enough, but even better was when she'd stumble over her own feet while leading me. "Why a-are you so damn fine." She slurred, putting a hand on my chest and pressing into me. "Werewolves usually are." "Pfft, you're funny. Dance?" Before I could answer, she lead me to the floor; everyone was grinding onto each other to the beat of the heavy bass. Camille pounded her drink down before throwing the red solo cup aside. Her backside slid it's way onto my crotch as she rubbed on me and messily danced to the music. She yelled some words over the music eventually, before taking my hands and placing them on her waist only to grind on me more. My wolf was amused, humans party interestingly. Every thump of the beat swirled in my head, mixing with the drunkenness from my mates intense smell that seemingly cut through the musk of the house. People screamed, yelled, danced, and drank mercilessly, some even becoming frisky to the point they'd run off to some room or corner to grope and lick each other. Aria. Mate. My eyes scanned for her as my wolf whined. Devin was gone! I handed Camille off to grind on some other guys before making my way to a corner. Aria sat, playing with a drink, face slightly flushed from the alcohol. "Not a party type of girl?" I questioned as I leaned down to her ear. She looked up at me, a blush creeping up to her already tinted face. "No, I don't mind them. Just today feels off." "Wanna get some air?" "But De-" "Don't worry about him, he's having fun." My eyes pointed him out as he was playing beer pong with some guys and flirting with other girls. "Now you should have some fun too." Aria nodded her head timidly before I helped her up. Her skin made my whole body gasp and I could see her legs jello from my touch. We walked out to the porch, where she sighed a breath of relief. It smelled fresh out here, it smelled more like her. She leaned her back on the porch railing, pushing away the brunette strands that clung at her face and taking another short sip of her drink, washing away even more of her lipstick. Her hazel gaze finally landed on me, curiosity filling every inch of it. "Aldric what?" "Vanders. Now you?" "Walter, I took my step-dad's name." Aria Vanders would be better. "You must really like him to do that?" I questioned, ignoring my wolf's comments. "He's a dad I've never had. And a better man than most around me." "Hinting at something?" "Never." I want to taste her lips and mark her so there's no question whose she is. "What's your major?" She questioned before making her way to a small couch on the deck. "Business administration, but I'm also getting an environmental sciences degree. You?" "Are you secretly a nerd behind all those good looks?" She laughed. "Biology." "And are you a nerd behind that pretty little face of yours miss. biology major?" I took a seat next to her - an arms length away. Her gaze still watching me with curiosity over the rim of her cup that hid half of her face. "Pretty little face?" "Never heard a compliment before?" I spoke before gently pushing her cup down and out of her face. Get closer you i***t. My wolf huffed. While meeting her gaze, I moved closer, closer than ever before. Taking in her scent and her figure. We were both lusting for each other, the pull getting unbearable. But she was buzzed from drinking and I was drunk off her pheromones. Both of us would inevitably fall into the atmosphere that was created and enveloping us. "Aldric..." She breathed, almost as if she was scared to say my name. My finger gently brushed her cheek as I moved a strand of her chocolatey brown hair behind her ear. She held her breath. Staring at me with eyes full of anticipation. My finger traced down to her earlobe then to her soft jawline before tilting her lips to face mine. "Only if you want to." I purred leaning close to her ear as she closed her eyes almost pleadingly. Damn. She was hot. I wanted her in my arms naked, screaming my name and shaking with pleasure as my teeth sunk into her neck. No, my wolf wanted that... but maybe I did too? "Do you not want to?" She breathed shakily, alcohol on her breath. Her eyes peered into mine now. Swirls of gold, blue and green watching my every move. Resisting wasn't an option anymore. "I think I-" My lips crashed into hers. Time stopped at that moment, the bass music fell away and I was engrossed with her sweet scent. Her heart pounded in my ears and she felt so soft against my lips, my hand still holding her chin up slightly but soon slipping to hold her nape, getting lost in the sensation of her silky hair. The feeling of her small frame against mine was ecstasy; hot and electric, sending chills through my spine. She gasped for air as I snuck a peek to look at her swelling lips and blushing cheeks. We sat there, kissing, exploring each others flavor with slippery tongues; she tasted like honey and with each new lick, she was sweeter. She pulled away panting. Lips a cherry red and her eyes, more golden and shining under the moonlight. I wanted more. I needed more. My hand slid down to her neck, as I leaned my forehead into hers, taking in the scent of her panting breaths. Watching the rise and fall of her chest as she took deep breathes, trying to calm herself. "More..." I whispered, trying to phrase my demand more like a question. But she leaned forward to my dismay, permitting me to take her once again. This time she allowed herself to touch me, her hands gripping at my arms and then behind my neck as she pushed herself onto her knees to meet my lips better, moving in sync with me. A moan escaped her lips as I sucked on her bottom lip, before claiming her entire mouth again firmly and more aggressively this time as if to respond to her pleasure. Everything about her felt like bitting into a forbidden fruit; ecstasy, sweetness, fear, betrayal. My hands explored her hair and waist, pulling her in closer until her soft chest touched mine. With every gasp she let out, I wanted more. She was so small and fragile. Soon her knees gave out and I pulled her onto my lap. She was warm to the touch and smelled like a summer breeze through a grassy field. As she leaned over more to deepen our kiss, I pulled away, instead landing smooches on her neck and exposed collar bone, feeling her shiver under the light kisses. This time, I was more aware of what my touch did to her. Her fingers entwined with my hair, as she threw her head back. This was addicting. The feeling of her hands on my body, the smell of her skin, her shaking hips. My bulge was growing under her moans and tremoring body to the point it hurt, but I couldn't take her, not tonight... not so soon... Aria's glazed eyes met mine, sensual and sweet. Her hair messier than when we first kissed, making her look even more sexy. This woman was a weakness. She leaned forward in exhaustion, nuzzling her head into my neck letting me gasp in her scent before we had to part. "Aria." I growled quietly, tightening my grip on her waist even though I knew it was my wolf talking. She let her hands fall out of my hair and onto my arms, still straddling my lap. Dangerously close to my pulsing tent. I was still managing some control as long as she didn't say or do anything more provocative... "This feels right somehow" She cooed, almost so softly that her words felt more like private thoughts. My ears perked up as I heard someone stumbling towards the house door, headed towards where we were, threatening to ruin our moment. "Someone's coming." I placed her by my side before jumping off the porch and hiding in the shadows of the house like a criminal as I sniffed out an i***t. As soon as the door burst open, I heard Aria gasp in fright from the sudden noise. "ARIAAAA." Devin slurred as he drug himself towards the couch we just intimately kissed on. "I was looking for ya. My pretty girlfriend." "I was getting some air." Aria replied, almost a tinged of annoyance in her voice. "You drank too much." "It's a party, what else am I supposed to do? Be like boring old you?" He cackled, hiccuping during his laugh. "Where's that big dumb bastard, Aldick or whatever? He was f*****g oogling you this whole time, I should beat his ass." "No he wasn't, you're crazy." "What? You're protecting him now too. What the fuck." He angrily spouted. "I bet you want to sleep with him now, huh?!" "I didn't even say anything about him!" "What are you even doing out here alone? Why do you look like this? Why'd you dress like this? To impress him!" He screamed, angrily grabbing Aria's wrist, making her flinch and groan in slight pain. Protect Aria. "What the hell are you doing?" Devin's grip loosened as my growl ripped at him. "Away, now!" "Who the f**k are you to tell me what to do with my girlfriend. I can do what I want, when I want." Fear flashed in Aria's eyes as Devin pulled her viciously by her wrist and reached for her top. Before he had a chance to fully rip her dress down to her breasts, I barreled a fist into his left cheek, feeling his bones crunch around my fist. He fell to the ground and clutched his cheek before trying to scramble back onto his feet- with each attempt, he miserably fell. "Are you okay? I'm so sorry." My body rushed to Aria, checking her over and lightly grabbing her wrist to make sure she wasn't injured. She nodded her head in shock staring at her bleeding boyfriend with unshed tears bubbling in her pretty eyes. "We're done Devin. You're a f*****g asshole, don't ever speak to me again!" She shouted out at him before rushing down the porch steps and away from the house. "Aria, wait." I ran after her, smirking a bit at her last remark and leaving her ex on the ground bleeding and embarrassed. She was almost a foot shorter than me, making it easy to catch up even without my werewolf speed. I watched her from behind as she sniffled and wiped what I imagined was tears away from her eyes. Without bothering her, I simply walked behind her, not knowing what to really say to a girl I just met and made out with due to a pull. "Aldric." She sniffled out, turning to finally face me. "Take me home please." Her hazel hues were surrounded by red. Hair messy, wrist slightly bruised, and the top of her dress pulled down almost showing her delicate breasts completely. It felt like a sin to even look at her like this and to think about another action that might leave her with messy hair and perfectly exposed breasts. I led her to my car, handing her my jacket and safely belting her into the seat. This looked right. "Where's home?" "Can we just go..." She breathed, not wanting to look at me. "Perfect night for a drive." Aria nodded her head as I started the car and took off into a random direction. We drove around town for as long as it took to calm her down. Soon she breathed softly with her head leaning on the window, and her eyes closed, eyelashes touching her cheeks. Rock music quietly played on the radio, as I aimlessly drove some more before heading towards the one place I knew we could sleep in peace, the cabin that my pack owned in this territory. "Hey, are you up?" I shook her lightly. She barely stirred, before resuming her soft breaths. Just pick her up and put her into a room, easy peasy. We can do this. I took her seat belt off and lifted her out the car with ease before heading towards the cabin and then into a random room. She slept soundly, and fit in my arms perfectly as I held her like a princess... "I'm putting you down. Okay?" No answer. I pulled the blanket down slightly, before laying her down and trying to tuck her in. She wouldn't let go of me. Her hand death gripped my shirt like an alligator holding onto prey. She mumbled a bit and turned to her side, placing a hand under her pink cheek. I stood their defeated, staring at her arm turned in an uncomfortable direction to keep holding my shirt. Why wouldn't she let go? "I'm just sleeping next to you. I won't touch you." I climbed into bed, fully clothed, blood on my knuckles from the "fight," and tired of battling every sense. From her intoxicating scent, to her hand gripping me, and the urge to sleep next to my gorgeous princess. She still held me, soon nuzzling into my side and curling up like a pup. Sound asleep and looking as if she was an innocent child, devoid of the harsh cruelties of the world, but she wasn't, and I hated that she had secrets and tales that she may never speak of to me. Soon darkness fell around me as her heartbeat and warmth calmed my raging soul.