Fate of the Lost Moon

Chapter 12

Rowan's POV

The early morning mist still clung to the forest outside the pack house, wrapping everything in a muted glow as I made my way to the training grounds. I hadn’t expected to see Remus here this early, but there he was, already sparring with one of the newer recruits. His movements were fast, precise, a dance of strength and control honed over years of practice.

When he noticed me, he nodded, wrapping up his bout with a quick word of encouragement for his opponent before jogging over. “Couldn’t sleep?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “What took you so long? Let me guess, busy with your girlfriend?” His smirk was unmistakably smug.

I rolled my eyes. “I had no idea you’d suddenly become so invested in my love life.”

“Oh, you know how it is. The whole pack’s talking about it,” Remus replied with a laugh. “People are even placing bets on how long it’ll last between you and Stephanie.”

“She’s a friend, Remus. That’s all,” I said, downplaying it, although the words tasted odd - even to me. What started as a simple arrangement had become something… else, even if I couldn’t put my finger on what that meant.

Remus raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in his eye. “Sure, sure. But, you know, it’s about time you found someone. Could do you some good,” he teased. Then his tone shifted slightly. “After Cass… well, I thought you’d sworn off relationships altogether.”

I looked away, a flash of irritation rising up. Cassandra and I had ended things on mutual terms—or at least I’d thought so. But watching her move on with Remus, my so-called “golden” cousin, had a sting of its own, especially since he had no clue we’d been together. “That’s old history,” I said, keeping my tone light. “Besides, I’m sure she’s happier with you. So,” I began, not one to beat around the bush. “Are you going to make it official?”

His grin softened, and he looked almost… sympathetic? He gave a nod, his gaze drifting to the horizon. “It’s time. Cassandra and I are mates, Rowan. It feels…right. Honestly, Rowan, I wasn’t expecting this. I’ve been with Cass for two years, but I had no clue we’d end up as mates.”

I let out a small laugh, shrugging it off as casually as I could. “What can I say? You got the luck of the draw.”

Lucius, my wolf, growled with a low amusement in my head, breaking his usual stoic silence. You’ll find someone, Rowan. There’s something out there—maybe right in front of you.

His voice softened with a tone I hadn’t heard often. Remus was usually so composed, the ‘golden child’ in every way. But there was more to him than the pack knew; I’d seen glimpses of it over the years, but nothing like now.

“Guess you’ll be Alpha sooner than later, then?” I tried to keep my voice neutral, but my wolf stirred uncomfortably at the thought.

Why does it matter to you, Rowan?, Lucius, growled softly in my mind. We never wanted the spotlight anyway.

True enough. But as Remus confirmed it with a quiet nod, I felt the weight of it settle over us. He wasn’t just my cousin; he was the future Alpha—the role every pack member would look to, follow without question. That kind of authority held a certain appeal, a pull that my wolf didn’t quite understand.

“Yeah.” Remus’s expression turned serious. “That’s part of why I wanted to talk to you. When it comes time, I’ll need a Beta by my side. And there’s no one else I’d trust with that role. What do you think?”

My surprise must have shown because he chuckled, clapping me on the shoulder.

“Come on, don’t act like you haven’t thought about it. You’ve been like a brother to me for years. If anyone deserves that position, it’s you.”

It was a lot to take in. Me, Beta? I hadn’t given it much thought, but the idea carried a certain weight. I met Remus’s gaze, taking in the sincerity there. “Thanks, Remus,” I said, genuinely. “It’s… it’s an honor.”

Lucius stirred again, more restlessly this time. Beta…we’re not meant to follow him like a shadow, Rowan. The resentment flickered like a low flame, one I was used to by now.

Maybe we’re not, I replied inwardly, trying to ease the tension. But Remus is family. We’ll support him.

Remus shrugged, as if he hadn’t just thrown a life-altering decision into my lap. “Hey, I figure we’ll make a good team. And besides, if you’re serious about Steph, you’ll be needing that status boost.”

I nearly choked on my laugh. “Yeah, well, if I manage to convince her of that, I’ll let you know.”

“Well,” he started, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth, “word around the pack is that you and Stephanie Lunaris are… cozy.”

I raised an eyebrow, keeping my expression nonchalant. “We’re just spending time together,” I replied, a rehearsed answer that felt natural enough. I waited, curious to see where he’d take this.

Remus snorted, giving me a sideways glance. “Come on, Rowan. You? With Stephanie? You’ve got everyone talking—and half of them are placing bets on if it's the real deal.” He looked me over, a calculating glint in his eyes. “I didn’t expect her to be your type.”

I barely held back a laugh. Remus would never guess that “dating” Stephanie was just another charade—another cleanup job, even if this one wasn’t his doing. I wondered if he’d believe me if I told him how it all started with a joke between us. I’d agreed to help her, not realizing it would stir up so much attention.

Lucius, I directed my thoughts inward, you got any thoughts on how the pack would react if they knew?

Lucius’s response was immediate, a deep rumble of amusement radiating through me. Ah, Rowan, it’s all nonsense. But, if it keeps them at bay from our real goals, then let them talk. And Stephanie… there’s something interesting about her. Stronger than she realizes.

You’re not wrong, I admitted. And though I wasn’t ready to admit it, there was a part of me that looked forward to our moments together, no matter how “fake” they might be.

“So what’s really going on, Remus?” I asked, redirecting the focus. “This isn’t about me and Stephanie. Why the sudden curiosity?”

Remus shifted, looking off into the distance. “Maybe I’m just curious,” he muttered, then his expression softened, hinting at an unusual vulnerability. “There’s pressure, Rowan. To live up to what everyone expects—the perfect future Alpha.”

I nodded, understanding. Lucius growled approvingly, sensing the undercurrent of something real. At least he’s finally admitting it.

“Look, Remus,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder, “don’t let everyone else’s expectations weigh you down. Lead the pack your way, not how they expect. And if you ever need to vent, you know where to find me.”

Remus nodded, visibly more relaxed, though the wheels in his head were still turning. It was a glimpse into a more complex side of him—one I rarely saw.

The pack was always whispering, always speculating. But as long as Lucius and I had each other—and, for now, as long as I had this strange bond with Stephanie—I figured we’d be just fine.