Rivals for Luna's Mate

Chapter 5: Truth Unveiled

The kitchen was expansive, and the central island could easily accommodate 15 stools. Everything was adorned in sleek black granite and chrome, an opulence I rarely encountered. The house itself seemed straight out of a magazine. An intricately designed wooden cross, beautifully handcrafted, hung on the wall, but I didn't sense a strong religious connection in Axel. The wall showcased picture frames of pack members; the photographs exuded a military air, featuring stern faces. Men populated most of the frames, while about twenty women warriors were represented. Even the men were exceptionally attractive.

I took a seat on one of the stools while Shavi occupied herself at the stove. An uneasy feeling washed over me, as she, the sister of the Alpha, was preparing the meal instead of me, who was supposed to be the cook.

"Make sure my brother doesn't give you too much trouble. He's a big chicken," Shavi laughed as she placed something in a pan and switched on the stove.

Had Axel not wanted me as his mate, he might have used and possibly even killed me. I retorted, "He's not above kidnapping either. He had no qualms about tearing down and incinerating my territory."

"Well, if you're his mate, he can claim you whether you want it or not. It's what the moon goddess decreed, and you can't do much about it except refuse," Shavi commented casually, as though discussing the weather. "He can be nice, but he's had a lot of darkness in his life," she said.

"So, if I reject him, I can leave, right?" Shavi moved on to another task after transferring what was in the frying pan onto a plate. "At home, I have so much to attend to. I need to mend the pieces."

"He told me you're still with Xavier." The room lapsed into silence. Axel's sister learned about me from him. Just hearing Xavier's name could make my nerves spike. "He's the villain now."

"I owe him," I responded, and Shavi turned her gaze toward me. Her expression gave nothing away. "He saved me from worse people who intended to inflict more harm."

"No, Sienna, you don't owe him a thing. He did save you but that doesn't mean that you need to repay him. You're part of us now," she emphasized. "You won't ever see Xavier again. That man's causing you endless trouble!" Her sudden shout jolted me from my chair.

"Do you know him? How do you know Xavier?" There seemed to be a certain resentment toward Xavier based on something she knew that I didn't. The more I observed, the more I felt like I was missing a significant piece of the puzzle.

"Yes, we all do, including me," Her gaze seemed to wander as she pondered. There's more to this story than I initially realized. My main concern was Xavier's potential malevolence. Though Xavier was already fearsome, he appeared even more daunting to her.

"What happened?" Her altered behavior suggested something terrible had transpired. "How do you know him?"

"Xavier came after our pack about 15 years ago, not dissimilar to Axel's approach with you. He stole something valuable from us." She paused briefly, then continued, "He killed my parents, took hostages, and took you." Her words hung heavily in the air. "I think my heart just stopped." It all began to fall into place.

"He took me from here?" I looked at her, confusion etched across my face. "I-I don't understand."

"You were just a child, so it makes sense you don't remember. You were probably around 3 or 4. Axel has been around for a long time, appearing 25, but he's timeless. He was born around 1530. Since I was born in 1749, I only know what Axel chooses to share about himself." Her mate hadn't even been born, so he never got to meet her. He had been searching for you."

This place was supposed to be my home, but the realization hit me hard. I avoided looking at Shavi as much as possible. "When you turned eighteen, Axel patiently waited, and your parents eventually relinquished your legal rights to Axel, making you his Luna."

"Axel knew I was with Xavier all these years? If that's the truth, why didn't he come for me sooner? He treated me horribly before he even knew who I was."

"We couldn't locate the pack until one of Axel's men slipped up during a mission, giving us a lead. In retaliation, Axel attacked the group and reclaimed his Luna, who turned out to be you." Shavi joined me and took a seat next to me, observing my changing expression. "When he first got there, he didn't recognize you because you reeked of s*x and cum."

"Oh," I mumbled, my face flushing as I looked down. Sadness surged within me, but I was more ashamed of my own actions. "So, it was your alpha who saved me."

"You can refer to him as Axel, and yes, that's what he did." Suddenly, guilt flooded over me for the things I'd said about him. I'd been living a lie all along with Xavier. "Axel isn't the person you think he is. He's not as arrogant and rude as he portrays. He's deeply wounded," Shavi set two plates on the table. I was so distraught and nauseous that I couldn't bear the smell of food. "Just give him a fair chance, like a date!"

"No, that's not going to happen," I responded, shaking my fists to emphasize my resistance. He might appear kingly, but I'd been a servant under Alpha Xavier. Nothing was going to change. "I can't do it, and I don't even want to date him."

"You can't just refuse! I'll manage everything. You and Axel will spend time together, enjoy yourselves, and you'll get to know the real Axel." Shavi beamed with enthusiasm and clapped her hands, but I did not share her excitement. I felt queasy. If I became Axel's servant like I was for Xavier, I'd be at his beck and call. I'd forfeit my freedom and any hope of escape. I'd be confined, violated, subjected to chores, and shamed again.

If Axel discovers I'm not who he believed me to be, he might cast me aside.

"Shavi, please understand, I really can't," I implored, but she grabbed my hand and pulled me off the chair, leading me upstairs.

"Don't leave my room! We'll help you decide what to wear tonight!" she directed.

Even if I am his lost mate, I've changed. I don't deserve to be his Luna.

All I wanted was to live independently.

…

We arrived at a charming Italian restaurant with globe-string lights, a bubbling water fountain, rose bushes, and a stone path leading to the entrance through two double doors.

Shavi selected my attire: a form-fitting black strapless dress paired with black Louboutins. To put it mildly, I wasn't pleased and far from ready to give Axel a chance. I used to dress this way, but that was when I was impersonating a man. I won't bow down again, not even to Axel.

To be honest, I'd prefer he ended my life before that happens.

As I entered the dining area, a gentleman held the door for me. People conversed and sipped wine in the room. Despite my history with Xavier's group, large gatherings made me uneasy. The prospect of mingling with a crowd frightened me. My hands grew clammy as I clutched my purse.

I spotted him seated alone in the center of the dining room at a table set for two. A faint smile appeared on his face as our gazes met. Despite having no reason to, he seemed just as nervous as I was. He was incredibly attractive—every girl here would have been swooning over him. His black dress shirt was tucked neatly into his black pants, accented by a black belt and tie. His suit jacket rested on the back of his chair.

Axel courteously pulled out my chair, allowing me to sit down. I thanked him quietly, trying to be considerate because he was the leader, and I'd witnessed his anger before. Maybe Shavi was right; perhaps I was taken from this pack, leading Xavier to mistreat me all these years. It dawned on me that he didn't take me solely due to his alpha status; it was more about seeking revenge against Axel.

"You look stunning," Axel commented as I adjusted my seat. It was probably the nicest thing he'd said to me since my arrival, and it made me cross my legs. He was undeniably the most handsome guy in the room, and that fact frustrated me. His grooming and attire were impeccable, exuding strength and allure. Any girl would likely succumb to his charm.

"Thank you," my cheeks were likely tinged with red by now. This mate bond was going to drain me completely. Even though I tried to resist, I found myself captivated by him. It was a futile battle; I was hooked.

Axel inquired, "Wine?" He began pouring wine into my glass before I could respond.

"No, I can't," I politely declined, recalling Xavier's prohibition against it. Was it alright to drink now that I was here? After all, I was only nineteen. Yet, I shouldn't, as it wasn't considered appropriate for a girl of my age.

"Why?" Axel shot me a rather stern glance. My refusal to drink seemed to convey something I didn't intend.

"I can't," my palms grew damp in my lap. "Well, I couldn't before, as Xavier didn't approve of women drinking, and I'm only nineteen." The mere mention of Xavier seemed to agitate him; he closed his eyes briefly, seemingly to calm himself.

"I don't know how much time has passed; it feels like an eternity," Axel paused, but Shavi had already enlightened me, so it didn't alter my feelings towards him. Nonetheless, the concept of being someone's mate didn't sit well with me. "I apologize for everything that led you to doubt me."

"No need to apologize," I replied, nodding my head while attempting not to be overly aware of Axel's gaze upon me. It was futile; he had a way of drawing me in without saying a word.

"I'm also sorry for my actions. I didn't do that deliberately. My anger towards Xavier clouded my judgment, and I was saddened that you didn't remember me." I looked up to meet his unwavering gaze; he had been focused on me all along. I frowned and fiddled with my clutch, feeling like a disappointment no matter what I did.

Once more, I apologized and assured him, "I'm sorry, I'll try to do better."

"No, it's not your fault," When Axel took my hand, my heart skipped a beat. "I want you to know that I'd never treat you the way Xavier did. I'm not even aware of half of what he did, but it won't be like that," Our conversation halted as the waiter served our food. I was too apprehensive to meet Axel's eyes, and the fact that he was aware of it added to my embarrassment. He could sense my unease all too well.

"I know, and I appreciate having a room and bed," I murmured, keeping my hands in my lap. The aroma of the steak, potatoes, rosemary, and cheese on my plate wafted up to me. "I couldn't have asked for more."

"Please try to relax," he urged. "Any wolf in this room could pick up on your fear easily." I could sense his gaze on me, attempting to find a way to make me more at ease. However, my anxiety was so overwhelming that I didn't know how to respond. "I won't be unkind to you. My intention is not to hurt you, either here or anywhere else. I simply want to converse."

"I am calm," I asserted, yet the sight of the food made my stomach growl audibly. It had been so long since I'd had a proper meal that the hearty breakfast I'd had earlier in the day made me feel queasy. I needed to take it slow. I had promised not to eat until he did, but he wasn't making a move.

"You're not," he observed intently, questioning, "Is it that you dislike the meal I ordered? If so, I can have it changed—"

"I won't eat until you've started, sir," I stated. I'd only eaten once in front of Xavier, and he had gripped my neck so tightly I nearly choked and vomited. My food had been taken away and given to the dogs, and I'd gone without food for the next five days. Here, I wasn't willing to risk it. I hoped I wouldn't disappoint Axel.

"You don't need to abide by Xavier's rules anymore, Sienna," Axel assured, moving closer so that I could see his face clearly. "Even if this were the last plate, you'd eat it and I'd go hungry, but you'll never go hungry with me. You will always be my priority, my Luna," I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of emotions. It all sounded too good to be true. I longed to melt into him, cry, and seek comfort in his embrace, but I couldn't fully trust him. My choices were limited.

"Why are you treating me so well?" It felt surreal to be treated with kindness like this. Xavier had made similar claims, and despite being a devil, we had formed a strange friendship. "Please don't feel obligated…"

"I'm not obligated, Sienna," Axel responded quietly, taking a sip of his wine before placing the glass back on the table. "I genuinely want to support you and ensure your well-being here. My aim is to learn more about you. You don't have to share my bed or dine at my table. Take your time, think it over, and I'll be here."

"Shavi mentioned it's like a date," I admitted, relieved by the revelation. My preconceived notions about Axel had been proven wrong. He was kinder than I had anticipated.

"Don't worry," Axel assured with a smile. "I've waited this long; I can continue to wait as long as necessary." As I gazed at him, his expression shifted abruptly as if in response to a noise. Almost immediately, the softness in his demeanor vanished, replaced by a more vigilant stance.

"Who are they?" I inquired as the doors opened, and Axel's attention shifted to the entrance.