Rivals for Luna's Mate

I felt the pull of the chains, a sensation that sent shivers down my spine, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through me. The assault on my pack had come at a moment when escape was all I yearned for. I intentionally averted my gaze, avoiding the unsettling scenes that surrounded us. The crime scenes exuded an aura of danger that compelled me to steer clear whenever possible. Amidst it all, I focused on taking deep breaths, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead. I am Sienna Grace. I was Alpha Xavier's favorite bimbo. This is what everybody has been saying. If enduring an external onslaught was the price to pay for my freedom from him, then so be it. Xavier was my alpha. He didn't have a partner, so even though I was more of a slave to him, he had me perform most of the things that the Luna would have to do. But I was not a Luna. In essence, I was simply me—just an ordinary woman, nothing extraordinary. I didn't like how Xavier treated me or any other woman with us. His animalistic nature made him harsh and cruel. Honestly, I wasn't shocked by this raid. Considering how many enemies Xavier had amassed, I'm surprised no one has broken into our house. The rattle of the chains made me feel trapped and helpless. However, I knew I possessed the strength to break free. "Xavier has set out on his own, but the Luna is with us," said the man beside me. I muttered, "What a weenie." The man who had captured me swung me out and held me in place while he unfastened my chains. They grabbed my shoulders and pulled me down on my knees. "He'll surely return for her," the enigmatic figure in black remarked. This is something that the alpha will enjoy. I craned my neck forward so I could see the man in front of me more clearly. He may have appeared young, but I could tell he was a battle veteran. Perhaps he was the alpha or at least the beta. "He won't come back," I asserted, fully aware of the repercussions. These dominant men despised insubordination from women, but at that juncture, my connection to Xavier rendered me indifferent. "Believe me, I'm not his Luna! We're not even romantically involved..." Yet, a woman held the true power to bring a man to his knees. "Well, Onyx, that does change things, doesn't it?" The beta said something to the man behind me, who he called Onyx. I knew what would happen when they learned I wasn't important. "She is deceiving us. All the proof points to her as the most important piece." Onyx tightened his grip on my hair to make sure I wouldn't move. I didn't move, and I didn't fight back right away, either. It worked against being bitten, scratched, and punched. Xavier would stop abusing me if I could just get away from him. "I guess we'll just have to let Alpha Axel decide." Onyx helped me to my feet and pushed me into the muddy woods despite my damaged pack. Our group was weak because of our leader. Both of us deserved this. I hope that the women and children who were there were able to get away or find safety before the raid was over. My palms were on fire from the tight grip of the heavy shackles on my wrists. At the time we left out, I had no idea where we were headed and could only hope that we would soon find out. I'd be completely helpless if I didn't have them. Onyx was quiet the whole time we walked. He would say something when I stumbled. My legs were beginning to sag from exhaustion. They forget that I am still human despite my strength. As I looked around me, I realized that I knew this area better than they did. If I had the chance, I would have left a long time ago. We found a camp, which is probably where the other pack was hiding to attack us. They got what they wanted. Who knows, maybe they had been here for a long time. Onyx pushed me forward into a room where there wasn't much light. The tent was large enough for us to stand up in, but Onyx had me sit down when I came too close to the Alpha. I lowered my head in shame. In order for me to have a good look at him, I had to stoop down and expose my most sensitive areas, including my head and neck. It was important to me to treat him with respect while I was in his care so that I would have a fighting chance after I made my escape into these woods. "Alpha, I brought you the Luna," Onyx said. It was so quiet in the tent that I could hear my own breathing. That's when I noticed how dirty, injured, and maybe cut I was. To be honest, I didn't think I stood a chance, so I was hoping this alpha would just cut off the serving part and get to the killing. Even more, nothing happened. I couldn't understand why no one was making a fuss. When Onyx finally let go of the chains, the pressure he had been putting on my skin became less. The crashing chain links formed a cloud of dust. It was tempting to look up and see if I was still alive, but I felt confident that I was. There was complete silence. I never felt like I was being questioned or that he was trying to intimidate me. All he did was remain silent. I always kept my eyes on the ground. I could see his shadow across the room. Its shadow was huge and menacing. "Please leave us, Onyx." I was surprised by how soft the alpha's voice was. At first, I thought his tone was one of anger or hatred. When he spoke, I got chills all over my body. Cool, huh? "You were the Luna of Alpha Xavier." It might be taken as both a statement and a question. I was completely lost as to what he was saying. Did he just ask me that? He might have been confused and thought I was a Luna. "No, sir," I answered. I tried to move my fingers, which are probably purple now. I couldn't move because of this. I was concerned that the new alpha would be even stricter than the old one. "I'm just—" "When you speak, look me in the eyes," he asked in a soft voice. I gritted my teeth and nibbled anxiously on my lip. Gazing into his eyes, I encountered a level of attractiveness I'd never before encountered. A wave of shivers surged through me, hitting my knees with intensified force. He rose from his chair and lowered himself before me. The touch of his hand against my cheek left me utterly captivated, a blend of pleasure and suitability. When I opened my eyes, I saw where I had gone wrong. The main goal was to beat this Alpha Axel. "Mate," Axel said, but it was barely audible. Therefore, I shifted my gaze away from him. I wouldn't want my kids to grow up with a predatory alpha. I was walking forward when I stumbled and fell backward. My hands were unable to stop the fall. I just close my eyes and wait for the floor to catch me, but it didn't happen. "I got you," he whispered. I opened my eyes and saw his intense gaze. He was so close to me. I can smell his woody scent like I was walking in nature, seeing and smelling the trees. It exudes a sense of masculinity and sophistication. "I got you now. You don't have to worry about anything anymore—" "I belong to Alpha Xavier," I murmured in a soft voice, finding it hard to believe the words that had escaped my lips. Desperation had driven me to say anything to escape the predicament I found myself in. "I never wanted a partner, especially not someone like Xavier." "That won't happen again! Do you understand me?" The beast's proclamation rang in my ears, "You are mine and mine alone." Finally, it had manifested itself. As it lunged towards me, its attack was not physical, but a piercing glare followed by both hands crashing onto the floor beside me. "I am Alpha Axel Gomez! I am nothing like that foolish Xavier!" The words were a fierce declaration. "Please remove these chains, they're causing pain," I pleaded. Swiftly, he retrieved a key from his pocket and inserted it into the lock, meticulously turning it to unlock the weighty metal door. I scrambled to my feet as soon as I could. Feigning a strike with my left hand and an attempt to hook him with my right, my actions were met with his fiery gaze and a swift grip around my clenched fist. My wrist was captured, and my arm was twisted behind my back, forcing my body to collide with his. "Another move like that, and you'll be in trouble," he warned, his voice carrying warmth and huskiness. A twist of unease churned within me. "You're afraid of me, aren't you?" The question hung in the air. I nervously nibbled on my lip and swallowed hard, attempting to conceal my emotions. I can't let him know that I'm weak. "Let me know what you want, and I'll see if Xavier has it. Want some money? What are your plans for the new property? Allow me to go, and I'll get them for you." I talked slowly because he was so close that I couldn't pay attention to what he was saying. It caught my attention. "I desire nothing more than to be with you." When he said that, I tried to get away from him, but he was holding me too tight. "You couldn't possibly want me. I'm just—" "But I do," he interjected, his voice catching me off guard as he released his hold. Inhaling deeply, I met his gaze. The anger smoldering in Axel's eyes was wrenching. It was that intensity that attracted me, yet I felt a sense of shame. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment. I've searched extensively, and she was held captive among the most brutal alphas in the entire North," he added. "Are you any different?" I inquired, my gaze fixed on him in a quest for answers. "I promise to protect you, but I can be worst if you disobey me," Axel responded, his words accompanied by a reassuring smile that prompted me to cast my eyes downward. Resilience runs deep within me, but facing him now, I stand no chance. "I'll go with you if you don't hurt my people and let them be free. Don't make a slave out of even one of these people. And—" His nod signaled the cessation of my words, aware that my next request would likely be denied. "Is there anything else?" he inquired. It took me a while to summon the courage to voice my next plea to him. "Please refrain from touching me again. Ever..." He let out a sigh and averted his gaze. There was a trace of hurt, swiftly veiled. He was evidently attempting to shield this emotion from me. What could be troubling him? Why is he behaving like this? "Remain within this tent, stepping out will only lead me to track you down and administer punishment," he spoke softly before disappearing into the shadows.