The Luna’s Unwanted Mate

The two female werewolves scowled at each other as they groaned heatedly, preparing to fight one another. Emerson leapt at her enemy but unluckily, she missed and became pinned to the ground. Her rival moaned, reminding her who the boss was. Emerson sighed a sigh of despair.   “Okay, alright, you win, mum. I give up,” Emerson stated rudely. Freya giggled quietly and pressed Emerson’s head even harder to the ground, prompting her to wince in agony. “And?”   “And you’re the greatest Luna the Alpha could possibly get… and you’re unbeatable… can you kindly unpin me now? You’re crushing my head,” Emerson murmured as she groaned in agony. She exhaled instantly her mother released her.   She climbed to her feet, emerging back to her human form. Her mother did the same. “Great fight, Emerson. I have to confess, your reflexes are growing better, but it can never pass the one and only Luna of the pack.”   Emerson rolled her eyes same time she giggled. “Yes, yeah wait until I start running my own pack,” she announces as Freya heaved a sigh, holding her closer. “I hope so too, Emerson. But don’t forget your father’s…”   “Yes, mama. I have not forgotten; you’ll have to locate your alpha and mate before you can be called a Luna, I have not forgotten that foolish policy father made.” She could feel the wrath building in her. She was upset, angry that she couldn’t do as she pleased because she was the daughter of the Alpha and there are certain restrictions to that—also because she was a female-wolf!   It was frustrating how female wolf got demoted if it comes to battles or hunting or leadership. They are seen as weak and expected to remain home and give birth, and raise the children, and cook.   Emerson wanted to have children but she wouldn’t want to be a stay-at-home mom like her mother, Luna Freya. She wanted to also come out and command a pack, go hunting, battle their nemesis—the humans.   She despises how they’re usually instructed to remain home and hide whenever there was a disturbance. Only the Luna was permitted to come out and fight, and that was quite unusual in their pack. The Alpha and his pack warriors were usually the ones that do the fun stuff—as Emerson stated. She regards fighting as a joyful hobby.   “I have to start working on supper, sweetheart. Are you coming to help out?”   Emerson softly shook her head. “I have to go meet Kelly and Andrew at the waterfall.”   “Okay, honey. Don’t stay out too late like you did last night.” Freya kissed her farewell and they parted ways.   She wandered by the bunch of omegas talking along and enjoying their evening. They immediately got quiet when they noticed her. She despised how practically everyone was terrified of her. No one dared to approach near to her, not after knowing who her father was and what he’s capable of doing over safeguarding his only heir. The final wolf who picked on Emerson and struck her was Alex, and he was kicked out of the pack, few days later his dead was discovered in the bushes. He must’ve trespassed another pack’s territory and they dealt with him.   She heaves a sigh and goes past them to the waterfall, where her two closest friends Kelly and Andrew were waiting for her.   Kelly is six months younger than Emerson. She’s the offspring of the Alpha’s beta. Her father is the second strongest werewolf in the pack, behind Emerson’s father. They’ve been great buddies since they were a year old, to date.   Andrew hails from an average omega family. He’s older than the two of them. He’s like a father figure to the two female wolves. He never gets in trouble even though Emerson and Kelly were constantly hunting for one. He knew they’d be allowed go with caution but he’d never receive such grace. He’d put his family in risk or perhaps get ejected out the pack.     “What took you so long? Or have you already formed your territory and moved out of Alpha Jack’s pack?” Kelly joked humorously but Emerson didn’t find it funny. Andrew repressed his giggle and cleared his throat. “That is not funny, Kelly. Give some respect to our future Luna…”   “Thank you, Andrew.” Emerson joined them near the brink of the waterfall. “That’s assuming she manages to find a Mate…” Andrew clamped his palm over his hand as Emerson scowled at him. “I’m sorry,” he whispered as Kelly laughed aloud without thinking that she’d bother Emerson. “You guys aren’t helping matters,” she complained and dropped her head on Andrew’s shoulder. He sighed a sigh as he put his powerful arm around her little frame. She cuddled in and embraced his torso.   “Don’t push it, Emerson. Sometimes, you simply have to quit worrying, wondering and questioning. Have trust that everything will work out, maybe not as you intended, but exactly how it’s meant to be.”   Emerson had her eyes closed as she smiled at the words Andrew uttered—this was one of the reasons why she’d never exchange him of anything. He was brilliant with words and he knew precisely what to say to make her feel at ease.   “Yes, and you should be glad that no female wolf is attempting to compete against you. You two would’ve battled until one’s dead or you have to be lashed until one of you gives up. Your only task is to just find a partner, that’s all. And you’ll be the Luna of your own pack.”   Emerson sat up and glanced over at Kelly. She was correct, her mission was so simple. She merely needed to find a Mate to be her Alpha. She never thought it was going to be hard until every single wolf in their pack attempted to pressure her into accepting him only because they wanted to be Alpha, not because they loved her.   She breathed a sigh of annoyance. “What if I don’t find a mate?” She blurts out and Kelly quickly smacks her head. “Ouch! What was it for?” Emerson scowled at her.   “You will! Because you’re gorgeous, bright, wise… you’re so independent that you don’t even need a Mate to manage a pack but you can’t because the Alpha would murder and kill us because he’d certainly find out we persuaded you into it and we told you that you’re independent…” Kelly said breathlessly.   Emerson glances at her with astonishment. She has never encountered a wolf who overthinks and shouts out the impossibilities like Kelly.   ‘We? Hey don’t pin this on me. I have never stated she was independent… well I mean you are, Emerson. But I’d never persuade you into leading your own pack even if you’re capable of doing it on your own. But just don’t…”   “I am not leading my own pack alone… no one would follow me and think I’d be able to defend them.”   Kelly and Andrew exhaled a sigh of relief.   “Now…” Emerson climbed to her feet and pulled off her top. They knew what she was going to do. “Enough with this depressing pep lectures and let’s have some fun.” She slid out of her pants and dived into the lake. It was extremely chilly but Emerson didn’t care. She loves the ocean and she found swimming relaxing—especially with her two only companions.   Kelly ripped off her clothing and shouted as she followed Emerson into the water. Andrew didn’t like the idea at first but just like every other time, they always end up persuading him to join them   He did. And it was always enjoyable spraying water on each other’s faces and joking about it till it gets dark or they were weary.   An hour later, they got dressed and left the waterfall. The sun was already down and it was becoming dark. Emerson stared at the sky as she heaved a sigh. She wanted to remain out with her pals but these days, it was impossible—not with the way the Alpha was becoming more watchful over. Maybe because she revealed that she wanted to be a Luna when she becomes eighteen in six months?   “Hey, why don’t we go by the cliff to view the full moon before we return home?” Kelly recommended. Emerson and Andrew weren’t persuaded. “Can’t, I have to hurry home before my father does. Can’t miss supper like yesterday.”   “Yeah, me too. I have some duties to complete. I’ll see you all tomorrow.” Andrew waved before parting ways with the girls.   “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kelly.” Emerson gave her a short embrace and raced on toward their house.   Her heart beats rapidly as she reached their home. She could see the pack warriors and also fresh faces she wasn’t acquainted with near the entryway. She knew that meant only two things; The Alpha was home and he having guests from a nearby pack.    It was rare—they barely get along with other packs since they were in so much rivalry. They all aspired to be better and ahead. So, they seldom visit another pack or have them over.   For Emerson, she has never gone to any other pack’s territory. She just knew her group and that was all. She always looks forward to when the Alpha visits a nearby pack but he never brings her with him. He often cautioned her how risky it was and how things can go south with the other pack.  The Alpha was always being theatrical and over reacting—she pondered to herself, sauntering inside the residence.   Her mother’s garnished roasted meat hits her nose, reminding her of how hungry she was. She grinned and swiftly reached their dining area. “Her mom…” she hesitated at the sight of the new face.   He looked up and bored his lovely brown eyes on her. He was attractive from the depth of his eyes to the delicate emotions of his voice. He had the type of face that stopped you in your tracks. She had never in her entire years seen a guy as attractive as the one sitting before her and likewise admiring her.    She lets out a trembling breath and broke the eyes contact. She could faint if she sees his werewolf form. It must be five times better than his form presently.     Her father grinned, glad with their first vision. It gave him optimism on what he had in mind. He’d obtain what he wants and also fulfil his daughter’s request.   “Damon, meet my daughter, Emerson.”   Emerson glances at her father as he presented her to the guy, he named Damon. She felt the need to roll her eyes or chuckle or perhaps blush. She wasn’t sure of how to respond.   Damon softly climbed to his feet and Emerson glanced up. It was at the time Emerson saw how tall he was. He was slightly too tall for his frame; if was he a few inches shorter, he wouldn’t be so gorgeous. It was as though he stopped growing just to be stretched on one of those mediaeval racks a half-foot more. His face was largely concealed by a black silky beard that clung to his skin like winter ravaged ivy tendrils.   He meets her look again, not with the timidity but with a direct reluctance to divert his eyes initially. How bizarre to see those half-familiar faces devoid of warmth, like they were stolen.   “Pleased to meet you, Emerson.” She heard his booming voice above her head. He reached out his hand and she briskly glanced at her father. He grinned as he nodded at her.   Her mother also put out a grin at her. She wasn’t at all persuaded with her husband’s proposal, particularly knowing how their daughter was obstinate and wouldn’t bend on what she didn’t have in mind. She simply hoped for the best and hopes Emerson embraces the concept.   Emerson took his hand and he kissed her knuckles. She felt the excitement running through her veins and how gentle his lips were on her skin. It was her first time experiencing that sort of emotion. It felt nice. And she would exchange everything to experience it again—on her lips.   Her heart felt like soaring and the world seemed to halt. She managed to smile and nod her head at him. She was awes trucked by how calm he was but she could sense something odd about him.   He gave her a seat before returning to his own seat.   They had supper together and spoke between eating. They entire time Emerson had her head buried and didn’t utter a thing until she was asked to. She felt anxious and her mother noticed—she grasped Emerson’s hand and squeezed it softly. She glanced up at her mother and smiled. It made her feel at rest by how her mother never fails to hear her anguish despite pandemonium.   She could never swap her mum for anything.   The Alpha cleared his throat to draw their attention. Emerson’s heart missed a beat as she focuses her eyes on her father. She sensed there was something edgy that was going to follow. She can’t tell what it was but she was ready for it.   “Damon is an Alpha from a next-door pack, The Umbris Pack. He abruptly lost his wife not long ago. He is a well-respected individual that has done so many excellent things. Out of my pack, he is the only wolf I can claim that I trust. Which is why when he asked for you to be his Mate, I agreed.”   Her thinking stutters for a second and her eyes widen as she glanced back at her father. Every aspect of her goes on halt until her thoughts catch up.   Damon came here because he wanted her to be his Mate, he wanted a powerful female wolf to replace his slain Luna thus he picked her? Out of all the female-wolves he could’ve picked from his pack. He opted to flash his sights beyond his bounds and pick the lone heir of the Scuris Pack Alpha’s daughter. How egotistic and inconsiderate.       “You wanted to be a Luna, Emerson and you haven’t provided a mate…”   “No! I don’t need anybody to pick my Mate. And I most definitely wouldn’t want my mate to be from another Pack… at least not his pack,” she shouted out of fury and bewilderment.   “I will not have you cutting me off while I speak or talk back at me, young lady.” She could hear the anger in her father’s voice. She didn’t care. She wasn’t going to mate with someone she was not pleased with.   “My pack is full with wonderful citizens and I promise you…”   “Do I have to repeat myself? I said no! And you or my father or anybody are not in the situation to make a choice for me. I have declared and that’s finally…”     “Then you will never become a LUNA as long as I live!” Her father roared as he drove his fist on the table, forcing her to quiver in dread. She looks at him for a while before rising to her feet and storming out of the premises.     “Emerson,” her mother screamed out but she has already rushed into her room and slammed the door.