Chapter 13
801 Words
Morning came quietly.
Too quietly.
Irene lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling as sunlight slipped through the curtains. The room felt too small, too warm, too loud with thoughts she could not stop.
The events of the night before replayed in her mind again and again. The pull. The bond. Him. The way everyone had stared. The way she had run.
Her chest tightened.
Why did I run?
She turned onto her side, pulling the blanket closer. Embarrassment burned in her stomach. She could not imagine stepping outside her room and facing the pack. Facing him.
Her mate.
The thought alone made her heart race.
It shouldn’t be like this… not him… not me…
She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping sleep would take her again, but it refused. Time passed slowly. Too slowly.
Then her stomach growled. Loud. Angry.
Irene groaned softly and glanced at the window. The sun was high now. Noon, maybe even later.
“Twelve…” she whispered to herself.
She hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Her body reminded her of that now. Reluctantly, she pushed the covers aside and sat up. Her legs felt weak as she stood, nerves twisting in her chest.
Just go in, grab food, leave, she told herself. No one will notice.
She changed quickly and slipped out of her room, keeping her head down as she made her way through the pack grounds. Every sound made her flinch. Every movement felt like eyes were on her.
When she reached the park kitchen, she paused at the entrance, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.
The room was busy. Women moved around preparing food. Children laughed softly near one corner. The smell of fresh bread and soup filled the air.
The moment she stepped inside everything stopped.
Every single person turned toward her.
Then, one by one, they bowed.
Deep. Respectful. Silent.
Irene froze.
Her heart dropped into her stomach. “W-wait—no, please don’t!” she blurted out, panic rising fast.
They remained bowed.
“I—I don’t, please stop,” she stuttered, hands lifting helplessly. “You don’t have to do that, I”
Her voice shook. Her face burned hot. She had never seen this kind of respect directed at her. Never in her life.
One of the older women smiled kindly but did not straighten. “Future Luna,” she said softly.
The word hit Irene like a slap.
She sucked in a breath, eyes wide. “No—no, please, I’m not—I don’t”
Her throat closed. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think.
Without another word, she turned and fled.
She ran out of the kitchen, her feet barely touching the ground. The hunger in her stomach was forgotten, replaced by embarrassment and fear twisting inside her chest.
She didn’t stop until she reached her room.
Slamming the door shut, she leaned against it, breathing hard. Her hands trembled as she slid down to the floor.
Future Luna…
The word echoed painfully in her mind.
She stayed there for a long moment before slowly pushing herself up and turning around only to stop short.
Zara was sitting on her bed.
The moment Zara saw her, her eyes widened, then lit up with excitement.
“IRENE!” she squealed, jumping to her feet.
Irene yelped softly, startled. Her face instantly flushed pink. “Z-Zara! What are you doing here?”
Zara rushed toward her, grabbing her hands. “Do you know what you did last night?! Do you know what everyone is saying?!”
Irene looked away, mortified. “Please don’t”
Zara laughed, bouncing on her toes. “You ran from the future Alpha! Irene, you actually ran!”
“I didn’t mean to!” Irene protested weakly, covering her face.
Zara leaned closer, teasing. “You’re blushing so hard right now.”
Irene groaned. “Stop, please.”
Before Zara could say more, a knock sounded at the door.
Both of them froze.
Zara’s teasing smile vanished as she glanced toward the door. Irene’s heart dropped.
The door opened slightly, and a Beta stood there respectfully.
“Lady Irene,” he said gently, bowing his head. “The future Alpha seeks your attention.”
The words rang loudly in the quiet room.
Irene froze completely.
Her mind raced. Is he angry?
Is he going to scold me for running?
Will he force me to accept the bond?
Fear crept into her chest, tightening her breathing. Zara squeezed her hand reassuringly, but Irene barely felt it.
“I… I’ll come,” Irene whispered.
The Beta nodded and stepped aside.
As Irene followed him, her thoughts spiraled. Every step felt heavier than the last. She didn’t know what awaited her but she knew one thing for sure.
Nothing would ever be the same again.
- Writer
