Luna Athalia

4. Complete Self-Control

Athalia Marie Sylas

When Athalia became Luna two years ago, Eloise presented her with gifts. Eloise was the daughter of the pack's head witch, who was also slaughtered the same night the rest of the royalty was. She had said that the gifts were meant to quell Athalia's constant battle with anxiety that she had had since middle school. But they had no idea how necessary it was until the rogue raid hit. 

The bracelets were thin and simple, encrusted with tiny diamonds imbued with magical properties. They were meant to help her control her emotions without stunting them. Two years of practicing with them indeed helped with the onslaught of feelings that came with meeting her mate.

But the fact that she still felt them so strongly, that Cecilia was able to feel them as well, just proved how strong the connection was. Athalia battled with the consequences of the lie she and Vince told.

What if I...reject him? Athalia asked her wolf, who whined incessantly at the mere thought, I can reject him and then mate with Vince. 

Is that what you really want, Athalia? Cecilia asked sadly, To be mated with someone you do not love for the sake of politics?

It's not just about being Luna... She responded, her grip on her own arm tightening as she struggled to maintain her facade, Remy Bell has been a pain in my ass since I was 14. He embodies everything I've fought against since my parents died.

Have you considered maybe that what he does is for you? Not against you?

Lia gulped, pushing the possibility away as Vince returned. She turned away, walking towards him with her arms still crossed across her chest, "So? How is it out there?"

"Going as well as we could hope." He responded, running a hand through his dark blonde hair, "The Union has been quiet, I haven't seen Dominique or Remy at all when I was patrolling. But everyone else seems very accepting. It feels like a lot of the pack is relieved."

"Because they finally have an Alpha." Athalia finished for him, sighing a bit as she let her shoulders relax, "Thank you, Vince. I know this is a lot. You have always come through for me."

He approached her slowly, almost sheepishly as he looked down at her with those sparkling green hues, "You know I'd do anything for you, Atty."

They quieted, staring at each other silently. There was a weird energy that Athalia had never really felt before. There was a small flutter in her chest as he got closer to her. Breath hitched in her throat as he lowered his face to hers, giving a soft kiss to her lips.

Her head tilted slightly, fitting their faces together better as he let his soft lips just barely press against hers. It was sweet, almost friendly in its manner. She drew back slightly, not letting it deepen, her eyes slitted as she murmured, "I believe we have work to do."

She moved past him, moving towards her office as her cheeks reddened.

Vince stood there, slightly frustrated but mostly elated. It was something; it made him hopeful. Her sharp voice brought him back down from his reverie, "Come on!"

He chuckled, shaking his head a bit as he followed after his mate.

Remy Samuel Bell

Remy walked along the paved streets of Roaming Ember's territory, wandering aimlessly. For years he had let his devotion to Athalia and his zeal for the Alpha title lead every action. But all had fallen apart within a matter of seconds, the moment his mate announced her Beta would take the Alpha position. That fucker Vince Reyes. 

How did she not feel our pull? How could she have such complete self-control? He asked his wolf once again.

The creature growled in his head, Remy could feel him rolling his eyes, How many times do I have to tell you? It's those damned bracelets Eloise Smothers gave her. 

But it's so strong. I was so sure this would be stronger than magic. Remy paused, his fists forming at his sides as inky black hues drifted upwards to the sky, This isn't how it was supposed to go. 

You're telling me. Wren responded, shaking his large black head, I sat back for years letting you plot this convoluted plan because I had hoped it would work. But now we are here, without our mate, without our title. 

What would you have had me do? Remy growled back as he continued to walk.

Perhaps you could have been a gentleman and waited patiently for her to turn 18 instead of forming this stupid Union and making her hate you?  Wren snapped back, settling on his haunches.

Remy began to protest, ever the fighter before he realized he had walked straight to the pack house. Was their bond so deep that he was subconsciously drawn to her? He walked up the wraparound driveway, standing off to the side as he partially hid in the foliage of the front garden. 

It was still early and the grounds were not as bustling as they would be in a few hours. Looking up to a large window, he caught glimpse of his angel. 

Athalia stood blanketed in early morning light, her skin practically glistening as she stared out to the gardens. She didn't seem to see him as she fiddled with the bracelets on her wrist - the ones that made her suppress her feelings towards him.

Remy's heart thudded deeply in his chest, watching her as she stood there. The very sight of her drove him back, drove Wren to his feet and hop about like a pup. He wanted her so desperately, watching as she seemed to be completely oblivious to his presence. Wren whined as she turned away, talking to someone he could not see.

But soon the false Alpha came into view, the way he leered down at Athalia drove Remy insane. It took every ounce of his being to stand still as the male leaned down and placed his disgusting mouth on Athalia's perfect lips.

A growl bubbled in his throat, threatening wild volume as he helplessly watched his mate lean into the movement, seeming to relax at the touch. 

Wren's fur stood on end, growling endlessly in Remy's mind, No! MINE!