Kidnapped By The Werewolf Alpha King (completed)

Chapter 14

Later that day, I reached out to Rikki through our mind link to let her know I could come visit. We agreed to meet in the gardens, and as I made my way there, I informed Luke that I would be back later. Although he listened, his disapproval of Asher and my compromise was noticeable. When Rikki caught sight of me, she dashed over with excitement, exclaiming, "I am so excited you get to come to my place, b***h!"

As we reached Rikki's apartment, the anticipation of our time together bubbled over in Rikki's excited chatter. "Airabella, I am so thrilled you talked Asher into letting you hang out with me without being babysat," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "I know, Rikki. I'm just as excited," I replied with a wide grin, feeling a sense of liberation at the prospect of spending time with my friend without constant supervision. "I want to feel like the old Airabella, not the Luna. When I'm with you, I can truly be myself."

As we stepped into the second story of Rikki's apartment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over me. The space was undeniably Rikki's, reflecting her eclectic style and vibrant personality. The living room greeted us with a plush velvet purple couch adorned with sleek black pillows, inviting us to sink into its comfort. Tapestries adorned the walls, depicting swirling galaxies of purple hues and celestial moons, adding a mystical touch to the space. In the center of the room, a coffee table painted in shimmering black sparkles caught the light, serving as a focal point amidst the cosmic decor. It was clear that every detail in the room had been carefully curated to reflect Rikki's unique tastes and interests. Taking a seat on the inviting couch, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of it all. This place truly embodied Rikki's spirit, and being here felt like stepping into a world where imagination and creativity knew no bounds.

Rikki returns from the kitchen, bearing two glasses of wine, and settles down beside me on the couch. With a knowing look in her eyes, she probes gently, "What's been going on? I can tell you're off. Have you been arguing with Asher lately?" Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I exhale slowly before responding, "Yes, we've had some arguments. Sometimes he can be so controlling." Understanding flickers in Rikki's expression as she nods knowingly. "That's how Alpha’s are," she remarks, offering a perspective that only someone familiar with the dynamics of werewolf packs could provide. I sigh, relieved to have someone to confide in. "I'm just grateful he's letting me hang out with you without a guard. I mean, Luke is nice, but I need my girl time without the worry of someone running off and reporting everything back to my mate. I need to be able to vent, you know?"

"Airabella, I get it. First, this is a huge change, and secondly, you're mated to an Alpha King Werewolf. Alphas are so possessive," Rikki sympathizes, recognizing the challenges I face. Eager to shift the conversation to a lighter topic, I inquire about her romantic life

"So, what's been going on in your world? Have you seen the tall redhead again?" I ask, hoping for some juicy details. With a mischievous grin, Rikki replies, "Oh yes! His name is Dane. We've been getting together almost every night. He's been crashing at Will and Chester's place." "Spill the tea, girl!" I encourage her, leaning in for more gossip. Looking around cautiously, Rikki lowers her voice, "Okay, but you have to swear not to tell Asher. I accidentally caught Dane doing magic, and he confessed that he's half witch." Surprised, I raise an eyebrow, "I thought he was just a shifter?" Rikki nods, confirming, "Yeah, but he's also half witch. That's why his scent is different. He brews a potion to conceal it. If Asher found out, he'd probably kick him out. But trust me, Dane's a good witch/shifter."

As Rikki confides in me, I'm both intrigued and surprised by her revelation. "Wow, half witch and half shifter? That's quite the combination," I respond, processing the information. "And he's been hiding it from everyone, including Asher?" "Yeah," Rikki confirms, her voice lowered. "He's worried about what Asher would do if he found out. But honestly, he's a good guy, Airabella. He's just trying to protect himself." I nod in understanding, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. "It sounds like he's in a tough spot. I won't say anything to Asher, don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

As I pose the question to Rikki, a wave of uncertainty washes over me. Should I really be asking about this? But then again, if she's sharing secrets with me, perhaps it's only fair that I do the same. I take a sip of my wine, gathering my thoughts before speaking.

"Rikki, do you think Dane could teach someone magic or how to control it?" I inquire, trying to sound casual despite the weight of my curiosity. Rikki's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at my question, a hint of intrigue in her expression. "Teach someone magic? Well, I suppose it's possible. If Dane is half witch, he probably knows a thing or two about it," she muses, her voice laced with curiosity as she takes another sip of her wine. "But why do you ask? Are you thinking about learning magic?" Her response piques my interest even further, and I can't help but wonder if Dane could offer the guidance I so desperately need.

Glancing around cautiously, I lean in closer and whisper, "If I tell you a secret, you can't breathe a word of it to anyone. Not Dane, Joan, your family, or anyone else. Promise me." Rikki nods solemnly, her eyes locked onto mine. "Airabella, I swear on my life. You're my best friend and our Luna. I won't say a word to anyone, not even the pack." Taking a deep breath, I reveal, "Rikki, I just found out that I'm half Lycan, and to make matters more serious, I'm half Royal Lycan."

Rikki's eyes widen in astonishment, her mouth slightly agape. "Half Lycan? Half Royal Lycan?" she echoes, clearly taken aback by my revelation. "I had no idea, Airabella. That's... that's huge." I nod, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I finally share this secret with someone. "It explains a lot of things, but it also complicates everything," I confess, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

Rikki reaches out, squeezing my hand in a gesture of solidarity. "You're still the same Airabella to me, regardless of what blood runs through your veins," she assures me, her voice filled with sincerity. Touched by her words, I manage a small smile. "Thank you, Rikki. I needed to hear that," I reply gratefully, feeling a sense of comfort in knowing that I have her support.

"Rikki, I'm desperate to learn how to control my powers. Every time I get emotional, it's like a storm erupts around me. I cause rain, clouds, even earthquakes. It's overwhelming," I confess, tears welling up in my eyes. She wraps her arms around me in a comforting embrace as I continue, "I've pleaded with Asher to train me, but he insists on waiting, wanting to gather more information first. He's researching with Carter and Luke, and they're the only ones who know about my struggles." Tears stream down my cheeks as I admit, "I feel so powerless. I'm terrified that I'll inadvertently hurt someone, or that the pack will see me as a threat because I'm a Lycan." Rikki holds me tighter, offering comfort in her embrace as I pour out my fears and frustrations.

Rikki's words resonate with me, filling me with a sense of relief and gratitude. Having a friend like her, someone who understands my need for independence and supports me in finding ways to practice my magic discreetly, is invaluable.

As we spend the rest of the day catching up and discussing music and the human world, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. Rikki's presence brings a sense of normalcy to my life, reminding me of who I am beyond the confines of the pack. However, as the hours pass, I realize that I need to return home before Asher or Luke become worried about my whereabouts. With a reluctant goodbye, I promise Rikki that I'll await her game plan for our future practice sessions, eager to continue honing my abilities away from prying eyes.

As I make my way back to the packhouse, relieved that Rikki's apartment is nearby, I encounter Luke in the gardens. I can see his disappointed glare at me. I express my feelings to Luke, pleading for understanding, he remains silent, his stoic demeanor unchanged. Despite his lack of verbal response, I can sense the weight of his disapproval lingering in the air. Summoning my courage, I continue to explain, emphasizing the importance of this newfound sense of normalcy with Rikki. "Luke, please understand," I implore, hoping to convey the depth of my need for this connection with my friend. "Asher is the one who is finally letting me do this. I need this, Luke. I've experienced so much change, and for once, I can feel normal with Rikki—the one friend I had before all of this happened to me."

After a moment of tense silence, Luke finally speaks, his voice firm and resolute. "I know, Luna Airabella," he acknowledges, his adherence to his duty as a pack member evident. Though his words may betray his personal feelings, I can sense his unwavering commitment to following his Alpha's orders. Reluctantly accepting Luke's response, I nod in acknowledgment, knowing that further discussion on the matter would only serve to exacerbate the tension between us. With Luke trailing behind me, we enter the packhouse, the weight of our unspoken disagreement lingering in the air.

As I enter the room, I spot Asher engaged in conversation with Carter. Excitement courses through me as I approach him, eager to express my gratitude for allowing me to spend time with Rikki. "Thank you so much for letting me hang out with Rikki. Today has been so good," I gush, unable to contain my happiness. Asher's eyes light up at my words, and he pulls me into a warm embrace. "Airabella, I love you, and I am happy you're happy," he says affectionately, his voice filled with sincerity. In that moment, I feel a rush of warmth and affection flood my senses.

Leaning in closer, I whisper in his ear, "Wait until tonight; I will make you happy too." A mischievous smile plays on my lips as I share my playful intentions with him. His smirk grows wider in response, and he nods in agreement. "I like that plan," he chuckles, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. With a final squeeze, he releases me from the embrace, and I step back with a satisfied grin, looking forward to the evening ahead.

After our brief exchange, Asher resumes his conversation with Carter, discussing pack matters and future plans. I take a moment to observe them, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me knowing that Asher trusts me enough to grant me this small freedom. As the day progresses, I assist with various pack duties, engaging with members and offering support wherever needed. Despite the occasional pang of worry about Luke's disapproval, I remain focused on fulfilling my responsibilities as the Luna.