A Luna Chained

Chapter 4 - The Elusive Mate (Rhys POV)

I hate being in human territory.

This school is part of our legacy Rhys.

I know, I know… I agreed with my wolf, Ragnar. The university was founded by my great-great-grandfather, in honour of a human who saved his life during the war. Our yearly pilgrimage to the Dean’s office with a large donation check was part of my Alpha duties, but I was glad it was over and I was heading back to our pack lands.

Dylan, my Beta and best friend, drove the sleek black Mercedes through the winding roads of the campus.

“Do you want to go for a run tonight, Alpha? The moon is not quite full, so we can squeeze one in before the pack run tomorrow night.“

I leaned my elbow on the open window sill. That’s one of the reasons I chose Dylan as my second in command. Not only was he a strong wolf and a great tactician, but he was also empathetic and attuned to my needs. I thanked the Goddess for him every day.

“Yeah, I would, actually! Let’s do an impromptu inspection of the night patrols. Scare them shitless” I added, laughing.

We were taking turns imagining the various reaction of the pack warriors, when suddenly, Ragnar burst into the forefront of my mind.

Mate!

“STOP THE CAR!” I bellowed, and Dylan slammed on the breaks.

“Whoa, what the hell!?” he said frantically.

I scrambled out of the car and looked around me. Nothing but trees, old buildings, and streetlights. I could sense Ragnar pacing, desperate. But then, I smelled her…

Whisps of sandalwood, honey, and heather danced on the breeze. It was wild, but feminine. Strong, but sweet. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. Ragnar wagged his tail and bounced like a puppy.

It’s her, Rhys - it’s our mate! Find her. She can’t be far. I can’t sense her wolf, but I can smell her.

Dylan leaned over the passenger seat. “Are you OK, Rhys?” He only used my given name when he was really worried about me.

“My mate. She’s here somewhere.”

“Your MATE? Holy f**k!”

“I know! I know!” I was starting to panic because I couldn’t see anyone nearby.

“OK Romeo, calm down and take a deep breath. Which way is her scent coming from?” Dylan asked. Now that he knew his Alpha was not in danger, he found the whole situation amusing.

“Ragnar, help!” I pleaded. My eyes glazed over as I let him take control.

That way!

I hurried, almost jogging towards the delicious scent. It got stronger and stronger until…

MATE! Ragnar howled.

I whipped around and caught a glimpse of a face in the passenger seat of a car as it drove by. My heart lurched. It was her! Dark hair, fair skin, full lips. She was the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.

But why wasn’t she looking for me? Why didn’t her wolf call to mine?

Dylan caught up with me. “Why did you stop? Where is she?”

I numbly pointed at the car that was driving away.

“OK, no problem. I got the licence plate. We'll find her.” He clapped my shoulder. “Don’t worry, we won’t let her get away.”

I stared after the car as it disappeared into the darkness, and a sinking feeling came over me. Was she human?

“I don’t think she has a wolf” I admitted.

“What? She’s human?” Dylan sounded as surprised as I was disappointed.

How could I take a human as my Luna? Humans are weak, and an Alpha needs a strong mate with a strong wolf to help lead the North Star pack.

“Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.” I whispered to my Beta, deadly serious. “I need to look into this before I bring it to my father and the rest of the pack.”

“Understood, Alpha Rhys” he said, using my official title and bowing his head in submission. I knew that he took my order seriously and would take it to his grave if needed.

The woman’s scent was still lingering in the air, making Ragnar restless, so I continued to follow the tendrils of honey, heather and sandalwood that teased me and my wolf. Dylan silently followed, taking notes on his phone.

Not far from where we saw her, her scent was pooled around the doorstep of one of the school buildings. The plaque read “McKenna Hall - Department of Classical and Medieval Studies.” Despite the late hour, the lights were on and lively music drifted from the windows. It wasn’t much, but it was something. I nodded to Dylan and he noted the name and location of the building.

Once my mate’s scent had faded, and Ragnar had curled up in the corner of my mind, whining softly, I admitted momentary defeat.

“Let’s go.” I sighed, ”I don’t think we’re going to find anything else here. Text me your notes, and let’s call it a night.”

“Do you still want to go for a run?” Dylan asked, knowing the answer.

“Nah.“

“I figured. But hey, at least you know your true mate is out there! We just have to track her down. You’ve always loved a chase!” He was trying to be cheerful as we walked back to the car.

I’m not supposed to have to chase my true mate, though. We’re fated for each other; our union blessed by The Moon Goddess. Why would our Goddess bond me to a human? Humans don’t even believe in Her!

I knew I was in for a long, sleepless night. Remembering the scent of the woman who was destined to be mine, and praying that I would find her again.