Chapter 3: Adjusting to the Luna’s Role
1303 Words
Abby's POV
As the last guests departed, I lingered in the hall, drained and longing to escape my bridal gown for a hot shower. “I’ll do my best to honor this commitment, even if it’s not what I wanted,” I muttered to myself.
“Abby, let’s go home,” Hayden said, breaking my thoughts. “Alex is waiting outside to drive us.”
“Alright,” I replied, following him out.
We arrived at Hayden’s mansion, a grand estate that felt intimidating. “This place is… massive,” I commented.
“It’s a reflection of who I am,” Hayden said with a hint of pride. “I’m glad it makes an impression.”
The maids helped me unload my belongings as we headed to his private chamber — now our private chamber.
“Welcome home,” Hayden said, a smirk on his lips. “I’ve had my PA stock the wardrobe with everything to make you comfortable.”
“Oh, t-thanks,” I stammered, heading toward the impressive wardrobe. “Wow, these are beautiful,” I said, admiring the elegant dresses.
After a quick shower, I emerged in a simple nightgown. Hayden’s intense gaze made my heart race.
“This looks beautiful on you,” he said, stepping closer as our eyes locked.
“Ah, yes,” I replied, my breath catching in my throat.
Hayden’s proximity made my pulse quicken. His eyes bore into mine, and I almost leaned in when he suddenly pulled back. “I’ve arranged a meeting for you tomorrow. You’ll need to start preparing for your role as Luna. There’s a lot to cover, and I expect you to handle it efficiently.”
My pulse faltered. “Oh… I see,” I said, trying to mask my disappointment.
His gaze softened briefly. “Rest well. You’ll need your energy.”
The next morning, as I climbed out of bed, Hayden walked in. “Be ready in fifteen minutes. We have a meeting.”
“Fifteen minutes? I’m not even dressed yet!” I exclaimed.
“Then hurry up. You need to be there as Duskfire’s Luna,” he replied, clearly impatient.
“But we just got married. Shouldn't we be on our honeymoon?”
Hayden shot me a deadly glance. “This is for the pack's development and resource management. There’s no time to waste, newly wedded Luna,” he added sarcastically.
Hayden’s demands were relentless. I was overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities as the Luna, and every mistake I made was met with cold reprimands.
During a dinner with the pack's leaders, I was unexpectedly assigned to manage the household staff, a task usually handled by Samuel, the head of staff.
"Why am I doing this? Isn’t this Samuel’s responsibility?" I asked, overwhelmed.
“You’re the Luna. Act like it,” Hayden replied, his eyes icy.
Struggling with orders, I messed up the schedule. Hayden stormed in, his anger barely contained.
“Abby, the main course was supposed to be served ten minutes ago! What’s the problem?” he demanded.
I swallowed hard. “Everything is under control. Just give me a minute.”
“You’re so weak, Abby; I doubt you can accomplish anything,” he snapped.
“I’m trying my best,” I protested.
“Trying isn’t enough,” he said sharply. “You have to do better.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, as the staff exchanged uneasy glances.
“You need to learn quickly. Otherwise, you’ll only be a burden,” Hayden warned.
As he walked away, his words weighed heavily on me. I felt a mix of humiliation and frustration, something I’d endured before but never quite like this in Hayden's house.
After one grueling duty, I came home exhausted, eager to slip off my painful high heels. Hayden was lounging in a chair, his gaze fixed on me.
“I’ve decided we’re going on vacation,” he said abruptly.
“Vacation? But why—” I began, shocked.
“It’s time for a break,” he cut me off, still with an unreadable expression. “We’re visiting one of my resorts,” Hayden said. “We leave tomorrow morning.”
“Okay,” I replied, feeling heavy-legged as I headed to the room.
The next morning, we boarded Hayden’s private jet and landed at a private airstrip. Beta Alex awaited us in a sleek car, which drove us to the resort.
As we arrived, I stepped out, eyes widening at the breathtaking view. The resort was nestled in a lush forest with a private beach visible in the distance, feeling like a paradise.
“This place is incredible, Hayden. Thank you,” I said, mixing excitement with nerves.
Hayden smiled, a rare sight. “I'm glad you love it,” he said gently.
“What’s with this strange attitude?” I wondered to myself.
Alex joined us. “The forest trails are perfect for a hunt. Thought it might be a good relaxing activity.”
“Hunting? I’ve never done that before,” I admitted, anxious.
“Don’t worry, Luna. We’ll be there with you. It’s all part of the fun,” Beta Alex assured me.
Later, we ventured into the forest. Alex led the way, pointing out tracks and signs of wildlife.
“Stay close, Luna. The forest can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it,” Alex warned.
“Got it. I’ll try to keep up,” I said, trying to sound confident.
“Just enjoy yourself. This is supposed to be relaxing,” Hayden added, his tone surprisingly gentle.
I wandered a bit and strayed far from the others. Alone in the forest, I suddenly heard a rustling behind me. Turning, I saw a group of rogue werewolves emerging from the shadows, their eyes glowing with hostility.
“Look what we have here. Hayden’s new Luna,” the rogue leader sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
“Stay back! I don’t want any trouble,” I said, my voice trembling.
“Too bad. We do,” he replied, advancing menacingly.
Panic surged through me. Desperate to save my life, I ran as far as my legs could carry me as I cried out for help.
“Help! Help!”
Suddenly, Hayden burst through the trees, eyes blazing with fury. He shifted into his wolf form mid-stride and launched himself at the rogues with a ferocity I had never seen before.
“Get away from her!” he roared.
Beta Alex also joined him in his wolf form. The battle was a blur of snarls and growls. Hayden’s strength and speed were unmatched, and soon the rogues fled.
Afterward, Hayden and Alex shifted back and approached me. Hayden rushed to my side.
“Are you alright, Abby?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.
“I’m fine, thanks to you. I… I didn’t know what to do,” I confessed, my knees trembling.
“Let’s get you back to the resort,” he said, gently helping me to my feet.
Back at the resort, we sat by a cozy fire, wrapped in blankets. The adrenaline had faded, leaving a quiet calm between us.
“I’m sorry I put you in danger. I should have stayed closer to you,” Hayden said, his eyes searching mine.
“I shouldn’t have wandered so far,” I said, feeling guilty.
Hayden suddenly pulled me into his arms and, without warning, kissed me deeply and demandingly. Our bodies pressed together as his hands roamed over my back, pulling me closer. Breathless, I whispered,
“Hayden…”
He met my gaze, his eyes filled with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. “Abby,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire.
Just as the intensity reached its peak, a sudden noise from outside the room broke the spell.
- Writer
