His Warrior Luna Queen

The Meeting

The market square buzzed with life, its vibrant energy pulling Iyani and Breona deeper into the heart of the North American pack’s village. The air was thick with the scents of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and spices, blending seamlessly with the earthiness of the forest beyond. Wolves from different packs moved through the square, their voices and laughter adding to the festive atmosphere.

Iyani inhaled deeply, savoring the warm air. “This place feels... alive,” she murmured.

Breona grinned. “It’s charming. Unexpected, but charming. I was worried this would be another bland royal gathering, but they’ve outdone themselves.”

As Iyani took another step, something changed. A new scent drifted toward her, distinct and overwhelming in its intensity. It wasn’t the warm sweetness of the market’s treats or the crisp forest air. This was different—deeply intoxicating, like fresh blueberry muffins mingled with wild honey and the faintest hint of rain-soaked soil.

Her steps faltered.

“What is it?” Breona asked, noting Iyani’s sudden stillness.

Iyani didn’t respond immediately. Her wolf, Shantee, stirred, pacing with an almost frenzied energy. Mate, Shantee purred.

The word sent a jolt through Iyani’s entire being. Her pulse quickened, her senses sharpening as the scent wrapped around her, pulling her forward like a siren’s call.

Breona touched her arm gently. “Yani, talk to me.”

“It’s... I don’t know. It smells like home,” Iyani whispered, her voice tinged with awe and reluctance.

Breona’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh my goddess. Is it him? Your mate?”

“No,” Iyani muttered, shaking her head as though to dispel the thought. “Not now. I’m not ready.”

Breona’s grin turned mischievous. “The Moon Goddess thinks otherwise. Come on, Yani, you’ve been avoiding this long enough. Go find him.”

Iyani hesitated, torn between curiosity and resistance. Shantee wasn’t helping, her jubilant chants of Mate! Mate! filling Iyani’s mind. “Let’s just keep walking,” Iyani said, her voice tight. “If it’s him, he’ll find me.”

On the other side of the square, Allen strode purposefully through the bustling crowd. Justice followed a step behind, his expression curious but cautious.

Allen’s mind was preoccupied with the summit and the endless responsibilities that awaited him back at his pack. He hadn’t wanted to attend, but King Jesse’s insistence—and the potential alliances at stake—had forced his hand.

Then, without warning, a scent hit him like a tidal wave. It was unlike anything he’d ever encountered. Warm, sweet, and utterly captivating, it was both familiar and new, like freshly baked blueberry muffins mixed with the richness of wild honey and the grounding freshness of morning dew.

Allen froze mid-step, his breath catching in his throat.

Mate, Zor growled, his voice tinged with triumph and urgency.

Allen’s head snapped up, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. His heart pounded in his chest, his entire being focused on following the intoxicating aroma.

Zor was practically vibrating with excitement. She’s here. Move!

“Alpha?” Justice asked, noticing the change in Allen’s demeanor.

“My mate,” Allen said, his voice barely above a whisper. He began moving, his steps quick and determined, the scent pulling him like a beacon.

Justice followed without question, his brow furrowed in concern.

Allen rounded a corner and saw her. The sight of her made the air leave his lungs.

She stood near a booth, her tall, commanding frame partially concealed by a plain dress that did nothing to diminish her presence. Her smooth, chocolate skin glowed in the sunlight, and her eyes—shifting between amber and gold—shimmered with an intensity that held him captive.

Magnificent, Zor growled.

Allen took a step closer, his gaze locked on her. “Mate,” he said, the word heavy with reverence and possession.

Iyani felt the weight of the word before she saw him. Her senses tingled, her wolf practically leaping forward as she turned.

When their eyes met, the world seemed to tilt.

He was tall, towering even, with broad shoulders and a presence that screamed power. His chocolate skin was flawless, his strong jaw framed by a neatly trimmed goatee. But it was his eyes—hazel, piercing, and alight with an intensity that matched her own—that made her breath catch.

Her wolf howled with excitement. He’s perfect! Mate!

Iyani’s heart raced, but her mind screamed caution. The bond thrummed between them, a living thing that pulled at her soul, but she held firm. Not yet, she told herself. Not like this.

Allen moved closer, his scent overwhelming her senses. “Mate,” he repeated, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

Iyani clenched her fists, fighting the pull. “What do you mean, ‘Let’s go’?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.

Allen frowned, confusion flickering across his face. “I’m taking you back to my packhouse. You’re my mate. This is how it works.”

Iyani stiffened. The arrogance in his tone was like a bucket of cold water, dousing the heat that had built between them. “I don’t even know you,” she said, her voice icy. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Allen’s brows furrowed, his pride flaring. “I’m an Alpha, and your mate. Naturally, you’re coming with me.”

Her jaw tightened. “First of all, I haven’t accepted you as my mate. Second, you’re not my Alpha, so I don’t have to listen to you. And third, I suggest you leave before this gets ugly.”

Allen blinked, stunned. His wolf growled softly, urging him to act, but he hesitated. For the first time, doubt crept into his mind. His Beta, standing nearby, looked slightly panicked. I locked eyes with him, focusing until I connected through the mind link. ‘Excuse me, Beta. Can you rein in your alpha before he does something truly regrettable? Please and thank you.’

Justice’s eyes widened at the unexpected link, but I held my expression steady. Meanwhile, my guards edged closer. This time, I didn’t stop them. Breona stood silently, watching the unfolding scene with a sharp gaze that belied her calm posture.

The Beta attempted to interject. “Um, Alpha, you might want to—”

Justice, sensing the tension, took a cautious step forward. “Alpha, perhaps—”

“Not now, Justice,” Allen snapped, his focus still on Iyani. “I’m acquiring my mate.”

Shantee growled in my mind. “Did he just say ‘acquire’ us? Like we’re property?”

“Yes, and we’ll have to teach him some manners before the day is over,” I replied dryly.

By now, the Alpha, his Beta, and their warriors were completely surrounded by my guards. My grandfather had been notified, and things were about to get interesting.

“Enough wasting time, she-wolf,” the Alpha barked. “Let’s go. I don’t like repeating myself.” The Alpha’s face darkened, his wolf surfacing as he grabbed Iyano’s arm again.

Her eyes narrowed, a glint of steel flashing in their depths. Before Allen could react, she moved.

In one fluid motion, she flipped him onto his back and straddled him, a blade pressed to his throat. The crowd around them gasped as Iyani’s guards appeared, subduing Allen’s warriors with surgical precision.

Allen’s heart pounded, but not from fear. He stared up at her, awe mixing with frustration. She was magnificent—fierce, deadly, and utterly captivating.

Zor let out a low growl. We need her.

Before the tension could escalate further, a deep, commanding growl echoed through the square.

“What is the meaning of this?”

King Ezuna’s voice cut through the chaos, silencing the crowd. Iyani stepped back, lowering her blade, but her gaze never left Allen’s.

Ezuna’s piercing eyes swept over the scene before landing on Allen. “Did my granddaughter accept you as her mate?”

Allen swallowed hard. “No, sir.”

“Then you have no claim to her,” Ezuna said coldly. “Leave. Now and pray you never repeat this mistake.”

The Alpha, chastened and defeated, was escorted away under King Jesse’s watchful eye.

“Until tomorrow, Jesse. Oh, and Blackwell.” Alpha Blackwell ad the guards stopped ad looked back, “As I’m sure you have heard, I am not a very merciful leader,” King Ezuna says, his voice a quiet storm of authority. “I let you go this time for the sake of my years of friendship with Jesse. If you harm my granddaughter again in any manner, I will end you—and my alliance with this kingdom. Am I understood?”

The Alpha looks visibly shaken but nods. “Yes, sir.”

King Jesse steps in, his tone more measured but no less firm. “That won’t be an issue, Ezuna. He will not be bothering the princess again unless she specifically asks to speak with him or gives her permission for him to contact her. My elite guards will strictly guard all interactions between the two of them to make sure he abides by my word.”

King Ezuna considers this, then nods. “That is acceptable.”

With that, King Ezuna turns on his heel, his regal presence commanding respect, and Iyani follow him. The guards move in a precise combat formation behind us, their movements synchronized and deliberate. As they weave through the crowd, Iyani notice half the onlookers falling in step with the guards, forming a protective wave around them. The royal guard, ever discreet, blends seamlessly into the throng, their watchful eyes scanning for any threat. King Ezuna isn’t playing when it comes to Iyani’s safety.

Curiosity gets the better of Iyani as they continue walking, and she glance back. Sure enough, Alpha Blackwell is standing frozen, his expression a mixture of disbelief and dawning realization. Iyani can only imagine what’s running through his mind right now—whether he’s grasping just how close he came to death, or if the gravity of nearly sparking a war between two kingdoms is finally sinking in.

A bitter twinge settles in Iyan’s chest as I turn away. How could the Moon Goddess pair me with someone so reckless, so arrogant? It felt like a cruel joke. Shantee, ever the optimist, tries to soothe me. “Give him time, Yani. Perhaps he’ll grow into the mate we need.”

“He’ll have to do a lot more than grow,” I reply, trying to mask the turmoil roiling inside me. “Because right now, he’s nothing but a mistake I don’t intend to live with.”

Iyani and the guard continue walking, the king presence grounding Iyani as her thoughts spiral. As much as she wanted to dismiss Alpha Blackwell entirely, a small part of her couldn’t ignore the bond humming faintly in the background, a whisper of what could be—if only he weren’t such a disaster.

For now, though, Iyani push those thoughts aside. Tomorrow would bring the summit, a new challenge, and perhaps some clarity. But tonight, Iyani would hold onto her anger, her independence, and the resolve that no one—not even her mate—would ever define her.

As they disappeared into the distance, Iyani turned to the king, my anger simmering but contained.

“Are you all right, Iyani?” he asked softly.

“Yes, Grandfather,” Iyani replied, though her thoughts were anything but calm. Why, Moon Goddess? Why pair me with someone so insufferable?

Shantee’s voice was gentle in my mind. “Give him time, Yani. Maybe he’ll surprise us.”

“He’d better,” I thought grimly, “because right now, I’m not impressed.”