The Exiled Luna and the Alpha’s Heir

Chapter 1: Lucas Hayes A few weeks ago The bass from the party pulsed through the walls while the air hung thick with the scent of sweat, cheap alcohol, and reckless teenage choices. Everywhere I looked, there were people tangled together, laughing too loudly, making out in corners, or stumbling around in a haze. It was chaotic, loud, messy, and far from my kind of scene. Still, I was there because of my boyfriend. As a well-known member of the football team, Lucas Hayes thrived in environments like this. Our hands were warm and slightly damp as we pushed through the crowd toward the drinks table. I couldn’t help laughing when he tried to open his beer with his teeth, only to fail and reach for a bottle opener sitting in a puddle of spilled alcohol. I poured myself a drink and held it close as we made our way back toward the door, both of us clearly craving fresh air, something free from the stench of sweat and vomit. Just as the cool breeze brushed against my face, I collided with someone solid. My drink splashed all over me, soaking into my shirt. Startled, I stepped back and looked up. Mason Clarke. Tall, confident, and undeniably attractive. He was one of my brother’s friends, so I saw him around often. But this was the first time we’d quite literally run into each other. “I’m so sorry, Mason Clarke that was completely my fault,” I said quickly, grabbing napkins and trying to wipe the mess off his shirt. “Claire Bennett, relax,” he said gently, placing his hand over mine to stop me. “What is it anyway? Lemonade?” “Yeah…” I admitted, cheeks warming. “You don’t drink?” My eyes widened slightly. “I had a beer earlier, I just” “Hey, it’s fine,” he cut in with a grin. “I don’t care if it’s lemonade or straight vodka. You’re cool either way.” I let out a small, nervous laugh. “Thanks.” “So… want to dance?” he asked, his hand resting lightly against my back. “Oh, I’m here with” “No. She doesn’t want to dance. She’s my girlfriend.” Lucas Hayes’ voice cut in sharply as he stepped behind me, his hand settling possessively on my waist. Mason lifted his hands in surrender. “My bad, man. I forgot you two were still together.” Lucas let out a low scoff. “You forgot? Right.” “Hey, I don’t usually go for juniors,” Mason replied casually. “It’s fine,” I said quickly, taking Lucas’ hand in an attempt to ease the tension. But he wasn’t letting it go. “Funny how you’re still getting close to my girlfriend,” he muttered. “You’ve been watching her for a while.” “Dude, relax,” Mason said. “Lucas, it was an accident,” I added. But Lucas had already stepped forward, shoving Mason in the chest. “Stay away from her.” “I said I’m sorry” Before Mason could finish, Lucas lunged at him. They crashed to the floor. “Lucas, stop! Are you trying to get arrested?!” I shouted, panic rising in my chest. He managed to land a few punches before my brother, Ryan Bennett, rushed in and pulled him off. Mason got to his feet, glaring, while Ryan held Lucas back. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Ryan snapped, dragging him toward the stairs. “I’ve got it,” I told my brother, grabbing Lucas’ hand. Ryan gave him a hard look before letting go. I pulled Lucas upstairs and into an empty room, shutting the door behind us. “What is wrong with you?” I demanded. “We were having a good time, and suddenly you’re throwing punches?” I crossed my arms while he sat on the bed, looking irritated. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you,” Lucas muttered. “I knew he’d try something.” I sighed, sitting beside him and turning his face toward me. “Then ignore him. I’m with you. I’m not interested in him at all.” He nodded slowly. “I know.” “And I can handle myself. I don’t need you fighting people for me.” He gave a small laugh. “Still can’t believe he even tried.” I took the beer from his hand. “I think you’ve had enough. Let’s go back down and apologize before he ends up with a black eye.” “In a minute,” he murmured, pulling me onto his lap. “Let me show my girl some love first.” His words were slurred as he kissed me. I kissed him back briefly before pulling away. “Come on, let’s go.” “Not yet.” His arms tightened around me, his lips moving to my neck. “Lucas, stop. Not here.” “It’s fine,” he muttered. “Emily Parker won’t care if we use her room.” “I’m pretty sure she would,” I said, trying to push him back. But he didn’t stop. “No, Lucas. Not now.” “Come on, babe… we’ve been together long enough,” he slurred, his breath heavy with alcohol. “No.” He kept going. “Lucas, get off me.” He groaned, ignoring me. “You should show me you love me.” “I said no!” I snapped, shoving him off. He stumbled back, surprised. He didn’t know about my strength few people did. “How long do you expect me to wait?” he demanded. I took a breath. The truth was, someday I would meet my mate and when I did, everything would change. I cared about Lucas, but that kind of bond… it was different. Final. And I had already made my choice. “If you actually loved me, you’d respect my decision,” I said firmly. “You’re being ridiculous. Everyone else does it.” “Well, then maybe this isn’t going to work,” I replied quietly. For a second, I thought he might soften. Apologize. Choose me over his ego. But instead, his expression hardened. “Fine,” he said coldly. “At least now I can finally have s*x again after five months.” That was all it took. I walked downstairs, blinking back tears. Ryan was waiting at the bottom. “Claire Bennett? What happened?” “Can we go home?” I whispered. He nodded immediately. “Yeah. Let’s go.” And just like that, it was over. My relationship ended not with heartbreak, but with clarity. Honestly? Best decision I ever made.