The Alpha's Treasured Luna

Chapter13

“Your father wants us to move into the Alpha house,” Margo said warily, her tone carrying the weight of reluctance. “I’ll go talk to your grandfather.” She headed toward the back porch, and Erica followed closely behind.

“You don’t have to come, dear,” Margo stopped her, gently placing a hand on Erica’s arm. “I’m the only one he can communicate with.”

Erica furrowed her brows, hesitating. “But he talked to me before. When the rogues attacked, he told me to bring him to my Alpha.”

Margo’s eyes widened slightly, and the group fell into a sudden silence.

“How is that possible, Erica?” Aeseni asked softly, stepping closer.

“I-I don’t know,” Erica stammered, feeling the tension rise. “I just heard his voice in my head and spoke to him out loud.”

The air became thick with confusion and curiosity. Erica shifted nervously, unsure of what her connection to Allistar meant.

“We can discuss this more at the Alpha house,” Alex said, stepping between her and the others, his presence protective. “She needs to rest, Dad.”

Aeseni gave one final glance before turning away. “We leave in ten minutes.”

Erica exhaled, not realizing she’d been holding her breath. Alex’s small nod reassured her as she quickly followed Margo to the back porch, wincing with each step. The pain coursing through her body was a stark reminder of her vulnerability, and she wished she had the healing abilities of the Wayne Alphas.

Allistar stood waiting, seemingly unbothered, his eyes watchful as they approached. “Allistar, Aeseni wants us to stay with him until we sort this out,” Margo began, but Allistar snorted, turning his back on them.

Margo sighed, pleading, “Please, Allistar, it’s for our safety—Erica’s safety as well.”

His ear twitched in response, but he didn’t move. Erica, feeling an unfamiliar pull to connect with him, stepped forward. “Alpha Allistar, please. I have questions, and I believe you and Grandma Margo can help me.”

A tense silence followed, but before anyone could react, Allistar’s low voice broke the air. “You look just like Elowen. Except you have your father’s eyes.”

Erica’s heart swelled, a warmth spreading through her chest as Margo’s expression brightened. “You can hear him!” Margo laughed, her joy infectious.

“Let’s get to the Wayne Mansion while we still have daylight,” Allistar commanded, already making his way around the house.

Despite her injuries, Erica smiled, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. The prospect of learning more about her mother—about Elowen—overshadowed her physical pain. She briefly thought of her father, wondering if Aeseni had informed him of what happened. A part of her hoped he hadn’t.

---

“Erica, you’ll ride with Alex. Mother, ride with Dad if he’s up to it. I’ll scout ahead to ensure there are no rogues,” Aeseni instructed as they prepared to leave.

Erica climbed onto Alex’s back, the image of his naked body flashing in her mind unbidden. Her face flushed, and she quickly pushed the thought aside. Aeseni gave a nod, and the wolves sprinted into the woods, their pace swift and urgent.

Erica clung tightly to Alex’s soft fur, her body pressed close to his. Every step jolted her already tender muscles, and she wished she could ask how much farther they had to go. She also longed to ask his wolf’s name, feeling a strange connection she couldn’t explain. In this moment, more than ever, she wished she were a wolf, able to shift and run alongside them. If she had a wolf, she could have protected Allistar better, and maybe then she wouldn’t feel so helpless.

The emotional strain threatened to overwhelm her, but she fought back the tears. “Comfort her,” Aerol’s voice rumbled in Alex’s mind.

Alex slowed, his wolf’s words echoing in his head. “Dad, I think Erica needs help,” he mindlinked to Aeseni.

“We’re almost at the house. Keep moving,” Aeseni’s response was calm but firm.

Determined, Alex surged ahead, surpassing his father. “Aerol, can you talk to her like Grandpa Allistar does?” he asked, hoping for a way to ease her pain.

“No,” Aerol growled in frustration. “Her wolf is trapped. I see her sometimes, but I cannot speak to her.”

Confusion gnawed at Alex, but he said nothing, focusing on getting her to safety.

---

“She’s just been sleeping,” a shrill voice broke through Erica’s consciousness.

“But does she have to sleep in your room?” Demetria’s tone was sharp, filled with irritation.

Erica tried to open her eyes, but her lids felt heavy. Pain radiated through her body as she attempted to sit up.

“Shh, you’ll wake her,” Alex whispered harshly. “We’ll discuss this later, Demetria. Leave.”

The door shut softly, and Alex’s gentle voice followed. “Lay back down, your wounds keep reopening.”

A warm light spilled from the master bathroom as Alex stepped into the room, his presence comforting despite her confusion. This is Alex’s room… why am I here?

The plush bedding and the intoxicating scent of vanilla and bourbon wrapped around her, lulling her back toward sleep. Before she could drift off, Alex’s voice pulled her back. “Erica?”

She blinked, meeting his gaze. “Alpha Alex… why am I here?”

He crossed the room, his expression serious. “You’re not healing properly. Every time your wounds close, they reopen, as if you were attacked again.”

“That explains a lot,” Erica murmured, feeling a sinking dread. “I should go see my dad.”

Her stomach turned at the thought, but if anyone could fix her, it was Philander. “He’s still busy at the hospital,” Alex replied, his eyes never leaving hers. “Let me try something first.”

He stepped closer, and Erica’s breath hitched, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Too close.

She backed up against the headboard, wincing at the sharp pain shooting through her body. What is wrong with me?

“Have you tried shifting since you turned eighteen?” Alex asked, his gaze unwavering as he grasped her arm.

Erica froze. His touch sent a shockwave through her, an electric current that made her pulse race. “Of course I’ve tried,” she replied, trying to sound casual, but her voice trembled.

Without warning, Alex leaned down, his lips brushing her bruised shoulder. “There has to be something that will work,” he growled softly, his tongue gliding over her injuries.

Erica’s body betrayed her, heat pooling in places she wished it wouldn’t. “Alpha Alex,” she whispered breathlessly, barely able to form words. “What are you doing?”

“I’m helping you heal,” he said firmly, his voice soothing. He tugged her gently into his lap, his warmth enveloping her.

“You can call me Alex,” he murmured into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

She felt vulnerable but safe, and despite the whirlwind of emotions, she let him guide her. Alex lifted her shirt, his eyes focused on her as if nothing else in the world existed. The sensations of his hands and the warmth of his tongue made her forget the pain.

As his tongue traced over her wounds, the agony melted away, leaving only a faint pink scar before disappearing completely.

Alex smirked, flipping her over with ease. Erica gasped, her body reacting to the sudden shift, her breasts bouncing slightly before she quickly covered herself. His eyes flashed silver, the wolf within stirring as his gaze lingered over her.

“A-Alex?” she called softly, her voice barely a whisper.

He leaned down, placing soft kisses along her stomach, his tongue tracing her skin gently. Erica bit her lip, fighting to suppress the moan that threatened to escape. He’s just trying to heal me, she reminded herself, but her body had other ideas.

Just as her mind began to cloud over with desire, Alex froze, his eyes flickering. “There’s been another attack,” he growled in frustration. “I have to go.”

Erica nodded, her senses slowly returning. “Go… I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll be back to check on you,” he promised, giving her one last lingering look before disappearing through the door.

Erica exhaled, her mind racing. This was just a moment that got out of hand, she convinced herself. It wouldn’t happen again. Demetria’s name floated into her thoughts, making her stomach churn with an unfamiliar jealousy.

Pulling the blanket closer, she inhaled deeply, Alex’s scent surrounding her. She would thank the Alphas for their hospitality, but it would be better if she stayed at Amanda’s. I can’t fall for you there, she murmured, drifting into sleep.