The Alpha's Treasured Luna

Chapter14

Alex and Aeseni arrived at the pack border. The thick forest seemed even darker under the looming threat. Armando, Jani, and Malachi were waiting for them, tension clear on their faces.

“How many were there this time?” Aeseni asked, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Two rouges again, glowing red eyes just like before,” Armando replied, kicking the nearest corpse. “We caught them before they got too far. But they smelled worse, almost…rotten.”

“Anyone hurt?” Alex asked, his gaze briefly shifting to Malachi’s arm, which was bandaged but still oozing.

“One of them got me,” Malachi said, raising his arm. A deep gash ran from wrist to elbow, closing at a frustratingly slow pace.

Alex stepped closer, inspecting the wound. “Their bites heal differently. It’s like they carry some kind of poison,” he muttered, a flicker of concern crossing his face. Aeseni examined the injury too, his brow furrowed.

“These bastards don’t leave tracks. They just appear,” Jani added, scratching his beard, frustration evident. “It’s like they’re teleporting into our territory.”

“You might be onto something, Jani,” Aeseni said, standing up straight. “We don’t smell them until they’re practically on top of us.”

“What do you think, Dad?” Alex asked, stretching his arms. He couldn’t stay still, an unfamiliar surge of energy coursing through him. He jogged in place, trying to shake off the restlessness.

Aeseni gave him a curious look. “I’ve got a hunch, but I hope I’m wrong. What are you doing?”

Alex flashed a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I just feel...energetic.” The others chuckled around him.

“Looks like we interrupted the Young Alpha in the middle of something,” Armando teased, giving Alex a knowing wink.

Alex’s smile faltered. He realized they could smell his pheromones. Heat rushed to his face, and Aeseni’s frown deepened slightly, as if sensing the truth.

“If you don’t need me here, I’ll head back,” Alex said quickly, eager to leave.

“We’ve got it covered. Go on, Young Alpha, I’m sure Lady Demetria is waiting for you,” Armando added with a smirk.

Alex turned and ran, pushing through the woods faster than usual, his mind racing. He barely acknowledged the omegas when he arrived back at the mansion. He tried to slip upstairs unnoticed, but they stopped him.

“What is it?” he growled, feeling his patience wear thin. They flinched at his sudden aggression—he had never spoken to them like that before. “I’m sorry,” he said, softening his tone. “I just need to get to my room.”

“Alpha Alex,” a small, brown-haired omega spoke hesitantly, “the young lady left. We tried to stop her, but she insisted on staying at the Beta’s house instead.”

Alex’s heart dropped. “Why? What happened?” His voice sharpened, but the omega only whispered in response.

“Lady Demetria told her to leave.”

A wave of anger rolled through him. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to hold back the fury that threatened to break free. “Thank you. You’re dismissed.”

As soon as the omegas left, Alex raced up the stairs, cursing under his breath. He’d messed up. Things had gone too far with Erica, and now she was gone. But even now, he couldn’t shake the feeling of her body pressed against his, the scent of her still lingering in his mind. His desire for her was undeniable.

“She is not our mate,” Aerol growled suddenly, startling him.

“I know that,” Alex muttered, stopping at his door. “I’m not used to you talking so much, Aerol. Erica’s not an alpha’s daughter; she can’t be our mate.”

But even as he said the words, they felt wrong. What he had with Erica was something beyond explanation, something he had never felt with anyone before—not even Demetria.

“Enero’s daughter is not our mate,” Aerol growled again, angrier this time.

“I know that too,” Alex said, opening the door to find Demetria scolding the omegas. “What the hell is going on?”

Demetria whirled around, plastering a smile on her face. “Alex! I was just—”

“Why are you in my room?” His voice was low, dangerous.

She flinched but quickly recovered, pressing herself against him. “I was cleaning up the mess she left. That girl—”

“Stop.” His tone was ice cold, and she fell silent. “Why did you tell Erica to leave?”

“I was only trying to help,” Demetria said sweetly, though her eyes were hard. “She was using you, Alex. You’re too kind to see it, but I can. She disrespected me at the welcome home party, and her mother—”

“Enough.” His words cut through the air like a blade. “Get out. Now.”

The omegas froze, terror washing over their faces as Alex’s alpha aura filled the room. Demetria looked at him, her eyes welling with tears. “But Alex, I—”

“I said, get out.” His tone left no room for argument. “In fact, you should go home for a while.”

Tears spilled down Demetria’s cheeks, but Alex didn’t waver. The omegas scurried out of the room, and Demetria followed slowly, closing the door behind her.

As soon as the door shut, Alex sank onto the bed, running his hands through his hair. His mind was a storm of confusion. The anger he felt toward Demetria, the longing he felt for Erica—none of it made sense. And now, he was caught in the middle of it all.

He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. All he could think about was Erica, and the way she made him feel something he hadn’t expected, something he wasn’t ready for.