The Alpha's Treasured Luna

Chapter9

“Did you feel that—” Alex started, wide-eyed, his gaze still fixed on Erica as if the strange moment between them hadn’t quite passed.

“Alex? Alex, where are you!?” Demetria’s voice rang out, interrupting him. Her heels clicked sharply against the stone as she approached, the sound grating against Erica’s nerves. **Of course,** Erica thought, as a headache crept in.

“Hunnie! There you are. We’re about to make a toast. Come inside already,” Demetria said sweetly, though her grip on Alex’s arm was anything but. She tugged him toward the mansion.

“You don’t have to yank my arm off,” Alex muttered, pulling away from her, leaving both Demetria and Erica momentarily stunned.

“I just wanted you to hurry. Everyone’s waiting for you, Alex,” Demetria replied, her voice softening as she recovered. Alex sighed, wiping a hand across his face. “I’m sorry. Let’s go,” he said, turning to Erica. “You’ll come too?”

Erica smiled faintly. “You guys go ahead. I’ll catch up in a bit,” she replied. Demetria shot her a sharp look before linking her arm through Alex’s, leading him back inside.

As they left, Erica absently rubbed her arm where Alex had nudged her earlier. The sensation from their brief touch lingered—like sparks that tingled under her skin. **Maybe it was just static?** she wondered, shaking off the strange feeling. After wandering the garden for a few more minutes, she decided to head back inside.

Just as Erica re-entered the main hall, Demetria stepped in her path, forcing a smile. “Hello, Erica. Can I have a word?”

Erica raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension but nodded and followed her to a quieter corner.

“Look,” Demetria began, her voice low but sharp. “I’ll be blunt. I don’t know what kind of history you and Alex have, and frankly, I don’t care. But I will be his chosen mate, which means I’ll be your Luna. You need to show some respect and stop sniffing around him.”

Erica blinked in surprise. How did we get here? she thought, incredulous. It wasn’t as if she was chasing Alex around—if anything, he kept showing up near her. But Demetria wasn’t entirely wrong. Alex was engaged to her, the daughter of Alpha Enero Stone from the Red Moon Pack. Their union would solidify a powerful alliance, and when Alex officially marked Demetria at the Alpha ceremony, she would be Luna. Yet, none of that had happened.

Erica took a breath and gathered her thoughts. “I wish you the best of luck with that, Demetria,” she said flatly, turning to walk away.

But Demetria grabbed her arm.

Erica looked down at Demetria’s hand, then back up at her face. “Let. Me. Go.” Her voice was ice, and she met Demetria’s stare without flinching.

Demetria seemed taken aback but held firm. “I’m an Alpha’s daughter. Don’t test me,” she warned, her aura flickering with dominance.

Before Erica could respond, a tall, ginger-haired man appeared. His jade-green eyes swept over the tense scene. “Everything alright, ladies?” he asked, his deep voice cutting through the tension.

“Everything’s fine, Gamma Malachi,” Erica said, though she never broke eye contact with Demetria.

“Yes, Mal Mal, everything is just fine,” Demetria chimed in, flashing him a too-sweet smile.

Malachi sighed, clearly annoyed. “Miss, I’ve asked you not to call me that.”

Erica yanked her arm free from Demetria’s grip. The two women glared at each other for a moment before Erica spoke. “I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. It’s probably best if we just avoid each other.”

Demetria’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t respond as Erica walked away.

---

Erica wove through the crowd, searching for Amanda. She finally spotted her, laughing with a man whose face Erica couldn’t quite see. Just as she reached them, the man was pulled away by a rowdy group of boys. “Was that him? Was that Sire??” Erica whispered in Amanda’s ear, startling her.

“Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you,” Amanda exclaimed dramatically, dragging Erica toward the drink table.

“Uh-huh, sure you were. Looked pretty cozy with your mystery man,” Erica teased, poking Amanda’s cheek.

Amanda rolled her eyes and sipped her drink, but before she could respond, the music stopped. Luca took the microphone, his voice booming across the room. “Alright, everyone, Alpha Alex is about to make a toast! Grab a drink and pay attention.”

Alex took the mic from Luca, holding a glass of champagne. Demetria clung to his arm, her smile smug. Erica couldn’t help but frown, her chest tightening at the sight of them together. Amanda nudged her, sensing something was wrong.

Alex cleared his throat and began, “First, I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. It’s been great seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones. I hope to build strong relationships between the Gold Moon Pack and the surrounding packs. My goal is to be as great, if not better, than my father as your Alpha. Here’s to a prosperous reign together!” He raised his glass and downed the champagne as cheers erupted around them.

The crowd started chanting for him to kiss Demetria. He hesitated for a moment before giving her a quick, perfunctory kiss on the lips. Erica felt her stomach churn and, without a word, turned and headed for the door.

Amanda hurried after her, grabbing her shoulder. “Hey, what’s going on? Are you okay?” she asked, concern filling her voice.

Erica’s expression was unreadable as she whispered, “My head hurts… I need to go home.”

Amanda looked at her friend, unsure, but nodded. “Alright. We’ll leave together. Honestly, I’ve had enough of this party, too. Seeing Luca twice is more than anyone should have to handle,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Erica chuckled faintly, linking arms with Amanda as they left the mansion and waited for their ride home.