The Forgotten Luna

6 -The Weight of Welcome

[Astrid P.O.V.]

My first glimpse of Moon Stone Pack territory left me breathless.

The estate rose from the northern woods like something carved from stone. It was modern in scale, but ancient in spirit. The sleek steel beams framed towering windows. The main lodge sprawled across a hilltop, ringed with watch towers, showing how much Atlas takes his packs safety into consideration.

Beneath it, rows of modern cabins lined a paved road that wound up through the pack lands like a black ribbon. Security checkpoints, armored fences, and motion sensors dotted the perimeter. This place wasn’t just a home, it was a fortress.

This is not like Dark Moon, Juno whispered in awe. This place is built to protect, not imprison.

I hadn’t realized how tightly I had been holding my breath until the gates opened up, and the convoy rolled through. The shift from Dark Moon’s cold traditions to Moon Stone’s quiet strength was jarring, but welcome.

“We are here.” Atlas murmured from the front seat.

He hadn’t let her out of his sight since they crossed into his territory. She didn’t mind. In truth, she didn’t want him far, either. Since the bond had fully locked into place, the bull between them had become a constant thrum under her skin.

“Welcome home, Alpha,” one of the guards said over the radio as the gates closed behind them.

Atlas turned towards me, not answering them. “And welcome home, Astrid.”

The words sank into my chest with a strange warmth. No one had ever said that to me before.

The estate interior was no less impressive. The great hall retained its old-world charm with vaulted ceilings and wrought iron chandeliers, but the rest of the packhouse was outfitted with sleek updated touches.

I followed Atlas down the central hallway, flanked by Michael and two senior warriors. Rhea walked silently at my side, absorbing everything with wide eyes. We were usher towards a wide sitting room with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the forest below.

A man rose from the soft as we entered, tall and broad-shouldered like Atlas, but with streaks of silver in his dark hair. His presence filled the room, not with dominance, but with a quiet command.

“Dad,” Atlas said, his voice warm. “This is Astrid.”

The former Alpha of the Moon Stone Pack, Alexander, turned to look at me. His sharp eyes softened the moment he looked into mine. There was no hostility, no suspicion. Only a kind of reverence she didn’t expect. “Astrid Elias,” He said, his voice deep and clear. “I’m glad you are safe.”

I blinked fast, surprised he knew me. “You… know who I am?”

He nodded solemnly. “I fought beside your father in two border wars. Elijah was one of the best Alphas I’ve ever known.”

The mention of my father was a pang through my chest. I spent so long trying to forget, trying to survive. But hearing someone speak his name with respect made my throat tighten.

Alexander’s eyes softened even more. “He would have been so proud of you.”

“Thank you,” I whispered through the tightness of my throat.

Just then, two whirlwinds of motion bound into the room, twin girls maybe eleven or twelve with dark curls and mismatched socks.

“Atlas!” One of them squealed, launching into his arms while the other threw herself at his waist, nearly toppling him.

“Careful,” Atlas laughed, catching them both with ease. “I missed you too, monsters.”

I couldn’t help but smile. The first twin looked at me curiously. “Who’s she?”

“This is Astrid,” Atlas said. “She’s staying with us for a while.”

The second girl tilted her head, a knowing expression in her eyes. “Is she your mate?”

Atlas only hesitated for a second. “Yeah. She is.”

The twins gasped in unison. “I knew it!” said one. “I knew you’d find someone pretty!”

I felt the heat rising to my cheeks in a blush. “Thank you.”

“I’m Cora,” said the first, offering her hand. “She’s Cleo.”

“You’re so lucky,” Cleo said, wide-eyed. “Do you get to live in Atlas’s wind? It’s way cooler than ours.”

“Hey!” Alexander called to them from the sofa, I hadn’t realized he sat back down again. “Go let the kitchen staff know we have guests. No interrogation!”

“Fine,” they chorused, but grinned as they skipped off.”

“They’re adorable.” I said softly, watching them go before turning back to Alexander and Atlas.

Alexander chuckled. “They keep us all sane. We lost their mother the night they were born.”

“I am so sorry..” I said, my heart clenching with sadness.

“So was I,” Alexander replied. “But their brother’s done well raising them.”

The pride in his voice made Atlas clear his throat awkwardly. “We’ve got some rooms prepped,” he said. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

I said goodbye to Alexander, and quickly followed Atlas out of the room. He led me to quarters that were spacious, warm and nothing like the servant’s room that I’d been given at Dark Moon. The room had a queen bed, full bath, and a walk-in closet that was already stocked with clothes that fit my size and style. It was all too much, too fast.

“I don’t… I don’t deserve all this…”

“You do,” Atlas said firmly, the love for me evident in his voice. “This is the bare minimum you’re owed.”

I looked up at him, the uncertainty clouding around me. I didn’t want him to turn his back on me. “Are you sure about me?”

He stepped closer to me. “I have never been more sure of anything.” He replied, using the words I had said when I agreed to leave with him.

Just as I started to answer, a knock came at the open door. A tall, striking woman leaned in with dark auburn hair, piercing green eyes, dressed in a designer blouse and black leather pants. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Well, I wasn’t expecting this when I heard my Alpha was back.” The way she said my Alpha made my skin crawl. She was laying a claim on Atlas.

Atlas stiffened. “Liliana…”

“Oh good, you remember my name.” Her gaze flicked to me, assessing. “And this must be the reason no one told me you were bringing someone home.”

I straightened under her gaze. “I’m…”

“His mate,” Liliana cut in smoothly. “Yes. I heard. Though I’ll admit, I am surprised. She looks so… young.”

“Liliana… don’t start.” Atlas said sharply, getting between me and her.

She smiled with her teeth bared. “Just saying hello. Don’t worry, Alpha. I’m not here to dredge up the past.” I could almost hear the silent ‘this time’ as she turned on her heel and disappeared. Her perfume lingering behind.

Juno growled. We’ll have to keep an eye on that one.

That evening, the pack hosted a formal welcome dinner in the great hall. Atlas kept me close the entire evening, introducing me to his key warriors, unit leaders, and respected elders. Though not all responses were warm, most were curious, kind and even hopeful.

“I think they like you,” Rhea whispered as we sat at a long table.

“I think they’re relieved,” I replied, suspecting but having no confirmation on my reasoning. “They probably didn’t expect a mate bond this strong.”

“They definitely didn’t expect an Eclipse Wolf.”

The evening went off without a hitch, but Liliana was nowhere to be seen. I settled into my bedroom that evening, and I felt Alas approach before he even stepped into view.

“You okay?”

“I think so.” I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to comfort myself like I would back in Dark Moon. “It doesn’t feel real.”

Atlas leaned into the wall as he watched me. “It is.”

I glanced at him. “Liliana. She still wants you.”

“She had her chance,” He said dismissively. “It ended years ago.”

“But it didn’t end for her.”

His gaze was steady as it lingered on me. “I’m not with her, Astrid. I’m with you. Chosen or not, the bond is undeniable. You are mine, and I am yours.”

My breath caught. The bond surged between us. “I don’t know what comes next,” I whispered.

“We take it one step at a time, together.”

“Together…”