His Fanged Luna

Chapter 6: A Royal Enemy

Emma's POV

Selene’s face went pale, her eyes glued to the tattoo on my collarbone. “No… this can’t be. It’s impossible. She can't be the one.”

I clutched my shirt, feeling my heart racing in confusion and fear. “What are you talking about?” My voice broke as I watched them speak.

The Lycan king had just called me his Nate. But surely, I knew he didn't mean that. He couldn't have.

“I am sure, Selene. Look for yourself." Kael replied.

Seen grabbed his arms, staring at the intricate pattern like she wanted it to disappear. But it didn't.

“What do you mean by ‘The one’? Can somebody please explain what’s going on here?”

Selene spun around, glaring at Kael. “Do you understand what this means, Kael? This mark, it’s the Luna’s Mark, the sign of the Alpha’s chosen! You brought her here? Are you out of your mind?”

Kael stepped forward, calm but firm. “Selene, calm down. We don’t know enough yet. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Calm down?” Selene hissed, her voice rising as she turned her gaze back to me, a mixture of anger and resentment in her eyes. “You want me to calm down? This outsider is a threat! She doesn’t belong here!”

I looked between the two of them, feeling my whole body shake. “Why am I a threat? What did I do? I didn’t ask for any of this!”

Selene took a step closer, her eyes narrowed with hostility. “You did enough just by being here.” And with that, she lunged at me.

Two guards moved forward and held Selene back before she could reach me. She struggled against them, her eyes flashing with fury. “Let me go! I’ll handle this myself! Kael, she needs to be dealt with! You have no idea what’s at stake!”

Kael’s voice turned sharp, filled with authority. “Selene, that’s enough. I am the Alpha, and I make the decisions here.”

“You're picking her?" Selene asked, exasperated.

I stepped back, "Who is picking me? I am not an object and I'm not to be picked!"

I could see the fury and rage on her face. Like the guards holding her at bay was the only thing that stopped her from reaching out and pulling out her hair.

“That's enough! You will not hurt her, not while I am here and she's my guest.”

Selene stopped struggling, pain flashing across her face. “You’re choosing her over me? After everything we’ve been through? My father is the Beta—I have every right to demand that she be punished.”

Kael let out a dry laugh, crossing his arms. “You’re acting like a jealous wife, Selene. Emma isn’t an intruder. I brought her here, and you don’t have any say in the matter.”

I felt small, caught in the intensity of their confrontation. “I don’t want to cause any problems. I didn’t even know I’d end up here.”

“Shut up! You humans have been a nuisance in Umshire for as long as we've settled here with the lot of you."

Kael turned to the guards. “Take her out of here. Selene needs time to cool off.”

The guards nudged Selene. But she turned and slapped him in the face. “Don't you ever lay your filthy hands on me!"

"Leave her be,” Kael ordered the guards.

The guards all bowed and apologized to her. “Don't make this mistake, Kael, I won't let you." Then she turned and walked off.

Once she was gone, Kael turned to me, his expression softening. “Are you alright?”

I nodded, but my voice wavered. “I… I don’t understand any of this. What’s this mark? Why is it such a big deal?”

Kael’s face grew somber, and he looked away. “It’s… complicated. For now, you need to rest. I’ll explain when the time is right. Let me take you to your room.”

I shook my head, “I don't want any of this."

"Let me take you to your room, Emma.” He repeated, this time, his tone was firm. I realized he didn't want to argue and I meekly followed him down to the royal pack house.

That night, I paced my small room, my mind racing. I’d barely slept, but I was too restless to lie down.

Just then, a knock at the door made me jump, and I opened it to find Kael standing there, a faint smile on his face.

“Are you comfortable?” he asked, glancing around the room.

I folded my arms, frowning. “I’m confused, Kael. I don’t belong here. I miss home and it hasn't even been a night yet. This whole thing is insane.”

He nodded, his gaze steady. “I understand. But you’re here now, and you’re under my protection. The tattoo on your collarbone—it’s not just any mark. It’s the Luna’s Mark, a sign that you’re connected to me, to this pack.”

My eyes narrowed, my voice sharp. “So what does that mean? You expect me to just accept that I’m suddenly part of this… this pack, just because of a mark I never asked for? I’m not some prize to be claimed.”

Kael met my gaze. “No, you’re not a prize. But you need protection. This pack—there are wolves here who won’t understand or respect your boundaries. You’re an unclaimed female, Emma, and that makes you vulnerable. Especially during mating season.”

I took a step back, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. “So, what, you think I’m just supposed to stay here under lock and key because some wolves might think I’m… what? Available?”

Kael’s expression grew serious. “Yes. For now, you need to stay here. I’ll make other arrangements tomorrow, but you can’t be alone tonight.”

I shook my head, defiance flashing in my eyes. “You can’t keep me here. I can take care of myself. I’m not some helpless little girl.”

Kael sighed, his voice calm but firm. “Listen to me, Emma. You don’t know what you’re up against. These wolves—they won’t hesitate to take advantage of an unclaimed female. You’re not safe, especially not with the mark you bear.”

I clenched my fists, feeling anger bubbling inside. “And what if I don’t want your protection? What if I’d rather go back to my old life?”

Kael’s eyes softened, but he didn’t back down. “That’s not an option. If you leave, you put yourself and everyone you care about in danger. This isn’t just about you, Emma. The Luna’s Mark connects you to our world, whether you like it or not.”

My shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of me. “Fine. I’ll stay. But don’t think for a second that I’m doing this for you. I don’t know if I can trust you, Kael.”

He nodded, accepting my words without flinching. “Fair enough. But at least you’ll be safe. For now, just stay here. Tomorrow, we’ll figure out a better arrangement.”

I crossed my arms, looking away. “Whatever. Just… just go. I need time to think.”

Kael lingered for a moment before turning to leave. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”

He closed the door quietly behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sank down onto the bed, staring at the walls. I didn’t know what was coming next, but I knew one thing: nothing in my life would ever be the same.

The next morning, a light knock sounded on my door. I sat up, blinking at the bright sunlight streaming in through the window. Kael opened the door, his face serious as he stepped inside.

“Good morning,” he said. “We need to talk.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “More warnings about my ‘safety’?”

Kael took a seat across from me, his gaze steady. “Last night, I was vague. You need to understand the reality of your situation.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Oh, here we go. I’m supposed to just accept that my life’s been turned upside down because of some mark on my skin?”

Kael met my gaze, unflinching. “It’s not just a mark. It’s a symbol of a bond, a connection to this pack. You’re tied to us now, whether you like it or not. And with that comes responsibility. And danger.”

I clenched my fists, staring him down. “I never asked for this! I don’t want to be tied to you or anyone else.”

He leaned closer, his voice quiet but intense. “If you leave, you put yourself and everyone you care about in danger. This isn’t just about you, Emma. You have to trust me on this.”

I held his gaze, my heart pounding. “I don’t trust you, Kael. I don’t trust any of this.”

He nodded, standing up. “Then don’t. But stay here. If not for yourself, then for your family. I’ll protect you, even if you hate me for it.”

I looked away, shoulders slumping. “Fine. But I’m not your prisoner, Kael. And I won’t be treated like one.”

He paused, his hand on the door. “You’re not a prisoner. You’re my responsibility. And I take that seriously. Rest for now, I'm speaking with my trusted men to make sure your family is safe, we’ll make plans.”

I barely turned back to my bed when a knock came on the door again. “What didn't you tell me?” I asked just as I opened the door.

But it wasn't Kael, it was an old man and he had a fierce frown on his face.

“No infidels are allowed in the Titans Pack, you will leave or die!”