Her Own Luna

Chapter 2

"Well, I think that went well," Christian said as he pulled off his tie.

Anna lay on the bed still dressed in her evening gown. "I drank too much and ate too much. I'm bloated up to the size of a whale."

"Well, don't have such delicious food catered next time," Christian said with a laugh. He pulled her to him by her ankle. She sat up and began to undo her dress. He pulled it over he head before unstrapping her shoes. He pushed her back down and pulled the blankets over her. "Sleep tight, baby," he said softly as he kissed her forehead.

Anna woke with a pounding headache. She didn't have time for this. With the dinner out of the way, she had to pack for a trip they needed to take. They were one of four top packs in the region. Once a year the Alphas with their Lunas would take a rip to meet and discuss any concerns or address any disputes. This time, it was the Blood Moon Pack's turn to host the meetings. They would travel there, spend three days and travel back. She was incredibly thankful it wasn't Christian's turn to host. Even so, she had to make arrangements.

"Can I get you anything?" Christian asked. He'd been up for awhile already, showered and ready for the day.

"Pain killers and water," she said. "And shut the curtains."

"Baby, they're already shut."

She groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. She heard the door click as he left. She swore off drinking forever.

Christian returned with the requested items. She sat up to take them. "You stay in bed until you feel better."

"I have to prepare for the trip..."

He put up his hand to stop her. "No, I'll do that. And before you protest, I've been on these trips before. I went with my parents long before I met you. I can do this."

She groaned again. "Just let me see what you've done so I can check it over."

He laughed softly and kissed her. "I'll do that. You sleep this off."

By afternoon she was feeling much more like herself. She got out of bed and quickly got ready to head down. Christian had packed suitcases, printed off what he'd packed and called to make sure their sleeping arrangements were finalized at the Blood Moon Pack. "Did I meet your standards?" he asked with a grin.

"You definitely did. Maybe you should do this every time."

"Don't get carried away," he replied. "I need to meet with my men to make sure everything is set for my absence. I'll see you tonight."

She watched him go feeling so grateful to have him. Capable, strong and funny. She adored him.

Anna went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Then she decided to go for a run. She liked to keep in shape. A Luna never knew when she might be called upon to fight. Especially in a pack like theirs with power and influence. She'd made a habit of running regularly and lifting weights. She was well known to be a prize Luna, her lineage gave her speed and strength with quick reflexes, but her life choices had honed her skills. Christian often said he'd have wanted her even if they weren't mates for that alone. Her father had gotten offers of marriage before she'd married Christian. She was not interested in leaving her pack, however, so he had turned them down. She would find her mate, marry him and stay here. That is just what she did.

They were to leave early the next morning, so when dinner was over they went to bed early.

"Rise and shine," Anna said as she shook Christian awake. She had been up, showered and dressed while he slept. "You have just enough time to shower and get your butt out the door."

He slowly rolled over and sat up. "Alright, alright, I'm going."

Anna oversaw the loading of their SUV while she waited for the Christian. Once he emerged, they got in and their driver put the car in drive. Soon, their pack lands were far behind them.

The drive took the entire day. By the time they arrived at Blood Moon pack they were ready to stretch their legs and move around.

Damian, the Alpha of the pack, met them in the driveway. He didn't have a Luna, even though he'd been Alpha for over a decade. It caused rumors to swirl, but no one knew for sure why he hadn't picked a Luna yet. Mate or not mate.

Damian's dark eyes bore into Anna's very soul, it felt like. She held eye contact as long as she could, refusing to appear intimidated, but she was glad when Christian spoke to Damian causing him to look away.

As they went inside Anna could feel Damian's close proximity. It was unsettling. She'd never felt this way about anyone before. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

When they were in their bedroom, away from that man, she focused on Christian and getting ready for dinner. The first event of the trip. It was a time for a reunion, but also to size each other up and make a first impression again. It was all about show tonight and Anna would show what kind of Luna her pack had. Dressed in red and black, fierce colors, her long hair down with a small tiara. She wore jewelry passed down for generations in her pack. Christian's mother had given them to her when she was placed as Luna. She stood tall, her back straight and shoulders squared. Her arms and shoulders were bare to show her toned muscle.

Finally, they went down and entered the grand dining hall. Everyone else was milling about talking and clearly putting on a similar show. It took only seconds for Anna to lock eyes with Damian. He was staring at her again in an unsettling way. She raised her chin, looking at him with no emotion. She turned away, willing herself to ignore him.