Her Own Luna

Chapter 19

Anna sobbed uncontrollably in the car. She just couldn't stop. Her world had just fallen apart. Christian had left her for Vera. Vera had won. Again. Why did she keep winning? Why wasn't Anna good enough? Her status as Luna couldn't even protect her. Her home wasn't hers anymore, her husband didn't want her anymore, she was no longer Luna. She coudln't even pack her things. Her chest just wouldn't stop hurting. What would she do now? She had no home and no pack. Would she have to throw herself on the mercy of other packs hoping one would take her in? But they all wouild feel uncomfortable with that due to their relationship with Christian. Thinking about him caused her to sob all over again.

"Anna," Damian said.

Anna couldn't respond through her hiccups and tears.

"Anna, you have a place with me. You will have every physical need met. You will live like a queen. I know that doesn't diminish the pain of rejection, but it's one less thing to worry about."

"Why?" she asked softly.

"You will understand in time."

She was beginning to hate that answer.

They arrived at Damian's packhouse late in the night. Damian took her by the hand and led her to a bedroom on the Alpha's floor. "You'll be safe and unbothered here," he said.

She thanked him and went inside. She spent the night curled up in bed flipping between rage and deep sadness. She couldn't wrap her mind around what had happened. It just couldn't be real... she had to be living a nightmare she'd soon wake from.

However, when she woke late in the morning she was still in Damian's house. It was not a nightmare, this was her life now. She still felt a duty to her people, but she'd been rejected. Christian was ready to do her physical harm. She couldn't go back... She hoped Vera's true colors would show and she'd be kicked out. No Luna was better than Vera as a Luna. Maybe she wouldn't totally win. The idea of watching Christian grow old with Vera, her pack learning to accept her and respect her, made Anna sick. She lept out of bed and, looking down at her clothes, realized she had nothing to change into. She needed to get out of this room and occupy her mind somehow, so she'd just have to roll with it.

Once out of her room, she realized she didn't know her way around this house at all. It was enormous. She'd only ever been where guests go, not up here in the Alpha's rooms. She found the staircase going down and took it. Once on the landing she recognized the foyer. She made her way to the dining hall and kitchens. She was sure breakfast would be long over, but perhaps she could get something to eat anyway.

Sure enough, the dining hall was empty, but she could hear voices in the kitchen. She pushed open the door and stepped into the kitchen. The hum of voices stopped immidiately. The staff turned and looked at her.

"So sorry to inturrupt," she began. "Could I get something to eat? Anything, whatever is easiest for you all."

"We were instructed to give you anything you need, Miss," one of the staff said. "What can we get started for you?"

"Well... what's easiest for you? Is there any leftovers?"

"Oh, no leftovers for you, let me get something whipped up. You just go sit and relax."

"Thank you," Anna said. She went and sat in the dining hall. She felt so out of place. Damian must've told his people she'd be here. He was an exemplary host, that was certain. But why? She was just some rejected Luna he barely knew. What was his game here?

The woman who said she'd cook for Anna cleared her throat, bringing Anna out of her thoughts. She set down a steaming plate that smelled like heaven.

"I hope you like this," she said. "Enjoy."

"Thank you."

There was a steak, garlic mashed potatoes and sweet corn that looked so bright and plump that it must've been fresh picked. Anna ate, savering the meal. She felt like she hadn't eaten in days.

"I hope your meal is satisfactory?" Damian asked as he walked over to her.

"It is, thank you. You have great cooks on staff."

"I have the best chefs money could buy."

"It shows."

Damian sat down across from her. "About your things... clothing, personal items, I would like to send someone to retrieve them for you."

"Oh? I don't want to inconvenience you or your people. I'm just a temporary guest here."

"Anna," Damian said as he reached across the table. He took her hand. "Do you not feel it yet?"

She looked into his brown eyes. Butterflies erupted in her stomach. "Oh no..." she said. She pulled her hand back. "No!"

He sat back. "I know it's soon, but please..."

She put her hand up to cut him off. "I don't want another mate. How can you be my mate? You knew? How?"

"I am half Lycan, we feel things stronger than regular wolves. I've known for a long time and waited patiently."

"You have a girlfriend..."

"I took a girlfriend, yes. I didn't know if you'd ever be free for me to pursue. I couldn't pursue you while you were with another man. Although, I did lose myself now and then. I was lonely and she knew I was waiting for my mate, I never decieved her."

"Did she not want to be your Luna?"

Damian shook his head. "She never spoke of it to me."

"Either way, I don't want another mate. I'm going to have to reject you. I don't want to cause you pain, but I can't bear being drawn to you always. I need to heal my heart. I don't know if I can trust again."

Damian nodded. "I understand, but I ask that you just wait, be patient. Don't reject me yet. Just live here, let things settle. Don't make that choice yet."

"I can do that. For your sake, becuase you have been so kind to me."

"Thank you." He smiled. It was a genuine, handsome smile. She hadn't seen that side of him before.

He got up and said goodbye, assuring her that she was welcome and everyone knew to treat her well. He'd arrange for her things to arrive as soon as possible.