Her Own Luna

Chapter 4

The final evening of the trip had arrived. Entertainment with dinner and a dance. Anna chose to match Christian that night. She wanted it to symbolize their unity. She had Damian in mind.

"You know you'll have to dance with him if he asks," Christian said.

"Ugh. Would it really be so bad to deny him?"

"Yes, it would be a sign of deep respect. We cannot get Blood Moon pack on our bad side. They're too powerful. Damian is known for being ruthless in his search for power. He might take disrespect as an excuse to start something with us. Something that ends with him taking our pack."

"I don't think it would go that far, but okay. If he asks, I won't refuse. But he can't ask if you're dancing with me all night."

"I'll do my best," he said simply.

They went down and took their seats. First, a ballet and live music during dinner. The dance would be after. Anna and Christian sat nearly on top of each other whispering quietly.

The performance came to a close and dinner was quickly cleaned away. The dance floor opened with music and Damian taking the first dance with a woman named Hera. She was rumored to be his long time girlfriend, but not his mate. He hadn't made any move to make her a chosen mate or his Luna. No one knew why.

Christian leaned toward Anna. "Looks like he has someone to dance with. No reason to come asking you."

"Good," she answered.

Christian took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. They danced multiple songs before Christian said he was done dancing for the night. Damian was still dancing with Hera, so Anna felt safe. They exited the dance floor and found a more quiet corner.

"How much longer must we stay?" she asked.

"A little longer. We'd be the first to leave by far. I don't want to appear rude."

Anna knew he was right. With the talk of fighting the rogue bears they needed all the packs to have their back, not leave them in a battle alone. Not against bears.

Christian's eyes flashed for a second. Anna turned to see Damian approaching. Her heart sank.

"I must ask permission to dance with your Luna," Damian said the Christian.

Anna immediately felt annoyed. It was her he should be asking, not Christian.

"You have my leave," Christian said.

Damian offered Anna his hand and she took it, but kept her face neutral.

He lead her to the dance floor and pulled her close. His hand rested on her lower back. Not inappropriately for this dance, but she still didn't like it.

"I am my own person," she said.

"Yes?"

"I say if I dance or not, not my husband."

"He is your Alpha, is he not?"

"You know who I am, you know my lineage. I am my own person. An Alpha in my own right, but even if I wasn't I would still demand my own autonomy."

"Ah, I see. I did not mean to cause offense."

"People oftendo things they do not mean to."

He spun her around and caught her again. "You dance very well."

"Thank you." Truth was, he danced incredibly well himself, but she wouldn't be caught dead complimenting him.

"I trust you've enjoyed your stay?"

"As much as one can with meetings all day."

He chuckled. "Meetings aren't fun, but are necessary unfortunately."

"I am well aware," she answered dryly.

The music came to an end, finally. Anna pulled away, but Damian held her there for a moment. He searched her eyes. It looked like he was going to say something, but suddenly let her go and walked away.

She walked back to Christian with her head held high. "Are you ready to go now?"

"I am," he said, his tone clipped.

She followed him to the door. Keenly aware of Damian's eyes on her. Once they exited and went upstairs she felt she could breathe easy. She was so ready to go home and forget he existed.

The next morning they quickly packed their things before the sun was up and called for their car. It pullled up to the front doors of the mansion-like packhouse. They loaded their bags quickly. Damian appeared just as Christian shut the lift gate on the SUV. "Were you planning to sneak out unawares?" he asked.

"Of course not. We just have a long drive and needed an early start," Christian said. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"Don't mention it. for the time being, if rogue bears give you any trouble, don't hesitate to call for help"

"I appreciate that, but I think we'll be okay."

Damian looked at Anna, dipped his head and turned to go back inside.

They got into their car and began the trip home.

"For the time being? Does that mean he'll rescind his offer?" Christian mused.

"I don't know... he's odd."

They rode in silence, dozing off occasionally.

It was after dark when trey finally arrived home. They gave instructions to have their things brought up and went inside.

"Christian!" Trent called as he met them at the door. "You'll never belive this!"

"What is it?"

Trent glanced at Anna and suddenly looked nervous. "Whatever you have to tell me, Anna can hear as well."

"Alright... Well, you remember Vera?"

"Of course..." Christian said with a glance at Anna.

"She showed up while you were gone."

"Is she still here?" Christian asked, his voice betraying his excitement.

Ternt nodded.

"Take me to her."

They followed Trent to the guest quarters in the packhouse. He knocked on one of the doors. It swung ope and a petite, blonde woman stepped out and jumped into Christian's arms. "You remember me!" she said.

Anna cleared her throat.

"Oh," the woman said when she saw Anna.

"Vera, meet my wife Anna. The Luna of our pack now."

"Nice to meet you," she said in a sweet little voice.

"Vera from school?" Anna asked.

"Of course, silly!" she laughed.

Anna did not like being laughed at, but she didn't show her annoyance. Vera had been Christian's first love. They dated from the ages of 12 to 16. Vera's parents divorced and Vera had left the pack with her mother. Christian had been devastated. Until Anna made herself known and he fell for her. Vera was half werefox and half werewolf. Her mother had taken her to live with the foxes after the divorce.

"What brings you back?" Anna asked.

"My mother died. I wanted to see my childhood home and maybe live with dad."

"I'm so sorry," Christian said. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "You are welcome here."

It was almost unheard of for were folk to mix with other kinds of were folk in marriage, to live in each other's packs.

"If you have everything you need, we've had a long journey and would like to turn in for the night. We'll see you in the morning?" Anna said.

"Oh, yes, of course," Vera said.

They said goodnight and went to their room. Anna had trouble falling asleep that night.