Alpha’s Runaway Luna

Chapter Three

Chapter 3

IAN'S POV

I watched Della slip away down that side hallway, her red dress flashing one last time before she disappeared behind the doors. Something was off....really off.

She’d always hated these parties, the way everyone stared and examined her like they were trying to find a flaw or something. But today was different from her usual discomfort.

Della looked like she was trapped in her own mind, I tried to ignore the overly wide eyes telling myself she was just stressed. But it got worse when she started to pick her nails apart.

Unable to take it any longer I turned around heading towards the doors to search for her when a familiar scent; coconut and honey filled my senses.

I tried my best to ignore it, my molars grinding involuntarily but that turned impossible when I felt her hand pull on my elbow.

Now that just made my skin itch and my wolf released a low and annoyed growl. All I wanted to do was get out of here, but with the guests watching, as if this was some sort of telenovela, I had no choice but to play it cool.

I let out a slow breath through my nose and turned to meet the bright eyes of Stacy.

She was smiling up at me—full, bright, the smile that used to make my chest ache in the best way. The light blue dress clung to her like it was painted on and the crystal beads caught so much light it looked like stars.

"Oh my goodness. Congratulations!!" She said in a honey-soaked voice as she twirled the ends of her hair like it was nothing.

My brows rose up and I stared at her in hopes that she might explain more. "You're so dumb sometimes," she sneakered her fingers toying with my bicep and all I wanted to do was chop them off.

"I mean about everything. The Luna, the pack? You did so well," Her voice sounded like she was genuinely happy for me but her eyes were a dead giveaway.

They held some sort of energy like she was only saying all of this for the camera.

“Thanks,” I muttered, shocked at how flat it came out. I turned about to head off when she tugged on my arm again.

My heart raced wwith annoyance as I turned to find her pouting. "You just want to walk away? I've been away for two years," She faked sobbed pulling on my arm. "I thought I'd at least get a hug."

“Been a long two years,” I said under my breath and her smile flickered. I expected her to walk away but she stepped closer anyway, close enough that her perfume wrapped around me like smoke.

“I know. I’m sorry, Ian. I was scared. My family pushing, the council breathing down my neck… I thought leaving was the only way I could breathe.”

Her hand lifted, fingers brushing my lapel, then sliding up to my collar, nails grazing my neck. “I never stopped thinking about you.”

I caught her wrist before she could go higher.

“Don’t.” The word came out like a threat and I might have just slapped her. She froze for a second only to let out a chuckle like I was overreacting. "Come on, would you at least dance with me? For old times' sake?"

One cue, the lights dimmed and the music changed into a slow one. I could practically feel everyone holding their breath.

Waiting. If I walked away, the gossip would be brutal by morning. Alpha Ian rejects his fated love the night she returns. Pack politics were already a mess. I didn’t need more fuel. So with a pained sigh, I took her hand.

We moved to the floor and he pressed in right away, her soft curves molding against me like we’d never been apart.

One hand on my shoulder, the other sliding down my back, fingers splaying wide, pulling me closer. She tipped her head back, making her hair brush my jaw.

“I missed this,” she whispered. “Missed us.” Her nails dragged lightly down my spine.

Then her hand slipped lower, palm flat against the small of my back, tugging me tighter. She rose on her toes, lips brushing my ear.

“I was wrong to leave. I see that now.” She whispered, her hot breath fanning my neck.

I didn’t answer, just continued with the steps. Her scent was everywhere, but it didn’t soothe me. It pissed me off, making my wolf more aggressive.

She laughed again and I stared at her in confusion. Her eyes were fixed on something behind me and it was like she was trying to make a scene.

I turned to follow her line of gaze but there was no one standing at the grand stairs. An uncomfortable feeling filled my head and I pushed her away, unable to take it anymore.

“Ian..." She sulked but I was barely seconds away from bashing her head in.

“Enough,” I ordered, too annoyed to care about any dumb scandal. "I shouldn't have danced with you in the first place. I'm going to find my wife."

Stacy opened her mouth like she had something to say but I turned away scanning the room for Della.

She had been gone way too long and my wolf clawed at my restlessness. Something was definitely wrong.

“Find Della. Now.” I mid-linked the guards and they nodded disappearing into the crowds. The party kept going but all I could think about was her. It had been twenty minutes since the search and yet nothing.

If I had marked her this would have been a different story but the last thing I ever wanted two years ago was to be tied to an omega. Especially her kind.

Enforcer: “CCTV, Alpha. We believe the Luna left the estate?"

My heart paused for a second and I tried my best to remain calm while he gave me the updates. "She left in a grey hoodie, black shorts with a small luggage."

"f**k," I whispered running a hand through my hair. She had probably assumed her time was up after my dance with Stacy. "Guards find her. Make sure every part of this pack is swept clean.

Before I could control myself I was already moving. Out the back doors, down the service path. The cold wind kissed my face and I let out a heavy sigh searching for her.

"Della!!" My voice bounced off the trees but I got no answer. I searched the gardens, then the side drive, and even the old stables calling her name until my throat aches but she was nowhere.

Frustration ran through my body and I raced into the mansion heading straight for her room.

It smelled of her but was completely disorganized with her clothes everywhere and the drawers on the floor.

My eyes grew blurry as my lungs began to close up and with the little energy I have I raced towards the bathroom.

My hands grazed the tap switch and just when my eyes landed on the trash can by the sink. Tissue wrapped around something thin and with curiosity getting the better of me I pulled out.

My eyes widened as everything slammed hard on me. Two dark lines. Della was pregnant.