The Reincarnated Luna

Luna

I awoke to the warm sun beaming down on my face through a slit in the curtains. When I felt around the bed I realized I was alone and let out a sad sigh. Now that I have some of my past memories it's torture being away from Eli.

Selene? I waited a few seconds before I started to panic again. Selene, what happened? I thought the wall was gone?

"Quiet child, some of us still need our beauty sleep." I sighed, immediately relieved that she was still with me.

"Are you okay? I thought you had left me again."

"While the prison my memories were trapped in has been eradicated, I still don't completely remember everything. I have hundreds of lifetimes to comb through. I'm also still very weak. If I'm remembering correctly I will regain my full self when the planets align on the next solstice. What day is today?"

February 16. My birthday is on June 6th.

"Seems like when you come of age is when we will truly remember everything. Hopefully. So much work was put into this, so many lives were lost to make sure Fin and I were able to be reincarnated."

Why? I understand that there was some kind of war, but I don't exactly see how making you two mortal would help the situation?

"We will always come back. No matter how many times they try, they will never truly be able to stop us. They will never truly win."

Who are they? Before she answered me Lilly was jumping up and down beside me on the bed.

"It's time to wake up sleepy head! Breakfast! Breakfast!" I wrapped my arms around her trying to avoid getting hit in the face by her flailing arms but I failed.

"Come on now Lil. I told you to let her sleep." Eli's beautiful laugh resonated from the doorway. I slowly raked my gaze over his bare tan chest. He wasn't unnaturally buff, but perfectly toned. He towered in the door frame with his bright smile and his sweatpants hung low on his hips. Lilly jumped off of the bed stomping into the living area. Obviously not happy with Eli.

"You upset the beast." I huffed out while giggling.

"The beast helped me make banana surprise pancakes." I swung my legs out of bed realizing I was still in my clothes from yesterday.

"Okay I don't know what this surprise in these pancakes are but if Lilly helped make them I know they'll be out of this world." I made sure to yell that last statement so that I knew the little beast would hear it.

"They'll be waiting for you once you get out of the shower. Hurry up brat, you wouldn't want to keep chef Lilly waiting."

"Yeah, brat!" Her little voice chimed in from the living room making my jaw dropped as I giggled. I took a fist full of the pillow on the bed and launched it at Eli.

"Stop teaching her bad habits!" He acted like he was going to run after me so I darted into the bathroom laughing as I slammed the door in his face.

"Just wait, I'll get you back for that." He said through the door.

"Go eat breakfast, I'll be out soon." Still giggling I quickly shed my clothes and hopped into the shower as his footsteps receded out of the room. I wanted so badly to enjoy the steaming hot shower, but I wanted banana pancakes even more to where I had somehow completely forgotten about needing a change of clothes. Luckily when I got out of the shower there was an outfit already laid out for me in the sink.

I don't know if I hate him for babying me, or if I love how thoughtful he is.

"Both, there is no in-between. He is so infuriating but caring at the same time." I couldn't help but smile at Selene's words as I tugged on the cute comfy underwear set and black skin-tight pants. Then there was an off-white, long sleeve sheer crop top that had a cute little knot in the front along with deep maroon flowers on the ends of the sleeves that complemented my auburn hair and made my eyes really stand out.

He even knows how to pick out what complements me and my shape. I feel more mature in the outfits he picks out. How can he be so skilled in everything?

"Trust me, early on I learned that he does what he wants. It's nice to not have to be in control all the time." I didn't respond but I did make a mental note that I need to try to rely on Eli more. After if tied my unruly hair up into a pony tail I had to physically stop myself from skipping into the kitchen. The smell was to die for, and the sounds of the two of them giggling made my heart feel even warmer.

Eli motioned for me to sit in the empty chair between the two of them as he slid two plates in front of it. One stacked with pancakes, and the other filled with fruit and oats. When I got to the table I could tell the 'surprise' Lilly used was an outrageous amount of chocolate chips.

"You have to be a super-duper chef to make food this good." Lilly exclaimed wiping a syrup-covered hand all over her t-shirt. I took a bite of my pancakes and made an exaggerated moaning sound.

"These are absolutely the very best. I don't think I've ever had anything so good." She giggled.

"She showed me some tips, but I don't think I could even make them this good," Eli added, making Lilly plop both arms on her hips and puff her chest out proudly. Once I was mostly done with my breakfast Lilly started getting restless so I got up to put her in the bath but the moment I got out of my chair the unmistakable click of the mechanism for the door resonated throughout the room. Within seconds I held Lilly in a protective stance and Eli was in between us and the door. Seconds passed before Eli relaxed a bit.

"It's just Rowan." But neither of us moved until the large door swung open. First Rowan walked in, then Sam behind him. Lilly had started trying to rush toward her, and I had almost let her until I saw Nia trail in behind Sam.

"The extra security precautions you requested have been put into place." Eli nodded before turning to me.

"I'll clean up here if you want to go get her cleaned up." I looked between Eli and Nia and the slowly nodded before walking to the bathroom.

I really hate the feeling I get from her. I gritted my teeth before I followed Sam into the spacious bathroom.

"Me too. I feel as if I have a memory of her, but I can't exactly place my finger on it."

Please try to remember. I need to know we're safe. If anything I'll talk to Eli about her soon. For some reason thinking of them both at the same time sent a sharp pain through my chest.

"Honey?" Sam asked peering down at me. I hadn't realized that she had been talking to me this entire time.

"Sorry sorry, what was it?" I started undressing Lilly as Sam ran the bathwater.

"I was just letting you know we brought her a change of clothes. Are you okay? I know a lot is happening and it definitely can be a lot to process especially if you aren't used to this world."

"No, it's not that." Was all I said. We gave Lilly a quick bath, making idol chat and jokes with her, but I still couldn't get out of my head. I was on autopilot trying to figure out why I didn't like Nia. Once we rinsed Lilly and wrapped her in a towel Sam tried again.

"What is wrong? You seem a bit out of it." I sighed while we struggled to get the rowdy toddler dressed.

"I don't want to talk about it right now. I know there are people with hypersonic ears in the next room." Sam chuckled but nodded.

"Another time then, but" She pointed at me as she turned the nob of the door, "I will keep checking up on you. That little girl needs you more than anything, and it takes a village." She winked which made me smile.

I'm glad we have her.

"She is wonderful, and I only get waves of pure energy from her. I strongly believe she is going to be a very valuable friend." I silently agreed with Selene as we walked into the kitchen. The three of them were standing around the island, Nia leaning onto the counter right where Eli and I had kissed. My face flushed just thinking about it. Eli cleared his throat, looking like he was covering a blush himself.

I wonder if he's also thinking about it.

"So security has been doubled around the perimeter, and you have both been assigned guards at all times." I stopped, looking down at Lilly.

"Who?" Is all I managed to ask. I don't like the idea of being watched all the time, but if it keeps her safe I will do whatever I need to.

"Sam and Cora will switch off when you or I can't be with Lilly. Rowan and Denver will be with you when I can't be." I nodded.

"For how long?" My voice was firm and carried authority, I hadn't even known that I could speak that firmly. Everyone in the room seemed to notice, but none of them stiffened. It seemed as if every single one of their attention had been brought to me fully; even Nia's.

"That is to be determined. We don't know where the leak came from, but Denver is tracking a lead as we speak." Eli folded his arms in front of his chest, seemingly trying to say that this wasn't up for discussion. I mirrored him by folding my arms over my chest.

"I would like to be updated on any new information that may arise. No matter how small." His gaze held mine as the room fell silent enough that you could hear a pin fall. He nodded before moving onto border patrol details and plans for the pack's daily schedules. Apparently, the pack runs like a town. Everyone has a job and must contribute to be apart of the pack. Though unhealthy members are uncommon due to medical advances, they are still accommodated and welcomed with open arms. It was very impressive to hear how they dealt with food shortages, an economy, and basically running a small country. I had sat in on meetings with my father before, but they all seemed to be about regulations of taxation or laws that were being passed. Nothing seemed to actually favor or pertain to the daily life of the people.

Once the meeting was over Cora and Denver showed up.

"We have a name. Your men are on their way to go get them now. He will be held until you wish to question him." Denver said without acknowledging anyone in the room but me and Eli. He hadn't even glanced Nia's way, but she hadn't looked his way either. I found that incredibly weird considering how even now I feel pulled toward Eli. Without even noticing it I had been inching closer to him. Eli glanced down to his wrist and nodded. I'm assuming he mind linked Denver because they sat in silence for a few seconds.

"Alright, everyone knows what they need to be doing. Let's get to it." Eli dismissed everyone, and I had turned to grab Lilly from the bedroom she was playing in when Nia spoke up,

"When will we be having the ceremony?" For some reason my skin grew cold and everyone pause.

"What ceremony?" I looked around the room perplexed until Eli was the one to break the silence again.

"We don't know if Alora wishes to become Luna. She is new to this world and we don't plan on forcing her into anything." Eli stared daggers at Nia, but she didn't back down.

"If she is your mate she is to be Luna. That is the literal foundation of the pack. We all seen earlier that she has the aurora and authority of a Luna so why not just get it over with?" I didn't like hearing her speak to him that way.

"What seems to be the problem here?" I chimed in before Eli could respond. The attention of the whole room turned to me. Eli looked to Nia for her to explain what she was insinuating. She seemed a bit taken back by me challenging her, especially in front of everyone.

I will not be stepped on.

"You may not know this since you arent-" she paused letting a hint of disdain seeping into her tone "since you don't know our traditions but if you are the mate of an Alpha you must be sworn in as Luna. If you aren't or can't fulfill your role you should just reject him and do us all a favor." Her true venomous tone came out when she said 'can't.'

"How dare she. Who does she think she is to speak to us that way." A low growl seeped from Eli's direction.

"No one may ever utter a word of my mate rejecting me." His tone was low and even gave me a shock.

"Secondly, don't you or anyone else for that matter, dare ever speak to her in that tone. I promise if you do not show her the same amount of respect-"

"I'll do it." I cut Eli off. The blood had drained from Nia's face when Eli had become hostile, but she seemed like she had seen a ghost when I chimed in.

"I will have my mate fill me in on the details and we will have a date for the ceremony when I feel I am fit for the role. At this point in time I feel as if I need more education on the matter. Are there any other concerns you may have?" I made sure to emphasize 'my mate' so that she knew I had no intentions of leaving Eli. She visibly gulped, obviously not expecting me to put her in her place like that. It was taking everything in me to hold Selene back from ripping her to pieces. When no one responded Eli dismissed the meeting for a second time. I sent Lilly to daycare with Sam and Cora, Denver glared at Nia the entire time before they left, and finally it was just me and Eli while Rowan waited for us outside the office.

"I'm sorry she isn't usually like that." I couldn't tell if he was taking up for her, or felt bad for what she said to me.

"She's right." His head whipped toward me. "I need to take my place and fulfill my responsibilities. I am still going to be very ignorant of many things, but this just feels right. Especially if we are going to stop this war. Becoming Luna of this pack is the first step toward a new world." He smiled and nodded before taking my hand and leading me toward the door.

"Today I have to go to the lab, would you like to come with me?"

" I'll take any chance to learn about the way this pack runs, especially if it'll help me catch up to speed with how I should act as Luna. I've never been a leader before, but I have always been a fast learner." I offered a smile, trying to forget about the audacity Nia just showed in front of the leaders of this pack without shame.

"Later after we leave the lab we can meet with one of the elders, Isabella, and she can fill you in on what it is like to be Luna and what exactly the ceremony means. I'm sure you already know this isn't something to take lightly."

He is right. I am insanely young to be taking on such a responsibility that I don't even know the details of, but with him by my side I truly believe I can do this.

"I understand. After we speak with the elder we'll talk about it again okay?"