My Alpha Mate Is Mated To Another Luna!

Chapter 5: The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 5: The Calm Before the Storm

The glass tapped softly against it, and its steady rhythm pulled me from sleep. I reached for my phone to see what time it was—only an hour and a half had gone by since I’d lain down. I still had 30 minutes before I’d be called down for dinner.

I stretched and wandered over to the balcony. The cool breeze carried the earthy smell of the rainforest, always a peaceful smell. The rain came down steadily, and I stood there looking at the lush greenery. Then memories of Dimon James came to my mind.

I remembered a rainy afternoon from a year ago. I had received a mind link from Dimon, asking me to come to my parents’ front door. Without hesitation, I went. I put on my rain boots over the tights and sports bra I’d been wearing for training, like the lovesick fool I was.

I opened the door, and there he was, soaked to the bone.

“Dimon, you’re drenched!” I tried to suppress a laugh and said,

His dark eyes had met mine, soft as he’d just smiled. Without a word, he pulled me into a hug. For a moment, the world seemed to dissolve as his scent enveloped me.

He’d whispered, “You’re so beautiful.” “Dance in the rain with me?"

I’d shaken my head, laughing. “Are you crazy? I’ll get soaked!"

He’d teased, “It’s just water, Tessa.” He scooped me up and carried me outside before I could protest.

Afternoon gave way to spinning, laughing, and splashing in the rain.

I remembered the memory fading and tears slipping down my cheeks. I wiped them away quickly.

I couldn’t allow myself to get lost in the past. I’d made my choice, and he’d made his.

I had 15 minutes before dinner and rushed to freshen up. My curls were still slightly damp from my earlier nap and would have to do. I wore simple makeup, mascara, and lip gloss. I looked into my reflection in the mirror and told myself this was my opportunity to start over.

I wasn’t that girl who had loved Dimon James.

To this, I decided upon a smooth black dress that felt tight in only the proper areas. Dinner at the Silver Moon Clan was normally casual—jeans, sneakers, maybe a t-shirt. Here, at Alpha Lucas Stone’s pack, everything was formal.

There was a knock at the door that pulled me from my thoughts.

“Coming, Lila! I slipped on my shoes and called out, ‘I’m ready.’

The voice that answered wasn’t hers, though.

I must have lost my touch. I remember when you used to find my scent intoxicating.

I froze. That voice. I looked up, and there he was, Adrian Hunter.

His large hands reached to help me buckle my shoes; he was kneeling in front of me. I was momentarily speechless, staring at him.

"Adrian?"

His smile was as charming as it had always been. “Kimberley,” he said, returning his hand down to her waist, “you look stunning.” What happened to the girl who used to beat me in sparring? The one who didn’t care about dressing up for dinner?"

I couldn’t help but smile. “And where is the rebel in the skinny jeans and Metallica shirt at every event?” I gave him an exaggerated once-over and teased. Every detail of his black tux said power and authority.

He stood and offered me his hand, chuckling. He towered over me, even on my heels.

“Things change. I’m alpha now. He shrugged, “Gotta look the part.” And besides, how long do you think my dad was going to let me embarrass him?

I smiled softly, reminiscing about many stories of Uncle Lucas’s strict parenting. “I’m surprised you lived through his punishments."

Adrian’s grin widened. "Barely."

“Usual after dinner, still on?” My tone was light but hopeful as I asked.

He nodded. “Of course. Some things never change."

***

It was a bustling dining hall when we got there. When Adrian walked in, everyone stood and bowed their heads in respect. I trailed behind, feeling very out of place.

Lila, radiant in her flowing white dress, was already sitting next to Uncle Lucas. I looked up to see how close she was, and she winked at me, a cheeky reminder of what we had discussed with Adrian.

He pulled out the chair next to his and motioned for me to sit. Miles Turner, his beta, a towering man covered in tribal tattoos, was on his right. He nodded politely at me. To my left was Olivia Carter, Pack’s gamma, and a quiet strength rolled off her.

Vera King, a newly mated wolf, sat across the table from me, glaring at me. I didn’t know what her problem was, but she didn’t like me.

Derek Woods, the pack’s head butler, stepped forward to announce the evening's menu before I could spend too much time mulling over it.

Tonight we have Tessa and Lila Willow with us from the Silver Moon Clan,” Derek began, his thick voice carrying through the hall. Well, the creamy tomato soup is the starter, the wagyu steak with steamed vegetables is the main, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the peppermint crisp cake. We’ll also be enjoying wines from Aurora Shores."

The mention of peppermint crisp cake made me smile. As a kid, it had been my favourite, and somehow it felt like a little piece of home.

Vera leaned forward, her eyes on me, as dinner began. 'Well, Tessa, Adrian tells me you used to beat him in training,' he said. Care to prove it?"

Her voice was harsh, and she questioned me.

Adrian chuckled. “Vera, I wouldn’t push your luck,” I said. And Tessa’s undefeated, that hasn’t changed."

She scoffed. “We’ll see about that. “Why don’t we have a friendly match tomorrow morning?"

I pretended to consider tilting my head. ‘Actually, let’s do it tonight.’ After dinner. I don’t do mornings.”

She looked startled but recovered quickly. “Fine. Tonight, then."

Adrian looked at me, a smirk in his eyes. I shrugged at him, ready to remind everyone how strong I was. It wasn't just about dinner tonight; it was about proving I wasn't someone to ignore.