From Rogue to Luna

Fated Paths

Thirty minutes earlier...

Fenix sprinted through the dense woods, his breaths steady as he kept pace with his Beta, Flyod, and Gamma, Luke. Morning runs were his brief escape from the endless attention of eager shewolves vying for the title of Luna. His Beta—and brother—Flyod, grumbled beside him about starting the day without breakfast. Fenix rolled his eyes, tuning out Flyod's complaints and linking with his wolf, Raven.

Raven, as usual, brought up the search for their fated mate. It had been three years since Fenix became Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, and Raven still refused to entertain the idea of a chosen mate. "It’s a betrayal of the Goddess’s gift," Raven would insist, each lecture met with Fenix's silent exasperation. Despite the absence of a Luna, Fenix prided himself on running the pack well, with Flyod’s physical prowess and Luke’s sharp tactical mind bolstering his leadership.

When Flyod finally convinced Fenix to take a break, the Alpha was about to lie down when something stopped him—a scent. A tantalizing blend of lilies, lavender, and iris drifted on the breeze, captivating him instantly.

"Mate! It’s mate!" Raven exclaimed with unrestrained joy. "Go find her! We’ve waited three years for this!"

Fenix sighed but felt the pull of the scent too strongly to resist. Motioning for Flyod and Luke to stay behind, he followed the trail to a large tree. As he rounded it, his heart skipped a beat. A shewolf with shimmering silver hair lay asleep against the trunk. Leaning closer for a better look, he nearly stumbled back when her eyes suddenly fluttered open.

Present...

"Mate! Mate! He’s our mate, Adelia!" Aria squealed, her excitement reverberating in Adelia’s mind.

Adelia froze, staring at the stranger with wide eyes. The intensity of his gaze, his dark, tousled hair, and those piercing scarlet eyes left her momentarily breathless.

Fenix extended his hand awkwardly, his attempt at a friendly introduction marred by hesitation. Behind him, Flyod and Luke, who had crept closer to watch, simultaneously facepalmed. Raven, meanwhile, was desperately trying to wrest control. "Let me handle this! She deserves better than your clumsy attempts!"

Adelia studied her supposed mate, noting his commanding presence—broad shoulders, tall stature, and an aura of strength. Her cheeks warmed despite herself. "You’re... my mate?" she asked tentatively.

"I guess so," Fenix replied with a slight nod, still grappling with the idea himself.

Adelia blinked, her brow furrowed. "So, that means we’re fated to be together... forever?"

"That’s the idea," Fenix said, slightly amused by her confusion. Her naivety struck him as odd. Didn’t all werewolves know about mates?

Before he could ask more, Flyod and Luke emerged from the shadows. Adelia growled softly, instinctively stepping back.

"Relax, we’re not here to hurt you," Luke said, raising his hands in surrender.

Flyod grinned. "Yeah, we come in peace. I’m Flyod, by the way, and that guy over there is Luke."

"And this grumpy one here is Fenix, Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack," Luke added with a playful smirk.

"Disrespecting your Alpha again, Luke?" Fenix quipped with mock irritation, earning a giggle from Adelia.

Her laughter faded as she recalled the rumors of the Blood Moon Alpha. Cruel. Bloodthirsty. A killer who had slain his own family to seize power. Fear crept into her gaze as she slowly retreated. Noticing her unease, Fenix reached out, gently catching her arm. She flinched, expecting aggression, but was surprised when his touch was soft and reassuring. He offered a small smile, and her heart skipped a beat.

"So much for the bloodthirsty Alpha," Aria chimed. "Don’t believe everything you hear, Adelia. He’s handsome and kind. We’re lucky!"

Fenix’s deep voice interrupted her thoughts. "Adelia, as my fated mate, you’ll become the Luna of the Blood Moon Pack."

Adelia’s jaw dropped. "Luna?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aria’s delighted giggle filled her mind. "He’s perfect, Adelia. Strong, protective, and oh-so-dreamy!"

Adelia flushed at Aria’s enthusiasm and took in Fenix’s striking features again—his sharp jawline, broad chest, and those ruby-red eyes. He caught her staring, smirking as she quickly looked away, flustered.

"What do you say, Luna?" Fenix teased.

Adelia managed a small smile. "It’s Adelia... and I’m not sure yet."

Flyod opened his mouth to retort, but Luke clamped a hand over his shoulder. "No problem," Luke interjected smoothly. "Take your time. We’ll be here."

The playful exchange lightened the mood, and Adelia couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope as she glanced at her enigmatic mate. Perhaps her parents’ wish for her to find someone who would cherish her wasn’t so impossible after all.