The Luna's Chance

Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

The forest clears, revealing the heart of the Stone Pack’s territory. My pulse quickens—this is it, the moment Vee and I become part of something greater. Roman walks confidently ahead, his brown hair catching glints of sunlight that manage to pierce through the canopy above. His presence commands attention, a natural gravity that pulls us all into his orbit.

"Welcome," Roman announces, gesturing grandly toward the gathering that awaits us. "This is the heart of the Stone Pack."

Eyes turn toward us, curious and assessing. Beside me, Vee's hand tightens around mine, her strawberry blonde hair a stark contrast against the sea of earth tones before us. She's been alone for so long, discarded by her own kin, but here, with Roman's kindness as our guide, she holds her head high.

"Everyone," Roman begins, his voice resonating with the authority of an Alpha, "I'd like you to meet two very special individuals who will be joining our pack—Vee and Lane."

The murmurs spread like wildfire, each word laced with intrigue. I can almost feel their gazes dissecting my past, searching for the reason behind Roman’s endorsement.

"Additionally, we are honored to host our allies, the Fire Pack." Roman motions toward another group standing slightly apart, their postures rigid yet not uninviting. They too assess us newcomers with speculative eyes.

"During their stay, let us show them the hospitality Stone Pack is known for." Roman's tone leaves no room for argument, and a chorus of affirmations rises from the crowd.

"Moreover," Roman continues, and I feel his gaze settle on me, warm but unsettling in its intensity. "Lane has a rare gift—one that will greatly benefit our pack."

I stiffen, not ready for the spotlight he’s about to shine on me.

"Her healing abilities are extraordinary," he reveals, and a collective gasp ripples through the crowd.

Heat creeps up my neck as dozens of eyes fix on me. Healing is a part of who I am, but having it broadcasted like this feels invasive, stripping away the privacy I've always held dear.

"Imagine the strength she brings to us," Roman says, pride lacing his words. But underneath that pride, there’s an expectation that weighs heavy, anchoring me to the spot.

"Truly remarkable," someone whispers, and others nod in agreement, their expressions a mix of awe and calculation.

"Let's give our new members and our guests the respect they deserve," Roman concludes, clapping his hands together once, signaling the end of the ceremony.

As the packs mingle, I stand there, rooted in place, feeling more exposed than ever under the weight of Roman's revelation. My secret is out, and with it, the quiet life I had envisioned shatters into a thousand expectant pieces.

***

I'm trying to tuck myself behind a cluster of my new packmates when Roman's voice summons another figure forward. The crowd parts like a river around a stone, and I find myself face to face with the Beta of the Fire Pack. He's tall, his stance exuding a natural authority that seems to command attention without even trying. His blonde hair is cut short, the light catching it in a way that makes it almost glow, but it's the sharp green of his eyes that pins me in place.

"Lane, this is Finn," Roman introduces us, his hand on my shoulder a silent cue to step forward. "Finn, Lane has recently joined us and—"

"Ah, the healer," Finn interrupts, his voice smooth but edged with something unreadable. He extends his hand, but there's a challenge in his gaze that sets me on edge.

"Nice to meet you," I manage, feeling the rough calluses on his palm as our hands meet. The touch is brief, but it's enough to send a jolt through me, a mix of wariness and an inexplicable pull.

"Is it true?" he probes, tilting his head slightly. "Can you really heal as they say?"

His question feels like an interrogation under the guise of casual interest, and I bristle at the notion of being doubted. "I do what I can," I reply, my voice steady though my heart isn't.

"Interesting," he muses, releasing my hand but not the intensity of his stare. "We have many who could use someone with your...talents."

"Perhaps," I say, uncertain how much I want to reveal or promise. Something about Finn's demeanor tells me he's used to getting what he wants, and I'm not keen on being anyone's asset.

"Looking forward to seeing those talents in action," Finn says before giving me a nod and turning back to the crowd, leaving me with the unsettling feeling that I've just been appraised and filed away for future use. Roman gives me a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder, but all I feel is the weight of expectation growing heavier.

As the evening progresses, I find myself cornered by well-wishers and curious onlookers, all eager to discuss my healing abilities. I'm weaving through yet another conversation when I bump into a solid wall of muscle. Stumbling back, I look up to see Finn, the same unreadable expression on his face.

"Sorry," I mutter, stepping aside, but he moves with me, blocking my path.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Finn asks, his tone deceptively light.

"Fresh air," I say, trying to sidestep him again, but he mirrors my movements, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"Running away from your admirers?" he teases, but the jab stings more than it should.

"Maybe I just don't like being put on display," I snap back, my patience fraying.

"Or maybe you're afraid your gifts won't live up to the hype," he counters, leaning in slightly, his eyes searching mine.

"Excuse me?" My voice rises, attracting a few glances from nearby pack members. "You don't know anything about me."

"True," Finn concedes with a shrug. "But I know what it's like to be under the spotlight. To have everyone expect you to be their savior, their warrior, their miracle worker." His voice lowers, and for a moment, I think I catch a glimpse of something genuine in his gaze.

"Then maybe you should understand why I need a break from it all," I say, softer now, finding common ground in the pressure we both seem to share.

"Maybe," he agrees, though the word hangs between us like a challenge. "Just remember, Lane, expectations can crush you if you let them. Don't let Roman or anyone else decide what you should be."

His words sting, but they also resonate deep within. I watch as Finn turns and disappears into the crowd, leaving me to ponder whether he's just given me a warning or a piece of advice. Either way, I can't shake the feeling that Finn, in his own abrasive way, might understand me better than I'd care to admit.