His Luna

Almost is never enough

The dining hall was filled with a sense of anticipation as Chloe leaned across the table, her determination shining through her eyes. When she wanted something, she was relentless in her pursuit, never resting until she achieved her goal.

"So, Draken, did you see her in the pack?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity and excitement.

Draken paused, his knife slicing through the tender rib-eye steak on his plate. He could sense Chloe's eagerness, her desire to unravel the mystery surrounding his newfound mate. With a calm and composed demeanor, he decided to provide her with a glimpse of the answers she sought.

"Yeah," he responded, his voice steady.

Chloe's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she leaned in even closer, hungry for details. She longed to know the name of the woman who held Draken's heart, the one who would complete him in ways no one else could.

"Where? I mean, name? Whose household?" Chloe fired off questions, her words flowing like a river of curiosity.

Sam watched the exchange with a grin, amused by his wife's relentless pursuit of information. He, too, was eager to know more about Draken's mate, but he respected his friend's decision to keep certain details under wraps. Sam understood the caution that Draken exercised, especially after the incident where Draken had nearly fallen victim to a poisoned attempt orchestrated by someone Sam had brought into their midst.

Draken took a moment to savor the flavors of the steak before responding to Chloe's barrage of questions. He understood her inquisitive nature, her hunger for knowledge. But he also knew the importance of keeping certain details private, safeguarding his mate until the time was right for their paths to intersect.

“I will tell you some other time.”

A playful smile danced upon Draken's lips as Chloe persisted with her questions, her curiosity unyielding. Sam, sensing the need to intervene, attempted to rein her in, but Chloe was relentless in her pursuit of information.

"But the name?" Chloe pressed on, her eyes fixed on Draken, determined to uncover the secret he held.

Sam stepped forward, his voice filled with a gentle warning. "Klo, perhaps it's best to give him some space. He'll tell us in due time."

“Sam, it’s just a name.”

“When I am going to settle things with her, you will be the first one to know.” He knew that the woman wouldn’t stop until he gave her assurance that she receives what she wanted.

Chloe's eyes narrowed, a playful glint in her gaze. She refused to be dissuaded, her determination unwavering. "Just the first letter, then," she demanded, her tone laced with impatience.

“Settle things?” Sam started to get curious about Luna’s identity as Draken wanted to keep her hidden.

Draken couldn't help but chuckle, amused by Chloe's persistence. He knew her well enough to understand that she wouldn't settle for anything less than the information she sought. With a playful twinkle in his eye, he revealed the coveted initial.

"It's 'K,' Miss Chloe," Draken declared, watching as Chloe's eyes widened in surprise.

The room fell into a momentary hush, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Chloe's mind raced with possibilities, her imagination running wild. The letter held a world of untold stories, of hidden depths waiting to be explored.

"Alright, this is noted," Chloe finally replied, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and mischief.

Draken couldn't help but offer a word of caution, his tone filled with a touch of concern. "Don't do anything stupid," he advised, knowing that Chloe's impulsive nature could sometimes lead to unexpected consequences.

Laughter filled the room as the conversation took a delightful turn, veering away from the subject of Draken's yet-to-be-revealed Luna. Tales and stories flowed freely, intermingling with joy and camaraderie. In the chaos of their world and the weight of responsibilities he shouldered as Alpha, Draken found solace in the genuine connections he had forged.

As he listened to the tales exchanged between Sam and Chloe, Draken's heart swelled with gratitude. These two, who had become his closest friends, knew him beyond the facade of strength and authority he projected to the world. They had witnessed his vulnerabilities, his doubts, and fears, yet remained steadfast in their support.

Draken often marveled at the bond he shared with Sam and Chloe. They had weathered storms together, faced challenges that would have broken others, and emerged stronger for it. Through thick and thin, their unwavering friendship had anchored him, reminding him that he was not alone in this tumultuous world.

In the midst of their shared laughter, Draken's thoughts drifted to his future mate—the one person destined to stand by his side, to share in his triumphs and tribulations. The knowledge that someone was meant to be with him, to spend a lifetime together, brought a sense of comfort and hope.

As Alpha, Draken was well aware of the expectations placed upon him. The pack looked to him for guidance, strength, and protection. But with Sam and Chloe, he found refuge from the weight of his responsibilities. They accepted him without judgment, seeing the vulnerabilities he kept hidden from others.

In these moments, surrounded by laughter and shared stories, Draken cherished the authenticity of his friendship with Sam and Chloe. They had witnessed his growth and his journey towards becoming the leader he aspired to be. And in turn, he had witnessed their love story unfold—a testament to the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.

The camaraderie they shared allowed Draken to momentarily set aside the burdens of his role. It was a reminder that even Alphas needed companionship, understanding, and moments of lightness. The laughter that filled the room was a balm for his soul, a respite from the weight of his duties.

The dining hall buzzed with the sounds of clinking cutlery and lively conversations as Draken continued to savor his meal. His attention, however, was drawn to the conversation unfolding between Sam and Chloe, their voices carrying a hint of surprise and intrigue.

"Mom would be returning to the pack in the next month, at most," Chloe revealed, her words causing Sam's eyes to widen in astonishment. He had been aware of the impending arrival of Chloe's mother, but the timing caught him off guard.

"What?" Sam exclaimed, his voice laced with surprise and curiosity. He had assumed that he would be the one accompanying Chloe's mother upon her return to the pack, a responsibility he had prepared himself for.

Draken, hiding a smile behind his hand, observed the exchange between his friends. The idea that the woman Sam had consistently tried to avoid would be making her way back to the pack within the next month struck him as amusing. The universe had a peculiar way of bringing people together, even in unexpected circumstances.

Chloe, unfazed by Sam's surprise, continued to eat her meal with nonchalance, enjoying the flavors that danced upon her taste buds. She chuckled at Sam's reaction, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Yeah, and Papa would come right after her," Chloe confirmed, her voice tinged with a touch of playfulness. The news of her father's impending arrival seemed to pique Sam's curiosity further.

"In the same month, Klo?" Sam questioned, seeking clarification.

"No, Sam. In the next month," Chloe replied, her shoulders shrugging casually. "Papa has some matters to attend to before he can join us."

Draken couldn't help but notice the look Sam gave him, a knowing glance that spoke volumes. There was a connection between them that extended beyond their roles as Alpha and Beta. It was a bond forged through shared experiences and a deep understanding of each other's histories.

Chloe's mother, a close friend of Draken's late mother, had always held a special place in Sam's heart. Whenever she returned home, she would choose Sam as her companion for trips outside the pack. Although Sam acted as if he was reluctant, he would dutifully accompany her, carrying numerous boxes and bags filled with items his mother had purchased. In truth, Sam wanted to ensure her safety and cherish the precious time spent with his mother-in-law.

Draken's mind drifted to the memories of those trips, witnessing the connection between Sam and Chloe's mother. They had a unique bond that extended beyond mere family ties. Draken admired the love and respect that flowed between them, seeing how Chloe's mother trusted Sam implicitly.

"Why, Klo?" Draken asked, his voice filled with curiosity. He sensed a shift in Chloe's demeanor, an underlying tension in her response.

"What do you mean why?" Chloe replied, her tone reflecting her confusion.

“They enjoyed their travels…why would they want to return?”

Understanding dawned upon Chloe's face as she processed Sam's words. Her parents were not the type to make impromptu visits or return home without good reason. Their travels were often linked to important events or urgent matters concerning the pack's relationship with others.

"Someone invited them personally for a small celebration," Chloe revealed, her expression changing from confusion to a mix of anticipation and concern.

Draken's eyes widened slightly, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle. A pack had extended an invitation to Chloe's parents, prompting their sudden return. The implications of such an invitation held significant weight, indicating a potential shift in the delicate balance between packs.

"A pack, Klo?" Draken inquired, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Draken continued to cut into his piece of tenderloin, his focus divided between the tantalizing meal before him and the weight of the conversation at hand. He listened attentively as Chloe began to speak, her words carrying a sense of unease.

"Yeah," Chloe replied shortly when Sam inquired about the problem. Her husband reached out to hold her hand, offering support and reassurance.

“What’s the problem?” Her husband went to hold her hand.

"It's the Tourage pack," Chloe revealed, her voice tinged with frustration and a hint of bitterness.

Draken's brows furrowed in concern. The Tourage pack, known for its strength and alliance with the Trowbridge pack, held significant influence in the region. The leaders of the Tourage pack had always been cordial and cooperative, fostering a sense of camaraderie between their packs. However, there was a personal conflict that simmered beneath the surface, one that involved Chloe and the daughter of the Luna of the Tourage pack.

"And?" Sam inquired, his voice steady and calm.

Chloe let go of her spoon, her frustration evident as she pointed the knife in Sam's direction. Her words were sharp, reflecting her deep-rooted dislike for the Luna's daughter.

"Goodness, Sam. I am so sure about it that they would also invite us and Draken. And all of you know that never in my life did I like their b***h daughter." The tension in the room became palpable as Chloe's words hung in the air. Draken exchanged a knowing glance with Sam, understanding the complexity of the situation. The animosity between Chloe and the Luna's daughter was undeniable, stemming from a past encounter that had left lasting scars.

"Easy...put that down, Klo," Sam chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he observed Chloe's animated gestures.

"Don't laugh," she retorted, playfully rolling her eyes at her mate. Chloe's emotions were a whirlwind of anticipation, concern, and curiosity, all fueled by the imminent celebration and the mysterious invitation extended to her parents.

Draken couldn't help but join in their lighthearted exchange, his grin widening at Chloe's playful annoyance. The mention of his name piqued his interest, and he leaned forward, eager to hear more.

"Me included in that celebration?" Draken asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a touch of humor.

Chloe's response was swift, and she rolled her eyes at him, her words carrying a hint of mischief. "Yeah, we all know Kassandra is smitten because of your presence. The woman literally wanted to throw herself at you."

Draken's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his gaze shifting from Chloe to Sam and back again. He hadn't been aware of Kassandra's infatuation with him. From his perspective, she had simply treated him kindly, and any romantic implications had eluded him. Perhaps Chloe's teasing was rooted in the incident involving her servant and Kassandra that Draken had witnessed during the ball he hosted.

He brushed off the comment with a good-natured laugh, not taking it too seriously. "Well, I didn't know anything about that. Just a misunderstanding, I suppose."

Chloe's expression softened, her playful demeanor giving way to a more serious tone. "Anyway, that's still a month from now. A lot can change in that time," she remarked, a hint of uncertainty lacing her words.

Draken nodded in agreement, acknowledging the fluid nature of their circumstances. A month was a substantial period, and he knew that anything could happen within that span of time. The path ahead was filled with twists and turns, and they had to remain vigilant.

"Hoping," Sam interjected, his voice filled with determination.

They all laugh as they saw how Sam started to show how he hated the idea of going out and chaperoning Chloe’s mother, now, his own mother.

"By the way, the food is great," Chloe remarked, her plate now empty after savoring every last bite.

"It is, Klo," Sam agreed, a fond chuckle escaping his lips as he pointed to his wife's cleared plate. The contentment on Chloe's face brought him immeasurable joy.

A mischievous gleam sparkled in Chloe's eyes as she leaned closer to Sam, a playful pout forming on her lips. "I want more boneless steak," she declared, her desire for another helping evident in her voice.

Sam nodded, prepared to fulfill her request. "Okay, let me call someone to go get another."

However, before Sam could rise from his seat, Draken placed a gentle hand on his arm, halting his movement. There was a twinkle in Draken's eyes as he interjected, his voice filled with an undertone of mischief.

"I'm done. I was actually planning to check on Sofie," Draken announced

“And that means?” Chloe raised her eyebrows.

A knowing smile tugged at Draken's lips as he clarified his intentions. "Well, I'll be taking the path near the kitchen, so I thought I might as well relay your request to Leo," he explained, referring to the head chef who held a position of respect within the pack.

"No, I'll do it, Draken. You are a guest here. Or I will just call for Kirsty to go and get Chloe's food," Sam insisted, making a move to rise from his seat.

Chloe's eyes narrowed, and she shot Sam a dagger-like look. Her voice carried a hint of irritation. "Wait, what? Kirsty is here? You could've told me so that she could eat with us..."

Draken's curiosity was piqued at the mention of the name Kirsty.

"Kirsty?" Draken interjected, eager to confirm the name he had heard.

“Yeah, a pack’s servant, Draken,” Sam answered him.

Chloe's stern expression softened as she interjected, her tone serious and firm. "She's not just a servant. I like her, and I don't want you to treat her as such."

"I'm sorry, Klo," Sam offered sincerely, his voice filled with remorse.

"But for real? Where is she?" Chloe inquired, her curiosity overriding her initial frustration.

Sam gestured towards the kitchen, providing an answer to Chloe's question. "She's helping in the kitchen."

As the words hung in the air, Draken's reaction was immediate. He stood abruptly from his seat, his movements swift and purposeful. The suddenness of his action startled those around him, who turned their gaze in his direction, their expressions filled with surprise and curiosity.

"I guess I'll be the one to go and tell Leo about your order and check for Sofie," Draken announced, his voice filled with determination. His mind was already racing, connecting the dots and sensing the possibility of an unexpected connection. Without waiting for a response or offering any further explanation, Draken swiftly left the dining hall. His heart pounded in his chest, each step he took toward the kitchen amplifying the intensity of his emotions.