His Luna

An offer declined

Kirsty was surprised to see Rodolfo at her doorstep once again. The tension in his voice and the sweat on his forehead hinted at urgency and concern. She had already declined Chloe's invitation to the beta's house, but it seemed that Chloe was not willing to accept her refusal.

Curiosity piqued, Kirsty gestured for Rodolfo to enter, allowing him into her home. She closed the door behind him, shutting out the noise from the outside. The interior of her humble abode felt warm and comforting, providing a stark contrast to the unease that had settled upon her.

"What's going on, Rodolfo?" Kirsty asked, her voice laced with both curiosity and a hint of apprehension. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

Rodolfo took a moment to catch his breath, his eyes darting around the room as if he expected someone to be listening. After composing himself, he finally spoke, his voice laced with urgency.

"Chloe is persistent, Kirsty. She insists that you join us at the beta's house," he explained, his words hurried.

Kirsty's mind raced, trying to comprehend the sudden change of heart from Chloe. She wondered what could be so important that it required her immediate presence. The distance to the beta's house was not far, but the urgency in Rodolfo's voice suggested that time was of the essence.

“I…really don’t want to join the family’s dinner. I don’t belong there.”

“Chloe-“

“I am a slave, Rodolfo, and this…this treatment, I don’t deserve this good treatment from the beta’s family.”

Rodolfo's expression softened as he observed Kirsty's genuine distress. He reached out and gently took the grilled potato from her hand, placing it back on her plate.

"Kirsty, you are not a slave," he said firmly yet kindly. "You may have been born into unfortunate circumstances, but that does not define your worth or determine your place in this world."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity. It was as if his words resonated with something deep within her, challenging the beliefs she had held for so long.

"Rodolfo, you don't understand," she began hesitantly.

"I know it's difficult to change the way you see yourself," Rodolfo continued. "But you have a choice, Kirsty. You can choose to break free from the chains of your past and embrace a different future. It won't be easy, but it is possible."

Kirsty's gaze shifted from the plate in front of her to Rodolfo's eyes, searching for sincerity and truth. She saw it there, along with a glimmer of hope that she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time.

"I-I don't know..." She said lowering her head.

“Actually, Chloe wanted you to join the dinner and the beta too.”

“Sam?”

“Yeah.”

“Who else would be there?” She didn’t want to sound so invested in knowing the presence of people at the dinner that the beta’s family is holding.

“The Alpha of the pack.” Rodolfo's face softened as he mentioned the Alpha of the pack, indicating a deep respect and admiration for their leader. Kirsty noticed the change in his demeanor and couldn't help but feel intrigued by the mention of the Alpha's presence at the dinner.

“The…Alpha?” She may be curious about what the Alpha looks like for her to avoid him every time their paths would cross but she was of how she is going to do it without letting them know.

“Yeah, Draken.”

“The Alpha’s name is Draken?” She was still gathering some information about the Alpha. And each time she remembers him, she felt an indescribable feeling inside.

“Draken Stefan, the Alpha will grace us with his presence. It is a rare occasion to have him join a gathering like this. It shows the significance of the event and the importance he places on our family."

Rodolfo, tired and exhausted from the day's work, responded with brief replies. As Chloe's cousin, he felt a sense of responsibility towards her and often found himself being the one to take care of tasks and errands on her behalf. It had become a routine for him to assist her, as they shared a close bond rooted in family ties.

Despite his weariness, Rodolfo understood the importance of being there for Chloe. He knew that she relied on him, and he willingly took on the role of her dependable support. Whether it was running errands, helping with chores, or simply lending an ear for her to vent her thoughts and concerns, Rodolfo was always ready to assist.

As Kirsty heard the name of the pack leader, a mixture of nervousness and excitement coursed through her veins. It was an inexplicable reaction, one that took her by surprise. Her heart began to race, its rhythm quickening as if responding to some hidden connection. She couldn't explain why, but the mere mention of the pack leader stirred something deep within her

“Can you extend to her that I don’t want to join the dinner, please? I…I don’t really belong there.” She had high hopes that Chloe would accept it now.

She noticed that Rodolfo was hesitant as he tapped his foot on the ground, it was the same thing that the man does whenever he wanted to tell something and just held back himself. He was just so tired of going back to the woman’s house knowing that it was daytime, and the sun was up in the clear sky.

Finally, after a deep sigh, Rodolfo spoke. "I will let Chloe know, Kirsty. But please understand that she might be disappointed. She has been looking forward to having you there, hoping it would help you feel more connected to the pack."

“Thank you.” Kirsty nodded. She knew Chloe's intentions were genuine, but the overwhelming pressure and the need to fit in weighed heavily on her. The thought of facing the pack, their curious stares, and the constant reminder of her status as an outsider made her anxious.

"I appreciate your understanding, Rodolfo. It's just... I need some time alone. I hope Chloe can comprehend that," Kirsty replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and vulnerability.

As Rodolfo stood there, taking in the unexpected gratitude from the woman before him, a warmth spread through his chest. It was a rare feeling for him, one that he cherished deeply. Throughout his life, Rodolfo had often been seen as the tough and intimidating type, someone who would carry out orders without expecting recognition or appreciation. But hearing those simple words of thanks stirred something within him.

He had always prided himself on his dedication and commitment to his responsibilities within the pack. Whether it was fulfilling orders from higher-ranking pack members or taking the initiative to handle tasks that needed attention, Rodolfo had always approached his duties with unwavering loyalty. His fierce loyalty, however, often meant that he operated in the background, working diligently without seeking acknowledgment.

But now, as the woman's words sank in, Rodolfo felt a glimmer of validation. It reminded him that his efforts, no matter how small or unnoticed they might seem, had an impact on others. To be recognized for his contributions, even in a simple act of kindness or assistance, filled him with a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

“I… Uhm, Chloe added something.” He wanted to punch himself for stuttering in front of her. He didn’t feel a connection with the woman, but he could feel that the woman could be trusted, contrary to what Sam had said to him that he should be careful and take good care of his wife.

Kirsty did not expect anything in addition.

“What is it?”

“She said if you don’t want to join the dinner, you can at least go to the house and enjoy the food being served…and Sam added something also.” The man was having second thoughts about telling what Sam said since he knew that the woman was tired based on how she looked, but he couldn’t decline the order of the beta of the pack, even if he was the cousin of the beta’s wife.

The idea was so inviting that she hadn’t noticed the potato she was holding fell to the ground. Rodolfo took a glance at it, and it was then the time that Kirsty realized what happened. She immediately took the potato and held it in her hand and put her hand on her back. She was standing at the door, and she didn’t invite the man to be gone inside the house.

“And that means that my presence is needed in their house too?”

The fear started to creep inside her as she knew that the Alpha who had great disdain towards the rogues would be present in the same place.

“Yeah, and eat there, of course.”

“Can I just uhm…bring the food from there and I eat here in the house?”

“Is there a problem?” Rodolfo could no longer hold the question that was on his mind.

“Problem? N-no, there’s…none.” Kirsty hesitated, her words stumbling as she tried to find a reasonable explanation. She didn't want to reveal her true reasons for wanting to eat alone in the house. The presence of the Alpha unnerved her, reminding her of the deep-rooted animosity between the pack and the rogues. She knew that her status as a rogue could potentially put her in a vulnerable position.

“Then why don’t you just go to the place? I’ve been walking back and forth from the house to here.” He didn’t want to sound so mean but he just wanted to end this thing of going back to take the same path again.

“So-sorry.” The woman lowered her head.

Rodolfo understood the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of their social status or position. Growing up under Matilda's care, he had witnessed firsthand her unwavering compassion and love toward their servants and slaves. Matilda had treated them as part of her own family, and she instilled those values in Rodolfo and Chloe.

Rodolfo, being aware of his privileged position within the pack, made a conscious effort to emulate Matilda's behavior. He believed in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their societal standing. He knew that true strength lay not in dominating others, but in uplifting and supporting them.

“It’s nothing, Chloe just wanted to see your presence in their house.”

“Would she agree if I decline it again?”

“I don’t know, you can just skip joining the dinner, and you can stay in the kitchen or wherever you like to stay in the house and eat what would be served tonight. Just…just be present.” Kirsty pondered his words, weighing the options in her mind. On one hand, she didn't want to upset Chloe or cause any tension within the pack. On the other hand, the idea of attending a formal dinner with everyone observing her every move made her anxious. She took a deep breath, trying to find a compromise.

“That’s a good idea… Uhm what about the beta of the pack?”

“Sam…he told me that you can just decline to join the dinner, but you must help the people prepare the food in the kitchen.”

Her eyes lit up. Now, she can do things as her status is telling her. To serve the pack.

“That’s great.”

She unknowingly smiled at the man.

Rodolfo was taken aback by the woman’s smile as it showed her deep chocolate eyes.

“I will wait outside. Prepare yourself and we’ll go together to the place.” Rodolfo said and turned his back on her.

For whatever reason, she felt excited and happy. She felt the anticipation to be in the area and have an unexplainable emotion that surmounted her heart.