Exiled Then Reborn As The Vengeful Luna

Chapter 4

Juanita.

The energy of the Moonbeam Pack was now at fever pitch. If I thought that the atmosphere leading up to the Moon Hunt was charged, tonight was absolutely insane. The night of destiny had arrived.

The air was brimming with anticipation as warriors, pack leaders, and even omegas were preparing for the sacred moment. Roasted meat and honey wine, sweet and fragrant and other delicacies would fill the square.

Drummers beat out a vigorous beat that made the very ground tremble beneath our feet, and the massive bonfire in the center of the pack square burned fiercely, casting dancing shadows on the ground.

String lights and mystical runes on the surrounding buildings twinkled like stars in the night. Wolves had run eagerly down the city streets, shifting back and forth from shape to form in crude anticipation, their nature driving them to seek out their mates.

But for me, it was just another evening. An evening to observe and wait. I’d already spent the entire day working until my bones ached. So when night fell, I’d returned to the cramped omega quarters, curled on my bony mattress, forcing myself to sleep.

But sleep never came.

I tossed and turned, feeling unsettled and off. With a huff of irritation, I sat up and thrust my legs over the edge of the bed.

Maybe a splash in the stream would calm whatever this was.

Slipping from my bed, I donned my thin, worn cloak and went outside into the cold night. But as soon as my barefoot touched the damp earth, my breath caught.

What was that?

I stepped forward, intending to head towards the woods. But then my legs started turning involuntarily in another direction.

To the square.

My brows furrowed in confusion, but I couldn’t stop, like something was drawing me there. I reached the pack square, the light of the full moon illuminating everything.

I had seen the Moon Hunt before when I was four.

The night air vibrated tonight with magic. When the full moon reached overhead at its peak, the air was charged with a sudden shock of immense energy, like the way static stabs in the air. The blue-flickered fire of the bonfire danced wildly for a moment before steadying.

An otherworldly stillness fell over everything. Soon, howls filled the air. The Moon Hunt had begun. Wolves shifted, their beasts chasing their bonds into the night.

I shivered. Something was wrong. Something was happening. A strange tug propelled me forward. My breath became shallow.

No. It couldn't be possible.

That had to be the mate pull.

I remained frozen for a moment, my heart racing wildly in my chest. I’d long resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn’t get a mate. That the Moon Goddess had rejected me as the rest of the pack had.

My legs took me through the throng. Past the pack members. Towards him.

My chest tightened as my gaze settled on a pair of scorching amber eyes.

Alpha Ryke.

Everything around us melted away. The drumming, the laughter, the whispers, everything merged into a distant buzz.

Only we existed.

His eyes flamed with something. Shock, disbelief. His jaw clenched, nostrils flaring as his wolf strained to emerge.

I couldn't breathe.

No. No, no, no.

I’d spent one reckless night with him. But now, seeing him, feeling the connection click into place with sureness, I knew the truth.

He was my mate.

My fated mate.

Gasps and murmurs filled the air as comprehension spread among the crowd.

"Alpha Ryke and… she?"

"No way. The traitor's daughter?"

"The Goddess must be joking."

"An Omega for the most dangerous Alpha?"

My chest hurt subtly, the weight of the murmurs pressing in on me.

Ryke moved forward. The connection was pulling him, as well. His muscles flexed under his black top, his fists clenched at his sides. His mouth opened as if he were about to speak.

But just as he was going to, a rough hand yanked me away, breaking the connection.