Luna’s Mating Trilema

Chapter 4

Natalie 's POV

My body trembles with fear as I sit on Alpha Desmond's lap, listening to his vile words.

The prospect of being tied to a discipline table and used by every wolf in the pack fills me with dread. I can't let that happen.

I have to find a way to escape this nightmare. Just as despair begins to consume me, a sudden commotion outside catches my attention.

Alpha Desmond stands up, his grip on me loosening slightly.

I see confusion and concern flash across his face. He moves towards the door, leaving me momentarily forgotten.

With a surge of adrenaline, I seize the opportunity. I quickly untangle myself from his grasp and make a run for it, not caring that I'm still naked and vulnerable.

I dart through the corridors of the pack house, my heart pounding in my chest.

As I turn a corner, I collide with a solid figure. I stumble backward, but strong arms catch me, preventing me from falling.

I look up and see a tall, imposing Alpha with piercing blue eyes and a determined expression. It's Alpha Harry, my savior. "Are you alright?" Alpha Harry asks, concern evident in his voice.

I try to respond, but words fail me. Instead, I nod, tears streaming down my face.

He gently wipes away my tears and says, "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you." Alpha Harry's presence fills me with a sense of security I haven't felt in a long time.

He escorts me out of the pack house, his wolves clearing a path for us. The devastation around us is overwhelming, but I cling to the hope that things will get better. Once outside, I see a group of Alpha Harry's wolves extinguishing the fires that had engulfed the area.

They work efficiently, trying to salvage what they can. It's a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction I had witnessed before. Alpha Harry turns to me and says,

"We'll find your sister, Caroline, and bring her back safely.

No one will harm you or your loved ones again. I promise." His words provide a glimmer of hope in the darkness that has consumed my life.

My voice shakes as I muster the courage to speak.

"Thank you, Alpha Harry," I manage to say. "You saved me from a fate worse than death. I owe you my life."

He looks at me with a mix of determination and compassion. "Natalie , I didn't rescue you to claim a debt.

I rescued you because it was the right thing to do. But now, I need your help."

Confusion swirls within me. "What do you mean, Alpha Harry? How can I help?"

He takes a deep breath and locks his gaze with mine. "I need you to marry me. It's the only way I can protect you and ensure your safety.

As my Luna, no one will dare lay a finger on you. You won't have a choice in the matter, Natalie , because I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

His words echo in my mind, and I'm torn between conflicting emotions. Part of me wants to resist, to retain some semblance of control over my own life.

But another part of me recognizes the truth in his words. Alpha Harry is offering me protection and security, something I've longed for .

***

How long Natalie had lain there sobbing or just staring at the sky was unknown to her. She guessed it had been at least two hours.

The fireworks went off, signifying that the annual rituals performed by the Alphas to appease the Goddess and earn her favor were concluded.

She sneered angrily, "Blessings," to herself.

The 'blessing' she had been given was nonetheless a danger to her mental health. She was still feeling out for him with her senses.

The aroma was barely perceptible, and she could barely hear his heartbeat in her thoughts.

She finally felt the tug of the mate bond lessen to a manageable level after she gave in to her impulse to lie still and cry.

She figured Alpha Harry was too busy looking after everyone else to come looking for her.

Her father's words, "Your duty comes before your heart," rang through her head, and she was struck by the disappointment she felt at how true they were.

She said no to herself firmly in her mind. Saying "It's a good thing" A busy schedule is preferable.

The fireworks, however, ensured that this situation would not last for very long.

Alpha Venom had informed her that there were multiple occasions where all Alphas were obligated to observe the Blood Moon. But she thought Alpha Harry could be okay with hunting in the time in between those two occurrences.

How much longer could she stay away from him, she thought.

It would be impossible to miss Ashleigh's presence (or absence) at any of the sacrifices. She arrived too late to even see the wedding begin. Her father had made it abundantly obvious that she was expected to attend any and all family functions.

If I told my dad the truth, would he let me go?", she questioned. A set of pale blue eyes flashed into her mind, followed by a warm grin, and she realized that her plan was ridiculous. I'll have to tell Raymond if I tell Dad....

The notion of breaking the news to him hurt like hell. Would he blame her for the pain he'd feel?

There's no way I can let anyone know. Not until I figure out what's happening. The idea of having two partners at once is impossible for me. That can't be true.She grew angry at the concept.

“Right!?As she stood up, Natalie yelled, ". With bitterness in her heart, she turned her eyes upward. "One and only one!”

Even if the moon was no longer visible, she could still be heard by the Goddess.

That's the plan; that's what we agreed to. What is this gift you gave to humanity called? There can be only one ideal match.

The tears she'd believed she'd used up returned.

I adore Raymond!"" she yelled. My soul match is he. He alone.

It was as if the Goddess herself were reacting to her rude tone by sending a surge of warmth through her.

At the outset, she gasped and took a deep breath to calm herself as she tried to rein in the more primitive aspects of her thoughts. She felt her senses being awakened all over again by that captivating aroma.

It's damned!" she yelled angrily.

He was on his way to see her. She was able to sense it. Natalie considered transforming; in her wolf form, she could flee more quickly, but the issue remained: away from, or toward, the threat? It was safer to not take that chance.

She checked the schedule and saw that the next event wouldn't begin for a while. The Alphas were scheduled to attend a meeting the following day and had a number of commitments that evening.

"Great, now all I have to do is not show up to any of the functions I told my dad I would.

She laughed defeatedly to herself as she thought, "Then win a twelve-hour game of hide and seek with an Alpha." Oh, and he has a homing device installed on me. Great.”

“Ashleigh?A voice she knew called out to her.

When Natalie finally looked back, she was greeted with a stunning Viking woman. High, folded braids and knots in a crown of blonde hair.

The dress is lilac and has a brown corset belt. Emerald eyes that shone as brightly in the day as they did in the night.

Luna Jane's beauty was hard to ignore.

A quiet "Mother," Natalie said in response.

"What are you doing, Ashleigh? Hours have passed as we looked for you. Your dad definitely noticed that you weren't there for the opening ceremony. Just do it.

Her mother locked arms with her daughter and pulled her forward, leaving no opportunity for resistance. She scolded her the whole way back to the party for leaving too soon.

As they walked, Ashleigh's thoughts were preoccupied with scanning the faces they passed for the icy stare.

She was so preoccupied in her search for him that she failed to recognize the improvement in her condition. It wasn't until she came across something more familiar that she stopped her quest.

As he looked at her, Natalie felt the usual tug of their connection. She let it wash over her, and she closed her eyes automatically.

The safe and secure feeling, as if he were standing behind her and gently enfolding her in his arms.

She peered up at him from among the crowd and opened her eyes. Even though there were pack members from all over the world surrounding them, she could only focus on him.

In contrast to the pristine snow that blanketed their homeland, his black hair had always stood out. His hair was long and hung down to his chin.

Most of the males in the Winter Pack had long hair, but he didn't maintain his in braids or knots like the Vikings who had formerly ruled over their territory. Instead, he left it hanging loosely in the wind, looking warm and welcoming.

The smoothness of his hair made her want to run her fingers through it.