Luna’s Mating Trilema

Chapter 5

Natalie’s POV

When we locked gazes, my stomach did a little flip and my heart did a little thunderclap. Even at this distance, I could see the mingling of affection and yearning in his pale blue eyes. For the simple reason that I saw the same things reflected in my own eyes.

Raymond's lips lifted in a sly smirk. The words I overheard were formed on his lips and carried on the wind.

"I adore you."

What I felt most was a deep sorrow in my heart. On another day, I might have felt the kind of contentment in my heart that only he could offer me. Without hesitation, I would have agreed with his declarations of love. I felt terrible about what I had done to him now.

The fact that I loved him was irrelevant. It didn't matter that I had no interest in meeting Alpha Harry, let alone becoming his mate. It still held true even after that.

At that crucial moment, a man standing next to him diverted his focus away from me, saving my life. I avoided looking into his trusting, loving eyes by averting my gaze whenever I could.

"Not much longer now, my sweetheart."

"What?" I asked as my mom approached. I faced her, feeling a burden push down on my chest and stomach. I began to feel pangs of guilt and panic.

"You're getting married!" Warmly, Jane smiled, "I know how difficult it is to stay patient after you have found your partner, but it won't be long now. Just a few short weeks."

I felt a burden push down on my chest and stomach. I began to feel pangs of guilt and panic. I finally spoke up after taking a deep breath: "Actually," I said nervously, "I was thinking that it might be best to move the wedding to the next moon."

Jane was taken aback and couldn't hide her surprise.

"Natalie, have you and Raymond had a falling out? Was he up to no good? Did he, Natalie, try to force——"

"Mom, don't!" I yelled, "Don't do it!" Never. Incredible, that Raymond. He is wonderful and generous beyond what I deserve.

"Then I don't get it," she responded. "Just a few days ago, you were ecstatic; what's changed?" sobbed Jane.

"Nothing, nothing has changed," I said. "I'm not saying I don't want to marry him, only that we should wait a little longer."

"Why, Natalie, though?" Jane asked. "You can't wake up and decide that you need more time before the wedding."

Her mom was a tough cookie. She would continue to press the issue until she got a satisfactory response.

"I had a conversation with Dad earlier, and he advised me not to rush things, and now I'm wondering whether he was right."

Jane simply didn't buy it. It had been two years since Raymond and I first realized we were soul mates. We were anticipating this moment with great anticipation. A single talk with my dad would not have swayed my opinion.

"Natalie, tell me the truth," Jane pleaded.

"I am!" I hastily corrected my mother, "No, listen, I only mean the wedding. My birthday is in two weeks, and preparations for the major party that will follow the full moon a week later are well underway. I haven't given the wedding much thought because I've been so preoccupied with the birthday party.

That’s not the case. I anticipated my mating with Raymond for two whole years. I was fully apprised of the day's events. Fortunately, I had been so preoccupied with the celebration that I had forgotten to tell my mother about the facts.

"I just think it would be too hectic to have our wedding so close to my birthday celebration. If we can postpone the wedding for just one more month, we'll have plenty of time to plan the celebration we've always imagined. Well, that's it."

Jane gave me a long, thoughtful gaze. After a brief pause, she smiled and put a hand on my cheek.

"Whatever makes you happy, my darling. Just keep in mind that you and Raymond will have to exercise extreme patience till then."

"Mom!" I yelled in mortification.

The mother and daughter shared a funny moment of bonding that helped me temporarily forget my dire circumstances. For the time being.

And then that tranquility was shattered.

The sensation on my skin hit me first, like a blast of hot air across my neck. The alluring aroma reached my nostrils and triggered the craving I had been trying so hard to suppress. It took everything I had not to respond instinctively to the unexpected events.

I hastily excused myself and ran down the hall. I was completely disinterested. My main worry was keeping my mother and Raymond from witnessing my negative reaction. When I finally understood that my instincts had led me astray, it was too late.

It would appear that "hide and seek" is not one of your strongest games.

[Previous to that, 20 Minutes]

The sensation of heat on the surface of my skin was, to put it mildly, distracting. I could hardly pay attention to what was being said. It would have been difficult for me to fulfill any other position. Lucky for me, this wasn't a first attempt. Before my death, my father had prepared me to take part in the ritual sacrifices.

The problem was that the sound of her heartbeat, the scent in the air, made my mouth dry up. I had to clench my teeth and force myself to remain composed despite the hot prickling on my skin.

"To what end did she leave?" I questioned.

I was certain she was at the disco. Desire, possessiveness, and a pressing need had struck me like a flash of lightning. Once she found me, I knew it. Unfortunately, I hadn't actually seen her yet.

To what end did she leave? The thought of the query resurged in my head.

My attention was snapped back to the present by the booming of pyrotechnics. Together with the other Alphas, I stood there and wished the best of luck to all of the packs for the coming year. I uttered the familiar words again and waved.

I saw my best buddy and Beta, Duke. I could tell that this man was just as intent on finding Luna as I was. I giggled at the thought. Duke looked around the room for a woman he didn't recognize.

But I was well aware that beloved Luna was not among the group of unfamiliar people. She had escaped. I could sense that we were growing apart, and it made me uncomfortable.

Now that the ceremony was done, I could finally go hunting; however, I needed to find a method to get away from the people who kept trying to strike up conversations with me.

A short man with curly brown hair and a broad grin introduced himself, saying, "Alpha Harry, I am quite pleased to have this moment to speak with you."

"Oh?" I responded mildly.

But I couldn't convince myself that it was worth it to hide the unimpressed look on my face.

The small man smiled and said, "Yes, I wanted to offer you my compliments on the way you have handled yourself this evening."

"How exactly have I 'managed myself' to merit such praise?" I questioned, clearly bored. "If I have upset you, please accept my apologies. I was just going to compliment you on how calm and kind you are being."

My voice was silent asI said, "To be offended, I would first need to give a damn about you." Not even my frustration could be heard. Put up your argument quickly or step aside.

The man's mouth quirked at the corner and then broke into a broad grin. Still, I was aware of it. The man held strong animosity against me.

I meant to tell you that the Winter Pack appreciates how cordial you have been to them. It appears that you have resolved your differences.

It was common practice to speak kindly but with a poisonous tongue.

When my impatience collided with my old grudge, I let out a deep growl. The moron in front of me, who had been smiling and laughing, now saw the threat.

To get my attention, Duke yelled, "Harry! It's high time we moved on."

I nodded, and we walked over to talk. I halted and cast another glance at the diminutive man.

"We're going to wrap up this discussion soon," I warned him.

The short man was too slow to prevent his face from betraying his terror.

As we moved away, Duke began to mutter, "His name is—"

"No," I cut in. "I'll remember his name when I need to. But right now, I only need one secret unveiled."

I then instructed Duke to replace me at the subsequent function. There was no genuine need for me to be there; it was only a reenactment of the Goddess blessing the wolves. Even more importantly, I hated being unable to focus. The hunt was almost over.

I listened to my instincts and let them satisfy that basic want. The allure of her fragrance stirred the wolf within me, and I found myself drawing closer and closer to her.

"Damn it!" I muttered under my breath.

The vibrations of her voice caused me to gasp aloud. I supported my balance by leaning against the wall. I then advanced a few paces to peek around the corner.

Her blonde strands were tucked behind her ears. The hairs around her face that had broken free from the slack braid. I was curious as to whether it was rough or smooth to the touch. I wanted to extend a hand and investigate more.

I looked all over her as my gaze wandered. I figured she would have to stand on her tiptoes to meet my gaze. She was dressed in a delicate outfit the color of the leaves on the trees. Even in her long, flowing garment, I could see she was a fierce fighter.