Maya The Rejected Luna

Maya sat in the passenger seat as the cold air penetrated her pores passing a cool sensation. She loved cold weather and the cool music in the car made the ride blissful. She took a glance at Leo who was driving. His presence flickered a deep passion in her. Not this once…but always. "You know I could lose focus with the way you are staring and we would fall into a ditch," Leo spoke with his eyes fixed on the tarred road. His voice was calm and composed but with a sense of humour. "Staring? I wasn't staring." Maya snapped. She felt a sudden need to defend herself and not appear vulnerable. "Really?" "Okay, fine! Just occasional glances." Leo chuckled as he increased the volume of the song playing in the car as if signalling the end of their discussion. Maya didn't want a quiet ride but had since learned to dread Leo's anger. Behind those smiles, perfect manly physique, and charming aura was a wolf, a desperate and dangerous one. *** The car came to a halt in front of Leo's house. It was a small bungalow with white painting, the sun added a lustrous look giving it a regal finish. Maya loved the house. The colour, interior decorations, serene environment, melodious chirpings of the birds, the owner of the house, everything! Leo opened the car door and trudged into the house with Maya behind him. "Ryan should be here any moment from now. Go and simmer the soup and prepare lunch." Leo said as he dropped the car keys on the table and lay on the sofa letting out a deep yawn. Maya nodded and walked into the kitchen. She was greeted with a sad image of herself when she looked at the glass window. She smiled like she had always done, a smile that lacked true happiness. She closed her eyes for a split second and wondered if she had ever been happy since becoming Leo's mate. The swishing of the sitting room door and the loud chatter that followed suit interrupted Maya's thoughts. She hurried up and scooped the food into a big plate, arranging it with other plates, cutlery, and water bottles in a tray. Maya's footsteps caught Leo and Ryan's attention with Ryan staring at her longer. She bent slightly to place the food on the table uncovering the cleavage of her fleshy bosom as Ryan's eyes feasted on them. "Why in heaven's name is he staring at me?" Maya mumbled under her breath. She could sense he was a werewolf, an old one at that. "Uhmm, Ryan, this is Maya, my mate. Maya, this is Ryan, my friend, and a beta." Leo exchanged glances at the both of them as he did the introduction. "Nice to meet you, Ryan." Maya's face was expressionless. She headed back into the kitchen to avoid a handshake, further exchange of pleasantries, and… those intense gazes! "What a beautiful woman you've got there!" Ryan said, a smirk escaping his lips. "Who? Maya?" Leo's knotted eyebrows were conspicuous as he raised his eyes. "I am not intimate with her yet, I feel I'm not attracted to her or maybe I'm so engrossed with my desire to become the pack's alpha. Moreover, she should be happy that I'm bent on making her a Luna." Ryan felt his ears were playing tricks on him as he threw his eyes wide open to be sure Leo was truly saying those words. He wondered why any normal male would not feel attracted to the golden-skinned, shiny-eyed lady that fascinated him at first sight. He remembered Maya's curves that had kept his eyes lingering, her full breasts, luscious lips, and alluring hips that even the loose-fitted dress she wore couldn't conceal. No, Leo must be sick or obsessed with this desire of his! "Or am I not correct, Ryan?" Leo's words brought Ryan back from his fantasy spree. He realized Leo had been talking all the time. "You…you are right." He wasn't sure what Leo was talking about but was certain he would want him to concur. Moreover, he knew it would not be far from convincing members of the pack to submit to him as the Alpha. "Leo, I understand you but I don't think this is the right time for some supremacy brawl. Our pack is endangered and the Montana wolves are slowly closing in on our territory." Ryan's voice was clear, Leo had his full attention now and he was ready to give him a piece of his mind. "Yes, that's because we have an inept alpha. He should take on their alpha and restore the dignity of this pack." "Don't speak like he is some vegetable. Ben is strong, fearless, and courageous. He has defended this pack with everything in him severally. If you plan to usurp him, you have to step up your game." "Whose side are you on, Ryan?" "Your side of course but I'm just being blunt." Leo was mum. He stared at the food that had gone cold because he paid little attention to it. "Ben called for a meeting tomorrow and I know he wants to talk about the Montana wolves." Ryan continued. "That's your chance to further gain the pack's trust. Offer to inspect the woods and the territory. This will go a long way." Leo seldom talked afterwards as he watched Ryan gobble the food before him. A few moments later, Ryan finished his food and indicated his interest to go home. The two men left the house both having their minds enthralled in different thoughts. One was lost in thoughts of superiority, the other, in thoughts of a stunning woman. Maya watched the two men leave the house. She recalled Leo's words that left a sting of pain, the beast in her growled as she craved to go outside and feast on Leo's flesh but she knew better than that. Leo was a dreaded wolf and won't falter in hurting her if she came at him. Besides, she knew he felt nothing for her, a reality that sent tears down her cheeks.