The Human Luna

Chapter Twenty-Three - Shaken, Not Defeated

Shannon’s POV

I left Thomas alone in his office so I could find Jade. My feet carried me straight to the Beta floor, but instead of Jade, I found Stefan lounging in the hall, looking far too amused at my rushed entrance.

“Hey, uh… Stefan. Have you seen Jade at all?”

“Well, with her being my mate, I see her a lot,” he chuckled, his grin wide

.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. Of course he’d point out how ridiculous my question was. “Right. Obviously. I meant right now.”

“She’s gone down to feast on leftovers from the party,” he said with a smirk. “You’ll find her in the ballroom more than likely.”

“Thanks!” I called over my shoulder, already half-sprinting back down the stairs.

Sure enough, there she was — perched at a table surrounded by at least five or six different plates of food, thoroughly enjoying herself. She looked like she’d fought her way to victory and now claimed the feast as her prize.

I barely had a chance to pull out a chair before a low growl rumbled from her chest, making me jump. Her eyes had gone completely charcoal, locked on me with the instinct of a wolf ready to defend her meal. For a terrifying second, I froze, horrified — until her gaze sharpened and recognition softened her face.

“Oh my goddess, Shannon, I’m sorry!” she blurted, setting down her sandwich. “I thought you were that annoying Omega who keeps trying to get me to leave.”

I let out a nervous chuckle and slid into the chair. “It’s alright, Jade. Don’t worry — I’m not here to steal your food. Though…” My eyes widened at the stack of empty plates already on the table. “Honestly, I’m impressed. Where do you put it all?”

She laughed mid-bite, shrugging unapologetically.

“I actually came to ask if you’d come shopping with me tomorrow,” I said.

Her chewing slowed, eyes flicking up with curiosity. “Yeah, sure. What are we shopping for?”

“Thomas asked me on our first date,” I admitted, my cheeks heating instantly. “I need the perfect dress. And I know you’re the perfect person to help with that.”

The food in her hand fell forgotten as she jumped up, practically bouncing. “Oh my goddess, Shannon! I already have the perfect dress in mind!!!”

I couldn’t help laughing at her excitement. “I knew you’d be the best to ask. Now, sit down and calm yourself before Stefan thinks I’ve sent you into labor.”

She chuckled and settled back into her seat, reclaiming her half-finished sandwich. “You must be over the moon, Shan. I don’t think Thomas has ever asked anyone on a date before.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure that’s not true. You’ve seen how all the women fawn over him here. He’s probably been with most of them.”

“Thomas isn’t like that, Shan. Give him a chance. I mean… you can’t say you’ve never dated or gone out with anyone, can you?”

Her words made me hesitate. My throat felt tight, but I forced myself to be honest. “Actually, Jade… I can.”

Her head whipped toward me. “Wait. So, you’ve never been with anyone? Not a date, a kiss, nothing?”

I shook my head. “I haven’t, no. I wanted to wait until I found someone I loved enough to. And… until Thomas, I hadn’t.”

Her gasp was so dramatic it made me laugh despite myself. She leaned in close, whispering like she was revealing some scandal.

“You’re a virgin?!”

The sudden chorus of gasps from around the room told me our conversation hadn’t been as private as I thought. My cheeks flamed as I realized half a dozen wolves had overheard every word.

I glanced around, meeting no one’s eyes. Each time my gaze landed on someone, they looked away hurriedly, as though I’d caught them doing something forbidden. The whole reaction only made me chuckle softly, shaking my head.

Of course. Leave it to me to turn something as personal as this into public knowledge without even trying.

“Yes. And I’m not ashamed of it either,” I said louder than necessary, making sure everyone who had overheard Jade’s dramatic gasp could also hear my words. “All I’ve ever wanted is to spend forever with the person I love. Saving myself was part of that.”

The truth sat warm and steady in my chest, but gods, my body was betraying me. I’d never struggled with desire before, but sharing a bed with Thomas these past few nights had been driving me insane. My dreams had become embarrassingly vivid—heat-soaked, breathless things that left me waking tangled in sheets and shame. And in the mornings, it was worse. The way his scent clung to me. The way his muscles shifted under his shirts. The way his voice dropped lower when he was tired. I found myself aching for him in ways I hadn’t realized I was capable of.

I’d even tested him this morning—pulling my shorts higher as I walked away, feeling his eyes on me. His groan had been guttural, primal. I had stopped, half-expecting him to grab me, drag me back to the bed, and claim me then and there. But he hadn’t. He’d gone to make breakfast. Breakfast. The disappointment had been maddening, leaving me restless, frustrated, and questioning whether he even wanted me as much as I wanted him.

Now, sitting across from Jade, the heat that had been simmering all morning was back with a vengeance. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair as warmth spread low in my stomach, pooling until I was squirming in my seat.

“Uh… Shan?” Jade’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“Oh. Err—yeah?”

She arched a brow, her nose twitching. “I can smell your arousal from here.”

I froze. “Wait, what?”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Werewolves have heightened senses. That includes smell. And, well… you’re quite obviously aroused. What were you thinking about?”

My face burned scarlet. “Uh… Thomas.”

Her lips curved into a slow, wicked grin. “Girl, if you get like that just thinking about him, I’m surprised you’re even able to share a bed without him mating and marking you already.”

“That’s the thing!” I blurted. “I’ve wanted it so many times, but he just… he hasn’t tried anything.”

Jade rolled her eyes. “Why does he have to try anything? If you want it, you get up those stairs and you ride your man.”

Her boldness made me laugh, but at the same time something inside me sparked. She was right. Why should I just sit here suffering in silence when I knew what I wanted?

“You know what? You’re right,” I said, my pulse racing. “I’m a strong woman, and if I want s*x, then I’m having it.”

Jade threw her hands up like a cheerleader, sandwich still in one fist. “You go, girl!”

Adrenaline pushed me to my feet, and before I could second-guess myself, I was running out of the ballroom and up toward the stairs leading to the Delta wing. My thoughts were a wild mix of nerves and excitement, but they were quickly shattered.

I didn’t even see who grabbed me until I was slammed against a heavy wooden door, the impact forcing it open and sending me sprawling inside what looked like a dark supply closet. My head throbbed as I tried to scramble up, but a weight shoved me back down hard against the floor.

A low, sinister chuckle curled through the air above me.

“Oh, look. She’s back where she belongs—beneath me.”

My eyes widened as they focused on the sneering face above me. “V-V-Verity…”

Her smile was cruel, her eyes glinting with malicious delight. “Oh, you really are a bumbling buffoon, aren’t you?”

She bent over, her grip like iron as she wrapped her hand around my throat, pinning me against the wall. Panic exploded in my chest as I clawed at her hands, kicking wildly, but nothing made her budge. She only laughed harder, her breath hot against my face.

“Listen here, and listen close,” she hissed. “You will not go on that date with Thomas tomorrow. If you do, I’ll make sure it’s the last thing you ever do. Do you understand? That man should be mine. I should be his Luna. Not you.”

Her grip tightened, cutting off my air, the room tilting around me as her words seared into my skull like a brand.

With what little courage I could muster, I pushed up onto my tiptoes, clutching at Verity’s arms just to ease the crushing pressure enough to drag in a strangled breath. My throat burned, but I forced the words out.

“I am his mate… so I am his Luna.”

The final word came out on a rasping cough. Verity only laughed, the sound sharp and cruel.

“A human will never make a good Luna. Ever.”

My vision blurred at the edges, black spots dancing as oxygen slipped away. If she didn’t let go soon, I’d either pass out—or worse. Then footsteps sounded behind her, and a voice cut through the haze like a blade.

“Verity, what the f**k are you doing?”

Jason.

Verity dropped me instantly, and I collapsed against the wall, hacking and gasping for air. She crouched low, eyes locked on mine as I wheezed, every word dripping with venom.

“Heed my warning, Shannon. If you go on that date tomorrow, I will kill you.”

Then she straightened, calm as though she hadn’t just tried to strangle me, and walked out without another word.

Jason was at my side in an instant, his strong hands steadying me as I tried to catch my breath. He didn’t look at me the way Verity had—his eyes were apologetic, worried.

“I’m so sorry, Luna,” he said quietly, guiding me gently toward the stairs. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. I heard about the day-care you and Thomas are planning—it’s a wonderful idea. My mate, Skye… we just found out we’re expecting a pup. Afterward, she’d love to train there, if that’s okay with you and Alpha.”

I coughed, my throat raw, but managed to croak out words. “That would be great, Jason. I’ll tell Thomas. And congratulations on the pup—you’ll make an amazing dad, I’m sure.”

We stopped outside the Alpha floor. Jason hesitated, then caught my hand, his grip firm but desperate. His eyes searched mine, pleading.

“Luna… thank you. But I must ask something of you.”

I rubbed my aching throat, wincing. “What’s that?”

“Please don’t tell Alpha about this. I’ll get Verity in check, I swear it. I can’t lose her.”

The desperation in his voice made my chest ache, even after what Verity had just done. Against my better judgment, I nodded.

“Alright,” I whispered.

Relief washed over his features as he released my hand. I slipped into my room, grateful Thomas wasn’t back yet. The mirror confirmed my fears—dark bruising already blooming across my neck. At least he wouldn’t see it tonight.

Changing quickly, I crawled into bed. My body ached, but exhaustion dragged me under almost instantly.

Verity’s threats replayed in my head, sharp and cold—but they weren’t enough to stop me. I didn’t care what she said. I was Thomas’s mate, and I was his Luna.

And tomorrow, I was going on that date.