Chasing His Rejected Luna

THE NEW MOON FESTIVAL

Emily POV

The Moon Shadow Pack's territory was vast and lush, situated within the heart of the kingdom of Mallory. Tall, ancient trees stood as silent sentinels around the central estate, their leaves whispering secrets of centuries past. The pack's estate itself was a grand, stone-built mansion, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was a mixture of excitement and tension. I stood before a grand mirror in my lavishly decorated bedroom. My room was filled with rich tapestries, antique furniture, and the scent of fresh flowers.

A smile spread across my face as I gazed at the reflection in the mirror. The person staring back was flawlessly beautiful, almost unrecognizable. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the transformation.

“You look so beautiful, Luna,” Jessica, my personal maid, said with a smile.

“Is that really me?” I half-joked, pointing at the mirror, needing Jessica to confirm I wasn't imagining things.

“Yep, it’s really you, Luna,” Jessica replied with a wide grin.

“What do you think, Luna?” Ella, my makeup artist, chimed in, nudging Jessica aside.

“It’s stunning,” I told her sincerely, genuinely surprised by her talent.

“Alright, Luna, it’s time to get you dressed,” Ella declared.

We moved to my dressing room where Ella helped me slip into a bodycon gown with a long front slit, revealing my long, slim legs as I walked. Jessica followed, helping me into red high heels with delicate straps.

As I stepped out of the dressing room, Ella announced cheerfully, “Now you are all set, Luna.”

“All eyes will be on you at the party, Luna. You’re so beautiful that no one will be able to resist you. I’m worried someone might take you away,” Vivian giggled mischievously.

“Don’t be foolish, Jessica. Nobody will dare lay a hand on what belongs to Alpha Jasper. If they don’t want their heads off their shoulders, they won’t even glance at Luna Emily,” Ella assured me, making me blush.

It was true; no one would dare annoy Jasper. As the Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack, he was the strongest in the kingdom of Mallory.

“I can’t wait to see the look on Alpha Jasper’s face when he sees you, Luna. He’ll fall in love with you all over again. I envy you,” Jessica teased, making my cheeks flush.

“Emily, I hope you’re ready. I don’t want to be late…” Jasper walked into the room, stopping mid-sentence when his eyes met mine. Jessica and Ella quickly exited, bowing their heads to him.

His gaze traveled over every inch of my body, admiration flickering in his eyes before disappearing as our eyes connected again.

“Let’s go. I don’t want to be late for the New Moon Festival,” he said coldly. He didn’t spare me a single compliment. After three years of marriage, I had stopped expecting it. Maybe I wasn’t beautiful in his eyes, or he didn’t know how to give compliments.

“Why are you wearing so much makeup? I’ve told you many times not to. You’re naturally beautiful,” Jasper scolded me. I was shocked and confused—was that a compliment or a reprimand?

“I’ll remember not to wear too much makeup,” I replied meekly. I stepped closer to help him with his tie, feeling his intense gaze on me, melting under its heat. To avoid awkwardness, I tried to lighten the mood.

“You know, you look more handsome in the suit I picked for you. Did you like it?” I asked softly, waiting for his response.

“Does it matter if I like it? What matters is that it looks good on me.”

I looked up to meet his gaze, but saw only coldness. I forced a smile.

“Jasper, I know you don’t feel the same way I do about you. But I believe one day I’ll win your heart,” I said, releasing his tie. He didn’t move or look away, just kept staring into my eyes with a complicated expression.

“And what if you fail to win my heart?” His question caught me off guard, but I quickly composed myself and smiled.

“I believe I will, Jasper. I love you so much that my love will be enough for both of us. It’s okay if you don’t love me now. I promise to stay by your side forever and not stop loving you.” He didn’t respond, just pulled back and looked away.

“Let’s go. We’re already late,” he said, extending his arm for me to hold. I happily took it, and we headed outside for the New Moon Festival at the Alpha King’s Palace. The three-hour journey felt like minutes as anticipation built up inside me.

The Alpha King’s Palace rose majestically in the distance, a vision of opulence crafted from white marble and shimmering silver accents. Its towering spires stretched towards the heavens, their tips adorned with delicate golden finials that caught the fading light of the setting sun. Surrounding the palace, expansive grounds unfolded, adorned with sprawling gardens boasting rare blooms and intricate fountains that whispered gently in the evening breeze.

Entering through the towering gates, I felt a sense of awe wash over her. The palace seemed to emit a soft, ethereal glow, its corridors lined with masterfully executed artwork and elegant tapestries depicting scenes from Mallory’s rich history. Crystal chandeliers hung gracefully from ceilings adorned with celestial murals, casting prisms of light that danced across the polished marble floors.

The grand hall where the festival was held stood as a testament to architectural brilliance. Its vaulted ceilings soared high above, seemingly reaching for the heavens themselves. Tables were arranged meticulously, each one adorned with silver and crystal, laden with delicacies that represented the diverse culinary traditions from every corner of the kingdom. Alphas and Lunas moved gracefully through the hall, their attire as vibrant and varied as the tapestry of cultures that the palace hosted.

As I walked alongside Jasper, my hand in his, I couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur surrounding them. Despite the luxury and splendor, a thread of unease still lingered within me. I scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces while trying to ignore the whispers and sidelong glances that seemed to follow their every step. Alpha Vector and Luna Sandra of the Silver Blade Pack approached for a chat, and I couldn’t help but feel excited.

“Luna Emily, you’re worried about someone stealing your man while you’re away. But hey, we’re your friends. You should hang out with us too,” Luna Sandra teased, inviting me to join them.

“Nah, it’s not like that. I trust Jasper completely. Even if someone tries to get close to him, he wouldn’t consider it, let alone betray me. I have total faith in him,” I replied confidently, beaming with pride.

“You’re one lucky girl,” Luna Sandra patted my arm, while Alpha Vector chimed in.

“I gotta say, Alpha Jasper, you’re a lucky guy to have such an understanding mate. You must have earned some serious good karma to have Luna Emily. She trusts you blindly.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” he said, pulling me closer. I felt a rush of warmth, making me blush.

“Men can’t be trusted,” Luna Sandra spat at Alpha Vector, giving him a fierce glare.

The atmosphere grew tense, so I tried to diffuse it. “Luna Sandra, come with me. I’ve got plenty to share with you.” I pulled her to a corner, away from the commotion.

It was clear they had been fighting before coming here. Small arguments were normal, but they shouldn’t threaten a relationship.

“What was that, Luna Sandra? You’re a Luna. Losing your cool like that doesn’t suit you. Keep your conflicts private. It’ll only make things worse,” I reasoned, but she smiled sadly.

“I know. But when he praised you and told Alpha Jasper how lucky he is, it felt like he was mocking me for doubting him. He’s close to that sly witch, Jenny, but insists they’re just friends. Would you be okay with a girl getting close to Alpha Jasper?”

“I wouldn’t allow it unless my man showed interest. If you’re worried, let her get close, but keep your distance. Sometimes you need to give space to see where you stand in their life.”

“If he doesn’t care, leave him. Forcing someone to be with you is foolish. Make a wise decision, dear,” I patted her arm, and she hugged me.

“Good luck, Emily,” she said, squeezing me. I smiled.

“Isn’t that Ivy?” Everything stopped as I heard that name. My heart skipped a beat, and I pulled away to see who said it.

“Alpha Jasper’s ex is back!” Luna Sandra exclaimed. My heart sank further. The ground disappeared beneath me as I saw Jasper hugging Ivy with a smile. A smile he had never given me in three years of marriage.

Is my marriage about to end?