Blood Moon: Lunar Eclipse
Ch2 - Let the Heat Begin

Ariella

Caroline’s house was only a 10-minute walk from mine. I ignored that minuscule feeling from earlier; I was probably still hungry.

Caroline was in the shower when I arrived, so I made my way to her library. I loved her library. She had a whole room dedicated to books. The room was old and rustic, the perfect atmosphere to get lost in a good book. I sat by the fireplace and got comfortable.

It had been 20 minutes, and I was already concealed in my latest favourite book, The Mysteries of Abby Grove.

I loved thriller and crime-solving genres. I was never much interested in romance and drama novels. They didn’t appeal to me. The plot was always the same, cliché. I could always tell how the story would go based on the synopsis. But I suppose they’re for people who want to get lost in all that mushy stuff. People who want to believe they could live the same life as these fictional characters and fall hopelessly in love.

I, on the other hand, know that life is never that simple, and there’s no point in playing pretend, especially when it comes to love. Even after replaceing your fated mate, it doesn’t always mean a happily ever after is in the cards.

I began to read the final chapter of the book, where the great detective, Scott Harper, was about to uncover the final clue that would reveal the infamous gold-crest killer. I already knew who it would be from the first chapter. But I was fascinated to see how the book told the story.

Caroline, my best friend since literally forever, waltzed over to me with a beaming smile on her face. She was always such a bubbly character, lovable and good-tempered, so her overly-elated expression wasn’t much of a surprise to me; the damn girl was always smiling.

But I loved her, nonetheless.

“Have you decided what you’ll wear tonight?” she sat beside me on the blue leather, 3-seater sofa.

Placing the book on my lap, making sure not to lose the page I was on, I began, “Probably my light blue shorts and a top”.

Her mouth slightly dropped open. “No Ariella! It’s the Blood Moon celebration. The Lunar eclipse! It’s such a big deal and your first ever one,” she sulked and crossed her arms.

“Hey! I love my blue jean shorts. There’s nothing wrong with them,” I defended.

“You wear them all the time. Can you dress up a little? For me?” she held her palms together as though she was praying to the moon goddess for help and pouted. She knew I couldn’t say no to that face because I knew what that expression meant.

She would stop at nothing until I agreed.

“Fine,” a dramatic sigh left my mouth, and I closed my book in defeat.

“I have the perfect outfit,” she exclaimed as she pulled me towards her room in her 4-inch stilettos.

I wouldn’t say I liked her response. Caroline may be my best friend, but we were so different.

Caroline was my only girl best friend; I’ve known her since I was five. She liked everything a girl is ’supposed’ to like: a serious girly-girly.

I, on the other hand, was more relaxed; I didn’t care much for makeup, dressing up or how I looked in front of other people. I couldn’t stand most of the girls in the pack, but Caroline was an exception; she was the one girly girl I could stand.

Most people I got along with growing up were boys, but as they got older, most of them just tried to get into my pants, so my social circle kept getting smaller.

Caroline’s parents were filthy rich, but I liked that she never changed because of that fact. She was humble and kind and had a ’love the world’ hippie-kinda attitude.

“Sit,” she attempted to say authoritatively.

“I think it’s time I showed you your birthday present,” she beamed and started rummaging through her walk-in wardrobe.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I wanted to.

“Eek, here it is!” A squealing Caroline emerged from the wardrobe.

She stood before me, holding a petite dress in a shade of ruby red. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it had a small slit on the side. The fabric was velvety and delicate, with wafer-thin straps that seemed as though they could snap with the slightest pull. The chest area featured a V-neckline that would undoubtedly accentuate my breasts.

“No way!” my arms flew out in protest.

“You have to! It’s a present. No takebacks,” she pointed.

I subtly rolled my eyes.

It was gorgeous, but it’s not something I would choose to wear.

I know why she picked it; my fiery red hair perfectly matched the dress’s colour.

Yes, I said red. My hair is a very unusual shade, and I have yet to see anyone else with it. It makes me stand out like a really sore thumb. I assume I inherited it from a long-lost relative because I look nothing like my immediate family. Even my Amber eyes look like the colour of burning embers compared to my mother’s deep brown and my father’s electric blue.

“Fine, but only because you’re practically pleading,” I voiced reluctantly.

A short applause echoed in the room as Caroline handed me the dress. She left to grab another for herself.

“How’s Noah?” Caroline asked while slipping her dress over herself.

“Same old. I beat his ass again today in training,” I smirked proudly.

“Is he coming tonight?”

“Of course. When has Noah ever missed a party?

“Is Angus coming?” Angus was Caroline’s mate. They met when Caroline turned 17, he’s 21. Caroline has her submission mark on her upper thigh. But Angus has always treated Caroline as an equal, something I hope to have with my own mate someday.

“Yeah, he’s meeting us there. Something about patrol duty tonight,” she replied.

“All done. Happy?” I slipped on the blood-red heels Caroline had left in front of me to complete my look. I put on some mascara and bright red lipgloss to match.

“Ari! Who are you right now!” Caroline gasped and turned me to face the mirror.

It looked like I was staring at a stranger. I may have chosen this, but I did look sexy as hell. My overly protective brothers would hate it. I giggled whilst imagining their reactions.

The dress hugged all the right places. It was a little short at the back, thanks to my round, shapely ass. Sometimes, I hated it. It just got in the way, especially when it came to jeans.

“You ready?” she asked excitedly.

I quickly clipped the Lunar Eclipse necklace on my neck before nodding to Caroline. We headed for the exit and called a cab. No way was we driving! This was a party, and we planned to get absolutely hammered! Even if I didn’t want to be there, I would still ensure I had a good time.

Caroline was wearing a tight, emerald-coloured dress that accentuated her striking light green eyes. Her skin had a warm almond hue with cool undertones, while her dark brown hair was always immaculately presented with tightly coiled strands that cascaded down her shoulders.

With a heart-shaped face and high cheekbones, Caroline’s plump lips were coated in a glossy sheen that added to her allure. Her enviable figure, replete with full breasts, plump ass, slender waist, and long, dreamy legs, made her the object of desire for many.

Unfortunately for the unmated wolves, Angus had already claimed her as his own, but that never stopped them from ogling her.

The Blood Moon celebration was always held in the pack house. The place was huge.

As I stepped into the ballroom, I noticed the interior was adorned with a luxurious gold and cream colour scheme, highlighted by a breathtaking glass chandelier that hung from the ceiling. The walls were draped with tall, gold-coloured curtains that added to the grandeur of the space. At the end of the hall, two sets of spiral stairs led to the other rooms in the pack house where the beta, gamma, and zeta resided with their respective mates.

The third floor was reserved for the Alpha, Luna and, of course, their son, Logan Kratos.

I had heard he had been away for almost six years, training to be an Alpha and searching for his mate. Although he returned once a year on the night of the Blood Moon celebration, I had never been there to catch a glimpse of him.

At 26, Logan had four more years to replace his Luna. If he didn’t replace her by then, tradition dictated that an unmated Alpha must choose a Luna. It was seen as a sign of weakness for an Alpha not to have a mate, as the pack was always strongest when led by a mated Alpha and Luna.

Before we could enter, we were thwarted by three figures.

Caroline’s heart raced, and her eyes lit up as she spotted her beloved mate, Angus. With his thick, unruly black curls atop his head and neatly shaved sides, he exuded a rugged yet refined charm. He had olive skin, and his deep brown eyes sparkled with affection as he embraced her. His face was always perfectly shaven, showcasing his strong jawline and chiselled features. Though he was slightly taller than Caroline, his muscular frame made her seem tiny next to him.

I get along with Angus very well. I would even say I consider him one of my close friends.

The other two figures watched me with fierce eyes, almost like they wanted to throw me over their shoulder and lock me up for the rest of my life.

Meet my twin brothers.

Denzel and Damon.

Extremely overprotective and entirely against me showing an inch of skin. I couldn’t help but chuckle at their reactions.

Angus was an impressive wolf, but Denzel and Damon were equally massive due to their wolf genes. Their muscular builds were a common trait among wolves. Additionally, both brothers inherited our father’s striking Caribbean blue eyes that could make any woman weak at the knees.

But not me.

Their hair was a gorgeous mix of auburn and light toffee-brown shades. Denzel’s hair was always delightfully tousled, giving him a relaxed yet alluring appearance. Damon’s, meanwhile, was slicked and jelled back, adding to his suave persona.

During their youth, many unmated she-wolves sought out Denzel and Damon. Damon, in particular, had a reputation as a womaniser. He worked at a bar, the perfect location to replace his next target for the night.

Denzel, on the other hand, was a head chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant and was the complete opposite of Damon. He yearned for the day he would finally replace his mate and settle down.

“Red,” Damon growled, his fists turning white at the sheer pressure alone.

“Oh relax, will you? It’s a party, remember,” I said as I sauntered inside the overly huge pack house. I could feel their murderous glares pierce the back of my head.

I felt a firm yet gentle hand grip my wrist. I turned to replace Denzel glaring at me. His face was softer but still just as pissed.

“It’s not like I’m walking nude. Besides, nudity is something most wolves are not ashamed of, so why is showing a bit of skin something you get so annoyed about with me?” I argued.

His grip loosened.

“If anyone tries anything…” Denzel began, but I cut him off.

“If anyone tries anything, I’ll be the one to knee them in the crown jewels,” I smiled dramatically.

Damon rolled his eyes.

“Haven’t you got some lonely she-wolf to seduce,” I raised my eyebrow at Damon who glared at me even harder.

“You’re insufferable,” Damon muttered before heading off. Probably to grab a drink to cool his bubbling nerves.

Just then, a jolt from behind almost sent me flying forward. I turned to see Noah hanging off my shoulder, a drink in his hand and the most charming smile he could muster.

“Denzel! Good to see you man,” Noah said gleefully.

“You know what unmated wolves get like, especially on nights like tonight,” Denzel warned as he focused his attention on me.

“Don’t worry, I got babysitting duties for the night,” Noah declared patronisingly as he ruffled my hair.

“Hey!” I squealed in protest.

Noah was one of the only unmated wolves my brothers trusted me to be around. I don’t know why they were so protective of me; it wasn’t like they were saints themselves.

Denzel released my wrist and gave both Noah and me forewarning glares before walking in Damon’s direction.

Great, tonight was going to be just as shitty as I initially thought.

Noah used his arm around my shoulder to direct me to the opposite side of the room.

“Thanks for the save. I was actually scared Denzel wouldn’t let me leave his side for the rest of the night,” I chuckled nervously.

“That’s what friends are for Red.

“Besides, I need my infamous wing-woman. Especially tonight of all nights,” he replied smugly.

I rolled my eyes. This man was insufferable.

Noah plucked two glasses of crimson-red liquid from one of the servers as they walked by. He handed one to me and held his other slightly in the air.

“Happy birthday Red. Let’s hope this one’s a night to remember,” he winked.

I laughed and happily downed the liquid, allowing it to warm my throat until it settled in my stomach.

That’s when I felt that gentle stir in my stomach begin to swell again.

I didn’t have time to register what it was as the entire room abruptly silenced, all attention drawn to the commanding presence of Alpha Enzo. He stood proudly at the side of Luna Vera, both of them positioned atop the balcony of the grand staircase. Beside them stood Beta Michael and his mate Nikki.

Our Alpha possessed an impressive height and build, with his short black and grey peppered hair, captivating dark grey eyes, and an aura of strength that defied his age.

Our Luna, on the other hand, stood tall and slim, adorned in a floor-length, gold sequined dress that accentuated her physique. Her light brown hair flowed straight down her back, and the warmth emanating from her bright turquoise eyes was indescribable.

With great pride, she displayed her mark of submission, which adorned her chest. If anything, it intensified her already formidable demeanour and bolstered her confidence, surpassing that of anyone else in the vicinity.

Our Alpha began to speak about the importance and traditions of the Blood Moon celebration. But my focus was elsewhere at a presence behind them.

I could feel my wolf urging me to investigate. To unearth the source of my sudden, inexplainable interest.

My senses sharpened and were overwhelmed with the scent of rainwater and citrus. A smell so pleasing, so warm and comforting, it made my body tingle with excitement, and my legs grow weak.

What the fuck was happening to me…

I saw the Alpha gesture to someone behind him. The scent grew more intoxicating as a new figure approached. My need to run towards it due to basic instinct almost overpowered me. I could feel my wolf growing restless, wanting to be released.

Then I saw him…

Logan Kratos.

Our soon-to-be Alpha.

He was truly imposing in his stature - not only did he tower over most, but his muscular build was equally impressive. His thick, dark brown locks were tinged with a subtle golden hue and styled in a sleek man bun.

His eyes were a mesmerising light grey, with hints of turquoise that added an alluring depth. The shape of his face was square and well-defined with light stubble, giving off an air of both gentleness and sharpness, with a button nose which was honed at the tip.

Donning a thin white shirt that hugged his athletic and stocky physique, he proudly displayed a tribal tattoo covering his entire left arm and continuing beneath his shirt.

As soon as my gaze met his, my mind became oblivious to the world around me. A sudden bolt of energy surged between us. A wave of heat swept over me, unlike any I had ever experienced, leaving me almost gasping for air.

His eyes, so bold and daring, were staring right back at me. The look on his face was predatory, as though he had an insatiable hunger he had yet to nourish.

That’s when I felt the same delicate feeling I felt mere moments ago proliferate inside me. But it wasn’t gentle…

It was worse. Way worse and much more present than before.

The feeling became painful, then excruciatingly unbearable in a matter of seconds.

The half-empty glass I was holding had slipped from my grasp as my muscles grew weaker. My body doubled over in pain. It felt as though my life force was being drained and replaced with a sharp, stabbing pain all over my abdomen.

I felt someone crouch beside me and place a light hand on my shoulder…

Noah.

I sensed myself regain an ounce of control as I concentrated on his voice.

“Ariella, what’s wrong,” Noah’s voice dripped with concern and confusion.

I was about to respond but halted when I noticed him sniff the air. His eyes dilated. His muscles tensed. I tried to reach out, but he stumbled back a few paces and stared at me in disbelief and…

Lust?

That’s when I noticed all the unmated males in the room had focused their attention on me. All of them looked as though they wanted to chase me, devour me.

Then it hit me…

The heat had finally caught up to me.

That meant every unmated male in this room could smell my overwhelming arousal.

My eyes skimmed past the crowd until I saw my brothers, Damon and Denzel, glaring at me from the corner of the room. They looked afraid, anxious, and almost ready to jump in to help me.

However, the second they moved, a new aura surrounded me, almost warding off other males of death if they even tried to approach me. Including my brothers, who were now frozen to the spot and looking overly troubled. A look they had never once displayed.

I turned to face the source of this inconceivable power and came eye-to-eye with the one person I least expected…

Logan Kratos.

I could feel it.

His Alpha dominance radiated off him in waves and aimed directly at me.

My mind started echoing the same word over and over as though it was a broken record.

It was something I couldn’t ignore or escape from…

I failed to notice my mouth had parted, and the word escaped my lips in a breathless whisper…

“Mate.”