Blood Moon: Lunar Eclipse
Ch5 - Home Sweet Home

Ariella

That was the worst possible thing I could have said…

His entire aura changed. His palm slammed against the wall beside me. I heard the faint crack of plaster break beneath his hand. He leaned in closer, his nose now touching mine. His breath fanned my face as he spoke…

“You are my mate, Ariella.

“You’re not going anywhere.

“If you have already forgotten, I am the dominant here, so for you to reject me, I would need to accept it. And that, little Vixen, is something I won’t ever allow,” he growled.

We stared at each other for a few seconds. But my damn mouth kept moving!

“What if I refuse to attend the mating ceremony?” I cocked my eyebrow as I placed my hands on my hips, defying him further. I wasn’t about to lie down and do as I was told.

Mate or not.

The corner of his lip curled; this smirk was dangerous, almost daring me to continue. Most would shy away and immediately plead for forgiveness. But me… I was thrilled. My body felt alive with the adrenaline pumping in my veins. Submission mark or not, I still enjoyed the challenge.

“If you refuse,” his fingers stroked my arm until it reached my throat, where he held me in a forceful grip, “I will personally provide private punishments fit for a disobedient mate,” he smirked.

A light gasp left my lips. His hand wrapped around my throat was firm but not enough to hurt me. I found the throbbing in my core start up again. I licked my suddenly dry lips, which had caught his attention as he was inching closer to my face…

Then he stopped…

He released my throat and quickly began to make his way out the door. Just before he passed the threshold, he looked back and spoke, “One of the pack warriors will accompany you. A car will be waiting for you outside,” then he left.

I rolled my eyes. I can look after myself. I don’t need a babysitter. Then I was brought back to what he said…

’If you refuse, I will personally provide private punishments fit for a disobedient mate.’

I gulped. What did he mean by private punishment?

I was curious, yet the sensible side of me was nagging at me to behave, not to test him.

Logan

I didn’t know where I was going. It was as though my legs had a mind of their own.

I didn’t want Ariella away from me, not now that I had finally found her. Then I remembered my mother’s words…

’When she wakes, take it easy on her. She’ll be a little… overwhelmed at the idea of being mated to an Alpha. I know I was.’

Ariella, dressed in my scent, calmed my wolf down immensely. But when she threatened to reject me, it took everything in my power to hold my wolf back from marking her, to show her who she belonged to.

She had a quick tongue, one that I found both exciting and infuriating.

When I held her throat, I only thought of all the carnal things I wanted to do to her. The look in her eyes was tempting. She liked what I did, and that made it even more difficult to contain myself.

I mind-linked the Zeta, “Aleksi, come to the pack house. I need you to escort your future Luna home. Don’t leave her side, no matter what.”

“On my way,” was his simple reply.

Aleksi was a man of very few words, but he was trustworthy. He had been by my parent’s side for 17 years and Zeta of the pack for 10 years. As a man who was head of safety and security of the pack, there was no one else better suited to watch over her.

It was early morning hours as I walked outside the pack house. The sun was beginning to rise. The air was frosty, not that I felt the cold with my frequent rise in body temperature.

I needed to run, allow my wolf to let loose and shake off some built-up tension.

I didn’t even bother to remove my clothes as I shifted mid-air. My long, thick coat protected me from the chilling cold as I ran through the forest.

I needed to hunt; my wolf needed to rage. The ’rejection’ comment had stung my wolf more than I had thought. I ran until I spotted a large stag centred in the grassy green field. I lunged for its throat and tore through its thick pelt with my teeth. Its death was swift. The hunt was over before it even began.

I began feasting on my meal. I had to satiate one hunger, so for now, this stag would have to do.

Just one more night.

I had to wait one more night until my mate was back by my side.

Once she was, she was never leaving.

My mate…

My little Vixen…

I’ll be seeing you soon.

Ariella

Upon exiting the pack house, I was greeted by a sleek vehicle ready and waiting for me.

A formidable individual, towering in stature, courteously held the passenger door open for me. Despite his relatively short height of approximately 5’8”, this man exuded an intimidating presence that would deter anyone from challenging him. His clean-shaven scalp, piercing forest green eyes that appeared almost black, chiselled square jawline, and stoic expression contributed to his serious demeanour.

I climbed into the car, still not thrilled I was being babysat for 24 hours.

My bodyguard never once said a word as he sat in the driver’s seat and began the journey to my parent’s house. My family home wasn’t too far from the pack house by car, so we arrived fairly quickly.

The second we pulled into the driveway, I could see my brothers through the window, pacing in the living room. I practically jumped out of the car and ran inside. I embraced the first body I saw. Burly arms embraced me, and a firm kiss was placed on my head.

I leaned back to see Damon staring back at me. His face was etched with worry and relief. I didn’t have time to tell them the latest news as another pair of arms pulled me back…

Denzel.

His auburn and toffee brown hair was tousled, unlike his usually well-groomed appearance. My mother and father joined the hug, embracing me as tightly as possible. I briefly saw my mother’s deep brown eyes, now bloodshot from recent tears.

“What happened to your clothes?” Damon boomed from behind.

“Oh… these belong to someone else. I didn’t have any other clothes to change into,” I smoothed a piece of hair behind my ear. The second I peered up, all eyes were on me, waiting for an explanation.

I looked at my mother, who was now holding my hand in a tight grip. “I started my heat,” I muttered, then studied the floor.

“I think we all figured that out Red,” a familiar voice sounded from behind Denzel.

Noah stood there, half-awkward, half-pleased, as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“We could all smell it,” Damon hissed in disgust.

I rolled my eyes at his remark. To be fair, if I were in their shoes, I wouldn’t want to smell my sibling’s arousal.

“Listen, I’m sorry for how I reacted…” Noah began, but I cut him off by playfully punching him in the arm.

“I get it. I’d hate it too if I were you,” I smiled.

I felt a pair of smooth arms jump on me from behind. “My baby girl started her heat! You can replace your mate. Did he feel near?” she asked excitedly.

I looked between my brothers, who were staring at the carpet as though it was of intense interest to them.

They apparently hadn’t told my parents what happened after my heat…

To be honest, I don’t blame them. Knowing my mother, she would have gone on a rampage, future Alpha or not. I giggled to myself just imagining it.

“I erm…”

“Sorry to interrupt, but can we please address the huge elephant in the room?” Noah interjected, pointing towards the guard who had escorted me here. He had been standing at the door this whole time.

“He was sent to babysit me by the Alpha’s son,” I retorted. The guard didn’t even bat an eyelid.

“Why would he send someone with you? Did you get yourself into trouble Ariella?” my father asked sternly.

I gulped.

“He’s my mate…”

“Who? Him?” my mother didn’t give me time to correct her as she ran up to the man and embraced him in a tight hug. He shook his head, looking a little… uneasy; this was the first reaction I had seen from him besides his stoic, deadpan expression.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” my mother asked as she released him from her hug and patted his chest.

The man cleared his throat and shot me daggers.

“He’s not my mate…” my mother flipped her head and looked at me confused.

“It’s the Alpha’s son,” Denzel answered for me.

“What!” my mother and father shouted simultaneously.

“Holy shit Red,” Noah staggered.

“He didn’t do anything to you…” Damon began, but I interrupted.

“No! I blacked out soon after we ran into the forest. I showered, we… spoke and here I am,” I shrugged. “I’m going to be moving into the packhouse tomorrow.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t mark you there and then,” my father scoffed.

“What?” I replied.

“It’s not unusual for Alpha’s to mark their mate the second they see them. It’s for both the protection of their mate and to satiate their wolves’ protective instincts,” my mother spoke softly.

“So are you a dominant?” Noah asked, cocking his eyebrow.

I subconsciously growled at him and crossed my arms. It was still a touchy subject for me.

Noah’s eyes widened just before he burst out in a fit of laughter.

“When it’s your time, I pray to the moon goddess that you’ll become a submissive,” I pointed at Noah, who was now clutching his stomach.

“Where is it?” my mother asked curiously.

“My back,” I swiftly replied.

“Pay up boys,” Noah laid his palm to my brothers. Damon and Denzel reached into their pockets and pulled out a hefty sum of cash before slamming it into Noah’s hand.

“You bet on me?!” I yelled.

Noah just shrugged as he counted his new winnings.

“At least you two bet on me winning,” I said to my brothers as I shot Noah a disapproving glare.

“Come, let’s leave your sister to freshen up. Boys, in the kitchen, you can help with breakfast,” my mother ordered, then walked with my father, brothers and Noah into the kitchen.

I turned towards the burly guard who had yet to move since we had arrived.

“What’s your name?” I questioned.

“Aleksi,” he replied nonchalantly.

“Are you usually a babysitter or…” I asked.

“I am the pack’s Zeta Miss.”

Shit! Logan sent the packs Zeta to babysit me. That was a bit excessive…

No?

“Well, Aleksi, I would rather you not stand there all robot-like for the next 24 hours, so would you like to join us for breakfast?” I asked.

“No thank you, I’ll be outside if you need me.” With that, he left and did as he said he would.

I could smell the fresh batter of blueberry pancakes, bacon, and sweet syrup. I hurried into the kitchen just as the food was being plated.

We all dug in. It was delicious; Denzel was a chef, but even he outdid himself this time. Maybe I should replace my mate more often.

Before long, my brothers had to head off to work. I forgot how early it was. I hadn’t slept unless you count the small amount of time I passed out. Even still, I didn’t feel tired one bit.

I walked my brothers to the door, where they embraced me in one final hug. I loved their hugs. It felt like a big, fluffy teddy bear was hugging you.

“I can’t believe you found your mate before us,” Denzel said as he ruffled my hair. I caught a slight frown dip the corner of his lip.

My brothers were 26, so it was surprising they hadn’t found their mates already. Denzel hopes to replace his mate every day, whereas Damon couldn’t care less.

“You’ll replace her soon,” I gave Denzel a hopeful smile.

“You scared the living shit out of us last night Red,” Damon interjected.

“When the Alpha’s son chased you, we didn’t know what to think. But the second he returned with you in his arms…” Denzel sighed before continuing. “...we knew right away you were mated. The deal breaker being you covered in his aura to prevent other males from approaching.”

“Yeah, it looked like he wanted to bite our heads off. Imagine his reaction when he realises we’re your brothers,” Damon chuckled.

“So you approve because he’s from an Alpha bloodline?” I asked as I crossed my arms.

“He’s strong and will protect you. We could see that much last night,” Denzel answered.

“But if you ever need us, or if he ever mistreats you, you tell us, and we’ll deal with him. Alpha or not,” Damon stated firmly while Denzel nodded in agreement.

I chuckled awkwardly. Being in Logan’s presence for only a few hours, I never once felt afraid or threatened. I don’t think he would do that to me… I want to believe he wouldn’t; otherwise, I’d bite off the hand that did.

Still, I could never tell my brothers if that would ever happen. Logan will be Alpha in a few days, and they could get seriously hurt or worse… exiled. They would be labelled as rogues, and I would never allow that to happen. So whatever differences me and my mate have, I will have to deal with them on my own.

“Sure, now get going before you get your asses fired,” I playfully pushed my brothers from the door.

“Love you little sis,” they smiled before walking towards their respective cars.

I looked to the side and saw Aleksi standing a few feet away from me. How does someone so wide melt into the background as though they’re not even there?

“Hey, you sure you’re not hungry?” I teased.

“No thank you Miss,” he responded plainly.

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t call me Miss. It makes me feel old.”

“I must. It is to show my respect. Until you become Luna, that is how I must address you,” he held his hands at his front and continued to… well, stand there and do nothing.

“Fine, when you get hungry or need to take a leak, don’t hesitate to ask. Mr. O-So-Serious,” I mumbled the last part before walking back into the house.

I went to my room to change into my gym clothes. I wore a long, loose T-shirt to cover my submission mark. I still had too much energy for some strange reason. I wanted to blow off some steam, and what better way to do that than to spar with your best friend, who deserves a good ass-kicking.