The Luna's Hidden Destiny

“Can we talk?” Rowan asked gently, stopping us before we entered the dining room. I glanced at Blake and he gave me an apologetic look.

I nodded my head, having a bad feeling about this as he pulled me towards a small sitting area by a window.

“What did Blake tell you about Chloe?” He looked away guiltily like he was hiding something.

“Well..he said you had a lot of one-night sits and she was the longest for a year or something.” I said trying to remember it all, that jealousy finding its way back up.

“One night sits?..” he looked at me confused, that’s what Blake called it…

“When you sleep with someone and leave the next day. That’s what Blake said at least.” I looked down at my hands, feeling nervous for some reason.

“Oh..you mean one night stand.” He looked like he was holding in a laugh, his eyes relaxing as he looked at me. He reached out, his palm touching my cheek tenderly.

“I don’t want to lie to you, Chloe and I were seeing each other for about a year. It wasn’t that serious to me, but I think she thought I would take it further. Like I might make her my Luna.” He looked away after saying this, I couldn’t lie..that hurt but it wasn’t like I was around during that time. Of course, he had to have some type of option, if you are a good Alpha you need to think of your pack first.

“That’s why it must have been hard for her when we saw her by the hospital.” I felt guilty now, she must have been completely blindsided.

“You saw her?!” He said, dragging his hand through his hair as he closed his eyes and sighed. I nodded my head, looking away briefly.

“I promise you, it was nothing more than an attraction thing…not even that..like an animalistic need. Compared to you she was..” he began to ramble and I placed my hand on his chest, stopping him from talking.

“Rowan, I understand. You don’t need to explain yourself.” His eyes widened, relief filling him as I looked down at my feet, continuing to speak.

“I feel bad for her, in fact..if you need to talk with her, to explain things I understand. It’s the right thing to do.” I lifted my gaze to his eyes, trying to show I meant it, no matter how jealous the idea of them together made me.

He rushed forward, pulling me into his arms, and squeezed me tightly.

“What did I do to deserve someone like you..” his words were soft and tender. His emotions shone through as he pulled me back, looking down into my eyes.

“You can be there if you like..in fact I would prefer it.” He said firmly, and I shook my head, feeling more at ease that he offered but I didn’t think I could see them in the same room together.

“It’s okay, I don’t want to intrude or make things worse.” I said looking into his eyes, trying to hide that jealousy.

“Okay, I might just do it after dinner, that way we can focus on finding your dad tomorrow and bring him here.” He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Do you mind?” He seemed nervous as he spoke, not wanting to upset me in the slightest. His eyes examined my expression thoroughly. It would honestly be better to get it over with now, that way it wasn’t in the back of my mind.

“No, it will be fine. That way I can spend some time with your mom too. I know she wanted to show me around the house more.” It will be a good distraction to spend time with Laura.

Rowan nodded his head, pulling me to his chest tightly and hugging me.

“I’m sorry, if I knew..if I had any idea you were out there, that you were the one I was waiting for. I would have never touched another woman, never even looked at one.” I felt sadness and regret in his words, which surprised me.

“Rowan, it’s only natural that you dated around. Everything happens for a reason, maybe it made finding me that much more meaningful because it made you realize it was different from the rest..at least I hope it is..” I trailed off, feeling ridiculous for even saying that.

“Of course it is, it doesn’t even compare.” He pulled me back, bending down as he placed his lips on mine. Kissing me delicately as he spoke against my lips.

“You are mine, made just for me, my perfect mate in every way.” He whispered, his tongue slipping out and grazing against my bottom l*p as a soft m**n escaped me.

Me, perfect? I felt far from it..but maybe that’s what the moon goddess intended, we were perfect but only to each other, only for each other.

Suddenly I heard Laura calling from the room down the hall.

“Okay, you two, time to share your time with everyone else…Rowan.” She said calling out her son. I could tell it was getting to her which surprised me that she genuinely wanted to spend time with me. It made me happy.

‘I love you.’

Rowan linked, causing my heart to flutter.

‘I love you too’

I reached up, placing another soft k**s on his lips as he smiled against me.

“Okay, we will be right there.” He called behind me, slipping his arm around my waist as he walked us into the room.

I loved how he constantly had his hands on me at all times. It wasn’t even just holding hands, he had to feel my body beneath him or else he would get agitated. I saw it whenever he was away from me.

We walked towards a room I hadn’t been in before with a huge dining room table, it could fit at least twenty people easily. The walls were a deep blue with white crown moldings. A large painting of the ocean hung on the wall and it was absolutely breathtaking. I wished I could see the ocean one day, it was always a dream of mine. The table was white with matching chairs and a huge white floral centerpiece. Looking down at the end of the table, everyone sat together, waiting for us. Their eyes watching us intently as Blake still had a guilty look on his face. Rowan really must have chewed him out.

“There you two are, I thought you might have gotten lost.” Laura said with a smirk, her eyes narrowed at Rowan.

“Sorry, I hope you weren’t waiting for too long.” I felt bad, Rowan must have sensed it because he squeezed my waist.

‘Don’t feel bad baby, she is mad at me. She keeps complaining that I am keeping you all to myself.’

He linked quickly, annoyance in his voice.

We sat down at the table with everyone and I expected Rowan to sit at the head of the table, but he opted for a seat on the side so he could sit next to me.

“Mom why don’t you sit at the head of the table since you seem to be making most of the demands these days.” He quipped, causing me to glare at him. Oh great, here we go…

Laura smirked, lifting her wine glass up as she eyed her son. A fire burning deep inside as Blake glanced toward Tristan and his dad. Knowing something was about to go down.

“Funny you call them demands when I see them as simple requests. I didn’t realize this was a hostage situation.” She shot to Rowan, who stiffened in his chair slightly.

“You were young once mom, I know it was a long, long…long time ago, but try to remember what it was like.” Rowan spat, a wicked smirk on his face and Blake gasped dramatically, he was loving this… All eyes turned to Laura as she sat there narrowing her eyes.

Oh goddess, this was going too far. I was about to say something and apologize when suddenly Laura began to laugh, like really laugh. Before I knew it Rowan chimed in too, then Blake and Vincent. Tristan looked at me and leaned in towards the table, speaking to me softly.

“They do this kind of shit all the time, you get used to it.” He said with a smile and relief filled me.

So this was just their family dynamic. My dad would have just yelled at me and I would listen to what he said and show my respect. It was interesting to see how this family worked and how playful they were.

“But really son, I know how it is, we are excited too. Mila is a part of the family now and I want to show off my new daughter to all my friends okay?” She said while lifting her wine glass and taking a sip.

“Show her off how mom..” Rowan didn’t sound too enthused about this.

“Just a luncheon, in a couple of weeks.” She waved her hand in the air like it was nothing.

“Even you boys can join if you like. I will even invite Finn’s mom and Genevieve. A few of the other allied Luna’s as well, just a few dozen people.” She took a quick sip again. This time Blake spoke up, almost choking on his wine.

“A few dozen Mom..that’s a small way of saying at least a hundred people for you.” He looked at her knowingly. She just shrugged innocently as she turned her attention toward me.

“That would be okay right Mila? I think it will help ease things in for when your Luna ceremony is scheduled too. Then you will already know a few faces and not be so overwhelmed.” She smiled warmly and there was no way I could tell her no.

‘Mila, you don’t have to agree to this.’

Rowan said with a firm tone, obviously irritated.

‘It’s okay, as long as you are there I will feel comfortable.’

I mind linked quickly, knowing Laura was watching.

“I think that is a great idea, it will be nice to meet more people before the ceremony.” I spoke softly, smiling at Laura as her eyes sparkled.

“Great! We can plan it together, it will be like your coming out party. The first official meet and greet.” She clapped her hands together excitedly and I swear all the guys rolled their eyes collectively at the same time.

“Sorry Mila, you just so happen to be the first daughter to join the family, so all that pent-up girl stuff will be exploding on you.” Vincent said as he took a sip of his amber-colored drink. Laura glared at him as a few servers suddenly entered the room, causing Blake to sit up excitedly.

“Greta, my love, just in time as usual.” Blake beamed, causing Tristan to scoff.

‘This is the woman I told you about, Greta our head omega. She is really excited to meet you.’

Rowan said, pulling my chair closer to him as he wrapped his arm around my waist. I looked up to see an older woman with copper hair. Her brown eyes gleamed as she met my gaze happily. I smiled softly, knowing how much the Scott family appreciated her.

She was carrying a large dish with delicious smelling slices of beef as two more servers walked in. They were girls that looked to be about my age.

“Alpha, Luna, it is such an honor to serve you tonight.” Her eyes not leaving mine once as she spoke.

“It looks lovely, thank you so much. And it is a pleasure to meet you finally Greta, I have heard such great things about you.” I really had too. My words seemed to surprise her though as her cheeks turned red and her smile widened while she set the plate of beef down.

“Oh dear, the pleasure is mine.” She said placing her hand over her heart.

“Greta, don’t forget who your favorite is though..” Blake said with a jealous tone, making Greta laugh and wave her hands at him.

The two girls set down the remaining dishes and bowed slightly, their eyes meeting mine as I smiled and bowed my own head.

“Please, enjoy your meal.” Greta said as both girls seemed to fill with excitement as they all left the room.

“She is absolutely stunning.” I heard one of the girls say as they were walking through the door. The words surprising me as Rowan leaned into me.

“They are right you know, you are absolutely stunning.” His hot breath tickled my ear as my cheeks warmed. He reached over gripping my chin softly. His hand slowly turned my head as our eyes met, his head bending down as he grazed his lips against mine delicately.

“My beautiful Mila.” His words soaked into my skin, causing my heart to flutter as this man next to me continued to blow me away every moment I was with him. Is it like this with every mate? Because I felt like I won the lottery, my mate had to be the sweetest, kindest, most attractive man that ever lived.

“Okay you two, let’s eat before it gets cold.” Vincent said with a smirk. I hadn’t realized everyone was staring at us.

“Sorry.” I mumbled, quickly reaching for my water.

Rowan squeezed my waist, his smile widening as he reached forward, filling my plate with food. I looked at the dishes with excitement. There were roasted potatoes, asparagus with some type of white sauce and what looked to be a prime rib. Everything was cooked to perfection as we began to eat hungrily. Rowan even cut up my meat for me…Tristan looked on in horror as I even thought that might of been a little too far. I was more than capable to cut my own meat, but hey..as long as it made him happy that’s all that mattered.

“So Mil, want to check out the pool after this?” Blake asked between bites. Suddenly Rowan set his drink down roughly.

“There is no way in hell she is going to the pool alone with you Blake.” He growled, his hand clenching in a fist as he spoke.

“She won’t be alone, Mom and Tristan will be there too. You up for a swim Dad?” Blake asked, looking at Rowan cooly.

“Yeah, I could go for a swim.” He said while slicing his prime rib.

“I have never been in a pool before, isn’t it kind of cold to go outside though?” I thought, unless the water was warmed or something.

“It’s an indoor pool, we have it downstairs in the basement. we also have a movie theater on the third floor.” Blake looked at me smiling and I glanced towards Rowan, his jaw clenched as he sat in silence.

‘Are you okay?’

I linked Rowan, seeing the clear anger he was trying to hold in.

‘I’m just pissed, they will get to do these new things with you and I will be stuck somewhere else.’

His voice was filled with frustration. I reached my hand over, placing it gently on his thigh.

‘Then I will wait for you to do them. I want to do all of my firsts with you there Rowan.’

He glanced at me, meeting my gaze as his expression softened.

‘Really?’

He asked hopelessly. I nodded my head, smiling softly as he pulled me closer to him, kissing the top of my head.

‘Thank you..I know it’s stupid but I want to be there every time you try something new, that way whenever you look back, I will be in that memory with you.’

His words were honest and showed me just how vulnerable he had been.

‘It’s not stupid, I feel the same way.’

I leaned over, wrapping my arms around his waist as I hugged him tightly. He sighed happily, kissing my head once more as I sat back up.

“Would it be okay just to have a tour of the house first? I want to wait until Rowan can go swimming with us.” I said to Blake and Laura who I noticed had been mind linking as well while we were.

“Of course, not a problem at all dear. The house is pretty big so that should take up some time.” Laura laughed, sipping her wine as she cut a piece of asparagus.

“Has your family always lived here?” I wondered, the house definitely had an old feel to it. Like it had been around for a long time.

“My great great grandfather actually built the house. It obviously wasn’t this big at the time and has since been remodeled more than once, but there’s a lot of history in these walls.” Vincent said looking at me thoughtfully.

“My old beta and gamma used to live here too, actually my old betta was Tristan’s dad. They travel a lot but they stay in their old wing when they are back home. So Tristan and his sister grew up in this home with us as well.” He glanced at Tristan who smirked, taking his glass of wine to his lips and drinking slowly. I hadn’t realized Tristan had a sister, I wondered where she was now.

“That’s what is so great about being in a close pack, we treat each other like family no matter what.” He said, slapping Tristan’s back lovingly as Blake soon chimed in.

“Yeah and since Tristan and I were born the same year, we were destined to be besties from the start.” He crooned, causing Tristan to roll his eyes.

“You call it destiny, I call it hell.” He mumbled, slapping Blake’s hand away as he reached for him.

“I like when you get feisty.” Blake winked at him, causing me to laugh as Rowan watched me intently.

“You should have seen them in school Mila, luckily Tristan was always the reasonable one. I’m sure he saved Blake’s life more times than we know.” Laura said with a chuckle.

Both Blake and Tristan nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly with her and not denying it.

“You’re dad taught you at home Mila?” Vincent asked, his plate now clean and his glass somehow full once again.

I cleared my throat, watching as Rowan piled more food on my plate. His hand not leaving my waist once as he sat there quietly. I could tell something was weighing heavily on his mind. Maybe it was the Chloe thing. The idea was making me feel uneasy as well.

“Yeah, he would bring back books sometimes after some of his journeys away. But he mostly taught me his training and survival techniques starting when I was eight.” I said, grabbing a potato and biting it slowly.

I felt kind of embarrassed, to know I practically lived in the wild compared to the lifestyle they had. I wasn’t embarrassed about my upbringing or anything like that, I guess more of how they might see me..

“What kind of training?” Tristan asked curiously, reaching for more food himself now. I soon realized these guys ate a lot.

“Mostly fighting and hunting. We would grapple a lot, sometimes use a bow and arrow, long pole, or a dagger.” I said casually, looking down as I spoke.

“Oh to hunt?” Tristan asked.

“No, when we fought, my dad always used his wolf to hunt.” I glanced up at Tristan, realizing everyone was looking at me now. Did I say something wrong?

“Your dad had you training with all of those weapons? Did he use them on you?” Rowan asked, shock filling him. I blinked, wondering what was wrong.

“Yeah, he said it was better to learn with hand-on-hand combat experience, so I was prepared if anything happened.” Wasn’t this common practice?

“Did he ever hurt you?” Blake asked, his voice serious as I stiffened. I felt weird, the way they were looking at me.

“Well..not really, a couple of broken ribs or a black eye..but nothing serious.” I said quietly, and I heard Rowan scoff next to me, catching me off guard.

“Son..” Vincent said firmly, and I felt Rowan’s anger. He was fuming.

“I’m sorry..Did I say something wrong?” I felt bad for some reason..Did I offend them in some way? Maybe it was rude to talk about it at the table. Why was Rowan reacting this way…

I glanced at Rowan and he wouldn’t even meet my gaze.

“No sweetheart of course not. It’s just surprising is all, that a father would make his young daughter train like that.” Laura said, her eyes looking as if tears were welling up.

“We don’t even train our soldiers that young, or to that capacity..it’s barbaric.” Blake said harshly and suddenly I felt confused. The room changed as I looked down. Rowan’s grip was still around me and tightening almost to the extent of hurting me.

“If you will excuse me, I just have to use the restroom really quick.” My chest began to ache, did I share too much? I felt weird..like something suddenly changed..maybe they didn’t like how I talked so casually about training?

Rowan let go of me reluctantly, his hands in fists as Laura spoke quickly.

“It’s right down the hall, first door on the left.” She said keeping her eyes on Rowan. I nodded slightly, my mate’s sudden change in mood confusing me. Maybe he didn’t approve of me knowing how to fight. Was I not ladylike enough for him?

I quickly hurried to the bathroom, closed the door, and put my hands over my face, a shuddering breath leaving me..was this all a mistake? Maybe they are realizing I truly don’t belong here..the way Rowan wouldn’t even look at me. Was it too much? Did I share too much of myself and it changed everything?

‘Mila, calm down, maybe they were just surprised that Dad trained you so young.’

Calypso spoke softly, sensing the panic that was rising. I nodded my head..maybe that was it.

I quickly used the restroom and washed my hands, knowing I shouldn’t stay in here much longer or someone might be concerned. I slowly opened the door and quietly crept down the hall back to the dining room as I heard hushed voices whispering.

“Why the f**k would a father treat his own daughter like that? Broken ribs?! And she thinks this is normal..” Rowan hissed, anger rising from him as my heart sank..he was talking about me.

“We don’t know the full story son. Maybe he wanted to prepare her just in case. If she didn’t have that training she might not have even survived the attack earlier.” Vincent said, his defense for me making my heart ache.

“Why was she in that position to begin with? The more we learn about her dad the worse it gets. Something seems off about this, even though her mother was killed, he could have gone to another pack for protection or even the elders. He would have known that.” Blake said, his words surprising me.

“Exactly, and if he does anything to hurt her again, father or not…I will f*****g kill him. He practically is a rogue if he treated her like that.” Rowan growled, his words hurting me deeply. My own mate lumping my father with those horrible men…

I suddenly stumbled back, my chest tightening as what I just heard swirled in my mind. They didn’t trust my dad, they thought he was a bad person. I needed air, I needed to get out of here. I quickly turned on my heels, running down the hall as I came to a side door. A guard stood watch as he looked at me with surprise.

“I need fresh air, please.” I gasped, his eyes going wide as he nodded his head.

“Yes Luna, right this way.” He said, quickly leading me outside as he held my elbow gently.

It was dark now and the stars had just come out, a cool breeze blew past me and I quickly gulped down the air. A knot formed in my chest as uncertainty filled me. The guard led me over towards a small path where a few metal chairs sat. He quickly guided me to the chair and sat me down.

“Do you want me to get the Alpha?” He asked, ready to turn back towards the building.

“No, please…I just need a minute..” I said hastily, not ready to see Rowan yet. The guard nodded, looking at me curiously.

“I’m sorry..for troubling you.” I whispered, feeling like a complete burden right now…to everyone.

“Not at all Luna, it is an honor to finally meet you.” The young man said, his brown eyes gleaming as he looked at me.

I smiled half-heartedly, still feeling overwhelmed by everything I heard.

Looking at the man, he had curly brown hair and tan skin. He had a masculine look to him, but I could feel a genuine kindness when he spoke.

“It must be a huge adjustment to leave everything and practically start new.” He said softly, I could feel his gaze on me as I tried my hardest not to break down in front of this stranger.

I just nodded, looking down at my hands.

“Well, if this is your first freak out then you must be doing pretty good so far.” He said with a chuckle and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“It’s strange..it’s almost like I don’t even know who I am..I had to be a certain way my whole life and now there are so many new things and people. I almost don’t know how to act or feel..It is like starting new..you are right.” I said, wiping away a tear quickly, trying not to have the man notice.

“Well, new isn’t always bad. Just look at it as a fresh start. Maybe this time you can live the way you want. Do things your own way and even try some things you never thought you could.” The man spoke as if he knew my past, like he knew my struggles and how controlling my father had been.

After living away from the cabin this past week I was starting to see how controlled my life had been. All the rules he had and expectations..it was all I had known. Even the training, there were times when I would be down and he would force me to stand, or force me to continue. I just thought that was how you learned to fight, that you had to push past those weaknesses and give it your all, even if you had broken bones. The memory of my father punching me flashed through my mind and I quickly pushed it away. That was normal..wasn’t it?

“What if I’m not good enough..” I whispered, my true fears rising..the reason I ran out here..the reason I doubted my own wolf and my mate. How can someone like me..deserve things like this. How am I worthy of any of it?

“If the moon goddess chose you..I would say you are more than good enough. You know she never makes mistakes..even when it seems like it at the time, the true intent always shines through in the end.” The man spoke softly, squatting down in front of me as I glanced up. He had a kind smile on his face as he looked at me.

“Thank you..I’m sorry..I didn’t get your name.” I said, grateful for this man who had been so kind to me.

His words pulled me from that darkness and helped loosen that knot. Before the man could even answer he quickly stood up straight and stepped to the side. His demeanor changed completely. Then I heard it, a low deep growl rumbling from nearby as Rowan stepped forward. Rage seeping from him as I stood quickly.