The Neglected Luna: Tangled In Fate Freed By Love Novel By Lollipop

The Alpha scolded Jake on top of Carmen‘ s nagging when he heard the news, and the entire pack scrambled to prepare a feast for the King’s Gamma. It felt like chaos.

“Why didn’t they send a note instead of surprising the pack like this?” we asked Jake, exasperated.

He shrugged. “No idea. We were supposed to arrive together, but the Gamma decided to take a stroll before coming to handle business.”

I also found out Jake had arrived the same time I’d gone missing the night before. He’d spent the entire night searching for me with my parents, completely forgetting his original mission. Now I felt responsible for the pack’s frantic, last–minute preparations. But that guilt was soon overshadowed by my growing anger toward Jasper. While Jake had been looking for me, Jasper had been busy tending to Briana, without a thought for his missing mate.

“That jerk!” I muttered under my breath.

As the first watch of the moon fell upon us, we gathered in front of the packhouse to greet our guest. Meeting someone of his rank was nerve–wracking, to say the least.

A few tense moments passed before a figure cloaked in the darkest fabric I’d ever seen stepped from the shadows of the forest. The moonlight reflected off his skin with an ethereal glow, as if the new moon itself had descended to earth. He was mesmerizing, his presence commanding the space around him.

The Alpha and the others greeted him, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. My heart raced, every instinct in me screaming just how powerful this man was. A rush of adrenaline shot through me, sparking something deep within.

For reasons I couldn’t yet explain, that realization thrilled me.

That rush of

Huata Houd de their way No network available now. Please check your network. into the mess

space hit me hard, dredging up the trauma from my disastrous mating ceremony.

Still, I forced myself to follow, determined not to let the past consumer me. I found a quiet spot at the far corner of the hall, far from prying eyes.

As I brainstormed ways to impress the Gamma and convince him to consider me as a recruit, a sudden yank pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Come with me!” Jasper whisper–yelled, his hand gripping my arm., Confusion hit me until I spotted Briana standing meekly at the other. side of the hall.

A scoff of disgust escaped my lips as I wrenched my arm free.

“Don’t touch me.”

Jasper s eyes darkened with anger. “Don’t make a scene, Daphne. Come with me,” he growled through gritted teeth, reaching for me again.

But I dodged him, my voice low and laced with venom. “You‘ re the one making a scene, Jasper. Go back to your precious Briana and leave me alone.”

Before he could reply, Jake approached, his tone edged with annoyance. “Daphne, is everything okay?”

I smiled at Jake, nodding, while Jasper shot him a glare, trying to wave him off. But with the Alpha‘ s sharp gaze on us, Jasper knew better than to push it. He turned back to Briana, who immediately played the damsel, soaking up his attention.

“You know, destined bonds may be strong, but he’s just a scumbag. You‘ re better off without him,” Jake muttered, watching his brother fawn over Briana. I barely had time to feel bitter before Jake shifted the conversation.

“Come on, Dad’s calling for you.” He slapped my back and steered. me toward the VIP table.

My eyes widened as I instinctively squeezed Jake’s arm. “Wait, wait! The Alpha‘ s table is over there,” I said, pointing frantically in the other direction.

Jake just shrugged, nonchalant as ever. “Yeah, I know. But I want to introduce you to him first,” he replied, dragging me toward the Gamma.

I wasn’t ready for this!

“Sir, this is Daphne, the wisest person in Moonlake I told you about. If anyone knows our warriors inside and out, it’s her,” Jake babbled proudly.

My heart was practically in my throat. Sure, I was one of the top warriors in the pack, but knowing the others best? That was a bit of an exaggeration!

Before I could protest, Jake shot me a quick, “Good luck,” and vanished, leaving me standing awkwardly in front of the Gamma. My pulse raced as I met his intense cerulean eyes. They had this magnetic pull, like they could see through everything.

He tilted his head slightly, motioning for me to sit. Hesitant but left with no other option, I slid into the chair beside him.

For what felt like an eternity, we sat in silence, the air between us thick with tension. I fidgeted, unsure of how to act around someone of his rank. My mind raced, scrambling for something to say, anything to break the silence.

Just as I was about to panic, the Gamma’s deep voice cut through the quiet.

“You don’t need to be nervous. I don‘ t bite,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing how obvious I had been.