-Bane: Wow...you really left and moved on like nothing ever happened? Get your ass back to Lightning Storm pack or you know what I'm capable of-
-Allan: I expected you to at least have a closure with us. But no. You are in another man's bed already. Killian Hubert? Really?-
I shook my head and thought it would be better if i had them off my back. Holding the marriage papers in one hand, I blocked and deleted their numbers with the other.
I was finally given a chance at a new life. Holding the marriage papers, I posed for a picture and posted on my Facebook and WhatsApp status. Just then, my mom barged in and looked at my waist wrapped in bandages.
"How...?" Her shaky voice asked. "Freak accident, haha!" I covered up quickly.
"This is why the ceremony was delayed?" I nodded.
"Oh lord, you look cursed baby. But thankfully, the elder of Thunderwood Pack agreed with the delay. We should thank her." I nodded again. The Thunderwood pack was strong. My fear of meeting the elder was justified. Moreover, I was their unrequited guest. I felt like a 'leech' again.
"Proper etiquette. Even if your stomach is hurting, we need to make an impression." I nodded again. I couldn't let mom know the striking pain that surged with every step i took. I let Lila handle the pain for me.
"Elder..." Mom and I bowed to the elderly lady. Huh. Who would've thought the elder had the face of Buddha? So kind and prosperous, I felt at peace just looking at her. Cozy and warm, that's how I'll describe her smile.
"There's no need for formalities. Elder of Lightning Storm pack told me everything about you. You're the sweetheart who lights up an entire packhouse. Glad to have a fire that kindles us up." The sweet old lady said.
"Pardon me, but I thought you'd be more stoic and assertive." The elder laughed heartily at my words.
"What's the use? But finally, we meet. Your mother hid you from the world like a chestful of treasure. I can now see why." Her eyes scanned me from top to bottom, frowning at the bleeding spot on my frock, however.
"I stayed in Lightning Storm pack recuperation." I said softly. She seems to buy it.
"When Killian comes back, he will take good care of you. He's out for a meeting with other alphas overseas. He sure wouldn't miss his own wedding and be here in a week, hopefully." The elder joked as we laughed.
Coming to think of it, I heard of Killian a lot but I haven't even seen my soon to be spouse. I was curious.
On the day of our marriage a week later, it came as no surprise.
"Where is Killian?" The elder asked, my mom sighed and I was looking at my fingers on my lap. I must be destined to survive without love.
"Ah, that child. But here you go." I looked up and was shocked at the pack artefact in the elder's hands! It was an armour made of platinum and studded with blue, green and red jewels. That was the level of prosperity of Thunderwood Pack.
"I cannot accept this!" I exclaimed. But the elder shoved it in my arms.
"You're the one who will be our future Luna. Killian is a fool to have delayed, but I can't wait any longer! You will start your Luna duties from tomorrow. Like it or not." My eyes teared up immediately.
I've been in a similar situation years ago. The Ferguson lads notoriously stole the jade bracelet artefact, prominent and valuable for the pack. We three hid behind the packhouse while the members searched frantically for the missing artefact! But it was decorating my hand and surging me with power!
"Elder! We've found them!" Caught red handed by the loyal warrior ranks, we were dragged to Grandma. When confronted, she gave us a giddy smile. She took my hand and said, "It suits you fabulously, Rebecca. Our future Luna."
The brothers giggled and I did too. But not even a month had passed when Jane came by. She grew jealous of the jade artefact decorating my hand. One night when I was knocked out cold, she ripped the bracelet off my wrist and broke it to pieces. The next morning, doom rained on me along with unbearable insults. I was labelled the 'overreacting rogue who destroyed the pack's precious artefact'.
It hurt, when I looked back into my past. There was nothing special that could outbalance the debt of slavery and insults I bore.
I realized I was married to Killian on paper, but the wedding had yet to happen. I was to become the Luna, but the catch was I could do things at my own pace.
I requested them to let my mom live with me until I was ready. They agreed in a heartbeat. Killian was stuck overseas but promised to come to marry me in another week. Hence, the wedding decorations never came off.
"This was supposed to be given after Killian came back, but since you're such a sweetheart, here." The elder gave me a set of keys and a small leather keychain attached. I gasped,
"A-A house!?" I exclaimed in joy!
"For the prettiest and kindest Luna of Thunderwood Pack. Stay there until Killian comes back. Enjoy your new home." I blinked the tears away and hugged the sweet elder. "Thank you..."
As I muttered, I realized how far I'd come. The past was unchangeable, but the future was in my hands.
I was stumped with paperwork the next day when my ringtone made me jump. I furrowed my eyebrows at the ID.
"Grandma?"
"I tried. I really tried to stop those two rascals from reaching you, but they've gone berserk at the news of you becoming Thunderwood's Luna. If they mistreat you, you tell me right away." I took a shaky breath. I tried so hard to forget about them, but they reinserted themselves in my life again.
A shiver ran down my spine when i felt two pairs of eyes glaring at me from behind. They were standing behind me, but their eyes were mixed with unfathomable emotions.
Regret, guilt, love, adoration and...fear?
