His Reluctant Luna

The loud beeping of my phone roused me from sleep, I shut the alarm and snuggled under the covers for a few more minutes.

I usually take time in waking up, so I have set an early alarm. I finally dragged myself out of the bed and quickly got into my daily routine. I am an architect, at 24, I am one of the youngest employees of Barton & Tom, one of the leading Construction firms in London.

Grabbing my coffee, I walked onto the train. I always keep my headphones on because I can hear everything. I mean, literally, everything. I have extraordinary senses because I am not normal. I have extraordinary speed, agility, and strength.

No, I am not some superhero, I am a werewolf, however, unlike most werewolves, I do not live in a pack. No, I am not a rogue wolf either.

I belong to one of the most powerful packs of North America, 'The Jade moon pack'. I am very much in touch with my older brother the Alpha of the pack, Rick Anderson and the pack Beta, Bobby. My father's beta, Thomas Jackson, and his lovely wife Martha. I even visit my pack annually during Christmas.

However, I prefer living independently. Rather, I have got used to this lifestyle. There is a reason why I live away.

When I was 9, I had accompanied my parents to New York City for some inter-werewolf conference, I was overly excited about the trip. As we were staying right in front of Central Park. But things did not turn out as expected. I do not remember much, but my father died trying to protect me from the rogues and other packs. Werewolves are violent and territorial. They fight over the littlest of things. My father died in a were war.

My mother died soon after due to a broken heart. They were mates. That is one of the reasons I want to avoid finding my mate. The mated wolves are like two halves of a soul. They either die or turn mad with grief if their mate is lost. Very few wolves manage to survive the ordeal of losing their mates.

I want to avoid being one of them. Though my wolf has been searching for her mate ever since I hit puberty and shifted for the first time.

After my mother's death, I was sent off to Australia, to live with my aunt. Aunt Flora is a keeper. Keepers are humans who are aware of werewolves and other supernatural beings. You see, werewolves are very secretive and stay hidden from humans.

There might be a werewolf living right next to you, and you would never know it. However, living among humans require some amount of human interactions for example tax filing, property dealings and various legal stuff.

Keepers are such humans who know about us and help us. My mother was also a keeper until she met my father, and they discovered they were mates.

I did not live in Australia for long, as soon I shifted for the first time, my aunt moved to Europe. You see there are no wolves in Australia, hence no werewolf packs. If I were accidentally spotted by someone while out for a run, it would be hard to explain the presence of a wolf in the country. The UK does not have any wild wolves either. They were all hunted down by the end of the 17th century.

Most of the werewolf packs migrated to the New World to avoid prosecution back in Europe. Hence, very few packs remained in Europe and none in the UK. They thrived in North America, soon adapting to the vast tracks of land and the wildernesses.

I have got control of my wolf now. I rarely shift unless I am in total isolation. I like being human.

"Alice! How was your weekend?" Elsa, my pretty redhead colleague asked me as soon as I had reached my cubicle.

"Nothing much, I visited aunt Flora, how about you?" I asked while shoving my bag in the drawer.

"Well, just the usual clubbing. I missed you, you should join me next week with Mark, of course."

Elsa grinned at me. I just laughed it off. Mark Barton, the heir to the Barton & Tom is my boyfriend.

"When is he coming back from his business trip?"

"Middle of this week, hopefully," I replied.

Mark and I have been together for the last two years, he hit on me right after I joined his company. I am used to getting male attention. I am not tall, I am an average 5'4 tall, but I have a slim body, dark hair and hazel eyes. Everyone says I look like my mother. She was beautiful, perhaps, I did inherit some of her good looks.

Initially, I avoided Mark because dating the heir of the company I worked for would have been unprofessional. But Mark was very persuasive, not to mention sweet, and kind. Unlike wolves, who are very protective and possessive. I cannot stand obsessive partners. Another reason why I do not want a mate!

Mark is a human and, like everyone else in the office and my friend circle, he has no idea that I am a werewolf. I have successfully kept my wolf concealed all these years, and I plan to keep it that way. However, someday I would have to reveal my true nature to him. I do not know how he would react. I have been avoiding that situation so far.

The day went on uneventfully, boring to be precise. I like boring because my life back in the US was extraordinary.

I had just entered my 1-bedroom flat when my phone rang. It was Emma, Beta Thomas's daughter and one of my best friends. I turned on the video call and smiled at her. Like most werewolves of our age, she had found her mate. Bobby, her mate was my brother's Beta.

"Hi, Emma, what's up?" I asked.

Emma with her golden locks smiled from the other side.

"I can't wait to meet you. You are coming for the Christmas vacation, right?"

"Only if you promise not to force me to meet other alphas," I replied.

Emma and everyone else who were close to me did not approve of my human boyfriend. Not because he was a human, but because he was not my mate. For werewolves, finding their mate is the most crucial aspect of their life. They were baffled by the fact that I was disinterested in finding my mate.

It is hard to explain. I just do not want to end up like my mother or that mad wolf in my pack who killed himself after losing his mate.

She sighed," I know you prefer not to find your mate, but you can't fight fate. If something has to happen, it will happen. Ok?"

"Yeah, whatever," I rolled my eyes.

"So, how are things back home?" I asked while collapsing on the sofa.

"Your brother is being an ass as usual. He has increased the training routine for all the young wolves. So, they are all crabby these days."

"Sounds like Rick," I chuckled.

My brother had to take over the pack at the age of 17, after my father's death. Rick is eight years older than me. He was lucky to find his mate Linda at the age of 21. She is the sweetest person ever and helped him find balance and peace in his life.

I finished my conversation with Emma and took off my clothes to prepare for the night.

I shifted into my brown wolf, Lana. I cannot go out in the city for a run, but my wolf understands. I let her run around and have fun at aunt Flora's estate. Curling onto my bed, I slept off in my wolf form.

"Mark!"

I cried out as I ran towards him. He was finally back from Germany, and I could not wait to get into his arms. He had told me not to receive him at the airport, but I could not help it. His blue eyes sparkled as he engulfed me in his muscular arms. At his 6" 1 he towered over my 5" 4 slim body.

"I missed you," I gushed as he kissed me on my cheeks.

"Me too, so how was your trip?" I asked as he picked up his bag, and we made it out from the airport.

"Boring, and hectic, I wish dad stopped sending me to these trips." He grumbled.

Mark is the heir of one of the Biggest Architecture firms. Hence, he was groomed to inherit it by his Lord of something father. He comes from an old family of Barons. With his blue eyes, dark hair, and well-toned body, he is one of the most eligible bachelors of London. I have no idea why he fell for me. When I had asked him, he said he liked my gentleness and delicate features, which were quite ironic. I could rip him apart in minutes if I wanted to. Of course, he does not know that, and I have no plans of revealing it to him......not yet.

"Did you drive?" He asked.

I nodded mischievously. That is another of our private jokes. I am an extremely fast driver. Thanks to my wolf instincts, I am used to driving rash. I never make any mistakes, but it freaks out most of my human friends, including Mark. So, I am forced to drive slow just to keep them comfortable.

"Don't worry, I won't kill you," I grinned at him.

He shook his head and loaded his bag in the car boot.

"So, what are you doing this Saturday?" He asked as he settled down on the passenger side.

"Nothing as of now," I replied as we drove out of the driveway.

"Cool! I am taking you somewhere." He spoke.

"Where?"

"It's a surprise," he gave me his boyish grin.

I laughed along.

On Saturday morning, as planned, Mark picked me up from my flat. It was a sunny day, one of the last ones before the advent of winters. We drove to this park, with no other person in sight. At that moment, it felt like we were the only people there.

I could see crystal clear waters beyond the horizon. The trees swaying in the cool ocean breeze. Mark held my hand, and we turned towards the right, where we walked through an archway of roses.

Upon crossing the archway, I came upon the most beautiful sight I had ever seen.

A white gazebo!

It was surrounded by my favourite flowers. I smiled at it because this scene was so beautiful.

"What is all this Mark?" I asked.

"Come on," he took my hand, and we walked inside the gazebo.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"Who wouldn't, but why?" I asked puzzled.

"Oh!! Look over there!!" He suddenly blurted out.

I turned but did not see anything. "I don't see anything."

"Then turn around, and you will see something shining."

Confused, I turned back to Mark. He was now on one knee and holding the most gorgeous ring I had ever seen. I was shocked was an understatement. My wolf shook her head in disapproval. Mark was just a distraction and a bed warmer for her. She only wanted her mate. Ignoring my wolf, I covered my mouth in surprise. He took my shaking hand and looked deep into my hazel eyes that were filled with confusion rather than joyful tears.

"Alice, from the first moment I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I thought to myself. I must get to know her more. I am so glad I did. You complete me in so many ways. You inspire me more than you ever know. I love you so much. I am incomplete without you. You are my queen. And so, here I am on one knee asking for my girl's hand in marriage. Honey, will you do me the honours and be my wife? Let me be your husband."

"Damm!" I thought.

I loved Mark, but there was so much to tell him. He had no idea who or what I am.

"Mark.... I... this is so sudden..." I stammered, looking for the appropriate words.

His face fell and I could not continue.

"You don't love me?"

"I do... I love you Mark, but it is so much you don't know about me... I...." I was suddenly tongue-tied.

"Don't you think we should wait for some more time?" I was panicking now.

"I want you just the way you are, Alice, we can spend our whole life getting to know each other."

Mark stood up and the way he looked at me, I felt my heart-melting. He looked miserable. His words touched my heart in more ways than one. I was not looking for a mate anyway, and Mark was simply perfect.

"Yes, I will marry you, Mark," I said.

Mark smiled with joy. He slipped the sparkling ring onto my finger. He then cupped my face and kissed me so passionately that I forgot my worries at that moment. I wrapped my arms around his masculine body. He pulled me down on the blanket, where we made out underneath the gazebo for a long time.

*******

"You got engaged!!!!" Emma shouted loud enough to force me to mute the laptop.

"Does he know what you are?" She asked.

"I was about to tell him but...." I bit my lips nervously; I was so screwed.

"Alice, you know there is a wolf or someone out there who is your mate."

"There she goes again," I thought.

"Emma, I am 24 years old. If I had a mate, I would have found him by now. I love Mark. He is the kind of person I want to be with. I prefer not to be forced into loving someone just because fate decided it. Besides, I hate those possessive Alphas. I don't think I can live like that!"

"I was not forced into loving Bobby, I do love him with all my heart," Emma grumbled.

"I am sure you do. I am not talking about you, Emma. I know what I want. I think I will be happy with Mark." I said stubbornly.

"What if you come across your mate?" Emma was still persistent.

"Then I will reject him."

"It's not that simple, Alice, your wolf will force you to accept him. And the sex...well, you have no idea what sex with your mate feels like. "She grinned.

I smirked," how do you know? You have only slept with Bobby since you turned 18."

I was not too experienced myself, apart from Mark I had just 1 boyfriend in high school. I found he was cheating on me, just the next day after we did it for the first time. He would never cheat on anyone again. I made sure of that. Being a werewolf has its perks.

"I know how mate bond works, you don't." Emma snapped back at me.

I rolled my eyes," fine, you win, but can we end this conversation now?"

I knew better than arguing with a mated wolf. They were fanatically protective of their mates. I prayed that I never find my mate.

Aunt Flora is what one would refer to as eccentric. Most keepers are a bit eccentric. It is not easy being different, the ability to see and deal with the supernatural comes with some drawbacks. One of them being loneliness. Aunt Flora has a phantom lover, that is what she claims. I have never seen him though, werewolves do not have the power to see ghosts, but she is very sweet, so I humoured her.

Currently, she was shaking her head when I told her about Mark's proposal.

"Your mate won't like it," she replied, shaking her head.

Aunt Flora was 50, though she looked around 35. She was pretty with her short red hair and elegant dressing sense. She reminded me of Jacky Kennedy. Though I think an aunt is prettier.

"But aunt, I don't want a mate," I tried to reason.

"Nonsense, all wolves want their mate, it is known. Poor Mark, he will so broken-hearted." She said with a gloomy face.

"Why would Mark be heartbroken?" I asked surprised.

"He is not your mate, once you find your mate, you will no longer be with Mark." She said matter-of-factly.

I rolled my eyes, "can I go for a run? Lana is getting snarky." I said, referring to my wolf.

"Yeah, go ahead, just stay away from neighbouring property," she waved her hand dismissively as she was having a conversation with her boyfriend!

I wondered how she explained the presence of a wolf in her estate. Probably, she claimed to own a giant dog.

I stripped off my clothes and shifted into a brown wolf as I ran into the cold night. The first snow of the year was falling, and the field was covered with a dusting of white powder. I did not feel cold, though. My thick fur protected me from the English winter.

*******

The flight announced its landing and I squirmed sleepily in my seat. I was finally home. One good thing about Florida is that it enjoys the mildest winters in the United States. The days are typically sunny and warm, while the nights are a little cooler. I collected my luggage and as expected, my entire family was there to greet me.

"Alice!" Emma ran towards me as Martha, Thomas, and Linda followed.

After a round of hugs and kisses, I was bundled into one of the several waiting cars, and we started for home.

"Look at you all grown up and glowing. Show me your ring," Linda asked.

I blushed and displayed my ring. The ladies oohed and aahed as expected.

"That's a lovely ring, my dear," Martha beamed.

"Look at that giant rock," Emma commented, "looking forward to the wedding now." She winked.

I shuddered. I was still reeling from the shock of being engaged, a wedding would have driven me off the edge. My wolf was extremely impatient, eager to find her mate.

"We haven't decided on the date yet," I said," we are taking it slow." I breathed deeply, trying to brace myself for further prying questions.

"Well, we are eager to meet this Mark of yours. Do invite him to Florida, our beach weddings are wonderful." Martha quipped.

I could not imagine Mark among the pack of wolves. Trying to change the subject, I inquired about Linda's twins, my lovely niece, and nephew.

"How are the kids Linda? I hope they haven't forgotten me," I said.

We conversed until we reached the gates of the Jade moon pack. In the modern age, pack life had changed significantly over the years. Most modern packs did not live in one house anymore and had turned the land over to individual families.

This also made things legally safer since it was less questionable for multiple families to own a couple of hundred acres versus one individual to own thousands of acres. All the lands were still considered Pack's since all the families were Pack, they were just more discreet.

Jade moon Pack had a similar arrangement. A row of houses surrounded by lush green forest and a private beach. We still had a safe house, a combined kitchen for the unmated or who wanted to eat together. Gyms, schools etc. everything necessary for a small township was on the campus.

Many pack families had outside interests and jobs as well. Even though living separate, the Pack was a tight-knit community. Everyone relied on their Pack mates for companionship. Some packs were very conservative. They did not allow anyone to leave, kept their females locked in. Attacking packs for capturing their females was common in earlier times, especially by the rogues. But times have changed.

Most female wolves were the textbook definition of bare feet and pregnant! They stopped school as soon as they found their mates at around 18, and all they did was pop out pups. Yet another reason why I did not want a mate. However, Jade moon was different, my father always encouraged education and most youngsters went to college.

Having grown up together, most wolves were true friends instead of just Pack mates. There were still mandatory Pack meetings, held on the full moon of every month, which was attended by everyone. It was a well-knit, safe community, except for the fact that I was sent away at the age of 9.

I had no idea why I could not stay after my brother took over the pack. I had come around to accept this arrangement, and I was not interested in returning anyway. I am what they call an urban werewolf. I was greeted by Clara and Johnathan, my five-year-old niece and nephew, as soon as I reached the Alpha's mansion. My brother owns the biggest house in the pack, which sometimes doubles up as a safe house and accommodates visiting guests from other packs. Beta Thomas's house is right next to it.

"Hey, sweethearts how are you," I laughed hugging my niece and nephew.

Rick, my brother followed smiling.

"Good to see you, Alice."

"You look good Rick," I said, hugging him back.

I settled down in my old room overlooking the pool. It had not changed much. My room was still the same. Perhaps, if I had stayed back, I would have liked living here. I still do, it is just that memories of my dead father, my mom going mad with grief, haunts me.

For some reason, I cannot recall anything about my father's death. Although it happened right in front of my eyes. Psychiatrists call this repressed memory. Sometimes traumatic events may be stored in the unconscious mind and blocked from normal conscious recall.

I am not sure if werewolves are capable of repressing memories. At least I was.

*******

Emma was taking me to some beach house party on Saturday, a few days after my arrival. A party meant shopping according to her, I had not brought any bathing suit with me, so it made sense.

We drove to a mall in the city and started browsing through various shops.

"I hope this won't be another meet the Alphas party," I asked.

I had no interest in going for such looking-for-your mate parties. I was engaged to Mark, that is it.

"There might be a few Alphas, but it's just a normal house party, you don't have to look for anyone if you don't want.... unless..."

"There is no unless," I cut her off.

She shrugged and went back to her shopping. Suddenly, a chill ran through my spine. We were not alone. I sniffed the air, trying to get the scent of someone, anyone, but it was too mixed up. The mall was crowded, and it was hard to pinpoint one person. Dismissing the thought, I paid my bills and left the mall.

The summer house was a typical detached house situated along the shoreline. It was being hosted by Emma's friend Lucy. She belonged to the Reds pack. They were distinguished by their red hair, hence the name. Her pack was well-off, and they had several homes.

When Emma and I reached the place along with Bobby, the party had already started. There was a large living room in the middle of the house, and on each wing, there was a long hallway leading to many bedrooms. Now that the place was packed, people were cramped together. A few hours later, the party was well underway. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and I could hear many people talking and laughing in between the music. At the other end of the living room, some people had even started dancing. They had to move several large sofas to create the They had to move several large sofas to create the space, but it seemed to be phenomenally successful, allowing the people that attended dancing classes to show off their technique. I was not one of them, so I simply looked at the couples dancing. A few guys had shown interest in me. I had a good conversation with them and subtly told them that I was engaged.

"Alice, come and dance with us," Emma shouted and waved at me to join het. I just shook my head and lifted my glass to indicate I was happy where I was. My wolf had suddenly woken up from her slumber and she was agitated.

"Calm down dear," I soothed myself.

I was walking by the pool glancing at a group of boys and men throwing a ball back and forth.

Something bumped into me, knocking me off balance, causing me to fall into the pool along with what seemed like a wall of hard muscles. He smelled divine, a mix of musk and grass, and mint.

I was grabbed and tucked into a broad chest, an arm wrapped around my waist and one arm around my head. Pressed deep into his chest only one thought rang in mind.

"MATE !"