THE LUNA'S MATE

CHAPTER ONE

One could start by staring at the loud cheers of the pack members, or the hot-headed heat of the sun. One could also start with the cling of swords and helmets but Nadir didn't care for all of them. Today was the day that she would be crowned Luna of her father's pack; the Red moon pack. She turned around to stare at her father, who had an expressionless face.

Nadir wasn't surprised seeing the countenance of her father, Alpha Damien was one of the toughest men to have ever ruled the red moon pack, being her father, has been stressful with lots of training.

Her father was of the school of thought that a good leader could exemplify his words by his action. Thus the reason why she was standing here today.

She was to face the toughest pack soldier, in a bid to determine if she was worthy of wearing the glorious crown and ready to be referred to as Luna.

Turning to look at her opponent, Nadir knew that Ceballos was a very soldier that had been trained first hand by her father.

She sized him up once more, taking in the extent of his height, which she estimated to be around seven feet. He had a large muscled arm and facially, Ceballos had multiple scars on his face. One of the scars was so long that it crossed his left eye, almost making him blind. He had gotten it in a fight between the red moon pack and the rogues, who had the intention to invade and take control of the pack.

Suddenly, the loud gong sounded and Nadir tried to remove all-atom of nervousness off her body. From her peripheral vision, she could see her father standing up to address the crowd, who were cheering none stop for her.

The moment Alpha Damien stretched his right hand forward, the entire arena went mute, with only the winds, still making a sound.

"Greetings great members of Red moon pack, today is one important day in the pack, as we all stand to watch our dearest soon to be Luna, engage the most finest soldier in combat, to determine her worthiness for the crown." One thing Nadir could not still get over about her father, was how his voice had the tone of authority laced in them.

"This has been the practice for so many years, we use this to determine honour and value of people with royal blood. So without any more time wasting, let the great battle begin" The arena erupted into a loud cheer.

Nadir looked at Ceballos for a moment, calculating the best possible moves he could start with. She had once seen him fight in the arena before and so many could not withstand him, due to his speed, power and agility.

One thing Nadir had learnt from her father, was never to attack the opponent first. Her father had instructed her to always wait for the opponent strike first, before she can think of doing anything.

Ceballos wasted no time in going after Nadir. Using her shield, she blocked the incoming sword strike that would have definitely caused her much harm.

The impact of that strike, almost causing her to loose her shield. She muttered some curse words, before trying to comport herself. She had believed that her father would allow them shift and battle in their werewolf form, but that wasn't the case.

Ceballos was swift as a cat as he gave a double strike with his sword, the first being blocked from the shield and the next strike, she dodged it from having any impact on her.

Some part of the crowd were in support of Ceballos, and Nadir wasn't surprised as he had always caught the eyes of most people as a skilled fighter.

"Your highness hasn't made a single strike since the beginning of this combat, does this mean that you are a coward?" Nadir was aware of another fact that Ceballos loved using against his opponent and that was playing the mind game.

"Say all you want, I will be the last person standing here today" Nadir proclaimed and it seemed to have propelled Ceballos as he rushed after her. Sleekly, Nadir dodged yet another of his strikes, but not without leaving a mark on his hips.

"Damn!" He exclaimed, holding his injured hips and then giving Nadir a nasty glare. This was exactly were Nadir was good at. Her ability to taunt her opponent with basic strikes and then making them frustrated.

Ceballos once again launched another attack and this time, Nadir stood up to the attack as the duo exchange sword contacts, the impact making a loud sound.

Ceballos was gaining the upper hand as he was much stronger and faster. Nadir couldn't match his pace as the last strike broke her sword.

The crowd reaction was wild as they watched Nadir's sword broke into two and fell to the ground. When Nadir turned to look at her father, there was no expression written on his face... Well literally because on a more closer look, Nadir noticed a look of disappointment in his eyes.

"What is going to be now your highness? You clearly can't beat me without your sword....so I will give you one chance to drop your shield and surrender honorably for that will be much better than the humiliation that awaits you if you refuse" Nadir folded her hands in fist and constant tried to remind herself that it was all part of his mind game.

Suddenly his eyes caught on to the blood drippiy from his hip side and an idea came to her head. She would lure him to attack and if she could give a quick jab to his hips, he would certainly be weakened.

"Come on boy, why don't you stop the too much talk and give in your actions" Ceballos looked at Nadir like someone who was crazy, but attacked.

The moment he was about striking her with the sword, Nadir dodged once more and then accomplished her plan by hitting him on the hips, this time she heard his wolf growl in pain.

"What is the matter Ceballos? Can't fight without the assistance from your wolf?" He attacked once more and just like she did prior, she threw another punch to his hips and this time, she felt the impact herself as Ceballos dropped to the floor, his sword leaving his hand in the process.

Before Ceballos could rush to get the sword, Nadir moved it away from his reach and placed her foot on his body.

"Are you going to surrender now or should I make you pass out?" She asked, as the entire crowd cheered.

"A soldier never gives up, he fights till the...." A loud crack was heard as Nadir stomped his head to the sands.

The entire arena erupted in a loud joy and when Nadir turned again to look at her father, he simply nodded his head, meaning he was impressed by her act.

*

Later that evening, everyone gathered at the rock of transition, where all werewolf of royal blood are crowned.

The moment Nadir stepped out of her own cave and came forward before the crowd, a loud round of applause engulfed the environment.

"Today has been the very best day in Red moon pack, with Nadir having to defeat the most skilled soldier here in Red moon pack, she is officially ready to wear the crown" Alpha Damien turned to look at his daughter and then asked silently;

"Are you ready for this?" Nadir was never ready for anything in her life as she was at the present moment.

"Yes Alpha" She said, making reference to her father's symbol of authory.

Alpha Damien stretched forth his hand and made a big cut with a knife he collected from his beta and then made the same cut on Nadir's hand, causing blood to drip out and they bother exchanged their blood.

"From the days of the first of the first Alpha till this very moment, there has always been the blood infusion into the next ruler of this pack. Today I have done the same ritual that has been done since time immemorial and now, for the final lap of this ceremony, you are to lead the entire pack into a long sprint across the field of the pack.

Ensure that you do this sprint within the jurisdiction of this pack" Alpha Damien instructed her and she nodded appropriately knowing just exactly what to do.

Nadir rushed back into the cave and then shifted into her very gigantic wolf, it had thick furs and for most of the pack members that have seen her wolf before, they carved a name for it; the night demon.

When she stepped out of the cave, she wasn't surprised seeing that most of the pack members had also shifted into their wolves, except for Alpha Damien and her mother, who is expected to stay behind.

"Go on" He urged her and Nadir noddedz turning to the entire pack members who were waiting for an instruction. She howled toward the full moon and the entire pack members did the exact same thing too.

After series of howling, she stepped down from the cave and took the lead for the sprint and the entire pack members followed suite too.

During the sprint, Nadir turned around to see the number of members that were right behind her and she was bewildered, knowing that the moment her father passed away, she would be leading this people.

CHAPTER TWO

It has been days after the coronation and today, the pack was hosting series of visitors from other pack as instructed by Alpha Damien, to commiserate her coronation.

Nadir was standing on the top of the pavement, watching as everyone conversate amongst themselves. The thought of knowing that she was officially Luna of the pack and also the awareness that she was also going to carry out the burden of the pack on her shoulder soon, made her nervous.

Suddenly she felt arms wrapped around her waist. She didn't need to turn around to know that it was her mother.

Luna Adriana was perhaps the most fairest woman in all of red moon pack. Most of the pack me loved her for her generousity and her ability to always be compassionate.

Whenever Nadir looked at her mother, she felt she was staring at the reflection of her older self. One could easily mistake their identity to be that of sisterhood.

"Why are you standing here all by yourself?" Adriana asked.

"Nothing much mother, I just felt like having a quiet time here" Adriana turned her daughter around and then stared at her intently, saying;

"I know you very well dear, you are trouble and i can see it on your face. So tell me, what is the problem?" Before she could reply, Alpha Damien was right beside them, holding his mate by her waist.

"What is going on here" He said, after kissing Adriana on her forehead. Nadir wondered when she would ever have a mate to cuddle her.

"Nothing much, we are just having a mother daughter talk" Adriana replied, winking at Nadir, who got the message and also smiled.

"Well, if you say so, I am going out to meet some of the pack members" Alpha Damien kissed her once again on the forehead and pat Nadir on the back, before heading out of the room.

"Mother, I am just nervous knowing that I would soon be leading this place as a leader and most of these people would definitely have burdens that I would need to carry."

"Oh dear, why are you bothered by all these things? I want you to understand that in as much that you have been able to listen to your father's instructions and teaching, I believe you will be able to do things that no one else can do" Nadir was about to reply, when there was a loud cry from outside and both Adriana and Nadir, rushed out to check what it was.

*

When Nadir and Adriana stepped out, they gasped in shock seeing the dead body of Alpha Damien.

Adriana rushed through the crowd that was about forming to hold the body of her mate. She burst into a loud cry, seeing him lifeless.

Nadir was frozen by the scene before her, she couldn't understand what happened, there was no single blood. It wasn't until Adriana removed a wolf band that had been excessively injected into his body.

"Oh my God!" Beta Jason exclaimed, seeing the object in Adriana hands. "Who would have done such artricious act?" He asked, getting no reply.

Adriana was still crying out loud, holding the body of her mate dearly on her arms. Nadir fought the urge to cry.

"Get his body inside" She instructed. Two of the pack soldiers approached her dead father, but were quick to hold back as Adriana growled loudly at them.

"No one dares touch my mate," She said in the midst of a pain striken face. Nadir understood her mother's pain.

"I will advise that you all leave this place at once!" She ordered to the pack members that had gathered and surprisingly, they left.

"Mother, let's get father inside," She said, having approached her.

"What is the essence of living without your father Nadir?" She asked, her eyes dripping more tears.

"I understand mother, and I swear by the moon goddess that his death would be avenged, all I need you to do is just step aside, let the guard take his body please." Nadir pleaded to his mother.

After some minutes, Adriana eventually stood up and allowed the guards take Alpha Damien's body to his chamber. Nadir held her mother tight as they followed the guards to the chamber.

When the guards had laid his body on the bed, they left the room, leaving Adriana, Nadir and Beta Jason in the room.

"Please if you don't mind Jason, we will like to have a moment here" Nadir said pleadingly to him and the latter understood perfectly and bowed in courtesy before leaving.

"How someone would have accomplished such an evil act is beyond my comprehension" Nadir commented as Adriana, went to take her place beside the body of Alpha Damien.

"I swear by the gods that if the culprit is ever found, I will tore them limb by limb, with my bare hands" Adriana commented, making gestures to what she was saying.

"Mother, be rest assured that I will personally see to it that the bastard is found" Nadir was determined to find the culprit and she wasn't going to keep mercy in her record book, while having to deal with the person.

"I don't feel too good" Adriana suddenly said, holding her head in pain. Nadir was quick to come over to her said.

"Mother you need to rest" She commented.

"Rest? Why your father is here laying dead? I can't believe my life without him" She replied

"Mother don't say something like that, you will be fine that I am certain about" Nadir wasn't ready to loose her mother yet.

*

After the tragic event of the following day, Adriana had fallen ill, thus leaving Nadir to take over the mantle of leadership, judging from the fact that she had been coronated as Luna.

Today she summoned for Beta Jason and Gamma Levi, in a bid to make discussion over the possible way to investigate the death of her father.

"Luna, I strongly believe that whoever had done this, made the perfect timing" Levi commented and Nadir tried to reason from what he had just said and there was no denying that there was element of truth in them.

Alpha Damien was the strongest wolf in the pack and it would take supernatural abilities to just inject Jim with excessive wolf bane.

While they were still talking, Nadir suddenly smelt the most beautiful scent she had ever seen, it was like being in heaven. She tried to stay calm but the smell continued to grow on her nose and her wolf was suddenly jumping within her, causing her to wonder what could possibly be happening.

"Uhmm...Luna?" Beta Jason called, noticing the uncomfortability she was facing and Nadir simply smiled saying;

"I am fine.....can you excuse me for a moment, I want to check out something" She said, standing up from the couch she was seating.

Not waiting for any of their approval, she ran outside the Alpha's mansion, following the scent as her wolf continue to be elated within her.

She round up at a particular corner in the pack and she can to a halt, her entire body frozen up by the sight before her.

Nadir felt like she was dreaming, seeing the frame standing before her. He was perhaps the most beautiful thing she had ever laid eyes upon.

Standing before was a man with a thick black hair and with a heavily muscular body, that reminded her of all the mythological god Odin that she had read one time in the library.

Nadir watched as he approached her slowly, taking in her entire frame. Not only was he heavily built, he was also tall and she felt like a tiny being right before him.

"Mate!" He pronounced and at that moment, Nadir realized why all this while, her wolf had been elated, it was because she felt the pull to her mate.

Nadir suddenly stepped forward, closing the last space that separate them together. Staring into his eyes were like staring into the eyes of the multiple waves that graced an ocean. They were alluring and Nadir found herself lost in them.

"This is too good to be true." Nadir finally found her voice and stated.

"You are too good to be true." He replied, cupping her cheek. This single act sent shivers down Nadir's body and she felt her entire body, wanting him.

"What is your name mate?" He asked.

"Nadir Damien Channon, I am the Luna of this pack." She pronounced, her eyes still on his own.

"You can call me Xyla."

CHAPTER THREE

Nadir and Xyla returned back to Nadir's pack after exchanging a romantic moments. Nadir almost got lost away as she was about kissing him. She reminded herself that she had just met him and they needed to know each other before she could think of having to kiss him.

When they arrived at the mansion, Nadir watched the reaction that graced Xyla's face, it was one of amazement and bewilderment.

"This place is beautiful" He remarked seeing the beautiful interior that graced every inch of the wall.

"Well this is where I and my family live" Nadir thought of going to show Xyla to her mother,but then thought it would be better to inform her first before bringing him in.

"Make yourself comfortable, I will be right back" Nadir commented and Xyla did as was told.

Nadir rushed out of the living room amd head upstairs to where her mother had locked herself. Ever since the demise of Nadir's father, Adriana had been like this and she was also on medications as prescribed by the doctor, who believed that she needed the maximum rest that she could get.

Nadir knocked gently on the door and opened it to see her mother laying on the bed, face staring at the ceiling.

She approached her cautiously and sat beside her, holiding her hand.

"Mother, for how long are you going to sulk over this, I am not a narcissist but the truth is dad is gone and there is nothing any of us can do about it" Adriana stared at Nadir for some moments and chuckled, saying;

"You are only saying this, because you don't know the effect of loosing a mate" Nadir could not imagine herself loosing Xyla, she could go mad.

"Talking about mates, I just found mine" Adriana turned to look at Nadir once more

"Really?" She asked.

"Yes mother and he is seated at the living room this moment. Mind if I bring him to the room?" Nadir asked excitedly.

"Please do I will be waiting" Adriana stated, causing Nadir to head out do the room to go get Xyla.

When she arrived at the living room, Xyla was still looking around the living room, running his hands through some of the paintings available.

"Seems you love art?" She asked, startling him.

"Yea I do love paintings" Xyla replied, with a smile that melt Nadir heart.

"So, my mom would love to meet with you."

"Sure, let's go meet her" Nadir extended her hand and Xyla smiled, taking it. She ignored the spark that was in them as she walked side by side with him.

"Uhmm...before we enter, there are few things I will need you to know, first we are going through some rough stuffs at the moment, due to the fact that my dad died just few days ago"

"Oh my days! I am so sorry to hear that" Xyla commented, a look of pity gracing his face.

"It is alright. So my mom could be triggered by any of these memories, thus I will advice you don't ask about him."

"I got it" Xyla replied and Nadir smiled at him, before they finally open the door and the duo stepped inside.

*

When Adriana laid eyes on Xyla, she felt a very dark aura around him, making her uncomfortable. She couldn't understand why she was feeling this way.

"Uhmm Mom, meet Xyla my mate" Nadir announced and Adriana watched as Xyla bowed in courtesy.

Adriana didn't make any comment, she was just staring at Xyla, trying to figure out what was so strange about him that's she didnt like.

"Uhmm Mom?" Nadir drew her attention back to reality and that was when she realized that he was getting uncomfortable under her gaze.

"Where are you from?" Adriana suddenly asked.

"Greenwood pack" Xyla replied promptly.

Adriana had heard of greenwood pack but she hadn't been to the place herself.

"So, what do you think?" Nadir asked excitedly.

"Can I have a word with you for a moment Nadir?" Adriana asked. Nadir turned to look at Xyla and then back to her mother,before eventually sighing in disbelief, she had no choice but to answer to her call.

"Let me get him out, I will be right back" Nadir commented, holding the hands of Xyla and then pushing him out of the room.

After some minutes, Xyla returned back to the room and made her way to her .om's bed and sat down right before her.

"What is it you want to talk to me about?" She asked.

"I don't know why, but the moment he entered the room, I felt this weird aura around him" Nadir looked at her mother strangely and asked;

"What are you talking about?"

"Look Nadir, I know he is your mate, but you need to be weary of him" Nadir stared at her mother in disbelief.

"Mom, this is my mate we are talking about, he would definitely not hurt me? Aside the mate bond, I am also capable of handling any of his excesses" Adriana sighed, knowing her daughter wasn't getting what she was talking about.

"Look, all I am saying is that you stay careful of him, I don't trust people like him, they disguise themselves and then..."

"Mother! Please I would not have you talk to my mate in such manner." Nadir felt herself yelling at her mother.

Adriana was not surprised, she knew the effect of the mate bond and how it usually affect people's way of thinking.

"All I am just saying is you stay careful."

"Mom, you never stayed careful when you found out dad was your mate..." Adriana gasped and Nadir realized the gravity of what she had just said.

"Mom I didn't mean it that way."

"Get out!" Adriana said, growling at her daughter. Nadir sighed knowing that she had hit a deep wall in her mother's heart.

Upon stepping out of the room, she heard sobs coming out and Nadir felt sadness embracing her. She couldn't have made that statement, bringing memories of her father would definitely shatter her mom.

When she came back to the living room, Xyla was seated carefully looking around the house again.

"Seems your mom doesn't like me" Xyla commented.

"No, of course she likes you, it's just that she is going through alot at the moment" Nadir stated, feeling bad once more knowing that her mother would probably be in there still crying.

********

It was a bright sunny day and Nadir was beyond elated; the reason not far fetched from the fact that Xyla had promised to take her out on a speed boat that they had hired. She was not only beginning to have feelings for this man, she is also beginning to understand him and thus trust had been built.

As the speedboat docked, Nadir could barely stay in her seat. Her leg shook as her anxiety spiked but the smile that had graced her face half an hour before had yet to falter.

Before she could jump from the boat, Xyla grabbed her hips and lifted her into the air, stepping onto the dock.

Setting her back on her feet, she immediately started to run towards the beach town. Xyla lurched forward and snagged her wrist tightly. He yanked her backwards and steadied her stumbling form as she bumped into him.

"What was that for?" She whined, pushing the sunglasses up her nose and frowning at him.

"You have to stay by my side, no running off, remember if anything happens to you, I will be the one to be blame." He reminded her, his hand linking with hers and keeping her close.

"Smile on, babe there is no need to frown. I have the pack soldiers stationed across" he said, kissing her deeply in the middle of the stone street.

For some days now, both have been getting comfortable with each other to the extent of even cuddling and smooching themselves. Nadir wondered if she would be the same if she opted to leave Xyla at this point.

Further, into the town, Xyla led Nadir into a restaurant which he was familiar with and always come to most times when he touched down town. The manager noticed the couple from across the dining space and quickly bustled up to them.

"Mr Xyla, how can I help you today?" He asked, his thick accent making Nadir smile.

"A rooftop table would be appreciated Mr. Noble" Xyla answered.

"Of course, right this way!" The man nodded happily, hobbling up red-carpeted stairs. At the top, he held open a door that revealed a beautiful rooftop patio and bar.

The umbrella-covered tables had a perfect view of the city that stretched to the water. Nadir gasped at the sight, her eyes locked on the water and mountains in the distance, their peaceful and natural beauty capturing her full attention.

Xyla pulled her to the table next to the metal railing, his grin wide as she remained stunned by the view.

"Will this table due, Mr. Xyla?" the owner asked, gesturing to the table pressed against the railing and facing towards the shoreline.

"This will be perfect, thank you. Mr. Noble" Xyla shook his hand as he pulled out the chair for Nadir to sit in.

She smiled and thanked him softly as she tucked her skirt under her legs. He took the seat opposite her and watched her admire the view.

Her eyes were hidden by the expensive shades but he could tell that there were closed as she basked in the sun and the smell of the sea mixed with the cologne that emitted from her mate's body

"Happy?" He asked her casually. She nodded quickly, her smile growing as she turned to face him.

"I need this. I have been stir crazy for far too long" She laughed, he couldn't help but smile back.

Her happiness and willingness to continue to hold conversations with him made his heart feel warmer every time.

A waiter quickly approached them, handling them both menus and conversing with Xyla.

Nadir sat awkwardly as she flipped through the dishes that she struggled to decipher.

"How about some simple Spaghetti dish" Xyla asked her as he noticed her struggle.

"Yes please" She nodded quickly, handing the menu to the smiling young man taking their orders.

"And your finest champagne to top it off" Xyla added as he nodded to the waiter in approval.

The boy nodded and disappeared from the rooftop with the slip of paper containing their orders. Xyla remained focused on Nadir as she watched the city below and beyond where she was seated.

He chuckled at her awe and almost childlike behavior. It started to sink in for him that he really had never felt this great in a while.

"Enjoying your time out and about?" He asked, settling back into the wicker chair. Nadir gave him the most genuine smile he had yet to see her wear and nodded frantically.

"It is beautiful," she sighed, her chin resting on her hands. "I have never been outside of my pack. Even then, the places we have been wasn't as exciting and fun filling to visit as this one" she explained happily.

They dugged into the meal comfortably; Nadir was enjoying the meal and she could categorically say that this was the best spaghetti she had tasted in her entire life.