The Long Lost Luna

Layla

The night was thick with mist like a secret whispered among the trees. People were scattered here and there along the streets. I walked through the shadows, each step soft as a raindrop. I could not imagine a day worse than the one I was having, not knowing that what was yet to come was even greater. It felt like the universe suddenly decided that I deserved to suffer. I had walked to five supermarkets, and not one of them had my favorite chili sauce. What a terrible thing to happen to someone.

With a defeated look, I decided to visit Emira. She is my best friend, my only friend actually. She and her uncle have been like family to me. Her uncle's mansion was located away from other houses, a weird setting, but a beautiful place nonetheless.

The forest gave me an eerie feeling with the moonlight reflecting on the trees, giving them a silver glow. I walked the familiar path leading to the back of the mansion, a passage Emira and I created for me to sneak in whenever I was visiting and they had many guests. Although it seemed like they always had guests, I can't remember the last time I walked through the front door.

'How careless were you to have sustained such a scratch?' Emira scolded me like I was a naughty ten-year-old.

'It's not that serious. I just missed my step while searching for the ladder.' I pouted my lips to make her smile at me. She can never really be mad at me; she just likes to scold me a lot because I am careless. I scratched my hip against the rough bushes when I was looking for my ladder, but Emira was helping me patch it up like the angel she is.

'Fine. You know I can't stay angry with you for long. Anyways, what are you doing here? Why didn't you call first? You're lucky you caught me in my room. You should have given me a heads-up.' She complained about my presence for the first time ever, taking me by surprise.

'Sheesh. I had a bad day and I decided to come over to the one place that makes me feel better, only to be cast away for stopping by.' I added a dramatic sob and cleaned fake tears, and Emira just laughed.

'Dramatic much. We are hosting the heads of various organizations my uncle works with. It's kind of an important event.' She scratched the back of her neck nervously as she explained.

'Wow! Sounds very important. You're right, I should have called.' There was silence for a while before I spoke.

'My aunty texted me that she was caught up and couldn't make it in time for my birthday tomorrow.' I explained with a sad tone to my voice.

'I have never been alone on my birthday. I know I'm clocking 21, but I still didn't want to be alone, that's why I came by.' She sighed in response.

'Come here.' She invited me for a hug with her arms spread wide open.

'I didn't mean to snap at you, you know you're always welcome here anytime any day.' I smiled in response before I remembered something.

'Seems like a very important function down there.' I reminded her.

'Yes, it is.' She continued.

'And that is why you are going to be a darling and stay in here and not run into anybody till it's all over because the most important guest of the night just arrived. I'll be back in time to wish you a happy birthday.' She started to leave the room.

'Wait, how can you expect me to stay here all alone without food and......She left and shut the door before I could complete my sentence.

I was very convinced Emira had a death wish for me. Because if not, how could she lock me in a room without food? I heard my stomach grumbling and my eyes started to fail me. I had to look for food, even if she said not to go out. I had come too far in life to just die of hunger in my best friend's room. I peeked out through a crack in the door to see if the hallways were clear. Everyone was at the banquet, so I was free to go. The kitchen is on the floor below this one, at least one out of the many kitchens is. I made my way to the stair hall and checked to see if the coast was clear and was met with pin-drop silence. I made myself a sandwich and finished it all up in the kitchen since there was no one else.

With a full stomach and a bottle of juice, I was finding my way back to the room when I felt someone's presence. I looked back to see no one, but I was sure I wasn't alone.

I began to panic because Emira made it clear to remain unseen by any other person other than Emira and her uncle. Out of instinct, I opened the door to the next room I saw and shut the door without any noise, hoping to hide away for a while till the person left.

It was pitch dark inside, but by my knowledge of this mansion, this level has just the kitchen, a dining hall, and some storage rooms. This must be one of the storage rooms. Just as I was about to relax against the door to listen for footsteps, the lights came on.

'Sh*t' That was all I could muster because my cover has finally been blown.

I was too focused on being followed; I didn't realize that I was not alone. After being temporarily blinded by the lights, my eyes began to adjust only to see the most handsome man I have ever seen standing right in front of me. He looked like he walked out of one of my fashion magazines.

'Oh wow, this is such a lovely place...how on earth did I get here?' I quickly came up with the excuse of being lost to get out of this situation. The last thing I want is for Emira to get in trouble because of me.

'If you think that weak attempt of feigning ignorance is going to convince me, then you must be more stupid than you look.'

His deep baritone voice almost distracted me from the pain I felt in my chest at his words......keyword being almost.

'Ouch! You don't have to be that rude. What are you doing here? I don't recall ever seeing you around, and outsiders aren't meant to be on this floor.' I demanded answers from him while crossing my arms close to my chest. I caught his eyes moving to my chest for a split second before they returned to my eyes. Pervert.

'Who are you? I've never seen you in Emira's house before.' I asked the handsome stranger again.

'The more important question is, what is a human doing in a pack house? Your kind isn't allowed to mingle with ours, so what business do you have here, or rather, who are you here for?

'Pack? Human? What are you talking about? You're also human. And what do you mean pack? This is my best friend Emira's house. It's almost my birthday and I'm here to celebrate it with her. You are starting to freak me out' I stared at him like he had two heads. What was he going on about? Nothing he said made sense.

'Answer me human, if you do not desire things to get ugly for you.' He said with a snarky look on his handsome features. What is it with him calling me human? Isn't he a human too?

'I am...Who are you to question me if I may ask?' I dreaded his answer to that question because, by the look of confidence on his face, I could tell he was someone in a powerful position. He may be the president of some company or something. I couldn't wait for his response. I turned to run out of the room, and I was almost successful until he grabbed my wrist and I felt it.

The sparks, the heat, the cold, the shivers. I had never felt so many feelings at once before. I turned my upper body slowly to look at him. He felt it too. His stare bore deep into my soul, and I could feel a strange attachment to him, like a string.

I have read enough novels to know the meaning of the word that left his lips next.

'MATE'

Layla

I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

'Omg, you're so funny. you should start comedy.' I laughed for a little while before realizing I was laughing alone.

'I mean, you're very funny, but how are you so funny and so uptight at the same time?' I questioned him genuinely. I think my question angered him judging by the veins that popped on his forehead and neck.

'Do I look or sound like I'm joking?' He was practically fuming at this point.

'Look, I don't have time for games. I just had a filling sandwich and I need to rest my feet.' I tried to walk around him to get to the door, but he stepped in my way. Before I could process what was going on, I felt my body fly across the room and land on the floor with a painful thud. Cleaning utilities were flying everywhere because I was flung onto a shelf.

'How? How?' He yelled angrily.

'How could I be mated to an ordinary and weak human? Why does the moon goddess hate me so much?'' He shouted bitterly.

'From my novel knowledge, the universe hates us both because I have no idea why I should be forced to be with someone as arrogant and self-absorbed as yourself.' I couldn't make sense of what was going on, but I dislike people that belittle others, and this guy, whatever his name is, and whoever he is, falls into this category. I could not bear to be around him anymore, so I struggled to pick myself off the ground and walk out, but he had other plans.

'You should be grateful to belong to someone like me. I should be the one pitied for being paired with a lowlife like you.' He was about to continue spewing out his nonsense before I interrupted him.

'And who exactly are you to say that?' I had to feed my curiosity, so I could know what I was dealing with. But now, I wish I never did.

'I am Damian Hyde.' I knew exactly who he was, or at least I thought I did.

'And who exactly are you, Damian Hyde?' The veins on his forehead popped at my rude tone and I found it kind of funny.

Damian Hyde owns multiple businesses and is one of the most successful businessmen in the world, at least that's what the internet says. But how does that affect me? What more am I meant to know about him that I don't know?

'Hey, let go of me.' I struggled and kicked against him as he suddenly grabbed me and started to forcefully drag me out of the storage room.

'Let go of me, you arrogant b*st*rd.' He stopped to give me a look that shut me up immediately. His eyes which were previously grey shone a bright gold color. I was so terrified that I let him drag me all the way down to the banquet hall.

Immediately the double doors opened, all eyes were on us. The chatter in the room died down immediately and I kept my head down to avoid further attention.

'Who let this thing in here? His voice boomed across the room, and I immediately locked eyes with Emmy. She looked scared and was about to step forward when her uncle, Charles got the attention of the crowd.

'I did.' Everyone parted and made way for him to walk forward.

'I expect better from the Beta of any pack under my command. How would you let a human in your pack house?' All this didn't make sense. I refused to believe the one thing that was staring me in the face. It couldn't be through.

'I still don't understand what is going on.' I pointed out to Damian.

'How would you! After all, you are just a lowlife human who has absolutely no idea of half of the happenings of the world.' Why does he have to be mean all the time?

'Hey hey mister, for your information, I am very aware of the happenings of this world, and last time I checked, this building is called a mansion, and not a pack house or whatever it is you mentioned before, I think you are the one who needs a reality check.' I crossed my arms on my chest and pouted angrily at him.

'This is my best friend's place, and I can visit her whenever I please, and I don't know who you think you are to come and be throwing questions and giving orders like you own the place.' He was fuming with rage. The hall was pin-drop silent, and I could hear him breathe angrily. He turned and barged out of the hall, several people going along with him.

'That's right, get out before....mmmmm' I felt a hand cover my mouth which muffled my words. Emira was shutting me up and dragging me out of the hall with her.

'Heyy, I wasn't done giving him a piece of my mind.' I whined as soon as she uncovered my mouth.

'Are you crazy Layla? Do you know who that is?' I scoffed at her question.

'Am I crazy? Or is everyone crazy? How the hell am I supposed to know who he supposedly is when you've never said anything about him before. And then this whole calling your uncle's mansion a "pack house" and calling me ''Mate", I would definitely say you all are the crazy ones.' I responded angrily without missing a beat. When I didn't hear her come back, I looked up to find her staring wide-eyed with her mouth open.

'Wh..wh..what..what do you mean he called you Mate? What exactly happened?' I scoffed.

'Really, that's all you could pick from my rants.'

'Answer the question Layla.' Emira spoke so sternly, I had never seen this side of her before now.

'Fine. I went to get me a sandwich since you left me to starve to death.' She rolled her eyes at my comment.

'Then I felt like I was being followed, so I ducked into the nearest room, following your order that I mustn't be seen by anyone. I was so focused on who was following me that I didn't sense the presence of another person in the room. The lights suddenly came on and I turned to face him. Our hands mistakenly touched, and I felt a sensation I had never felt before. It was very overwhelming and the next thing I heard him say was, Mate.' I recounted the events of earlier to her, still trying to make sense of the situation.

'Layla' She started and hesitated a bit.

'Come and sit.' We were back at Emira's room for some privacy.

'I want you to calm down and listen to what I am about to say carefully.' She turned to face me and took my hands in hers.

'Emira, what's going on? Why are you acting like someone died?' I questioned her, worried by her sudden change in demeanor.

'Promise me you won't freak out at what I am about to tell you.' She asked again in an unusually calm manner.

'Emmy, stop doing this. Tell me what is going on and why you're suddenly like this.'

'I've kept the truth from you for so long, but it's time you finally heard it.' I silently urged her to continue.

'Uncle Charles and I.....We are werewolves.'

Layla

I laughed so loudly. Emira had to be the funniest person ever.

'Seriously girl! Quit it. You almost got me.' I exclaimed, still laughing.

'I'm not joking around Layla. This is Silver Moon pack house. My uncle is the Beta of this pack, and that person you met, he is the most dangerous creature existing on this planet.' I stared at her, waiting to see a trace of humor or silliness, but there wasn't any on her face.

'So, you're telling me now that werewolves do exist?' I asked, unable to comprehend the situation.

'Yes, Layla. You weren't supposed to find out this way.' She bowed her head and sighed.

'I mean the big furry kind in the kids' books.' I explained, hoping this as some sort of misunderstanding.

'Wow! You have got to be kidding me. Can you hear yourself, Emira? How on earth can werewolves be real? What more, vampires and witches exist too?' I asked rhetorically, but the look on Emira's face answered my question.

'You have got to be kidding me. What else do I not know about?' I asked frustratedly.

'You know what, don't answer that question. I'd rather not know.' Before I could continue talking, a knock sounded on the door.

'Come in.' Emira said to whoever was behind the door.

The door opened to reveal one of the staff, who I now suspected to also be a werewolf.

'The king has requested your presence.' Emira stood up almost immediately.

'Okay, give me a minute.' She moved to wear a coat over her dress when the staff cleared his throat.

'What is it?' She asked with apprehension.

'The King requests Layla, not you Emira.' He said cautiously and my eyes widened as saucers.

'You have got to be kidding me. I don't want to spend one more second in that arrogant prick's presence. Tell him he can s*ck d*ck.' I huffed and turned away from the shocked staff to meet Emiras' disapproving glance. I rolled my eyes and looked away.

'Could you give us a moment please?' The staff nodded politely and stepped out.

'Layla, I know this is a lot for you to take in, but things work differently in our world. When the King summons, you answer immediately. You have even wasted enough time to attract grave consequences. You........

'What do you mean grave consequences? Will he kill me for answering him late? Clearly, he is a spoilt brat who has had everything handed to him in life and......Emiras' hand covered my mouth before I could continue.

'Layla, I need you to take this seriously. Whatever you say or do may lead to problems for my uncle and the pack.' She told me seriously and it made me calm.

'Seriously? I didn't know. I'm sorry Emmy, I'll be nice from now on.' I tried to assure her when I saw the fear in her eyes.

'You and I both know you can't be nice but try not to get our pack in trouble. I love you.' I giggled and she pulled me in for a hug.

'Wish me luck.' I broke the hug and stood up, ready to face the big bad Alpha.

'I wish him luck.' I laughed at Emmys' comment and opened the door to reveal the staff from earlier lurking.

'Let's go.' He nodded and silently led the way.

As we moved farther from Emira's room, my nervousness increased. It was almost as if I could feel his energy, like he had a hold on me. My forehead broke out a sweat and I quickly wiped it away. We stopped before a large oakwood door that I had never seen before, and the staff bowed and left. This is it; I have to be nice to prevent anything bad from happening to Emira and Uncle Charles. Would he really hurt them? I put my fears aside and opened the large doors to reveal the star of the show seated behind a large desk. This was an office, probably for the important people that came by the mansion. Although I won't be surprised if it was for the big bad Alpha alone.

'Your majesty.' I curtseyed in front of him, but he just rolled his eyes in response.

'Sit.' He said in a commanding tone.

'Sheesh, looks like something crawled up your *ss. I thought you royals liked that curtesy sh*t.' I commented as I sat across him. I didn't want to annoy him by disobeying him.

'I will ask you some questions, and you will answer with the truth.' I rolled my eyes at his tone. He could at least play nice.

'Fine. As long as I'm out of here on time.' He seemed to be annoyed by my constant eye roll, but I couldn't care less.

'Is Layla Rivera your real name?' He asked first and I stared at him dumbfounded. 'No, I am a secret agent and that's just my Layla Rivera is my cover name' is the response I wanted to give but I held back my sarcasm. Wait a minute, how did he get my real name?

'Who told you my real name? Are you stalking me?' I fired him with questions because I know he hadn't spoken to Emira and Uncle Charles since I met him.

'Next question, do you come from a family of werewolves but didn't get a wolf?' I stared at him annoyed.

'I literally found out werewolves exist like ten seconds ago, how the hell would you ask a question like that?' I rolled my eyes at him again and his jaw ticked in anger.

'Question three, who are your parents?' I felt a pang in my chest as I thought about his question.

'I don't have any.' He stared at me with his dark eyes, expecting me to say more, so I sighed in defeat and explained.

' I lost my parents in a car accident when I was just three years old. I don't really remember what happened, but I was with them that night. Someone saved me, but before they could go back for my parents, the car exploded in flames. That's all I remember. There are no pictures or videos, so I can barely remember how they look. I have been living with my aunt ever since.' He stared at me as if debating whether to believe me or not.

'And where is this aunt of yours?' He asked. I looked at the clock and saw it was a little past midnight.

'She travelled earlier this week and was supposed to be back, but she texted me saying she wasn't going to make it in time for my birthday today.' I felt a pang of hurt in my chest as I have never spent any of my birthdays without her before this.

'Well, I have a birthday surprise for you, pack your bags, we leave at dawn.'

'What?????'