The True Luna Awakening

Ember walked into a beautiful moonlit night, her heart racing with anticipation. Tonight was the night of the full moon, and the Blackwood pack would gather to celebrate.

"Tonight's the night," she whispered to herself.

Ember's senses tingled; they were on high alert. She hid behind trees because she was looked upon as an outcast in the pack. Her wolf hadn't taken place yet.

She watched as everyone shifted into their wolf form. She smelled the scent of pine and wildflowers, which filled her nostrils; she could hear the sound of howling voices echoing through the trees. The pounding of their paws could be heard; she loved this night and wished she knew how it felt to be one of them.

When they all gathered to run and hunt under the moonlight, Ember caught sight of a special someone in the crowd: Asher Blackwood, the pack's alpha. His broad shoulders and chiselled features made her heart skip a beat, but his scent was different.

Asher caught sight of her; their eyes locked.

"MATE!" they exclaimed in unison.

For almost a year, Ember had secretly crushed on Asher; she admired him from afar. Tonight, she couldn't deny the attraction she felt any longer.

Asher's wolf form was glorious: his fur shimmering black coat seemed to glow in the moonlight. It was as if his wolf instincts noticed her and responded by wagging his tail.

Ember tried to make herself invisible by hiding in the forest shrubs, but she wasn't quick enough; Asher caught up with her.

Asher transformed into his human form and spoke to her.

"Lady, why are you hiding behind the bushes?"

"Uhmm, it's none of your business, but if you must know, there's this handsome werewolf I'm hiding from."

"Oh, really? Who is he, if I may ask?"

"The alpha of the Blackwood pack, Prince Asher. He noticed me, and I got shy; even though I can't explain why I'm hiding from him."

Ember turned to face the stranger she was talking to and got the greatest shock of her life.

"Wait, why am I even telling you?"

Ember turned around to face the stranger she was talking to and got the greatest shock of her life. She was about to run, but he grabbed her and pinned her to the tree.

"Your Ember, right?"

"Yes, my Prince."

"He knows my name, but how?"

"Who doesn't know Ember, the only beautiful young lady who hasn't transformed yet?"

"Oh."

Ember sounded disappointed.

"I don't mean it that way; you're unique in your own way, pretty too. If you don't transform today, it doesn't mean you won't transform another day."

"I've been wanting to talk to you for months, but I just didn't have the courage."

"What! Talk to me, why?"

He walked closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I think we could really be great together. I've never felt like this for anyone."

"But..."

"No buts, Ember; you're my mate."

"MATE! How, when? Don't try to pretend; what does your wolf say? Or don't you feel the electricity every time our eyes meet, your senses and body tingle, your heartbeat increases as if you're racing or running with someone? You saw the wagging of my tail. My wolf chose you, Ember, and yours too, because I saw the movement of your lips saying 'Mate' earlier."

"But, my Prince, even if I am your mate, I'm not good for you; I'm not of royal blood, nor does my family have noble blood flowing in them; your father will never accept me."

"It doesn't matter; don't talk so lowly about yourself, please. I'll take care of my father. All that matters right now is that the moon goddess chose you as my mate."

Before Ember could say a word, Asher leaned in and kissed her; her legs wobbled.

"It's as if the world around us melted away; I felt a spark, like electricity passing through my whole body, and my skin crawling. It was like my wolf was trying to pass a message to me."

"He's really my mate; I can't believe it."

As the night prolonged, they talked and laughed for a while, their connection growing. Ember felt like everything was happening too fast; was it a dream?

"So, you think I'm handsome?"

"Oh, no; he still remembers," her inner wolf spoke. "You're not wrong, Ember; Mate is handsome; be quiet, Meg."

"Ehmm, can we forget about everything I said earlier?"

"He smirks, while Ember's cheeks flushed with embarrassment."

"You're so cute when you're embarrassed."

"Ember, I'll do everything in my power to help you transform;

Two months later, everyone gathered, with Asher's father present and the special council too. It was time for Prince Asher to present his mate to them.

Asher came with Ember to the centre of the council, waiting for approval. However, King Mark, Asher's father, stood up and disapproved of their union.

"Ember Thornhill isn't one of us. You cannot end up with her; she's a risk to our pack's stability," King Mark declared.

Asher's heart raced at the bad development of their disapproval, his jaw clenched.

"This isn't fair, Father. How is she a threat to us? She was born and raised here. She's loyal, and just because she has some issues with transforming means she should be treated any less. My wolf chose her," Asher argued.

King Mark's expression became cold.

"Loyalty can be bought anytime, Asher. Loyalty, you say? What is a wolf that can't even transform into one?"

Ember stood quietly with teary eyes, motionless amidst the situation, as Asher held her hands tightly while her eyes were fixed on the floor.

She knew pack dynamics could be challenging, but to the extent of calling her an outcast in her own home? She felt broken.

"If only Mother and Father were here, I wouldn't be going through all this," she thought to herself.

She felt broken, unsure why the King was hostile towards her.

Caleb, Asher's beta, stood up and opposed King Mark's directives.

"Sire, Ember was born here; we all know that. She literally grew up here."

King Mark's gaze narrowed.

"We can't work with such speculations, Caleb. Trust is easily broken; we can't afford to take this risk with her. She's an outsider until we clarify her existence. Her parents died without a root cause. She'll remain an outsider until she proves to this council that she's one of us."

Asher was frustrated over his father's stupid verdict.

"You haven't even given her a chance yet, Father. She's the one my heart beats for; she's my mate, and she's the only one I want as a mate."

King Mark's voice softened but immediately regained his composure.

"Asher, you're the future of this clan, my heir, and the next alpha in line. You need a mate as powerful as you. Someone who will strengthen our pack, not weaken it. This girl you brought is barely one of us. What a weakling! I hereby disapprove of your union with her."

Ember felt a sting in her chest; the King was right - she'd never be good enough. He needed someone of royal blood, and she wasn't.

But Asher's defence gave her hope.

The council meeting was postponed for another time. Asher pulled Ember aside.

"I'm sorry, Ember. My father will never understand. All he thinks about is power and dominance."

Ember forced a smile.

"It's not just your father, Asher. The pack hates me. They all look down on me already. I'm an outcast here; I'm less of a wolf. I don't want to cause trouble."

Asher's eyes showed determination.

"You're not trouble, Ember. You're my mate. We won't give up; we'll find a way and make this work."

Later that night...

Ember changed into a white light gown, letting her hair down and rubbing scented oils all over her body. She lit candles and waited for Asher on his bed.

Asher came into his chamber; his senses exploded with the sweet scent of his mate... the smell of lavender and coconut. He looked around and saw her in a small white dress, her beautiful wavy hair let down, and he knew she wasn't wearing anything underneath.

She quickly stood up and spoke.

"Welcome back, Asher. I dressed up for you," she smiled.

Asher walked towards her direction, looking at her from head to toe, admiring her beauty.

In a swift moment, he pushed her to the wall and pinned her hands up.

"You tempt me, mate, but innocently. It's cute, and I like it."

He smelled her hair and kissed her neck.

"I want you, Ember. Do you want me too?"

"Yes, I do, Asher," she whispered into his ear.

"I'll always protect you."

He traced his fingers on her face and chest, his eyes burning with hunger, and kissed her all over.

Her breathing was faster than usual, while she swallowed hard.

"I'll be gentle, Ember."

He quickly swept Ember into his arms, carrying her to the bed.

He kissed her on the lips and neck until they became one, having a passionate night together.

The tension between them had been building up for months; tonight, they finally surrendered to their desires.

Asher's heart burned with intensity as he pulled Ember into his arms. The moon shone towards them with a glow, illuminating the love they shared for each other. As Ember's heart raced, her veins popping out, she had never felt this way before; she was melting into Asher's touch.

Ember's fingers got tangled in Asher's hair as she pulled him deeper into the kiss. Their tongues swirled in each other's mouths, and the passion built up.

Asher broke away from the kiss; he looked at her with hunger in his eyes. "Ember, I want you."

Ember's voice was barely audible. "I want you too, Asher."

Their bodies collided, entwined, as they poured out their love for each other with every touch. As they made passionate love, the moon shone brighter, giving a more silver glow. Asher's movements were slow and careful; Ember's body responded to every touch.

Their love burned with a brighter flame with every moment that passed. Ember's senses were out of this world; her heart beat so fast.

Asher whispered into her ear, "You're mine. My mate, Ember Thornhill. Forever."

Ember couldn't say a word; her response was lost in the kiss, their lips sealed together.

The night prolonged, and their passion built up and flowed like the waves on the ocean. Asher and Ember both lost themselves in each other; their love shone bright as the stars.

Later, they lay entwined, their hearts still racing fast. Asher's fingers traced Ember's face as he looked at her with adoration.

"I love you, and no one can change that, not even my father," Asher said.

Ember smiled. "I love you too. And I won't give up on our love."

They both drifted off to sleep, leaving behind a sky full of promises.

The next day, Ember woke up with a sad expression on her face. She had just had a dream, a vision of her future with her mate's family being a threat to their love.

"Hi, my love, I hope you had a good night's rest. I'll be back soon; don't miss me too much. I've gone to meet my father, so I can change his mind, then the council won't have a say in our affair. Meet me at our usual spot, Leavenworth waterfall," Asher's note read.

Ember's anxiety kicked in. She knew about Asher's determination, but she also knew how the pack and his father disliked her.

In King Mark's chamber, Asher stood before his father.

"Father, you summoned me?" Asher asked.

"Asher, you need to focus more on your duties as future alpha. Ember is a distraction," King Mark replied.

Asher clenched his jaw. His inner wolf, Ralph, roared at him.

"Ember is my mate, Father. I'll never abandon her," Asher declared.

King Mark's expression turned cold.

"You're putting the pack at great risk, Asher. You must choose between that girl and your duties," King Mark commanded.

Asher was in shock, his heart rebelling against his father's words.

Later that night, he went to meet Ember at their special place.

"What happened?" Asher's eyes locked with hers.

"My father," Asher began. "He has given me an ultimatum: choose between you or my duties as an heir to this land."

Ember's grip on his hand tightened.

"You won't, will you?" she asked, though she knew his answer already and the consequences of it, but she wanted to hear it from him.

Asher's face twisted with a confused look.

"I don't know, Ember. I'm torn," Asher admitted.

"It's like everyone is against our love," Ember said, her voice breaking. "You've been a blessing to my boring life. After the demise of my mother, I've always felt alone until you came. I can't see myself with anyone but you."

Ember was breaking as she spoke.

"I'll never ask you to choose between me and the pack, but I need to know whether you'll stand for us," Ember said.

"I will, Ember, I promise," Asher vowed.

Today was the day when the council decided Ember's and Asher's fate together.

Asher's eyes didn't shine bright as before; he had dark circles due to sleepless nights thinking of how to convince his father.

"Asher, please calm down; I'm getting a migraine already watching you walk around. Let's just go; everything will be fine," Ember said.

Asher and Ember were both present at the council unit.

King Mark spoke out.

"My son Asher's loyalty is divided. He must choose between Ember and the pack."

Caleb spoke up.

"But, sir, she has proven herself. She's loyal and strong."

The council debated.

Asher's heart pounded, hoping for luck to be on his side.

Finally, the decision was made.

King Mark made his declaration.

"Ember Thornhill is not suitable as the alpha mate, but instead, I present you with someone better: Lila Shadowglow. She is the one I approve of; she's the royal blood princess of the Darkhaven Pack. Her pack is an ally of ours, and she'll be of great benefit to us."

Asher and Ember both looked at each other, shocked at the King's announcement.

"Isn't she a stunning she-wolf?" the King laughed.

Lila had green eyes, just like the color of the trees, and showed signs of possessiveness.

"Why was she looking at my man, and why is he looking at her too?" Ember wondered.

Asher's stomach turned; his heart pounded in horror.

Lila was the last person he wanted as a mate; she wasn't trustworthy, a manipulator seeking power.

"Ember is the one I want, Father," Asher protested, his voice firm.

The King's expression turned cold.

"Ember is not suitable, Asher. She won't be good for you. Lila is pack-born, she's strong and loyal. She'll ensure our pack's future, unlike this girl you brought. We don't want commoners here, and if she's really one of us, she would've transformed a long time ago. She's 19, for God's sake; most wolves get theirs at 16, if one is late, then 18."

Lila's eyes showed excitement; her voice praised the King.

"I'm honored to be chosen, Your Majesty. I promise to stand by your son's side and support him as a mate should."

"Gosh, she is disgusting," Ember thought. "This wolf didn't care about me, all she wanted was power and control.

Ember's presence beside him was the only thing keeping him grounded. He reaches for her hands but the king intervenes.

"Asher's anger boiled. 'I won't accept. Ember is my mate and I'll fight for her". I chose her.

King Mark's face darkened. " you won't disobey me son, you'll do as you're told. If not, I'll make her disappear.

You wouldn't dare

Try me and see.

Lila smiled, her smile grew wilder, "I'll make sure Asher understands his duties".

Asher's heart sank deep. His father was like a blow to him, but why? Why so much hate on Ember... to the extent of sacrificing his happiness.

Ember's grip on Asher's hands tightened. "We'll figure something out, 'she whispered quietly.

He nodded, his heart torn into pieces. His Father's betrayal was too deep.

That same day at night, Asher confronted his father.

Why are you doing this father?. "Do you have a riff with Ember's family or you're just doing this for selfish reasons?".

King Mark didn't budge at his son's outburst, his face wasn't readable. "I'm doing what's best for you and the pack Asher".

How is Lila the best for me?

She's a princess, her family and ours are allies. Our both families partnering together would be the most feared for generations to come.

Asher's voice cracked, you're tearing me apart. You did all this just for power?. I don't think so. Do you know something about Ember's family that is why you don't want her.

King Mark's eyes flashed with anger. I don't have anything personal against her. "You're weak son. Lila will make you stronger".

Asher's world shattered. His own father has betrayed him.

As he storms out of his father's chamber hears laughter that echoed through the halls.

He was about to walk past her and Lila purposely bumped into him.

Oh I am so sorry, it was an accident. She smiled.

Why are you here Lila?

Don't you miss me Asher? We used to be all over each other.

Well that ended when you cheated on me with another werewolf.

I apologised, I said I was sorry. I wanted to make up for my mistakes but you didn't give me a chance.

That was a year ago, cheating isn't a mistake. I needed my sanity intact so I left. Besides, you wanted our affair a secret. It's all in the past move on Lila.

I want to fix my mistakes Asher. "I want you back,I want us again". I still love you.

I don't love you anymore, just admit it you're here because of the offer given to you as the next Luna. I'll never accept someone as greedy as you.

Lila worked closely to Asher and whispered into his ears if you don't behave, I'll go to your little girlfriend and tell her everything about us.

You wouldn't dare.

She laughed devilishly, you know me too well Asher I don't make empty threats and she walks away.

Asher knew he had to escape this dilemma, he needed to always be with Ember but he doesn't want to lose the throne. But the pack's expectations and his father's greed is after his happiness.

Ember waited patiently for Asher outside, her eyes teary but she quickly got hold of herself when she sights Asher.

What did he say?" Ember asked.

"He wants me to mate with Lila".

Ember's face twisted, "she knew they had both lost and there was no hope for their love. "We'll fight this, Asher together".

Asher only felt love for Ember, she was his rock,She meant everything to him. He watched how his mother suffered being with his father, there was no love, the pain in her eyes even though she always faked being happy. She was going through hell in silence until she eventually died of a strange illness.

I can't go through all that, he thought to himself.

But as they both walked out of the council headquarters Asher knew the battle ahead wouldn't be easy