Luna Ares

By Astrid Knight

Mate. Something every werewolf looks forward to.

The thought of finding someone tailor-made by the moon goddess for you alone in the entire world is exhilarating.

At least it was for me. For a while. I waited for what felt like forever. Everyone finds their mate once they turn eighteen. I'll be eighteen in a few days.

I wanted to keep myself for my mate. To be pure but who was I kidding. Nobody could have prepared me for who my mate was. Not even my adoptive parents.

The alpha's son. Maverick Tatum. The same boy I used to think of as a scum after watching how he treats the female in the pack. That same boy was my mate.

I'm Ares Powers. My parents said they found me in the woods with my name engraved in the wood of the beads I was wearing.

They have tried taking off the beads multiple times when I was growing up. They couldn't. They took me to the pack seer and he said only my true mate can help me remove the beads and unlock my wolf's highest potential.

I wonder why my birth parents would want to keep my powers locked.

The day I found out Maverick was my mate was the same day he rejected me. In front of everyone. The next day, I was banished from the pack.

I swore to get my revenge then. But until then, I have to find a way to unlock my wolf's full potential because my mate turned out to be unreliable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Jan 15, 2025

Book preview

Luna Ares

Astrid Knight

Luna Ares

Mate. Something every werewolf looks forward to.

The thought of finding someone tailor-made by the moon goddess for you alone in the entire world is exhilarating.

At least it was for me. For a while. I waited for what felt like forever. Everyone finds their mate once they turn eighteen. I'll be eighteen in a few days.

I wanted to keep myself for my mate. To be pure but who was I kidding. Nobody could have prepared me for who my mate was. Not even my adoptive parents.

The alpha's son. Maverick Tatum. The same boy I used to think of as a scum after watching how he treats the female in the pack. That same boy was my mate.

I'm Ares Powers. My parents said they found me in the woods with my name engraved in the wood of the beads I was wearing.

They have tried taking off the beads multiple times when I was growing up. They couldn't. They took me to the pack seer and he said only my true mate can help me remove the beads and unlock my wolf's highest potential.

I wonder why my birth parents would want to keep my powers locked.

The day I found out Maverick was my mate was the same day he rejected me. In front of everyone. The next day, I was banished from the pack.

I swore to get my revenge then. But until then, I have to find a way to unlock my wolf's full potential because my mate turned out to be unreliable.

Contents

Luna Ares

Chapter 1 The rejection

Chapter 2 Banished

Chapter 3 Meeting Jason

Chapter 4 Who are you?

Chapter 5 What makes you special

Chapter 6 Hello, princess

Chapter 7 Different

Chapter 8 Pretty wolf

Chapter 9 First dose of power

Chapter 10 I'm her mate

Chapter 11 Emergency

Chapter 12 First date

Chapter 13 Bottled up grief

Chapter 14 Training

Chapter 15 Can you stay?

Chapter 16 Timely warning

Chapter 17 The hunt

Chapter 18 You don't have to stop

Chapter 19 Let's get this over with

Chapter 20 Don't stop

Chapter 21 The bracelet

Chapter 22 Her parents

Chapter 23 Finding allies

Chapter 24 Let's tango

Chapter 25 Killian

Chapter 26 No one will zen

Chapter 27 The ritual

Chapter 28 Testing limits

Chapter 29 Keep your frenemy close

Chapter 30 Hide and seek

Chapter 31 Who am I?

Chapter 32 Verdant heartstring

Chapter 33 Your choice, Alpha

Chapter 34 Are you sure he's not the psycho?

Chapter 35 Traitor

Chapter 36 He wrote your name

Chapter 37 Royalty perks

Chapter 38 Two truths and a lie

Chapter 39 Jackpot

Chapter 40 Gone

Chapter 41 Back to hell

Chapter 42 Carla

Chapter 43 I want you gone

Chapter 44 We need help

Chapter 45 Death in numbers

Chapter 46 Say your prayers...

Chapter 47 The moon goddess

Chapter 48 Zal and Eva

Chapter 49 Keep holding on

Chapter 50 Guests

Chapter 51 Delusional

Chapter 52 Good fight

Chapter 53 Let me do it...

Chapter 54 Kill me!

Chapter 55 New arrival

Chapter 56 Peek-a-boo

Chapter 57 I've got you

Chapter 58 Back home

Chapter 59 See you soon

Chapter 60 I want you

Chapter 61 Enjoy the ride

Chapter 62 Cole's words

Chapter 63 The big news

Chapter 64 Leaving

Chapter 65 Strangers or Allies

Chapter 66 Kill the butterflies

Chapter 67 Two weeks ago

Chapter 68 Baby hunting psycho

Chapter 69 Cheers!

Chapter 70 Promises

Chapter 71 The council

Chapter 72 Heartfelt words

Chapter 73 A win is a win

Chapter 74 Plans

Chapter 75 Be safe

Chapter 76 It's been a fun ride

Chapter 77 Jason vs Damon

Chapter 78 I'm coming, Cate...

Chapter 79 Let's end this

Chapter 80 The end of the beginning

Chapter 81 Rule with me?

Chapter 82 The Castle

Chapter 83 Former royal beta

Chapter 84 Life in one year

Chapter 85 Change of heart

Chapter 86 New home

Chapter 87 Will you marry me?

Chapter 88 Pregnant Luna

Chapter 89 The wedding

Chapter 90 The coronation

Chapter 91 The ball

Chapter 92 Always and forever.

Chapter 93 New threats

Chapter 94 Sad farewells

Chapter 95 Aquariya city.

Chapter 96 The princess's challenge.

Chapter 97 The Siren's song.

Chapter 98 The Naiad's tears

Chapter 99 The underworld

Chapter 100 No way home.

Chapter 101 Unlikely help.

Chapter 102 The end?

Chapter 103 Starseed Realm

Chapter 104 Finally there.

Chapter 105 Stopwatch

Chapter 106 New promises

Chapter 107 Pawns in a long game

Chapter 108 Jason's fear

Chapter 109 Song of hope

Chapter 110 Going home

Chapter 111 The truth...

Chapter 112 The mission

Chapter 113 The revival ritual

Chapter 1 The rejection

Wake up! Wake up!

Isn't it too early?

I ask Athena groggily. I wonder why Athena's so preppy in the morning. Athena is my wolf. I've had her since I was sixteen.

Which was weird because everyone else shifts at eighteen. Each time I try shifting in someone else's presence, I feel my bead tighten around my wrist and stop my shift.

I remember my first shift. I was terrified. I thought it wasn't supposed to happen until two years. I had no one around me to help me through it. I was alone.

It happened when I was taking a breather by the little pond I found. It wasn't as painful as everyone claimed it would be.

I haven't mentioned it yet to anyone. Not even my adoptive parents. It's bad enough I'm taller than all other girls my age, I can't become the pack freak who shifted at sixteen.

It's our birthday! Yours but we are one so it counts as ours

I startle awake. Eyes wide. It's my birthday. Technically, it's the day Jules and Damon found me. I was about 2 months old when they found me and took me in as their own.

It's our birthday today. You know what this means

WE FIND OUR MATE TODAY!

I say with Athena. Okay now I'm excited. Hopefully my mate adores me the way Damon adores Jules, my adoptive parents. The thought of it alone sent me into a state of euphoria.

I take a quick shower and head to the living room. Mum and Dad live two blocks away from the Pack House.

Happy birthday sweetheart

Dad hugs my shoulder and kisses my head. I love his head kisses. I smiled so wide I was afraid I'd split my cheek in two.

Thanks dad

Mom and Ashley walk in at that moment.

Happy birthday baby

Mom kisses my cheeks as she hugs me. I watch as Dad's eyes come alive as she walks in. To this day, she's still the most beautiful woman to him.

Big day huh. You'll be getting your first shift and hopefully meeting your mate in the pack.

Mom says as she sits next to Dad. He wastes no time wrapping his arms around her and kissing her head too.

Morning Dad

Ashley voiced. I won't say we don't get along but I can't also say that we do. We are at a stalemate.

Morning princess. Won't you wish your sister a happy birthday?

She already has you both fawning over her. What could she possibly need to hear from me again

Ashley! Would it kill you to be nice

Dads face twisted. He doesn't like Mom angry. And he certainly doesn't tolerate anyone that makes her angry. That includes us. He gives Ashley a look that spells ‘fix it before I fix you'.

Argh fine. Happy birthday Ares

Thank you. It means so much to me that Mum and Dad made you say it.

I said with a saccharine smile that I know she hates.

Good. Can I leave now? I'm meeting up with My friends

Sure princess

Thank you

Ashley is a year older than me. She still hasn't found her mate yet. My birthday is probably a reminder of hers. She went round the pack and couldn't pick up his scent after she shifted into her wolf. When she shifted back and still couldn't pick up his scent. She bawled her eyes out. I had never seen her cry so much.

Can I leave too? I'm hoping to go sightseeing around the pack

Is that what we are calling it now?

Mum wags her eyebrows at me then shares a look with Dad.

Please can I just leave

I cringe. I am beyond mortified at this point. I don't need my parents knowing I'm going out to find my mate.

Sure. Enjoy yourself. When you get back we'll cut your cake

Thanks Mum. Bye guys

As soon as I shut the door, I'm hit with this wonderful scent of pine and earth. All I wanted to do at that moment was follow the scent where it led. My heart starts beating fast and my hand becomes clammy as I follow the scent with shaky legs.

Athena was more excited than I was. She wouldn't stop howling in my head.

As I turn towards the cool kids spot. My heart skids to a stop at what I see. I find my mate nestled in the arms of Ashley. My own sister.

The pain. I felt betrayed.

I'm finding it hard to process my feelings. I can't make sense of what's happening at the moment. I thought everyone was supposed to stay loyal and expectant of their mate. This can't be happening to me.

He turns to me and looks at me like I'm some alien.

Can't he smell us

He can. Brace yourself Athena.

So it's you

That's all? That's all you're going to say to me!. For goodness sake. UNWRAP YOUR HANDS FROM HER!.

I might not like Maverick but that doesn't change the fact that he's my mate.

You don't tell me what to do. Besides, I'm your Alpha.

I feel the change in the air. He's trying to make me submit.

Athena rises to the surface and joins forces with me as we fight back.

SUBMIT!

No

Everyone else around us submits, including Ashley. I refuse to back down.

He senses that he might lose to me and utters the only word that knows will break me.

I Maverick Tatum rejects you, Ares Powers as my mate and future Luna

I felt a part of my heart break at that moment. The pain intensifies. I lost concentration at that moment as it felt like the world just shifted under my feet without notice.

It took all of my willpower not to break down. Athena let out a painful howl in my mind. I almost joined her but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me like that.

I never liked him in the first place but the moon goddess still felt he was the right match for me. I guess the moon goddess makes mistakes too.

Everyone looks at me. Their looks range from pity to smugness. They never liked me anyway. I was the stray. The freak. The one with no explained origin. I don't care for the looks they throw my way.

I Ares Powers accept the rejection

A look of surprise, and dare I say pain flashes across his eyes. I guess he wasn't expecting that I would accept.

I fear I'm past my breaking point and swiftly run away. I'm not going to break down in front of them. I'm not going to give them a reason to mock me or pity me. I feel enough pity for myself already.

I don't make it to my secret spot before Athena wanted out. I shift immediately. Athena's howl opened the floodgates.

I spent the night at my secret spot. I walked home the next morning with hopes of eating away the feeling of rejection.

I see Alpha matt, Maverick, my parents and Ashley sitting in the living room. I spot a fresh mark on Ashley's neck. A mate mark.

Chapter 2 Banished

I turn to Maverick and see he has one too. My heart shrivels up at the sight.

Hello Ares

Morning Alpha

He must have found out about my little spat with his son yesterday.

Are you here to apologize on Maverick's behalf?

Maverick turns to me so fast that I almost hope he breaks his neck. Dad gives me a look. He's Wondering why I would disrespect the Alpha like that.

No. That's not why I'm here

What other reason could make him leave his house that early. I already don't like where this is going. What he says next becomes my undoing.

I just wanted to inform you that you have 24 hours to leave the Pack before you are thrown out or worse.

I stand at the door aghast. I'm lost for words. I expected anything else but that to come out of his mouth. He couldn't possibly mean it. I swallowed the lump in my throat so I could speak.

I'm sorry?. I-I think I heard you wrong. Are you sending me away?

I whisper the last part. I look at Alpha Matt. I searched his face for a sign that perhaps he was just playing. My heart drops when I see the resolution on his face. This can't be happening to me.

Mom?

I look at Mum. I find her eyes red but she turns away from me and hugs Dad like he's her lifeline. Her tether to reality.

Dad?

I'm sorry sweetheart

He had the decency to look into my eyes as he said those words, before he turned to comfort Mum like she's the one being sent out. I need the comfort not HER!. I turn to Maverick.

Rejecting me wasn't enough?

You accepted the rejection didn't you

How could he have no remorse, no guilt. Shouldn't he be feeling the pain of the broken mate bond or at least ashamed. He went against the will of the moon goddess.

Maverick loves me. He wants me as his mate not you

Ashley picked that as the right moment to voice her thoughts about the situation.

I wasn't talking to you

The venom in my voice startles everyone in the room. I've never spoken to anyone that way before.

Well he's mine now

one more word from you and I will cut out your tongue!

The authority in my voice had not just Ashley but Mum and Dad submitting to me. Even Maverick bends a little in submission before he raises his head up as if remembering he has Alpha blood running in his veins.

Alpha Matt looked at me differently, suspiciously even. He must have sensed my aura changed.

Mom and Dad looked at me like I was not the same person they hugged and kissed yesterday. The look on Ashley's face was my favourite at that moment. She was terrified. Afraid that I would really cut out her tongue if she so much as utter my name or breath in my direction.

I could smell her fear. Hell, I could smell the fear on all of them except Alpha Matt. Good. I want them to be afraid.

The sound of Alpha Matt clearing his throat snaps everyone's attention to the matter at hand. My banishment.

Please pack up your belongings and leave or you will risk being escorted out by the guards

Got it

I walk past them and head to my room to start packing.

He marked her Ares

I know. I saw it.

It hurts…

I wiped the tear that was about to drop. He doesn't deserve my tears. Not anymore.

We're going to be fine

I assure her. I want to believe it too but I don't think I can fix that piece of me that was broken by him.

I finish packing up my necessities in a duffle bag. I change my clothes and pack the rest into a pile. I take the pile downstairs and out to the yard.

I head inside to get the match stick all while ignoring them like they were all just wall canvas. I lit the rest of my belongings on fire.

The smoke must have attracted attention because some pack members started coming out to check out the source.

Gossip starts to circulate. News of my banishment must have been leaked. Why am I not surprised?

I heard from Simon that she was rejected yesterday. He was there when it happened.

I heard there was a showdown between them and they fought, that was why Maverick rejected her.

No one deserves to be rejected. I feel a little pity for her

She deserves to be banished. She was always a freak.

I knew there was something weird about her.

With that bead of hers that never comes off

I roll my eyes at them. I'm not going to dignify them with a response or a reaction. I watched my belongings burn to ashes before I head inside. If I'm gonna leave, I won't leave anything behind they can track me with.

Mom was fawning over Ashley's mark. I ignore the hurt and walk past them. At least I know where I stand in the family now.

I walk upstairs and grab my bag. When I head to the door, Dad stops me. I guess he has some last words.

I'm really sorry about how things turned out sweetheart

I guess the saying is true ‘it's not love on which the strongest foundation is built, it is the decency of merciful lies.’

Got it. You are sorry that Ashley, my sister, YOUR daughter stole my mate. I'm just gonna pretend like you really mean it

He winced at what I said. I guess I hurt him with what I said. I love him but he made his choice when he stood by his daughter marking my mate.

As I walk to the pack's border, I'm met with James, Maverick's best friend and future beta.

You have to know, I don't support what Maverick did to you. It's not right

I know.

I'm sorry I can't be of help

It's alright James. Take care of yourself and please watch out for my parents

I will… I promise. Be safe out there okay

I will. This won't break me. Bye James

I turn to look at the place I've called home for the past eighteen years and I'm filled with nothing but pain. Eighteen years worth of memories, both the good and the bad.

Here's to a new adventure, Athena. I promise we'll be fine

I walk past the border and the pack link breaks.

Chapter 3 Meeting Jason

We've been wandering about for a few days now, Athena. Let's find a real bed to sleep in tonight

I inform Athena as I log my tired body across the sea of trees in my path. I feel my muscles turn to jelly. I'm exhausted. I haven't had real food in days or slept in a real bed.

Hunt. Kill. Eat. Find a warm cave to sleep then repeat. Athena has been my only company in days. Sometimes, I talk out loud to her rather than use my mind. I haven't seen a single soul ever since I left the moonstone pack.

*Snap. The sound of twigs breaking in the far distance catches my attention. My hearing has become sharper the last few days due to hunting. I moved to that location.

What's a little girl like you doing out here all alone?

The man bends at waist length to speak to the child. He's a rogue and so were his companions. I would know. I am one too

I was playing hide and go seek with my daddy

The little girl answers like the gravity of the situation hasn't dawned on her yet. She hasn't witnessed the horrors of the world yet. She's too young.

I was hiding with Mr. chuckles and I got lost

Her eyes started to swell with tears. She's terrified. Not because of those people, because she may never see her Daddy again. I want to walk over there and hug her. Tell her everything is going to be fine and assure her I will find her Dad for her.

I stay put. If I walk over now, it will be me against three and I can't shift into my wolf. the beads will prevent it. If I lose, I'll be putting myself and the little girl in danger. I had to think this through.

I saw an opening and dropped my duffle bag as quietly as I could. I move stealthily behind one of them and quickly snap his neck.

Hi baby. Can you close your eyes for me

I tell the little girl without breaking eye contact with the ringleader. She obliged.

aarrgghh Why are you trying to be a martyr? trust me. It's not worth it.

I'm not gonna watch you maul a little girl to death for sports

You are a rogue like us but don't smell the same way. What are you?

The second one sniffed the air. I also realised I smelt differently than normal rogues. Something's different about me.

Since you want to be a hero so bad, why don't you die with her huh

He throws a jab at me. I barely dodge. The second one moves to stand at the back of the little one. It's a silent threat and a warning.

I wish I could shift at that moment.

Athena I'm gonna need to you lend me a little of your strength

This time I launched the attack first. Our fist flew at each other. I may be taller and stronger than most female werewolves but I am no match for a male with apparent training. In no time I'm thrown on the ground.

Ahhhh

The little one's cry draws my attention. I find blood trailing down her neck. I look at the second rogue. He smirks.

I got bored watching you both fight

Athena snaps the sight of the blood. She takes over and for the first time. I shift in front of another.

Athena is bigger than most wolves. She is huge. As big as an Alpha wolf. I realised that was not normal when I saw the female wolf's of the moonstone pack. All the more reason why I didn't force the shift in front of them.

All Athena saw at that moment was red. She wanted to protect the little cub.

She turns her eyes first to the one who drew the little cub's blood and went in for the kill.

She spared none of his body parts as she bites, claws and dismembers him. The putrid smell of piss enters my nostrils. I snap my head in the direction of the source. The ringleader was shaking in his boots.

Pl- pl- please sp-spare m-m-e

His tears and snort mix together and run down his face. Too bad. There will be no Mercy. He's seen my wolf form. I can't leave a witness.

I growl as I walk slowly towards him. I hear his heart race with each step I take. I smell his fear in the air. He knows he's not going to escape my wrath.

He stops pleading and prepares to shift into his wolf. I growl at him to stop his movement. He manages to shift in record time. Fear of death is a strong motivation. I bite him in his hind leg as he completes his transformation.

His wolf growls and bares his teeth at me. That's a sign of challenge. Athena is in her berserk mode. She's not going to let it go.

We launch at each other at the same time. He manages to nip at my shoulders and Athena lets out a whimper before she gains advantage in size. She's bigger than him. She mauls his shoulders, dislocating his joints totally.

He lets out a whimper. Now his wolf is struggling to stand erect on his shaky paws. He's lost. He tries to distract me in order to escape. Athena doesn't give him a chance.

She goes for his neck and bites down. She doesn't stop, not even after she's drawn blood. She only stops when she hears the dull thudding of his heart as it comes to a stop before she drops him.

She walked towards the little cub and licked her neck. She licks until the blood is wiped clean and the wound heals.

She hears the sound of twig snapping and stands in front of the little one in a protective manner.

Adriana!!

The voice in the distance shouts.

Daddy

I hear the little one say. All I could sense was the looming threat. I was already weak. I had no idea how many were coming. I don't think I can fight them all.

I don't register what she says. All I saw was the threat.

Adriana

The voice was closer now. I get ready. My front to the ground, ready to pounce at the intruder.

I see him as he enters my line of vision. He pauses and sniffs the air. He turns to me and takes a step closer.

**Grrrrrr. I growl protectively. No one was going to hurt her.

Hi beautiful. It's okay. She's safe now

Daddy

The little one took one step in his direction. She trusts him. I let down my guard a little. I still bare my teeth though as I stand to my full height.

*Snap. I hear more footsteps and go back to my protective stance. I look in the direction of the footsteps.

Hey it's okay. It's okay

He whispers. I don't notice when the stranger comes closer. I see him lifting his hands and I growl at him in warning.

It's okay beautiful

He whispers as he touches my fur. Sparks. I feel sparks. Like electric current running through me at his touch. I don't hear the footsteps anymore, too distracted by what his touch was doing to me.

He hugs me to himself. Athena gives me back control of my body. I felt so weak and exhausted.

You are safe with me

I did feel safe in his arms and I passed out. He wastes no time hugging me to his body.

Chapter 4 Who are you?

argh

I wake up feeling disoriented. I look at my surroundings. It's unfamiliar. I shift the sheets and start to stand up from the bed and move to stretch when I feel eyes on me from across the room.

Argh!

I thought I was alone. He sat quietly at the far end of the dark room like a creep. It's unnerving.

Hey it's okay. I'm sorry to startle you. I've been waiting for you to wake up for a while now.

How long have I been out

Two days

TWO DAYS!! was I drugged or something. What if he did something to me in my weak state? The panic must show on my face.

Don't panic. You are safe here

The most magnetic voice says slowly, pacifyingly. I sniff the air and smell spice. I realise the room is covered in it too and so am I and it was not the most uncomfortable smell. I actually liked it.

Mate

Athena whispers weakly in my mind. She's recuperating after her fight with those rogues. I register what she says then.

WHAT?! MATE? Athena don't spout nonsense. W-We already have a mate and he rejected us, remember?. I know you want another mate but you just can't go making assumptions.

I scold Athena in my mind. I'm not one to give false hope. I mean I've heard stories of second chance mates. I just never thought I'd have one.

Hello mate

The magnetic voice spoke again. Wait, did he just say mate. I'm HIS mate!. He must have seen the confusion on my face.

Hi, I'm Jason. This is crescent pack. I am your mate and you are currently in my room

He offers me a smile after his little introduction. He has a dimpled cheek. I want to keep a smile on his face.

I'm Ares.

That’s a beautiful name.

He offers me another megawatt smile. I love his smile and I love that it's directed at me. I send him a small smile of my own.

Why were you wandering in the woods? Are you lost or something

I was sent out of my pack. Former pack.

I correct myself. I am no longer a member of the moonstone pack. Maverick made sure of it.

I had a mate

I say with pain as I recall Maverick and Ashley's betrayal. Maverick might be a tool, but he made it for me.

What happened to him?

He must have taken my pain for something else.

He rejected me for my adoptive sister and got me sent off from the pack.

I answer with clenched teeth. I should have ripped their hearts out when I had the chance.

He is a fool. His lost, my gain

He offers me a full smile now. He has a perfect set of teeth and the most beautiful smile. I take in his full face. He was hand moulded perfectly by the moon goddess herself.

He has the strongest jawline and most kissable lips. He stands proudly at 6’4 inches if I'm not mistaken. I'm tall but he's taller. His hands look like they were made to hold mine.

His eyes are my favourite. They look at me the way Dad looks at Mum. I'm almost too scared to see if this is real. He doesn't look the least bothered that I'm checking him out openly, instead he looked pleased.

The little one. I panic. He must have sensed my panic.

Where is she? The little cub that was with me. Who took her?

Adriana is fine. She's playing downstairs with her pairs. You did a good job protecting her. Thank you.

I breathe easy when I hear she's fine.

It's nothing

I don't know what I would have done if I lost her

What do you mean if you lost her?

Adriana is my daughter

A beat passes. Another. I don't speak. There it was, the other shoe dropping. Of course he's not perfect. He has a daughter.

Your daughter?

I whisper. I'm almost too afraid to hear his answer.

I found her when I was looking for my mate during a pack attack. She was crying in a ruined building in my mate's arms. My mate died protecting her

I sense the pain in his voice. He lost his mate. He's a good person, he raised a child that wasn't his because his mate died protecting her.

I’m sorry for your loss. No one deserves to lose a mate.

I really was. I was rejected but he lost his before they could build a life together. Wait!. That means we are each other's second chance mate.

I’m your second mate as you are mine

I say and he nods at me.

We're interrupted by the sound of knocking. I see his eyes glaze over. He's probably talking to the person at the door through the pack link.

Few seconds later, he returned his attention back to me.

Are you hungry, Ares?

My stomach takes that as his clue to make itself known. I don't remember the last meal I had. I don't think my name has ever sounded better. It rolls off his tongue.

Starving

Let me get you something to eat

He offers me his hand. I don't take it. I see his face fall but he lets it go.

You'll warm up to me eventually.

I want to take his hand but I don't think I trust him yet. A repeat of Maverick might kill me. I survived one rejection doesn't mean I can survive a second.

He opens the door for me and asks me to step out first. I hear noises the moment I step out. I give him a questioning look.

Sound-proofed room

Ahhhh

I know I said I haven't had company in days. The unfamiliar voices make me miss the quiet. This must be the pack house. I smell different people and hear several footsteps.

As I headed downstairs with him, looks were thrown my way. He leads us to the kitchen.

What do you want to eat?

Anything would do

Okay. Give me a few minutes

He leads me to sit at the dining table while he goes back to the kitchen. I hear the sound of approaching footsteps before it reaches me.

Who are you?

Chapter 5 What makes you special

A voice rang out behind me. I don't turn to see who before I reply. Just because we are part animals doesn't mean we should act like one. Where are your manners?

Coming from someone who doesn't smell like a rogue, but also doesn't belong to my pack she sassily replies as moves to stand in front of me.

Who are you? I asked her as she settled in front of me.

I should be asking you that. What do you want? Why is Alpha being so nice to you? What makes you special? she asked each question and moved threateningly towards me

Athena wasn't having this wolf pup challenge her. Although she felt weak, she accepted the challenge.

I stared at her until she submitted. I could feel her wolf whimpering in fear at Athena's strength. Her wolf submitted soon after and Athena went back to resting.

Who are you? It was my turn to ask now, considering she just challenged me.

N-none of your business she huffs at me. Her wolf must have warned her with the strength of mine.

Okay. Well, unless you are of importance to me, I suggest you move. I won't be responsible for what I do to you while I'm hungry I warn her

Who.. she starts to say before Jason walks back in.

What are you doing here Allison? He asked

Nothing Alpha. I just came to welcome our guest she said, winking at him.

The fast change of her tone makes me want to puke. It's obvious she has a thing for him and I wasn't sure I was entirely comfortable with that. So I show my dissatisfaction at it.

*Grrr I growl in warning at her flirtation.

Jason looked up at me at the sound. He smirks in my direction and brings the plate of food to my side.

Relax. She's a pack member he said in a soothing manner

I'm not just any pack member. I am to be the future Luna too she flips her hair at me.

I turn to Jason Really. You could have done better

He let out a small laugh at that. She's just joking. Go on and try the food he sent her a warning when he thought I wasn't looking.

Don't you have training right now Allison? Are you slacking off?

I needed a break from Carlton incessant training. I swear he's trying to make me break my nails. Allison pouted at him and showed him her nails

Carlton is in charge of training and security. It's his job to give orders concerning our security. If your nails break in the process, at least you'll be able to defend yourself when the time comes Jason said

I know, but he makes it exhausting, she replied.

As riveting as this conversation is, I would like to eat quietly and gather my thoughts if you don't mind. I interrupt their conversation.

No one was asking you to listen. You can move away if it bothers you Allison glared at me.

Go back to training Allison. I'll be coming to access you all after I get Ares settled in he instructed.

I'll go. Only because you asked me, not because of her. She said sassily

She had no other choice but to go since it was an Alpha's order. By the time she left, I had already eaten half the food he brought.

I guess the food is to your liking Jason smirks at the way I was wolfing down the food.

I chew and swallow my mouths content before I retort more like I'm so hungry, I wouldn't mind chewing plastic as long as it was seasoned perfectly

Ouch. You hurt me with your words. My food is nothing like plastic. Jason said

Ehh I shrug at him and continued eating.

I finished a few minutes later and he cleared the table.

His eyes moved to the beads on my wrist and I hid them on my laps.

I noticed when you shifted, the beads didn't cut or come off and it looks familiar he mutters the last part

You know about my bracelet? I asked in anticipation. My first real clue to the origins of my beads

I wouldn't say I know, but I believe I've seen it somewhere. You know what, I'll make some research and get back to you on it he offered

I'll take it. This is the most I've heard about it since I haven't had any progress on my own.

I'm guessing you need a bath and some change of clothes. I'll have someone send them to you. I need to go check on the pack. Let me take you back to the room Jason said

As I get back to his room I immediately pass out on the bed again. His calming scent that surrounded me made me feel safe.

I wake up to incessant pounding on the door.

Who is it? I asked groggily and a little vigilantly. Days of always being on my guard

Hi, I'm Madison. Alpha sent me to bring you a change of clothes. Can you open the door please? The voice spoke up.

I opened the door and thanked her as I took the clothes from her hands.

"I heard what you did for Adriana, thank you. I don't think Alpha Jason