The Sacred Luna of the Alpha King

The Sacred Luna of the Alpha King

Chapter 1

Pain, pure agonizing pain was all I felt as I watched my destined mate, the one who was supposed to love me forever, the one who had been my best friend for years, take another woman as his mate and Luna. And that other woman was none other than Elaine Wood, the Gamma’s daughter and my best friend. The pack celebrated their union, and I just wanted to run, run away from here and never come back, but I knew it was impossible. I was Azula Rosseltod, the second Beta of Alpha Jace Stronghold, who was supposed to be my destined mate and who had rejected me without a second thought. I remember that day as if it were yesterday, although a year had passed.

Flashback…

Today was my birthday and my twin brother's birthday. Our parents woke us up by entering our room with a cake and singing happy birthday. And yes, I was turning 18 and still sleeping in the same room as my twin brother, Aron Rosseltod. We were the children of the pack Beta Alan Rosseltod and his mate, our mother, Zara Luna. They sang happy birthday to us and left our room after we blew out the candles. My gaze settled on Aron, both of us with challenging looks. We ran to the bathroom in a race to see who would get there first, and as always, I won. I heard his voice complaining that I was cheating as I laughed. I felt especially strange today and very excited. Today I would finally meet my wolf, and maybe I would meet my destined mate. I took a bath and left the bathroom, and Aron entered quickly. I got dressed, laughing at my silly, complaining brother, and ran down the stairs. My mother was in the dining room waiting for me. Her arms hugged me lovingly.

Happy birthday, Azula. I'm so proud of you. I can't believe you're not my little girl anymore. Soon you'll find a mate, and you'll leave home, and... My mother seemed about to cry, and I quickly stopped her. Relax, Mom. We don't even know if my mate lives here in this pack. I'm not going to run away and leave you. Even if I find a mate, I'll still come here. I'll be the second Beta of the future Alpha. I'll still be in the pack, and we'll still see each other for a long time.

You're right, my baby. I'm sorry. I'm getting sentimental.

It’s okay, Mommy. I'll always be your baby. I let go of her embrace and kissed her cheek. I walked to the table. My breakfast was already served: pancakes with strawberry jam and fruit, my favorite. My brother arrived, and we ate between laughs. I loved my family. The Moon Goddess had blessed me. I believed I had it all: loving parents, a wonderful brother, friends who loved me. I was the most powerful warrior in the pack, being the next Beta after the Alpha. Nothing could go wrong, or so I thought.

When we finished eating, the doorbell rang. I ran to open it, knowing who it was. When I opened the door, there were my best friends: Elaine, Elliot, and Jace. Elaine and Elliot were the Gamma's children, and Jace was the future Alpha. We had all grown up together for the future that awaited us together. They ran to hug me, singing happy birthday when my brother came out, and they ran to him. We all went out to the backyard and sat down to talk. All of them had had their first shift last year since they were a year older than us. I was sitting on my brother's lap while he hugged me. We were very close. Aron was the example of the man I wanted as a mate: strong, affectionate, sincere, and always true to his word. Elliot was by our side, and on the other side was Jace with Elaine. They had been dating since they were 17 and we were 16. At that time, I had a silly crush on Jace, but I forced myself to forget about him quickly when they fell in love. They were my best friends, and I just wanted them to be happy, and I got used to seeing them together. I was happy for how happy they always looked together. They weren't destined mates, but they had vowed to reject their mates to stay together. She would be his Luna, and in the end, she was.

When it got dark, they left and wished us luck on our first shift. They had said it was horrible pain, and I imagined it. Every bone in your body breaking and resetting itself. It was obvious that the pain would be horrible, but I was the best warrior in the pack. I could endure anything and more if it was to meet my wolf. Our parents had asked that we spend our shifts alone as a family since the pack was usually present for the shifts of all new initiates. As Betas of the pack, their wish was granted. We went out to the clearing where we would have our first shift. We got there, and my heart was pounding in my chest with anticipation. Aron took my hand, giving me strength. When the Moon was at its highest point, the first pain came, and we screamed at the same time. My hand slipped from his, and I fell to the ground. I felt my whole body breaking into a thousand heavy pieces. Screams came from my lips. I felt they weren't mine. I only felt pain. At that moment, I felt that it was the greatest pain I could ever feel in my life. Aron shifted first. He approached me and licked my forehead. I saw him blurry. My body kept convulsing in pain. I felt that hours passed, and I couldn’t shift. The pain intensified. I felt like I was going to pass out when I heard that voice in my head.

You can do it, Azula. Don't give up. We're almost there. Just a little longer.

Who are you?

I'm Luz, your wolf. Talk to me. The pain will pass soon.

Luz, that’s a pretty name.

My mother, the Moon Goddess, gave it to me. She told me that I was born for you, that I would be light in your life.

That's...very sweet.

I tried to keep talking to her, but the pain intensified. Suddenly I felt as if my whole body was burning in flames. My vision darkened, and when I opened my eyes, my hands were furry paws, quite large for a Beta. My mother and father were looking at me in surprise, tears streaming down their faces.

We’ve shifted, Azula.

I approached the lake and saw my reflection. My fur was pure white. One of my eyes was black, and the other was gold. Never in my life had I seen a wolf like that.

It's because you're special. We're special, Azula. You are a sacred wolf, the first in 1,000 years.

Aron’s wolf approached me and licked my face affectionately. I heard him speak in my head.

Hi, Azula. I'm Aeron, Aron’s wolf.

Hi, Aeron. I'm Luz, Azula’s wolf.

Family. He said that and began to lick me, and Luz licked him, recognizing each other as family. Our parents came to us and hugged us, crying. My parents looked at me, and I heard their voices in my mind.

You know, Azula.

I know, Mother, Father, brother. I am a sacred wolf. My wolf, Luz, has told me.

We knew it. Your mother had a dream before she got pregnant. The Moon Goddess gave you to them. She told them that among their children would be born the first sacred wolf in a thousand years.

Nobody can know, Azula. No one can know that you are a sacred wolf.

Chapter 2

That is why my mother gave us this gift.

I felt my fur change; when I looked at my legs, they were completely black. I went to the lake and looked at myself. My fur was all black; I looked a lot like Aron's wolf. We were both completely black, with golden eyes like my father's wolf, although my wolf was a little bigger than Aron's. A howl escaped from us, thanking the moon goddess for blessing us with our wolves. We looked at each other and ran into the forest, our first run as wolves. We ran and ran, leaving our parents behind. I was in front, losing Aron behind me, when suddenly that smell filtered into my nostrils, pine and gardenias, a smell that eclipsed me as my legs braked and I heard that damned word.

Mate

Luz took possession of my body and ran and ran, chasing that smell that made me drool. When we reached the Red River, the one where we always went together, there he was, Jace Stronghold. His wolf looked at us excitedly, wagging his tail.

Mate

I heard his voice in my head as Jace stepped back and took his clothes and put them on. He looked at me blankly, and I knew what would happen now.

He is going to reject us.

Luz's hurt sound in my head hurt more than knowing that my destined mate was about to reject me. He took his jacket and put it on my body.

Back off, please.

When I stepped back and hugged his jacket, his eyes looked at me in surprise and pain.

Azula. My name escaped his lips in surprise. Obviously, neither of us expected to be mates. The weight of the mate bond settled on me, making me wish he would hug and kiss me, accept me, but I knew that wouldn't be the case.

Do it now, Jace, or do you want me to do it? His eyes looked at me with pity and pain.

I'm so sorry, Azula, but I...

I know, Jace; it's okay; I understand. Just do it now so I can leave; my family is waiting for me.

His eyes looked at the floor, and then he looked at me. From his lips came those words that had broken me into a thousand pieces.

I, Jace Stronghold, future Alpha of the New Moon pack, reject you, Azula Rosseltod, as my mate and future Luna of my pack.

The pain settled in me like a million knives stabbing my chest. I heard Luz's sobbing howls in my head. I had to end this now.

I, Azula Rosseltod, future Beta of the New Moon pack, accept your rejection.

I saw him clutch his chest as he cringed. I turned and moved to my wolf when I heard him yell at me.

Azula!

I just ran and ran away from him, away from my destined mate, from my best friend. Nothing would ever be the same again. Everything was broken.

I heard Aron's voice in my head.

Azula, where are you? We are waiting for you at the lake.

I'm on my way; I was just... running around.

Okay, we'll wait for you, sis.

I ran and returned with my family home. That night I couldn't sleep; every time I closed my eyes, I heard his voice rejecting me. The next day I woke up late, went down to eat, and everyone was here. Elaine came out to hug me; her arms clung to me, and I couldn't help but think that those arms would hug my mate every night; she would stay with what fate had done for me.

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you, Azula. Aron told us that everything went well.

I looked at her, smiling, and I could only think that this was the smile that my mate loved, the lips that he would kiss every day, not mine, but hers. I forced myself to smile back. It wasn't Elaine's fault; she didn't know anything, and she never would. No one had to know.

Thanks, Elaine.

Come with us.

She pulled me by the arm and led me towards them. Elliot caught me in his arms.

Congratulations, little one. You're not so little anymore.

I've always been the same size as you, silly.

Yeah, whatever.

I broke free from his embrace, and he stepped away. There was Jace, arms open, waiting for me to hug him. I definitely didn't want that.

Congratulations, Azula.

Thank you.

When he came toward me, I froze. I didn't want him to hug me; I didn't even want to see him. I wasn't ready to pretend that he hadn't rejected me as his mate. I felt Aron pull me toward him and sit me down next to him.

Okay, okay, that's enough hugs. Leave my little sister alone.

Saved by the bell. Jace feigned a smile and sat back down. Elaine sat on his lap, and he looked at her with love, with a look he would never give me, his destined mate. Everyone was talking and talking, and I was just silent. I felt like a stranger in my own body. What used to feel so good now felt like hell, felt so wrong. I didn't want to be here.

I don't want to be here either, Azula. I can't stand it. Let's get out of here, please.

I was about to make any excuse to leave when I heard them talking about going out to the Red River. Everyone was determined to go, and I would definitely never go back to that river, not unless it was strictly necessary.

I won't go, guys. I have some things to do.

What is more important than going out with your best friends? Come on, Azula; I want to see what your wolf is like.

Sorry, Elaine, maybe another day.

That other day never came. Every time they invited me, I refused. Every time I knew they were coming, I escaped to the forest and practiced my new powers. When they called me, I never answered. A year passed quickly, and they got tired of looking for me. We had stopped being friends; each of us went our own way. I became a lone wolf. My parents wondered what had happened to me, and I always said that I just wanted to focus on being the best Beta. They believed it, and no one else said anything. My brother always seemed worried, but I convinced him that I was fine, that everything was fine.

End of flashback

Chapter 3

It had been a year since that, and here I was at Jace's proclamation as the new alpha of Blue Moon. That same day, he proclaimed Elaine as his Luna, telling everyone that she was his destined mate and that they had decided to hide it from everyone until this day. Only I knew that wasn't true, but I didn't say anything. My brother took my hand, and we stepped forward. Today, we would swear allegiance to Jace as his betas. He looked so happy, a wide smile that faltered when he saw me, as it always did the few times we saw each other in training.

Elliot stood beside my brother, and the three of us knelt.

I, Jace Stronghold, Alpha of the Blue Moon pack, name you, Aron Rosseltod, Lead Beta of the Blue Moon pack. Do you swear allegiance?

I, Aron Rosseltod, swear allegiance to my Alpha, Jace Stronghold, and my Luna, Elaine Wood, of the Blue Moon pack, and I accept my position as Lead Beta.

Jace looked at me, and his gaze changed to that of his wolf for a moment, softening. I heard his wolf's voice in my head, making me stagger.

My Luna.

I felt Luz stirring inside me and approaching the surface when Jace pushed his wolf back. His eyes looked at me with annoyance, and he spoke.

I, Jace Stronghold, Alpha of the Blue Moon pack, name you, Azula Rosseltod, Second Beta in command of the Blue Moon pack. Do you swear allegiance to your Alpha and Luna?

His words came out to remind me that I was not his Luna and never would be.

I, Azula Rosseltod, swear allegiance to my Alpha, Jace Stronghold, and my Luna, Elaine Wood, of the Blue Moon pack, and I accept my position as Second Beta in command.

I felt the beta bond becoming one with me. My brother squeezed my hand, and I looked into his eyes, always looking at me with that protective gaze.

I love you, Aron.

I slipped into his mind to tell him those words that I hadn't spoken in a year. His eyes welled up, and he smiled. I heard them in my head.

I love you more, my little Azula.

We returned to what we were doing, facing forward, his hand clasped in mine, like a lifeline. Elliot had sworn allegiance to Jace, and the celebration had begun. I stayed in a corner, drinking punch while everyone celebrated until midnight. It was tradition for the new alpha and his Luna to have a moonlight run with their beta and gamma, so we prepared ourselves. In front of the entire pack, Jace was the first to shift into his wolf. He was dark brown with yellow eyes. Elaine shifted next. Her wolf was grey with blue eyes. Aron followed. Aeron came forward and licked my hands as a sign of affection. I smiled and made my shift. My wolf was present, transformed into that black-furred facade. Luz rushed to lick Aeron's face as Elliot shifted. His wolf was also grey, very similar to Eliane's but a little larger. Jace howled and began the run. We ran after him and Elaine. I already knew where this path would lead us. We were running to the river, to the damn Red River, where I didn't want to go back. We reached the river and howled at the moon, thanking it for our new positions and stupidly giving thanks for the new union of our Alpha and his Luna.

Jace ran off to meet up with the pack again, and Aron and Elliot followed him. Elaine stayed there, looking at me. I couldn't leave and leave my Luna here, so I stayed. She approached me, and I heard her in my head.

Azula.

Luna.

I bared my neck in submission, and her face contorted.

We must follow the Alpha.

Okay.

She ran, and I went after her. We arrived, and everyone was already there. They had already shifted and were waiting for us. Aron approached me with clothes and a blanket, covered me, and I shifted and put on my clothes. The party went on until dawn, and as beta, I had to stay even though I didn't want to be there. After that day, the days flew by. I concentrated on my duties as beta, training the pack children and taking care of the night patrols. My brother was the one who was always with the Alpha as Lead Beta. Sometimes I had to be with the Luna when she went out, which wasn't often, thank goodness. Five years had passed quickly. Jace and Elaine had had two children, Eliam and Azuma. They were five and four years old. They were two sweet and loving children. They were intelligent and at the top of all their classes, and also my favorite pupils. It was crazy that my mate's children loved me as much as they did and that I loved them back. They weren't to blame for what had happened years ago. In fact, no one was. It was simply fate.

I was finishing training when I felt Jace in my head, one of the few things I hated about being his beta, hearing him in my head, hearing his damn voice talking to me, getting into my mind, into my personal sanctuary.

Azula, when you're done, come to the packhouse and bring my children, please.

Okay, Alpha.

The connection cut off, and I continued with the training. When I was done, everyone hugged me and said goodbye.

Eliam, Azuma, wait for me. The Alpha wants me to take you to the packhouse.

Why do you always call my father the Alpha?

Because that's what he is. Your father is the Alpha of the pack, Eliam, and as his beta, I owe him respect.

But Uncle Aron is his beta too, and he calls him by his name. Doesn't he respect him?

Always so sweet. I knelt down and took their little hands. No, little one, of course, he respects him. He calls him by his name because they're best friends, and they can call each other by their names.

But my dad told me once that you were his best friend too.

His words left me speechless. What could I say to these sweet little children to make them forget this annoying conversation?

Aren't you his best friend anymore, Miss Azula?

My dad was mean to you.

No, no, no. The Alpha has never been mean to me. Your father is a good alpha, and he's good to the whole pack, and one day you'll be Alpha too, a good Alpha who will take care of us all.

And you'll be my best friend, Miss Azula?

If that's what you want, of course. I'll be your best friend, Eliam.

They both hugged me affectionately, and my body welcomed them gladly. Those children had won my heart. It didn't matter who their parents were, only them and me.

Chapter 4

When we got to the Elaine pack's house, she was outside waiting for us. Her children ran to her, hugging her excitedly, telling her what we had learned today.

Well, kids, go wash your hands so you can eat.

Can Miss Azula stay for dinner with us?

She looked at me with that longing look she always gave me. I don't know, maybe.

I don't know if I can, kids. The Alpha has requested my presence. Maybe next time.

Elaine's face contorted, as if those words had taken her to a painful memory, as if they had also happened to me. The kids ran to hug me, and I hugged them back.

Thank you for bringing us, Miss Azula.

It was a pleasure. Now go eat it all so you can grow big and strong.

As strong as you?

Much bigger than me.

The two of them ran excitedly into the house, and Elaine looked at me with a smile.

Thanks, Azula.

It was a pleasure, Luna.

She gave me one last look and went into the house. I connected mentally with Jace.

I'm here, Alpha.

Come to my office.

I entered the house and walked to his office. I could smell Aron and Elliot's scent inside. I knocked on the door and entered. I nodded in greeting.

Alpha, Beta, Gamma.

Hello, little one. Aron ruffled my hair, and I smiled. We turned to look at them, and they were looking at us, yes, with that strange and uncomfortable look they always had when I was around. Jace cleared his throat and spoke.

Well, we're all here now. Tomorrow, the Alpha King and his sisters are coming to visit for the new moon. Apparently, they're looking for their destined mates. His eyes shifted to mine for a moment, as if those silly words reminded him that I was his true mate, or rather, that I was. I wasn't anymore, and I never would be.

I want you to greet them at the entrance of the pack, Aron. Elliot, oversee that everything is well arranged. I want a banquet to be held in their honor. Azula, I want you to be here with me and Elaine to greet them.

My brow furrowed in annoyance. Why did they always want to include me in shit like this, like the time the Alphas from the neighboring packs came to visit, and he wanted me to greet them with him and Elaine, or the time Eliam was born and everyone came to celebrate the birth of the future Alpha, and he wanted me to be there to greet everyone with him because Elaine was busy with Eliam. What an awkward moment, because I had to be there. I hated having to be with the two of them and watch them look at me and treat me as if I was going to break down and burst into tears at any moment. For God's sake, we were adults.

You will escort the Alpha's sisters while they are in the pack, so tomorrow morning, everyone must be at their posts to receive the Alpha King.

Yes, Alpha, we all said at the same time.

God, imagine if one of them is your destined mate, Elliot.

And if she's yours, Aron.

Aron laughed, and I laughed with him. His laughter was contagious and gave me so much peace and tranquility.

I don't think that's going to happen. I'm too much for them, aren't I, little sister?

I just laughed and looked at him with a smile. You're too much for anyone, Aron. I think you're going to end up alone. We'll live together, and we'll have a lot of cats, or maybe we'll adopt a homeless child. You'll be his dad, and I'll be the cool aunt.

He laughed and hugged me. Well, as depressing as it sounds, I'd be happy to spend all my days with you, my little one.

I hugged him, not wanting to let go. I knew that one day Aron would find a mate and we wouldn't be so close anymore. He would move out, and that room we had shared for 24 years would feel as big and empty as my heart. I didn't want to think about it so much, but I couldn't help but let it slip into my mind. I pulled myself together and pulled away from his embrace. I turned to Jace, and he was looking at me with pain. His eyes changed to those of his wolf, and he quickly took control.

I'll take my leave, Alpha.

All right. Goodbye, Azula.

I turned and walked out of there. That night, I went for a walk on patrol and went to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

When I got to the pack house that morning, it was chaos. Everyone was running around, and Elaine looked like she was going to faint from worry. The kids saw me and ran towards me.

Miss Azula.

I bent down and hugged them. Good morning. How are my favorite pupils?

Very good.

Miss Azula, my mom told us that the Alpha King is coming to visit us today, and we have to be very good.

Of course, and so it shall be. You are good, well-behaved children. The Alpha King and his sisters will love you.

Do you think so?

Of course, my children. You are easy to love.

They ran off happily. The smile I had plastered on my face faded when I looked ahead, and there were Jace and Elaine looking at me.

Good morning, Alpha, Luna.

Good morning, Azula. Have you eaten yet? We're just about to have breakfast. Would you like to join us?

Thank you for the invitation, Luna, but I must decline. I ate with Aron before he left for the border. You two go ahead and eat. I'll help out around here.

Thank you so much. You'd be doing me a huge favor. I'm going crazy with all the arrangements. She laughed, and I forced a smile on my face.

I'll go now then. With your permission, Alpha, Luna.

I turned and got out of there. I would never be comfortable with them in the same room. I got to where the maids were and started helping them out. I gave some orders, and in less than an hour, everything was ready to welcome the Alpha King.

I was looking out the window at the entrance when I heard the children running towards me.

Miss Azula.

Well, aren't you handsome.

My mommy said this suit made me look like my daddy.

And it was true. Eliam and