Alpha’s Rue: His Shunned Luna (Athena Enchanted) novel Chapter 5

KINGSTON

I spent the entire night trying to make sense of my life. Every time I tried to fall asleep, images of Aeliana flooded my mind. Sometime years ago, the choice would have been easy, I wouldn’t have thought twice, but today, the choice weighs heavily on me.

My wolf wants Aeliana, I want the pack. Our desires are set on different paths, but to have both I must make the sacrifice. I refuse to let Aeliana ruin everything I’ve worked hard for. She will regret ever coming back to Mooncrest, she should have stayed out of our lives.

I’ve been ready since seven AM, and when the clock finally strikes nine, I leave my office. I know Audrey is already out at her Beauty salon by now, and so I skip the crying and whining.

Outside, the entire place is buzzing with news of my rejection last night and soon, they’ll be buzzing with the news of my upcoming wedding. I spot my Mom’s car just as I’m pulling out of the parking lot.

“Kingston!” She calls out from her window, honking at me.

I have no choice but to get out of my car, and meet her at hers. “Mom, what are you doing here so early?”

“I came to find out about your decision.” she says, “Aeliana is already in agreement, are you ready to apologise for your outburst last night?”

“It wasn’t an—Wait.” I pause, her words only now registering. “Did you say Aeliana agrees?”

“Yes,” she grins widely. “Pandora called me this morning. She was particularly happy and wanted to get together since we are to be in-laws.”

That doesn’t sound right, Aeliana wouldn’t agree. The eyes that stared at me last night wanted nothing to do with me, they’re the eyes of the girl who cut ties with me, and the rest of the pack. What is she planning?

“So what’s your decision?”

“I’ll marry her,” I say, and she immediately smiles. I haven’t seen her this happy since my nephew said her name as his first word. “I’m happy it pleases you that your husband is forcing me into this marriage.”

“Oh come on, son. Aeliana is a beautiful girl,” she grins wider. “Your father isn’t forcing you into anything, he is helping you. This is what it should be like, you don't need a chosen mate when fate has blessed you with one.”

“I wouldn’t say blessed,” I grumble. My problem with Aeliana is beyond her looks. Her looks are not an issue, the girl is stunning.

“I would,” she argues. “I mean I was okay with Audrey being your chosen, but there’s just something about her that unsettles me.”

Unsettles her? They get along just fine, they've been to dinners without me countless times. “I don’t know, King. Audrey is lovely and pleasant, but you’re her main focus. A Luna needs to be balanced and that Aeliana? I’ve always liked her. She’s been very critical, calm, I can see a bit of myself in her.”

“Mom, please stop.” I groan. “If Aeliana wanted to be with me then she would have, there would have been no Audrey, but she tossed me away once she found someone else to fool around with.”

Mom frowns, a hand to her chest. “I am sorry you’re grieving your relationship with Audrey, but to be honest with you? I’ve always hoped Aeliana would be your mate, ever since you were little and now it's happening.”

I nod. “Again, very happy for you Mother.” Despite the beginning of her statement being sympathetic, she has not once stopped smiling, there’s a shine in her eyes.

“I brought a bracelet for you to give her when you apologise, it has our family crest on it.” She says, reaching into her purse. She shuffles forward something and then pulls a pink little box out. Aeliana doesn’t even like pink. “Here, you should give it to her before she leaves.”

“Leaves?” I frown.

“Yes,” she nods, shoving the box at me when I don’t take it. “Pandora says she will be returning to Clinshore to pack up her belongings. While she will be back in a week, it's best you show her you’re interested now.”

A train of thoughts races through my mind, Aeliana accepted my rejection despite my Father’s interruption and— “She’s not coming back.”

“What do you mean?” Mom asks, the fear in her voice unmistakable.

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