THE HEIR'S MATE

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

After catching their breath, Luna led Elias to her favorite spot, a secluded area with a perfect view of the lake, framed by towering trees. The moonlight bathed the scene in a silvery glow, and the sound of water gently lapping at the shore added to the serene atmosphere. They settled on a large, flat rock that jutted out over the water, offering an unobstructed view of the landscape.

Luna took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "So, about yesterday," she began, her voice soft but determined. She needed to address what had happened and what might happen in the future. The weight of her decisions felt like a boulder pressing down on her chest.

"I understand," Elias said before she could continue, his tone gentle yet firm, cutting through her hesitation. "You just didn't want things to get complicated." He smiled softly, his eyes locking onto hers. There was an unspoken understanding in his gaze, a silent reassurance that he wasn't upset. He admired her more than he probably should have, especially those captivating blue eyes. Luna felt a lump in her throat, struggling to find the right words.

"Lukan seems strong," Elias remarked, attempting to sound casual, but the jealousy in his voice was unmistakable.

"He's capable," Luna replied, feeling a pang of guilt. Her voice wavered, betraying the inner turmoil she tried to hide.

"He'll be perfect for the rite. He just needs to defeat Rafe, right? To become your... partner?" The word "partner" hung heavy in the air, laden with implications.

"Mm-hmm," Luna nodded quietly. She wanted to tell him she hadn't made a final decision yet, but she didn't want to give him false hope. The air between them grew thick with unspoken words and emotions.

Elias, sensing her guilt and sadness, felt it too. "Hey, you don't have to be sad. It's okay," Elias reassured her, his gaze warm and understanding. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. His touch was light, but it grounded her, reminding her she wasn't alone in this. "You're making your choice wisely. I know it's not just about you, or me. Your family and pack are involved, and I understand how important they are. So please, no need more apologizing."

Luna looked at him, her heart aching with the weight of her decisions. "But I just want to ask," Elias continued gently, "what do you think about us after this? After the rite and after you become the pack leader's heir?"

"I don't quite know," Luna admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She looked down at her hands, which were clasped tightly in her lap. The truth weighed heavily on her heart. In her past life, she had been killed by her supposed partner, Rafe, and had died without ever meeting her true mate who now smiled faintly in front of her.

"Can I at least still see you, even from afar?" Elias asked, his voice soft yet filled with longing. They both knew that becoming werewolf partners was a lifelong commitment, not something easily undone. The bond was deepened through the act of claiming each other, a process that made the connection nearly irreversible. Even a mate found after couldn't easily break that bond. Ignoring the bond with a mate was also rare and fraught with complications, often leading to territorial conflicts.

Luna looked up, meeting Elias's eyes. The pain in his gaze mirrored her own. "You can and you will," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She promised herself that after taking her revenge and ensuring everyone she loved was safe, she would try anything to sever ties with Lukan. She knew it would be hard, but it wasn't impossible.

Elias nodded, understanding the unspoken words between them. "Good then. Well, even if you said no, I'd still do it anyway."

Luna chuckled at Elias's comment before her guilt washed over her again. "I wish things were different," Luna said, a tear slipping down her cheek without her knowing. She was frustrated, feeling like she had to choose between Elias and everyone she loved.