The Luna's Fated Choice

Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Moonlit Secrets 

Kiadaria is happy that things have seemed to die down since the full moon ritual. She has fallen back into her Luna duties and Darius hasn't made any un-welcomed pop ups at The Rising Moon territory. However, Darius' parting words have left Kiadaria with unease. She senses that Joshua doesn't trust her after the full moon ritual, and she can't determine why. 

"Well, yes, I'm keeping the fact that Darius is my true mate away from him." Kiadaria thinks out loud. 

Even with that fact, she can't seem to get why Joshua is suspicious of her and it makes her sort of angry. She has dedicated herself to this pack. Although she hadn't wanted to be Joshua's Luna, she worked hard to help bring the success that Joshua claims all for himself and brags about. She has been faithful, although lonely and did want true love. 

She's so angry and so she's shifted and has gone on a run by herself. 

"Don't mess around Kiadaria. He's not a pet or a fun distraction. Be careful around him, and make sure you're not being deceived. I don't trust him." 

Her massive paws beat the dirt beneath them as the warning plays over and over in her head. She more than read between the lines and realizes that Joshua doesn't trust her. He doesn't believe in her loyalty to the pack and to being Luna. 

"To doubt my loyalty is insane! I've given up my youth and my true mate to grow this pack! I have missed out on having a boyfriend and having a group of friends. I've given everything to him and he doubts me." She shouts in her mind, pick up speed and running even faster, darting through the terrain of the forest. 

All she'd done as Luna and this is how he repayed her? With his doubt and mistrust? Her fur is ruffled in the wind as she goes into a frenzy, running at her top speed. 

When she turns around the bend, a strange wolf pops out into her path- Ryker of some neighboring pack that Kiadaira can't remember the name of. The pack isn't special. 

"If it isn't the witch wolf, looking to charm and ruin another's pack's alpha with her wiles and spells." He telepathically communicates. The eyes of his wolf is unfriendly as he bares his teeth. 

Instinctually she knows that she is in possible danger. A warning growl tears through her muzzle as she bares her teeth in return. 

Ryker looks her over with as much disdain as a wolf form allows. "You're no Luna. We all say it...but I'm going to be the one to do something about it." 

Ryker lunges at her and she dodges biting into his coat and wounding him. before Ryker can retaliate a familiar scent comes from the under bush as a large dark chestnut alpha wolf appears and charges Ryker, sending him to his back; belly up. 

"Darius?" Kiadaria wonders at his appearance and is surprised that he intervened at such a good time. 

Darius stands in front of Kiadaria, effectively between herself and the other wolf. "Get the fuck outta here before I mind link your Alpha." 

Ryker whimpers in shame and fear before snarling off into the trees. Kiadaria watches him disappear but is still filled with the adrenaline of the confrontation. 

"I could have handled that wolf myself." She bites out, Darius's presence reminding her of Joshua's lack of faith in her as a Luna. 

His expression softens and he bows down in his wolf form. " You could have, but I was here and I will always protect you." 

Their eyes meet and she feels the effect of the mate bond. She feels immense attractraction to him and also the gratitude of his help. She doesn't know what entirely to make of his words and actions, as she is sure he knows they are mates but has not confronted her or Joshua.