Royal Secrets & Beastly Desires

25. Welcome Home, Luna: Shadows of the Past & Embracing Love

🌓🌙🌓🌙🌓

As they arrived back in London, however, everything felt far from okay. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and the air was thick with tension. Whispers of conflict echoed around them, and the atmosphere felt charged, as if the world itself was holding its breath.

Michael met them at the airport, his expression serious as he bowed his head in respect. "Good afternoon, Alpha and Luna," he greeted, motioning toward the sleek black SUV parked nearby. Draiden took charge, loading their luggage into the back before opening the door for Dakota. She climbed in beside him, a sense of unease settling in as they began their drive toward the pack house.

The air was thick with tension, and Draiden was the first to break the silence. He could feel that something was off. "Michael, what is wrong?"

His beta sighed, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I was going to tell you when we arrived home, but we have a problem."

Draiden ran a hand through his hair, frustration mounting. "There is always a problem, Michael. Just spill it."

Michael glanced at Dakota in the rearview mirror, gauging her reaction before meeting Draiden's gaze. "The Velqurie King declared war against the Moon Crest wolf pack," he finally muttered, the weight of the news hanging heavily in the air.

"What does this have to do with us?" Draiden asked, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. The longer Michael withheld information, the more frustrated he became.

Michael sighed, clearly weighed down by the gravity of the situation. "King Alexander is requesting our alliance and help to fight. He would like a formal meeting tomorrow with you, myself, and our Luna." He glanced back at Dakota, whose eyes went wide in disbelief.

Gasping in shock, Dakota shook her head vigorously. "Me? But I don't know anything about being Luna, let alone our pack or even about fighting a war with vampires!" She rambled, her nerves causing her to tremble from head to toe. The last thing she expected upon returning home was to be thrust into such a pivotal role.

Draiden squeezed her hand tightly, grounding her. "Don't worry, I've got you and will guide you every step of the way," he assured her, his voice steady and reassuring. He then turned his attention back to Michael, his expression serious. "Set up the meeting and let the warriors know to be on guard should anything go wrong."

Michael nodded.

As the SUV rolled through the familiar streets of their territory, Dakota's mind raced. She had never imagined that her role as Luna would involve war and alliances. The weight of responsibility felt overwhelming, but Draiden's presence beside her offered a sliver of comfort.

"What if I mess up?" Dakota finally voiced her concern, her voice barely a whisper.

"You won't," Draiden replied firmly, his gaze locked on her. "You're stronger than you realize, and I'll be right there with you. We'll face this together"

His confidence infused Dakota with a sense of purpose. She took a deep breath, trying to push aside her fears. They were in this together, and she would do everything she could to protect her pack and her family, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.

Draiden could sense the swirling emotions of his pack as they approached the pack house-confusion, worry, and an undercurrent of dread about the impending visit from the vampires. It was a heavy atmosphere, and he felt the weight of their fears pressing down on him.

The drive to the pack house was short, yet it felt like an eternity as Dakota's anxiety grew with each passing moment. He could feel her unease radiating from her, and he tightened his grip on her hand, offering silent support. "Relax, I've got you," he promised, turning to give her a rare, reassuring smile.