The Alpha's Luna, A Destiny Divided

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Luna's POV
A week had passed since my arrival at Silver Creek, and despite my best efforts, I could feel my resolve weakening. The pack's warmth was a constant assault on the walls I'd built around myself. Elara's gentle care, Rafe quiet understanding, even Nora's grudging acceptance – it all served to remind me of what I'd lost, what I couldn't allow myself to have again.

And then there was Callum.

He kept his distance as promised, but I could feel his eyes on me whenever we were in the same room. The mate bond hummed between us, a constant reminder of what could be – if I was brave enough, foolish enough, to reach for it.
I was in the pack house's library, losing myself in the scent of old books and the quiet rustling of pages, when a commotion outside caught my attention. Curious despite myself, I moved to the window.

In the clearing before the house, a group of young wolves was gathered. They appeared to be training, mock-fighting under the watchful eye of Nora. As I watched, a young she-wolf with fiery red hair broke away from the group, frustration evident in every line of her body.

Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself outside, drawn by a pull I couldn't explain.

Nora noticed me first, her eyebrows rising in surprise. "Well, look who's decided to join the land of the living," she said, her tone somewhere between teasing and challenging.

I ignored her, my attention fixed on the young wolf who now sat apart from the others, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

"What's wrong?" I asked, surprising myself with the gentleness in my voice.
The girl looked up, her green eyes widening as she recognized me. "I... I can't get the move right," she admitted, a blush staining her cheeks. "I'm too slow, too weak."

Something inside me softened at the vulnerability in her voice. How long had it been since I'd allowed myself to care about anyone else's struggles?

"Show me," I heard myself say.
The girl – Ruby, I learned – demonstrated the defensive move she'd been struggling with. I could see immediately what the problem was.

"You're thinking too much," I said, moving to stand beside her. "Your body knows what to do. Trust your instincts."
I demonstrated the move, letting my wolf guide me. Ruby watched intently, then tried again. This time, her movements were smoother, more natural.

"That's it," I encouraged, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "Again."

We worked together for the next hour, lost in the rhythm of practice and improvement. It wasn't until I heard a sharp intake of breath that I realized we had an audience.

Callum stood at the edge of the clearing, his amber eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my breath catch. Beside him, Marcus wore an expression of quiet approval.

Suddenly self-conscious, I stepped back from Ruby. "Keep practicing," I mumbled, then turned to flee.

"Luna, wait," Callum called, but I was already gone, seeking the solitude of my room.
What was I doing? I couldn't afford to form attachments, couldn't allow myself to care. Caring only led to pain, to betrayal, to loss.

But as I sank onto my bed, the memory of Ruby's triumphant smile tugged at something long-buried in my heart. And Callum's gaze, filled with warmth and something dangerously close to pride, haunted me.
I was in trouble. Deep, deep trouble.

Callum's POV
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the scene before me. Luna, my elusive, wary mate, was out in the open, coaching young Ruby with a patience and gentleness I hadn't yet seen from her.

"Well, I'll be damned," Rafe murmured beside me. "Looks like there's more to our mystery wolf than meets the eye."
I nodded, unable to find words. Watching Luna move, her body flowing through the defensive stances with a grace that spoke of years of training, stirred something primal in me. My mate was not just beautiful, but skilled. Strong. A warrior in her own right.

When Luna finally noticed us and fled, it took every ounce of self-control not to chase after her. Instead, I forced myself to focus on the young wolves, praising their progress and ending the training session.

As the clearing emptied, Nora approached, her expression thoughtful. "She's good," she said simply. "Wherever she came from, she was well-trained."

I nodded, filing away this new piece of information. "What else did you notice?"

Nora's eyes narrowed as she considered. "She's used to teaching. The way she broke down the moves, adjusted her approach for Ruby's learning style... that comes from experience." She paused, then added reluctantly, "She'd make a good addition to our training program. If she stays."

The 'if' hung heavy in the air between us. I knew Luna was still determined to leave as soon as she was fully healed. But seeing her today, engaging with the pack, teaching Ruby – it gave me hope.

"Thank you, Nora," I said. "Keep an eye on her if she joins any more training sessions. But don't push."
Nora nodded and walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I turned to head back to the pack house, only to find Rafe still lingering.

"You're going to have to talk to her eventually," he said quietly. "Really talk to her."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know. But every time I try, she shuts down. Retreats." The admission cost me, but if I couldn't be honest with my Beta, who could I be honest with? "I'm afraid of pushing her away for good."

Rafe was quiet for a moment, then said, "Sometimes, Alpha, the greatest risk is not taking one at all."

His words echoed in my mind as I made my way back to the pack house. He was right, of course. I couldn't keep dancing around the issue, hoping Luna would magically open up or decide to stay. I needed to take action.

Decision made, I climbed the stairs to Luna's room. I'd give her time to settle, then we'd talk. Really talk. About her past, about our future, about everything in between.
One way or another, it was time to face this head-on. For better or for worse.