The Concealed Luna

Chapter 5

Henry's gaze darted between Harris and Aly, confusion etched on his face. Daughter? How could she be his daughter? As far as he knew, Harris never had any children. And Aly didn't resemble him at all - Harris had white skin, while Aly had dark brown sunkissed skin. The discrepancy only added to his perplexity.

Aly stood frozen, her gaze darting between her father and her mate, her heart racing with anxiety. The tension in the room was thick, and she feared a confrontation might erupt at any moment.

Cynthia rushed to Aly's side, her eyes scanning her face and body for any signs of harm. "Are you okay, sweetie?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Aly managed a silent nod, her eyes fixed on the two men facing off in front of her.

"Alpha Harris, I had no idea you had a daughter," Henry said, his voice calm yet laced with confusion.

Harris' expression darkened, his anger smouldering. "That's none of your business, Alpha Henry. You should leave. Now."

Henry's eyes locked onto Harris', his tone unwavering. "Fair enough. Except that your daughter happens to be my mate."

The words hung in the air like a challenge. Harris's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. Cynthia gasped, her eyes darting to her daughter as if seeking confirmation. Aly nodded, her eyes locked onto her mother's.

"Yes. And I'm not leaving without her," Henry said, his voice firm but calm.

"Like hell, you aren't!" Harris erupted, his fists clenched. "She's my daughter. You can't just take her!" His face reddened with anger.

Henry stood his ground, his eyes locked onto Aly. "I won't force her to come with me. But I'm also not willing to leave without her. However, the decision is hers," he said, his gaze gentle but resolute.

Harris seethed, his face red with rage. This was not supposed to happen. No one was supposed to find out about Aly. Her being Henry's mate would ruin everything.

Aly looked at her parents, confusion etched on her face. She thought finding your mate was a good thing, but they didn't seem happy. In fact, they looked terrified.

"I...I need time," she said softly.

"Very well, then," Henry declared. "I suppose I'll be staying a little longer."

"What?" Harris asked, surprise written across his face.

"You did offer me the option to stay longer, remember? Looks like I'll be taking you up on it after all." Henry gave Aly one last look before exiting her bedroom, leaving a trail of tension in his wake.

"Aly, how did he find you?" Harris demanded, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. He took a step closer to her, his eyes narrowing.

"I...I don't know," Aly stuttered, her voice trembling. "I found him in my room when I came out of the bathroom. He was just...there."

"Harry, what are we going to do? They'll take her away," Cynthia asked her husband, her voice laced with concern.

Harris looked at his wife worriedly, then turned to his daughter. "Are you sure he's your mate, Alyvia?" he asked, his tone gentle but urgent.

Aly nodded emphatically. "Yes, Dad. I'm sure."

Harris sighed in resignation, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "There's nothing we can do about it, Cynthia," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness. "We should let Aly get dressed."

With that, the couple left Aly's room, leaving her enveloped in a cloud of wonder and confusion.

Aly's mind raced with questions. What did her mother mean by 'they'll take her away? 'And had she really just met her mate? The thought sent a thrill through her, tempered by a hint of fear. She felt scared, yet happy, her emotions swirling in a delightful chaos.

***

As Henry walked towards the pack house, he was met with the expectant faces of Nathan and the royal delegates, who had been waiting for his return after his sudden mind link summons.

"Everything okay, Alpha?" Nathan asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

Henry's face broke into a stunned yet radiant smile. "Yes...it seems I've found my mate," he announced, his voice filled with disbelief and joy.

Nathan's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, his tone echoing the shock and excitement of the moment.

The group waited patiently at the pack house, their conversations hushed and subdued.

When Harris finally arrived, his face was engraved with a look of despair, his eyes downcast and his posture weighed down by weariness. "I'll have someone prepare your rooms," he said, his voice heavy with a sense of duty.

"Thank you," Henry replied, his tone serious and measured. "In the meantime, you have a lot of explaining to do."

Harris's gaze flickered, a shadow of nervousness dancing in his eyes. "I know," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

As the group followed him to his office, one could almost feel the tension wrapping around their throat, squeezing tighter with each step. The air was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved issues, making it hard to breathe.

"Who is she and why is there no mention of her in your pack census?" Henry didn't waste time after they sat down.

"It's a long story," Harris said.

"Believe me, I have time," Henry clasped his hands.

Harris sighed, "She..."

***

After getting dressed, Aly went downstairs to find her mother sitting at the dining table, her head in her hands. "Mom..." she called out softly.

Cynthia's head snapped up at her daughter, and Aly could see that she had been crying.

Aly walked towards her mother slowly. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" she asked, her voice tinted with worry.

Cynthia wiped her tears away. "It's nothing, sweetie."

Aly looked at her doubtfully. "Is it because I found my mate?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

Cynthia didn't answer at first, and Aly continued, "I thought it was a good thing."

Cynthia sighed. "It is, sweetie. I'm sorry for the way your father and I reacted. We were just shocked."

Aly seemed to contemplate her next words as she played with her fingers. "I want to see him again, my mate."

Cynthia watched her daughter with a tinge of sorrow, knowing that the truth was now out. She respected the mate bond and knew she couldn't deny Aly's request. "Okay, let's go," she said tenderly.

As they stepped outside, the night sky unfolded above them, a canvas of twinkling stars. The air was crisp and quiet, except for the sound of their footsteps. Mother and daughter walked in silence to the packhouse, the weight of the moment hanging between them.

Aly's eyes widened as they approached the packhouse. She had never set foot inside before, and its sheer size took her breath away. She followed her mother up the stairs to the second floor, her heart racing with anticipation and a touch of nervousness.

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