Haven't Seen The Light In A While

Chapter Thirty-Four

Melody

The air shifted the moment I stepped into the hallway. Rory and Vince moved in step with me, Sam a steady presence behind.

The weight in my chest the one I'd carried, heavy with fear and shame was still there. But now, it was joined by something else.

It wasn't just the heat or being the Luna. It was the Alpha heart beating in my chest.

The heart of a ruler housed in the vessel of an omega and the pack felt it.

They moved differently around me as I descended the stairs. Conversations paused immediately and their heads turned. Brows furrowed in confusion, in uncertainty.

A few took a cautious step back. Others bowed their heads instinctively, unsure if they should.

My scent was different now. Sharper, deeper, richer with the underlying power I didn't know how to wield yet.

I smiled. Soft, warm, and genuine.

"Morning," I said gently as I passed two young pack members lingering near the kitchen. "Did you both sleep okay?"

They blinked at me like I was a mirage. One nodded slowly. The other managed a startled, "Y–Yeah, Luna. Good morning."

My smile lingered as I continued past them, but there was a tightness in my chest that returned when I caught it—

That scent it was Odin.

It was sharp as lightning in my nose, as if the bond had flared to life with renewed clarity. I followed it instinctively, drawn forward like a string pulled through my ribs.

The living room came into view quickly as I left my other mates behind me and there he was.

He leaned back slightly on the couch, legs tucked beneath him to the side, arms wrapped around one of the throw pillows. His eyes were tired, with dark circles beneath them. His scent was calm but caution prickled on the back of his neck.

When he looked up and met my eyes his whole body tensed.

My heart broke a little at that.

He didn't get up. Didn't run. But he didn't smile, either. Just watched me.

I stepped slowly, stopping a few feet away to give him space.

"I know Ive scared you with my jealousy," I said softly. "I don't blame you for being afraid."

He swallowed, but didn't speak.

"I didn't mean to," I whispered. "But, meaning to or not, I hurt you."

I shifted, lowering myself to my knees in front of him. A Luna kneeling for his mate to show them they mattered immensely.

"I'm sorry, Odin," I said, eyes locked on his. "I want to fix this but I won't rush you. Please let me sit with you for a while. I want to be near you."

For a moment, he didn't move.

But then slowly, tentatively he shifted the pillow in his arms and reached out one hand toward me.

I reached back.

When our fingers brushed, I didn't flinch at the little spark between us. I just held on.

Odin's fingers tightened around mine so suddenly that it caught me off guard.

He gripped my hand and yanked me.

Not hard enough to hurt, but strong enough that my balance tipped and I stumbled forward with a quiet gasp, landing right against his chest with a soft thud.