Nora

“You don't have to worry; he's not going to look for you. Besides, he doesn't care about you. Remember?”

I tried to calm myself, but I couldn't. There was something about the way he looked at me the moment his eyes locked with mine.

“I have to make sure he doesn't recognize me. I hope he doesn't try to do something stupid. I have moved in, and I hoped he had too.”

I lay on the bed, my mind racing. There were so many things involved, but I knew he would never be able to find me, and even if he did, there was nothing to talk about.

Days passed, and silence returned. Those past days were hell. I found myself looking around and spent most of my time indoors. Anything to make sure he didn't get to see me.

I heard a knock on the door, and before I could answer it, the door opened, revealing Asher and Lucas.

“Mommy!” Lucas rushed towards me, and I chuckled lightly, kissing his forehead.

Asher strolled over as well, kissing my head before staring at me. “How are you feeling now?

I nodded. “Better. I'm sorry I couldn't go with you to every hockey game. I just—”

He held my chin and pulled my face so I could look at him. “Well, there's no need for you to feel bad about it. You need rest, and I would be honest, the hockey game arena isn't a place for someone who needs that.”

My lips stretched into a small smile. He was always so understanding, which was something I admired about him.

He captured my lips in a small kiss, and Lucas pushed out his lips as well, but I kissed him on his forehead. Messing up his hair with my fingers.

“We’ll have a special guest from one of our neighboring packs.”

My eyes widened, but then I lowered my eyes again. I knew I wasn't Luna yet and needed to stay hidden whenever someone came to visit the pack.

“Well, I guess I'll have to stay in my room all day.”

He stretched his lips into a smirk, staring at me so much my brows knitted.

“What's going on?” I stared at him with confusion in my eyes.

“Well, you're not going to be sitting in your room this time. You're going to meet another Alpha because…”

I twisted my lips, a smile forming already because I felt like I knew what he wanted to say.

“Because you're standing in as my Luna until the ceremony.”

I blinked my eyes, shaking my head as I tried to grasp what was going on. “What? Are you fucking serious?”

I suddenly pressed my lips, turning my eyes to Lucas, who was playing.

“You're kidding, right?”

I shook my head. “I'm not kidding. I'm telling you the truth. Aren't you excited?”

He asked, and I chuckled, wrapping my arms around him. I was tired of hearing the maids whisper about me being a leech. This was a massive step for me.

“Happy? If there was a word beyond that, that's what I feel right now.”

He nodded. “Alright then. You can choose your dress in preparation. I want my Luna to stand out.”

I nodded, hugging him again. This was a huge moment for me; I couldn't wait to share it with Grandma.

***

“That's good news; I'm glad you're finally finding happiness.” Grandma said, placing her bowl of favorite pie in front of me.

“I know, right?” I exhaled, lowering my shoulders. I didn't know if I should tell her what happened with Mason.

“You're troubled. Is it about Asher?” She asked, but I shook my head.

“I sighted Luca's biological father at one of the games, and now I'm scared. What if he finds me and takes Lucas away?”

She snapped her head towards me. “You aren't going to allow that, would you?”

I shook my head. Of course I wasn't going to allow that. I mean, I had been through a lot without him; he shouldn't have such access.

“Good, that's all I needed to hear.” She moved to my side and rubbed my shoulders. “May the moon goddess guide you.”

****

The day for the special guest finally arrived, and as Luna, I was dressed up perfectly. I was expected to welcome the guest and make him feel at home before the Alpha comes in.

“You've got this, milady,” Elara, my handmaid, cheered for me. She was the only support system I had here, well, except for Asher himself.

There was a knock on the door, and my chest tightened the moment she opened the door.

I heard mumblings, and then I watched her nod her head before she turned towards me.

“He's here.”

I took in a deep breath and put on a brave face, walking towards the place. Elara was behind me, and all the while, I stared at the ground. I did that to think of the right words to say.

I sighted a pair of shoes the moment I got there, and I raised my head slowly, taking in the full outfit. However, the moment I got to his face, I turned pale.

His face was also drained of color, and the silence that grew between us was great.

I swallowed. This was my first mission; I couldn't let the past get in the way of my present.

“Welcome, Alpha Mason of the Silvermoon pack.” I greeted, bowing, but she extended her hands towards me.

I swallowed; I knew he was supposed to take his hands, but I felt my chest tighten.

“Nora?” He called, and I swallowed, stretching my hands. The moment he held my hand, he moved close, not too close to brood suspension, but enough to whisper words to me.

“I'm so glad I found you. I've been looking everywhere for—”

“Stay away from me!” I muttered, breathing hard. Just then the doors burst open, and I heard a voice.

“Mommy!” Lucas hugged me from behind, laughing, while the maid who chased after him stopped dead in her tracks.

“Milady, I'm sorry. He was too difficult to handle. I would make sure to take him away.”

I nodded, but Mason's words brought me back to reality.

“Mommy?”