Thumb stuck in my lips, I nip at my nail as I pace across the perimeter of my living room in lounge yellow shorts and a black tank top. The coolness of the white tiles meet my feet with each step as my brain strives to process the events of earlier.

I just arrived my apartment which is situated on the outskirts of LA half an hour ago and since then I haven't sat down to rest as the thoughts swirl around in my head.

The sound of utensils from the kitchen to my right reminds me Josh's presence. My bestfriend had showed up a week ago at my apartment with a bag and when I asked what he was doing his answer was simply that he was bored out of his mind at home.

Josh is a cheerful person and fun to hang with however he comes off as a loner as he finds no reason to start up conversations with strangers or make friends, making me his only friend as he was my only friend.

We lived together for 3 years before his girlfriend at the time insisted she wanted privacy. It wasn't a big deal for me thus I understood from her point of view and so we decided to live separately.

“I know you are crazy but the fact you've been pacing for the past hour is beginning to scare me,” Josh announced as he strolled into the living room in only a pair of black tennis shorts, his chest and abbs on display.

“You won't understand,” I assert and pause for a moment as he makes himself comfortable on one of the four plush chairs. They are arranged in a circular form around a long mahogany table that sits below a flat screened TV on the maroon painted wall.

“Definitely I won't,” he concurs in a sly smile on his lips, brown eyes teasing and nose angled upwards as he gapes at me, a strand of his curly Mexican hair falling over a thick brow. “However, I suggest you eat first.”

“What's that?” I implored and watched as he set two covered plates on the table.

“Lasagna,” he beamed and removed the cover from each of them, a satisfied expression on his face.

“Was there a need to cover it in the first place?” I asked in a scoff, shaking my head at him.

“It's for dramatics,” he contested. “There's a feeling you get after uncovering a food and seeing something delicious and appetizing. How it feels to have the scent waft into your nostrils and straight to your stomach.”

“You are a chef Lisa, you should know this,” he continues as I gawk at him with a blank expression.

“I don't think I can stomach any of this,” I blurt, my stomach doing a backflip as I stare at the meal, my brain not able to forget the change in his eyes, the sight of his canines and the sharp thorns on his nails.

“What's wrong Lis?” Josh inquires, his lids narrowing as worry depicts on his facial features. “You don't look so good.”

Tears gather in my eyes, and a lump forms in my throat at his expression, all the weight from the happenings since yesterday threatening to crash down on me.

“Josh,” I call out, biting on my bottom lip.

“Tell me Lis.” He stretches to a standing position. “I know something is up.”

I clamp my lids to keep the dam from breaking and begin pacing again. My fingers find their way into my strands as I feel like pulling on it in a bid to wake me from the joke my life seems to be turning into.

“Josh,” I stop, hands still in hair and peered at him with a serious look.

“You are scaring me Lis,” he groaned, his expression shifting between worried and exasperated.

“I'm doomed Josh,” I pronounce covering the distance to the chair on his left. I sit with a thump, shoulders slumping as I bury my head in my thighs and moan. “Josh I'm doomed.”

“How are you doomed?” He inquires, his hands rubbing my arms which I use to cradle my forehead as I curl in a foetal position. “Did you get scammed? Are you being stalked? What exactly is going on Lisa?”

“Josh I--” my sentence gets cut short by the sound of the doorbell. Panic rises in my form as I lift my head to see a frown appearing on his forehead.

“Are you expecting someone?” He implores and glances towards the door.

“No.” I shake my head dread coming toward the forefront of my mind as I have sense of what may be. I gulp and ask, “you?”

“It's a Sunday afternoon, I have no plans of meeting anyone till tomorrow,” he explains and stands, his fingers still wrapped around my arm. “Who may that be?”

He tries to walk towards it but I hold unto him unconsciously, heartbeat speeding up. “I'm just going to get the door hold on.”

My hand falls to my thighs as he strives to the wooden door. I watch in a panic as he peers through the peephole. His browe scrunch up in confusion and he whirls to send me a look to which I raise a brow in inquiry.

He simply shrugs in response and I feel my heart hammer in my chest as the locks shift and he pulls the door open. My fear gets confirmed as I spot Klien standing in his signature bodyguard attire.

“Who are you?” Josh interrogates the stranger, his voice coming off as cold and calculated.

“I’m Klein,” he introduces and stretches out a palm which Josh reluctantly takes. “Chef Lisa is acquainted with me.”

“What are you doing here Klein?” I ask, my tone low as I gradually move to a standing position, my fingers folded in a fist to keep them from shaking.

“How do you know my house?”

Josh scowls after hearing that, a glare directing at Klein who has a blank expression as he answers. “It was on the employee form you filled out.”

I nod, not allowing myself feel stupid for asking such an obvious question. “I thought I was invited to come over later in the day and not this early in the afternoon.”

“Mr Lazarus has asked me to come and escort you to his residence,” he conveys. “His mother decided to show up earlier than expected and she's asking for you.”

“What's all these about Lisa?” Josh questions, the lines on his forehead evident as his lips thin out in a straight line.

“I'm-” I attempt to speak but the stare Klein was sending me prevented me from doing so. “I'll explain later.”

“”””””””

I waved at Josh and sent him a reassuring smile to help ease his worried expression as Klein waited for me to get into the backseat of the black range rover.

At his slight nod, I breath a small sigh and hope he doesn't worry himself more than necessary.

Adjusting the fabric of the red off the shoulder styled frock, I climb into the awaiting vehicle and shut the door after. The engine is immediately turned on and the car is steered out of the parking lot of my apartment building.

“Why do I have to where a dress? An expensive looking frock at that?” I blurt out my curiosity after minutes of silence and peering at the delicate material and handwoven flower designs.

“It's a custom to dress formally when meeting the Queen of the Light pack or as we address her, the Luna of the Light pack,” he explains. “It shows a sign of respect and recognition for her status.”

His words are enough to shut me up as the carry information that let my mind wander as thoughts swirl in my head. Thoughts like, will she like me? Where do I fall under this status thingy Klein talked about? If Nicholas is the next Alpha does that make me the next queen and Luna? Do I have to kiss up to some old stuck ups? Do I have to pretend to be someone I'm not?

A sigh leaves my lips as I peer out the window at the houses, scenery and people we breeze by, the questions trying to consume me. My gaze remain stuck to the glass hoping the flashing objects will maybe help to distract me.

“I hope I didn't in any way offend you Lu- Chef Lisa?” Klein inquires from the driver’s seat.

I raise my head and gawk at the rearview mirror to spot him offer me a concerned glimpse. Frowning in confusion I ask, “why would you think that?”

“It's just that I've been sensing an aloof energy from you since I showed up at your house per Master Nicholas’s order,” he conveys and I lift a brow.

“Well that's expected,” I murmur in a smile. “It's normal for me to react that way after you appear on my door unannounced.”

“I'm sorry,” he apologizes.

“Don’t worry I'm not mad at you,” I assure and he nods. “You were simply following orders.”

“Thank you Lu- Chef Lisa,” he says and a question pops in my head. I decide to risk it hence I am already roped into something more crazy than I could have imagined.

“Why do you always stutter when talking to me?” I ask and observe shock and fear run through his features from the mirror. “It comes off as of you are always about to say something but correct yourself.”

“Ummm,” he lets out.

“Go ahead and say it,” I urge. “I'm meeting Nicholas’s mother so I'm certain it should explain a lot.”

“I always end up about to call you Luna on instinct but end up correcting myself,” he answers, his head bowed low in defeat.

“Why so?” I interrogate. “From what you said earlier, Luna means Queen of a pack.”

“Yes,” he declares. “Master Nicholas is the next Alpha and the fact you are his mate automatically makes you a Luna.”

My heart stops and my breath seizes for seconds as the statement that confirms my thoughts sink in. Inhaling a shaky breath I say in an exhale, “well that answers one of my questions.”

The car parks at its usual spot and Klein shuts the engine. I lift my view from my phone and we make brief eye contact through the rearview mirror. He nods at me as if in encouragement and lights, closing the door after.

In the few seconds I'm alone inside the vehicle, I slide my phone into the clutch that goes with the dress and take hasty but deep breaths. “Okay Lisa, try to be calm.”

“Nicholas might just be playing with you,” I tell myself and quickly shake my head at that assumption. “No this doesn't seem like a joke.”

“However,” I inhale a long breath as I sight Klein walk to my car door. “You can do this. You've been through worse than this.”

My door is pulled ajar and I offer Klein a ready smile as he offers me a hand. I grab it and carefully step down from the car, my heels planting on the concrete flooring.

Immediately I step out of the vehicle, the eerie feeling hits me again. Unconciously I drop Klein's palm as I sense someone watching me. He frowns for a second but realization seems to set in and his face return to normal.

To confirm my suspicions the entrance of the house is opened and out comes the devil in all his menance. Klein hurriedly halts and bows while I climb the flight of stairs, the overflowing material of the dress in my right palm, the clutch on my left.

“You are here,” he declares in a thick voice as he meets me. I nod in response, unable to form words at our proximity. He lifts a brow at my silence and wraps his arm around my waist, closing whatever distance was left between us.

His breath fans my neck as he whispers in my ear. “You look ravenous in this dress.”

A shiver runs down my spine, a foreign sound leaving my lips, inciting me to quickly slap a palm over my mouth to prevent another one from escaping.

‘Coming from someone who is the perfect description of a Greek god,’ my subconscious answers for me hence I am rendered mute and unable to speak.

I couldn't argue with her because she was right. To make matters worse, he appears more attractive than normal thus it's my first time seeing him in formal attire this close and not through magazines or social media.

He is clad in an all black outfit of a crisp button up shirt, the first two buttons undone and giving a compelling peek of his broad chest. Below it is well-ironed slacks coupled with black boots.

A rolex watch is situated on his wrist which is visible from the rolled up sleeves of his shirt. His hair is styled to perfection and his ears glinting from the diamonds that fill his piercings.

“Fuck,” I blurt out before I can think.

“What?” He inquires, a brow raised.

“Nothing,” I utter, resisting the urge to give myself a slap on the forehead at my loose mouth. Putting on a brave face I send him a smile and ask. “Shall we?”

He seems taken aback at my demeanor and I discreetly smile as my subconscious screams ‘ten points for Lisa!’

“Yes.” He bobs his head in retort and spreads his palms on my back causing heat to spread through my bones and pushes me forward to fall into step with him. “My mother and the elders council are here.”

‘Say what?’ I mutter in my head and almost trip as I hear those words, his hold on me enough to keep me from pummeling my face.

“The elders who?” I interrogate after regaining my composure. “You said nothing about some old judgemental people.”

He snorts at my words and shake his head, a grin forming on his lips. “You are right about that one.”

“Did you just agree with me?” I ask in a gasp just as he grabs the door handle. I reach for his hand and halt his movements. “Wait.”

“Why?” He questions.

“I need to give myself another pep-talk,” I convey my thoughts.

“I thought you were ready,” he argues.

“I was when I didn't know about the elders whatever,” I muttered in a breath fearing they would hear me.

“Really?” He mocks.

“I have a feeling you are laughing at me,” I grimace, releasing his hand. “Okay you can open now. I'm going to face this head on.”

“That's the spirit,” he encourages in a serious voice, however his eyes were twinkling in amusement.

“Oh get on with it,” I say and kick the door open. It takes only a second for me to regret my actions as the object hits the wall with a loud bang, inciting all attention of everyone within to direct at us.

My jaw practically hits the floor and I can sense Nicholas blue eyes glaring daggers at the side of my face without even turning in his path.

He is the first to collect himself and locks my fingers with his. I allow him drag me inward, my heels clicking on the tiles as we make our way towards his guests who are settled on the couches that fill the living room space.

“Mother, elders,” he declared in a clear tone that carried power and no room for contest. “I present to you Lisa Violet Dayle, my mate and future Luna of our great pack.”

The room is quiet for some seconds and I hold my breath as each moment ticks by. I observe the people in my vision appraise me, their eyes looming from my head to my toes and beyond as if they can see out of the ordinary.

‘They might be able to,’ I say in my head, striving to stop a frown from creasing my brow. ‘They are supernatural creatures after all.’

His mother is the only female in their midst and she possesses the same powerful aura as her son. Not to add how exceptionally beautiful she is. She appeared not a day older than 30 and can pass for Nicholas’s sister.

She is wrapped in a free flowing dress of yellow with black green leaves decorating the exquisite material. It is the perfect dress to accentuate her black straight hair and blue eyes, making it softer despite her stern facial features.

I am so engrossed in admiring the woman that I jolt backward in shock as she immediately snaps to her feet, her red lips in a thin line. Unhurriedly she stalks in my path and I feel Nicholas’s hand move to grip my waist.

This makes me swerve to my left only to see his face the usual stoic and blank expression. If his fingers are not still planted on my waist I will have thought I imagined it.

His mother on the other hand stands inches from me and I bow on instinct as if compelled to by her aura. “It's a pleasure to meet you Luna.”

“It's good to see you have your manners intact,” she murmurs as I lift my head to meet her stare. Her left brow raises at my gaze in what seems to be surprise and amusement judging by the slight tilt to her lips.

Slowly she stalks around my form, a sniffing noise leaving her as she happens to carry out some sort of sniffing test. I stand rooted, Nicholas’s hold still present as she completes her test an returns to peet at me. “You are indeed a human.”

“I thought we established this the last time you were here Mother,” Nicholas almost growls, his tone deadly.

“It's a different case in this scenario where I'm standing face to face with her,” she counters in the same manner, thunder seeming to crack in her blue orbs.

“Well now you are, what's your conclusion?” He interrogates one foot placed forward, his mother and Luna stepping back a little.

She abruptly turns on her heel and heads toward the couch to grab her bag. I watch her quietly as she whirls back in our line of vision and sends a chilly smile.

“I don't want a weak human as my replacement,” she conveys, words and voice firm. A cold sweat breaks out on my back at her utterance and something like fear makes its way into my head.

“Elders, may we leave?” She turns to the ten men in similar appearance of blue overalls and white beards whom since we made our presence known have not uttered a word.”I don't think we have anything more to discuss here.”

“Does the fact she is my mate not make a difference in your decision?” Nicholas questions as they rise to their feet.

“I want someone powerful and graceful as the next Luna,” she fires back at her son and eyes me. “I don't see any power and grace in her form.”

“Well exc-” I start, already agitated but Nicholas cuts me off.

“Mother!” Nicholas thunders, and I flinch.

“You are a weak one son, and until you present someone capable and strong as the next Luna, I won't accept her be it your destined mate or not,” she declares in retort and walks off, the elders following after her. In half a minute that door is shut after they leave.

“Is it just me or do those elders seem like puppets?” I raise a question as Nicholas drops his hand from my sight, taking the warmth with him as he begins pacing.

“It's not just you,” he pauses and stares at at me. “They have been that way since mother took over rulership after dad was killed.”

“And I thought I had bad luck when it came to family,” I blurt and release a small laugh.

“Pack your bags,” he suddenly says and I scoff. “We leave for the pack grounds tomorrow.”

“What?” I ask, not getting his drift.

“Mother has held unto the throne long enough,” is the only answer I get in response as I'm abandoned alone in the living room with my thoughts.

My legs give out in moments and I drop into the closest cushion, the events of the day running through my head. “I guess my life had become a soap opera.”

Hands on hips, my hair packed in a knot stop my head, I watch the men Nicholas sent move my luggage downstairs. The clock on my blue painted room wall read 11:45 AM.

“Hey hey, careful.” I rush toward my bedside table in black biker shorts and a loose-fitting red t-shirt. I quickly grab the antique lamp gifted to me by my grandma from one of the men as he is about to drop it roughly into the large box. “That's precious.”

“Sorry Luna,” the curly haired man bows in apology as I cradle the object in my arms and brush an invisible spec of dust away.

“Don’t sweat it,” I waved him off with a smile and walked barefooted on the black furry rug. I try my best not to fall as I side-step two other men who are also busy packing any object that seems valuable to me and of course my cookbooks from the shelf on the right wall of the room.

“I can't believe I'm doing this,” I mutter to no one in particular as I return to my position on the door and observe the life leave my room as any belonging of mine is being shoved into a box.

It's been two hours already since I woke to the noise of honking at my gate, only to descend the stairs and stalk to the living room where I peek at the cam. To say I was pissed is an understatement, however, it was as close to how I felt when I spotted Klein waving at the camera.

The past hours have been spent with a total of about eight men moving up and down the stairs as my belongings are transported to the awaiting empty van that came with.

“Is this necessary?” I frown as I shrink away from the entrance while my whole shelf is being moved past the door. “If there's no space for my books I can just keep them in the box and pick one to read when needed.”

“We just got orders from the Alpha to take anything we think you might need as you'll be staying with him in his mansion and not at the pack house,” Klein appears in his handsome glory, dressed in a white button up and blue slacks, hair in the simple style I've always seen him wear and a friendly expression. “Good day Luna.”

“Nice of you to answer my question,” I nod at him, my expression not so nice. “Are they done with the kitchen?”

“Yes, the utensils you requested are well organised and kept safely in the van,” he explains.

“Why only utensils?” I lift a brow sensing foul play. “What about my blender, oven, dishwasher, microwave, heating trays and the rest?”

“Alpha said new and latest models will be ordered and sent to the mansion once you get settled,” he responds to my question.

“Oh really,” I scoff, feeling agitated. “So he thinks it necessary to move my shelf, bedside table and some furniture but thinks it's not necessary to move my kitchen appliances?”

“Ummm--”

“Has he forgotten I'm a chef?” I ask in sneer. “Doesn't he know people in my line of work value their kitchen more than clothes?”

“We can still get it moved it you--”

“Where the fuck is this Alpha of yours by the way?” I question in a scowl, the lamp still secured in my hold. “Does he have no idea he should be here at least?”

“Well maybe it's a good thing he didn't come with you hence I would have made a barbecue of him for waking me up my nine-freaking-AM to pack for a place I know nothing about,” I growl out in one breath, eyes blazing as I puff in anger.

My outburst happened to have made everyone pause their actions as not a single noise is heard while eyes are trained on me. Cocking my head to the side I grin at my audience and wave. “Carry on.”

“I'm sorry Luna,” Klein speaks up as I proceed to sulk in a corner. “I can still order the men to-”

“I know I've asked this but where is he?” I blurted out in a query. “Isn't he supposed to be here by now? I mean we are almost done packing and--”

“Lisa Violet Dayle,” a male voice cuts me off and I peek at the hallway to see my best friend Josh in a crumpled white t-shirt and black track pants above white dusty sneakers. His face appears pale and his curly strands scattered all over.

“What's the problem Josh?” I implore in worry and rush toward him as he seems slightly shaken.

“Why- wh--”

“Deep breaths,” I urge as I reach him and notice him panting.

“Hmmm,” he exhales after a few seconds, seeming calmer.

“Now speak,” I advise and wait.

“Can you please tell me why I am meeting Nicholas Damien Lazarus the renowned architect and CEO of Damien Construction for the first time at your house?” He questions, vision trained on me.

“Hold up, don't answer yet,” he stops me as I open my mouth to say something. “Also tell me why I was roughened up and nearly beaten to a pulp by a group of scary looking guys if I didn't swear I was your best friend and nothing more.”

“How dare he-” I mumble and aim to thunder down the stairs when I'm halted by Josh who grabs onto me.

“Before you go pouncing, I need answers,” he grips my shoulders and bores his irises into mine. “Why is he here? Why does it seem like you are moving? Lastly, why did you have me go to your restaurant and connect a video chat so you can speak to your employees when you could have easily done so yourself or called them directly?”

“Firstly thanks for doing what I asked without questioning me at the time, secondly there was no time for me to do so,” I murmur in gratitude.

“Why is there no time?” Josh interrogates and moves aside as the men go downstairs with what's hopefully the last round of boxes.

“To answer your questions,” I begin and show my ring finger where a glistening gold band sat confidently. “Nicholas is my fiancee.”

“I know you are angry,” I say as he moves to speak. “I apologise for the secrecy. You know how I am and how I like to keep things silent till it's certain.”

“How? Where? Wh-?”

“We've been dating for months now,” I lie through my teeth as I go on. “Remember my Saturday VIP client? That's Nicholas Damien Lazarus.”

“Wow!” He exclaims, eyes wide, nose crinkled and face ridden with disbelief. “Is this a joke?”

“I planned to tell you,” I blurt, trying to hide my guilt. “I just didn't get a chance to.”

“You didn't do that?” He implores, his tone rising a bit. “Oh don't give me that silly excuse. You had countless chances to do so Lis. If anything we've been together for the past week so don't you dare freaking lie to me.”

“Josh wai--”

“Was I really a friend to you?” He snorts and I frown.

“Of course, you are my one and only friend Josh, how can you say that?” I ask, sounding hurt.

“Then why would you keep such--”

I cut him off with a hug, partly to calm him and to stop myself from breaking in his sight. I wrap my hands tightly around him and bury my face in his chest while hoping he doesn't notice the tear drops that drip down my cheeks.

My tactic seems to work as I feel his buff arms circle me and press me to him as his anger slowly leaves him. “I'm sorry for losing my temper. I just felt left out and betrayed.”

“I'm sorry, I should have told you earlier,” I apologise, discreetly wiping the wetness with the back of my hand. I push myself off him and offer him a smile. “We should have had time to celebrate and party.”

“Yeah we should have. Guess you have yourself to blame for that.” He pouts and flicks my forehead.

“Ouch,” I yell in shock and pain at his action. “That hurt.”

“You deserve it,” he declares and whirls me around before shoving me away slightly.

The push wasn't too much to cause damage, however judging by how clumsy I am my legs get tangled together and I find myself falling. My mouth gapes in fear as the house seems to spin.

“Lis!” Josh gasps in worry and I shut my lids, ready to brace the impact.

“Falling into my arms already are we?” A thick but sexy voice asks as muscular arms cage me and my back meet a hard but warm surface.

I scramble around in shock, my eyes flashing open to meet blue irises, well carved brows, a sharp jaw and sexy lips that belong to none other than Nicholas. “Steady darling, your butt seems to be rubbing me the wrong way.”