Aria woke to the soft smell of pine and fresh linen.

Her eyelashes moved slightly before her eyes fluttered open- slowly and weakly, revealing an unfamiliar ceiling. The dull pain in her chest ached like a forgotten wound that never truly healed.

She inhaled sharply.

A room. Big. Warm. Not the pack infirmary, but a room that belongs to someone with a high caliber.

Her fingers twitched. She tried to sit upright, only to realize a weight was pulling her down.

Alpha Cain had fallen asleep while watching over her, one hand draped around her waist protectively. His head rested on the bed while the remaining part of his body was set on the ground.

She stirred a little and his grip on her instinctively tightened before his lashes lifted and his eyes met her.

He stood up abruptly, help her up. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice husky from sleep.

She nodded, "I'm fine." she said softly.

She swallowed, eyes darting around. "W-where am I?"

"You're in my room at the left wing." he replied. "I brought you here. You fainted after the rejection."

The memory hit her like a blade.

The moon festival. Kael. His voice.

His rejection. The tearing bond.

The pain. The collapsing and... Cain's claiming.

Aria's chest tightened due to the pain that hit her hard upon remembrance.

Cain's wolf whimpered, as he felt the pain of his mate. She glanced at Cain unable to look him in the eye.

Her fingers clutched the blanket as her vision blurred slightly. "How... long was I out?"

"For hours." he replied. "Your wolf shut down. Your body almost followed."

She blinked, "my wolf? No." she shook her head.

Just how badly did Kael rejection hurt her, that her wolf has to shut itself. It was the only thing that reminded her that she wasn't wolfless like people claimed. But now it's gone.

Tears dripped down her eyes slowly. Cain immediately wiped it, before it could fall.

"I promise you that you won't have any reason to cry again." he whispered affectionately, staring deep into her eyes. His expression showing that he meant every word he had just said.

"Why did you call me yours, when you could have simply rejected me like your brother did." she whispered.

"I'm not my brother. I'm Cain– your mate and I would never hurt you." he whispered back.

"I... can't feel the bond...with you. What if it isn't real?" she muttered, her head lowered. "It could simple pity for-"

"It's forming, Aria" Cain cut in. "It forming slowly. Your wolf is hurt, it did take time for her to sense me."

"What if it never does?" she mumbled.

He held her hands, squeezing it slightly. "You will still be my mate and my Luna, Aria."

Silence stretched heavy between them.

~~~~~~~~

Aria tightened her grip on the wooden stick Cain handed her, feeling the smooth surface vibrate slightly in her hands as she swung it rapidly. Sweat rolled down her face down to her neck as they had been training for hours.

She faced him, her feet slightly wide apart as she ensure she had the right stance.

"Keep your wrists loose as possible as you can, or you will end up straining it?" Cain instructed, moving swiftly around her. "Don't fight with your arms alone, fight with your body, let it move rhythmically together."

Aria nodded, trying to focus and grasp everything he is saying.

She was now Luna of left wings pack, everyone treated her with love and care, which help in speeding up her healing from Kael's rejection. Although her wolf hasn't opened up, she still felt it every now and then, which was a little progress.

And Cain? He had been her support, her strength and her weakness. She couldn't imagine life without him.

She swung the stick swiftly in a wide arc, aiming for Cain's shoulder. He guided it effortlessly, a grin settled on his face.

"Too slow," he teased, stepping forward, tapping her chest lightly with the end of his stick.

Aria exhaled sharply and tried again, this time moving her feet as he had taught her, spinning the stick precisely and diagonally. Cain clapped his hands lightly.

"Better! Now, pivot, pivot, always stay balanced."

She followed his instruction, then tried landing a hit on him, but he lowered his head quickly, but she still managed to land a hit on his shoulders.

Lynn, standing nearby, clapped loudly. "That was a hit... She did it."

"Yayy!" Aria screamed smiling brightly and at that moment she felt her wolf move faintly.

Cain walked up to her, wiping the sweat off her face. "You are getting better, mama." he whispered.

She smiled. "I know all thanks to you." she replied wiping his own sweat.

Lynn approached, holding a cup of water, eyes twinkling. "Here, Aria drink this" she said, handing the cup to her.

Aria smiled sweetly at her friend. "Thanks Lynn."

Cain smirked and took the cup just as she was about collecting it. He took a sip, before offering it to her. She drank, her cheeks flushed.

Behind the thick lines of tress in the forest, forming a boundary to the training ground, Kael stood rigid, watching silently. His jaw was tight, nostrils flaring as he watched Aria laughing with Cain. His hands clenched into fists.

"She was supposed to be ours," a deep voice growled inside his head- his wolf. The words echoing in his head as his wolf's piercing grey eyes filled his mind with rage, regret and possessiveness.

Kael's grabbed a nearby branch tightly, his eyes still fixed on Aria and Cain. He felt a rush of jealousy.

Why did his brother have to be the one to claim her? Why did he have to be the one?

The same old question filled his head and consumed by rage, he broke the branch.

As he watched, Aria looked up, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, they locked gazes, the tension between them palpable.

Then, she looked away, her face expressionless. Kael's wolf whimper, feeling the sting of rejection.

Cain, sensing the tension, looked up, his eyes meeting Kael's. A silent message passed between them, one that only they could understand.

Aria was his now, and Kael would have to accept it.

But as Kael turned and walked away, his wolf's words still echoing in his mind.

"She is mine to begin with Cain and I will get her back." he affirmed.

Kael stood by the window, arms crossed, eyes locked towards the left wings. The moon was high, full, and cold just like the emptiness in his eyes.

He closed the window, heading towards a painting that hung across the wall of his room. He trailed his hands round the painting, slowly, as if to feel every part of the painting.

"Mine." He whispered, placing a soft kiss on the painting.

It was a portrait painting of Aria.

"She is mine" he muttered.

His Beta, Tharren stood nearby, watching in silence.

"Tharren! I hurt her, now i plan to make it up to her." Kael said, voice low and tight. He continued to shower the painting with kisses. "I rejected her, but now I will do anything to claim her back.

"Did her bonding with Alpha Cain make you realize that you want her."

"Cain stole from me." Kael said, turning sharply, "She is just a wolfless omega, I had thought then that the moon goddess made a huge mistake by giving her to me, but seeing Cain claim her, made me realize it wasn't a mistake."

Tharren frowned. "She belongs to Cain now. The moon goddess gave her to him, after you crushed her.

Kael stepped closer and in a whisper, "I crushed her, and I will be the one to strengthen her, not Cain. I'm taking her back. I don't care if they're bound now.

"And Luna Aria?" Tharren asked. "What if she doesn't want to come? What is she doesn't want you?"

Kael's eyes darkened. "Then I'll make her. I will definitely make her crave all of me, I don't mind going extra miles for that.

He leaned closer to Tharren, placing a hand on his shoulder

"She was mine first... and I always get what's mine."

*********

Cain stood under the shade of a tree, his arms crossed, his gaze soft as he spoke with Maida a visiting childhood friend.

"It so good to see you, Cain." she whispered, biting her lower lips. "I must say, you grown more handsome, being an Alpha looks good on you."

Cain smiled. "oh my thank you."

She moved closer, too close that it felt as if she did enter him. He stared at her, but she just smiled.

Just then, Aria who had been looking for him for a while, saw him and heading toward them with calm steps. But the moment her eyes landed on how close they stood, she boiled in mad jealousy.

Her jaw clenched and with hastened steps she got to them.

Without a word, she walked right between them, using her shoulder to brush Maida away. She inserted herself into the space, Maida had once been, locking her hands to Cain's.

Maida stumbled a little, looking so startled. Cain's brows lifted, but he didn't say anything.

Aria didn't look at Cain. She stood there, straight and tall, pulling him closer, her eyes telling Maida that he is mine.

Maida adjusted her posture, confusion flashing in her eyes. She glared hard at Aria, who returned it effortlessly and unrelenting.

Cain simply watched with a cunning smile playing on his lips.

The silence was heavy until Aria broke it, releasing a sweet smile.

"I'm Aria. Cain's mate." she smiled. "Woman to woman, going after another person's mate to do, is an undignified thing to do."

Cain chuckled under his breath.

Maida looked at Cain for help but he didn't say anything.

~~~~~~~~~

Aria walked through the path behind the warriors' hall, still a little flushed from her bold move with Maida. The cool breeze helped steady her breath. She wasn't sure where she was going– just walking. Cain had a meeting, so she was left alone.

And Maida? She left angrily.

A small yelp broke her thoughts.

She turned quickly and saw a little girl sitting on the ground, brushing dirt off her scraped knee. Her wooden toy lay beside her, broken in two.

She sniffled, trying not to cry.

Without thinking, Aria knelt beside him. "Hey little one." she said softly, helping her up. "That looks like a tough fall."

She nodded, lower lip trembling. "My toy is broken."

Aria smiled, "You shouldn't cry over that. What's your name?"

"Hayami." the girl looked up at her, her eyes wide. "You're the Luna, right?"

Aria placed her hand on her chest, "you know me?"

Hayami nodded cutely, "I want to be like you when I grow up."

Aria blinked. "That's a beautiful dream, but you know what? Luna's are strong and they don't cry over little things."

"Are you strong?" Hayami blinked.

"Do you want me to show you how strong I am?" Aria whispered lifting her up.

Hayami soft laughter filled the surroundings.

~~~~~~~~~~

Aria stepped out of the bathroom, her hair soaking wet as she had just finished having her bath. She cladded herself in a soft red gown.

Her thought went back to Hayami and she laughed.

Lynn walked in with a small towel. "Sit, let me dry your hair."

Aria gave a small nod and sat in front of her friend. Lynn moved behind her, gently towel-drying her hair in soft circles.

Then suddenly, Aria's wrist began to itch.

She frowned, lifting her left arm slowly. "It inches." she whispered.

As she rubbed it lightly, a faint glow appeared on her skin. Slowly, a wolf mark came into view- its eyes soft but wild, its body curled like a protective symbol.

Lynn gasped, grabbing her wrist as she stared at the faded mark. "Aria..."

Aria glanced at her . "What... do you recognize it?"

"It's a wolf awakening mark." Lynn muttered. "But, only those with powerful bloodline get the mark."

Aria's eyes widened.

*********

Kael stook fast strides towards the Left wing of New moon pack, with the hope of seeing Aria.

"Alpha, you can't do this. You can't covet another Alpha's mate." Beta Tharren said, standing in his way with the hope of stopping him.

"Get out." Kael snarled, pushing him away.

"Alpha-" Tharren called and sighed. "It's hopeless."

--

"Aria," Kael called, upon seeing her.

She was just on her way to see Cain at the courtyard when she unknowingly bumped into her ex mate.

She frown, "What are you doing here? Cain is not around." she demanded.

"I'm here to see you." he muttered.

She raised a brow.

"I want you back Aria. I made a mistake and I regret it."

"Too late EX - MATE." she spelled out. "I'm on my way to see my mate, please excuse me."

She made to leave, but Kael grabbed her hand.

"Aria-

At that moment, her eyes glowed, her body reacted in a way she couldn't understand. She felt her moving resurfacing from within her, it stirred- like it wanted to burst out.

Kael kept talking but she wasn't hearing anything, as he felt heat erupt from within her, her head spinning.

Just when she thought she was going to shift, her wolf pulled back forcefully, going back into it hiding place. Aria yelped in pain and fell- fell into Kael's arm.

One word escaped her mouth. "Mate!"

At that moment, Cain walked into the scene, hearing what Aria had said before she passed out.

Cain froze.

The word still rang in his ears.

Mate.

Aria's body went slack in Kael's arms, her head lolling against his chest as her breathing turned shallow. Her body began to burn up rapidly and sweat began to cover her.

Kael caught her fully now, his grip tightening instinctively. "Aria," he called, shaking her slightly. "Aria, wake up."

Cain was already moving.

He walked the remaining distance towards taking fast strides that it felt like he was flying and within seconds he was with them.

"Let her go." he growled, his voice husky.

Kael looked up slowly.

"She collapsed," he said, his voice laced with concern. "She's burning up–"

Cain didn't let him finish as anger got the better of him.

His fist connected with Kael's jaw, sending him staggering back. Aria slipped from Kael's grasp, but Cain caught her instantly, pulling her against his chest.

A low, dangerous growl rumbled from Cain's throat as he pressed his forehead to Aria's.

"She's mine," he snarled. "You don't touch her. Ever."

Kael wiped blood from his lip, eyes dark, conflicted. "You heard it too, didn't you?" he said hoarsely. "Her wolf stirred. She reacted to me. She called me mate.

"I might have rejected her, but her wolf recognizes me and want me."

Cain stiffened, his jaw tightened, his fist clenched– but only for half a second.

"You said it yourself, you rejected her so that doesn't give you a right," he snapped. "You lost that right the moment you rejected her."

"Her wolf wants me!" Kael yelled. "You can't stop her."

"I don't care. She's mine now." Cain growled.

Some pack members and warriors of the left wing watched, whispers swing amongst them as they observed the tension arising from the two Alphas.

Lynn pushed past the crowd, and her eyes widened in horror as she saw Aria's unconscious figure.

"Aria, what happened to her?" she asked moving closer.

Cain turned sharply to her, "Get lady Mana. Now."

She didn't hesitate, not wasting another second she dashed towards the infirmary while Cain carried Aria heading towards his room in a fast but controlled speed.

Kael watched from behind, standing rooted to his spot, his eyes turning and burning with anger. His wolf pacing violently inside him.

"She called us mate," it growled. "Yet you allowed him take her away. You are a coward just like he said."

He clenched his fist. "I am not a coward. When I say she is mine, then she is." he muttered and stomped off.

*********

Aria's eyes fluttered open and was met with two pairs of worried eyes- Cain's eyes.

"Aria... Can you hear me?" he asked, placing his hands on her forehead to check her body temperature.

She smiled slightly, raising her hands to his face. "Cain..." she muttered. "I miss you."

"I'm here with you and will never leave you." he muttered, holding her hand to his face.

She sat upright. "I felt my wolf closer yesterday, but it retracted so suddenly which caused-"

He placed his index finger on her lips, cutting her off. "Don't say anything. I understand. I can feel it."

"I feel light headed and blank in my head. Did anything happen before I went unconscious?"

Cain stared at her, his thoughts flew back to when she called Kael "Mate" and also to what Lady Mana said while she treated her.

He smiled amidst the confusion, the pain and the worry. "Don't you worry Mama, nothing happened. Just focus on gaining your strength.

"It's all for the better that you don't remember." he thought.

~~~~~~~

Cain stood alone on the balcony of his room, the cold wind of the cool afternoon biting into his skin as his mind wandered and travelled to the event.

Mate.

The word clawed at him again.

He knew Aria didn't mean it, but he would be lying if he says the word hadn't torn through him, inflicting pain across his chest.

His wolf stirred uneasily. "She is ours. No one is changing that." it encouraged.

Cain closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh, wishing he was the one Aria had called mate. "Ohh, the word he had been opened to hear for a while now."

"I will not lose her," he whispered. "Not to him. Not to fate. Not to the Moon Goddess herself and not to any circumstances."

He remembered what Lady Mana had told him, as she stepped back from the bed slowly after having treated Aria. Her brows slightly drawn together.

Flash back.

"She will be fine. She needs sufficient rest and also avoid any action that will cause pain." Lady Mana said carefully, staring out the unconscious Luna.

Cain stiffened. "What do you mean by that?"

"Like the one with Alpha Kael." Lady Mana lowered her voice. "Her interaction with Alpha Kael caused her pain as her wolf carried the residue of his rejection. Her wolf is not rejecting you, Alpha. It's... confused."

Aria frowned weakly. "Confused how?"

Lady Mana hesitated, then sighed. "Her wolf recognizes two bonds. One broken and one claimed. As I said, the pain of the rejection, still lingers in the heart of her wolf. The wolf has forgotten even though it has been fated to yours because it was a rare instant second binding mate to another after rejection."

Cain's fingers tightened into a fist.

"Any more contact with Alpha Kael might make her wolf forcefully come out which is very dangerous. If her wolf awakens fully without balance and without calmness," Lady Mana continued, "it could tear her apart from the inside or worse kill her."

Silence fell.

"So what do I do?" Cain asked.

Lady Mana met his gaze. "You protect her from stress, fear and especially–"

She paused

"– from Alpha Kael."

Cain nodded.

__

Cain let out a soft sigh. At that moment, he perceived a familiar scent and began to sense someone approaching.

"Kael." he hissed, leaving the balcony.

Aria sat in bed, as Lynn fed her some porridge so she could take the tonic prepared by Lady Mana.

She smiled upon seeing Cain, but he wasn't paying attention as he walked towards the door, disappearing behind it.

She frowned.

--

"What are you doing here Kael?" Cain whispered, not wanting to shout as he didn't want Aria to hear their conversation.

"What do you think? I'm here to see my mate." Kael replied. "And why are you standing in my way?"

"She is no mate of yours." Cain growled lowly.

Kael smirked. "I'm sure you heard so well, she called me her mate."

"Shut up." Cain muttered whisper yelled, raising his fist

But Aria voice stopped him.

"What do you mean by I called you mate?" Aria asked, her question targeted at Kael.