His Rogue Luna novel Chapter 36

"What's the point? We know you're the alpha," Erica drawled, running a hand through her hair. I pursed my lips for a second before speaking again.

"Not anymore," she raised her brow at me and I felt the confusion in the air before they could voice their questions. Even the brooding figure in the corner looked up at that.

"I'm not a real alpha and I never was. I just took the part temporarily so I could bring this vision to life," I gestured around us, at the magnificent home we had built.

It was large and open plan, everything made out of wood from the forest around us. The decorations and furniture were all similar shades of brown, adding to warm and cosy aura of the place.

"But it was never my destiny to be the alpha of the Silverclaw Guardians," I continued. Their faces all looked doubtful and confused. I turned to Romeo, who sat on the sofa in the center. Despite his relaxed form, his large body rolled off natural waves of authority and power.

His dark gaze met mine steadily and I gave a small smile at my older cousin.

"Romeo, the title is yours should you choose to accept," His face was impassive, controlled and he got up swiftly, standing before me in a few seconds.

"Are you sure?" I chuckled at his words.

"Of course I am," I conveyed my sincerity and confidence with my eyes as well. He blinked down at me, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder and squeezing. It was as emotional as Romeo would get.

"What do you guys say we celebrate?" Santiago piped up. He earned a few cheers and everyone began getting up to head to the back garden for a nice barbecue.

I watched as they all piled out, until it was just me and Conan left in the room. Unlike earlier, he wasn't avoiding my gaze.

"You're leaving aren't you?" He spoke up. I didn't answer, letting him guess. He scoffed, shaking his head to himself. "You're going back to him aren't you?" He spoke more to himself than to me, and I hated how bitter he seemed in that moment.

"Why?" He asked after a moment of silence.

"He's my mate," I stated simply.

"A real mate he was torturing you like he did," he hissed back.

"I'm not going to explain myself to you but I have a duty to the Phantom pack I must fulfil," I hissed back. He startled for a second, eyes wide with fear before he quickly looked away, masking his emotions again.

Ever since that talk we had a couple weeks ago, things between Conan and I had been awkward and strained. He wanted to pursue a relationship with me and mate with each other, but I had refused.

I wouldn't lie with another man while I had a mate. My conscience would not allow me to do so.

The conversation quickly turned to Conan trying to convince me to reject Aurelius but again I had refused.

Needless to say, he was long gone past civil conversation. Only one person could help him but we had no idea where to find her, where to begin searching.

"Beta Female, what shall I do about the new orphans, they have no beds to sleep on," A woman complained. I sighed, rubbing my temples as a dull throb began to settle there.

"Send them to the empty bedrooms in the pack house for now," I suggested. The woman pursed her lips but nodded reluctantly.

"And the overcrowding children's ward?" She asked. I fought the urge to groan out loud.

"We can set up a makeshift hospital in the ceremony hall for now," The woman nodded and thankfully walked away. I let out a massive sigh, feeling exhausted once again. It was only midday and I still had a lot of work I need to do.

I wouldn't last without a nap so I quickly headed into the pack house, slumping onto the nearest sofa to close my eyes. I felt my brother enter the room, his familiar spicy scent reaching my nose.

"Long day?" I didn't offer much of a verbal response, instead I just grunted. My brother Apollo was now the acting alpha since Aurelius was feral and I was the acting Luna since Artemis disappeared. The pack was a giant clusterfuck.

"The elders called," I snapped my eyes open, all exhaustion leaving me when I heard those dreaded words. "Don't worry, it's not about the alpha. They don't know about this mess," I sighed with relief.

The elders hardly interfered with packs but when they did, it was often serious. They were often involved if there was a large dispute between packs or with the vampires and witches.