My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 68

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness**

My heart raced wildly in my chest when he uttered the word, “Mate.” In that instant, my wolf stirred within me, recognizing him as her destined counterpart. There was an overwhelming urge to run to him, to embrace the connection that pulsed between us. Yet, my legs betrayed me, carrying me away from him instead. But he was relentless, quickly closing the distance and enveloping me in his powerful embrace, his hard chest pressing against me. His scent was intoxicating, a mix of earth and wildness that sent my senses into a frenzy.

My mother’s expression was a mixture of shock and joy; she was thrilled that her only daughter had found an alpha mate. But her happiness was about to be shattered when I declared that I didn’t want him.

“I think it’s best if we all go inside and have a conversation,” my mother suggested, her gaze fixed on me with a warning that screamed, “Nalani, behave yourself, or you’ll be on the receiving end of my shoe.” And knowing her, she would not hesitate.

My parents had always been mates, and they had long dreamed of my brother and me experiencing the same bond. They often reminisced about the day we would find our soulmates, their eyes sparkling with excitement at the thought.

With a huff of irritation, I continued my walk, the Alpha striding beside me, his watchful eyes tracking my every move as if I might bolt at any moment. My friends exchanged worried glances as we entered the packhouse and made our way to the Alpha’s home office. The air was thick with his scent, intoxicating and warm, causing my wolf to purr softly in appreciation.

Alpha Duncan settled into his luxurious leather chair, its quality evident in the way it seemed to cradle him. I took a seat as well, crossing my arms defiantly over my chest, my gaze fixed on the floor, trying to block out the tension in the room.

I could hear my father clear his throat, a sound that signaled the beginning of what I knew would be an uncomfortable conversation. “Alpha, congratulations on finding your mate,” he said, his voice steady. I shot him a look, incredulous. Congratulations? Hadn’t he just heard my refusal?

“Dad…” I started, but he cut me off.

“Pumpkin,” he warned, a tone that made me clamp my mouth shut, a frustrated huff escaping instead.

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