The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 329

Chapter 329

14 – Ben

Honestly, I’m at my wit’s end with this woman. For three days straight, she’s flat-out refused any help and has even pushed back against having a protection detail assigned to her. I get that she needs to coordinate with Malcom Jr.—he has his own team, his own age group—but she’s deliberately choosing to go it alone, flying blind. I just don’t understand why. And to make matters worse, my wolf is reacting to her stubbornness by wanting to step in and guard her around the clock, twenty-four seven.

“Jer, I need you to help me out here. She’s driving me insane. Just send me home or send me to Junior’s place—I don’t care—just get me out of this mess.” I run my fingers through my hair again, the tension pulling at my scalp. I swear, if this keeps up, I might start tearing it out. I just came back from checking on Elara and her leg. My wolf can’t go more than two hours without checking in. She healed quickly, but I know that leg is still sore, even if she won’t admit it. She refuses to rest it longer or keep a team with her, and I’m worried she’s going to get someone else hurt with her reckless behavior. Once again, I noticed only Jax and Dev are with her, prepping and planning. When I asked why, her answer was sharp and clear: she doesn’t need an entourage to lead.

Suddenly, a wave of calm warmth washes over me, like a soft blanket settling around my shoulders. It flows down my body until it reaches my toes, and I feel a small hand press gently against my back. I was so tense I hadn’t even noticed Luna approaching me. “You’ll figure this out, Ben. She’s your mate,” Rayna whispers quietly behind me. Everyone else, except Elara and me, has said it aloud—the word ‘mate.’ Neither of us has dared to acknowledge the bond openly. There are obvious signs now, undeniable after her attack the other day, yet we both stubbornly refuse to speak of it.

“That’s actually why we brought you in,” Alpha David says from behind his desk. It hits me how disrespectful I was about his daughter, right in front of him. Before I can apologize, he waves me off. “This started years ago, but she’s determined to prove herself without any help from her mate. You seem to be fighting for her just a little harder than she is for you. Both of you have things to work through before you can truly accept each other. I just hope it’s not too late.”

I stand there, silent. He’s not wrong. I’m still in love with Kennedy, and I’m scared I always will be. I don’t understand what the Moon Goddess was thinking, letting me fall for someone who wasn’t my mate. She took my whole heart with her to the Dark Moon.

Jeremiah breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “We have to head back to Silver Crescent. Dad wants to coordinate after Elara’s findings and the little intel we got from the rogue we caught.”

I take a deep breath, feeling both relief and anxiety about leaving. At least I’ll get some peace. “I need you on point here and with Junior,” Jeremiah almost whispers the last part, and I stop breathing for a moment.

“What!? You’ve got to be kidding me. No offense, Alpha David.” I start pacing again, frustration bubbling up.

“None taken,” David replies calmly. “I know your relationship isn’t the most stable, but you’re the best person for this role because of your connection to our pack.”

“You do realize she’s probably going to try to kill all of us in our sleep after this, right?” I mutter to the ceiling. “Especially since she wasn’t part of the decision.”

“Well, she isn’t Alpha yet. This involves so many people, and we need to get a handle on it. We have to coordinate with the packs bordering the lake and ours to understand how deep this goes. She has to follow orders just like you,” David says, sounding a bit like a frustrated parent. “She’ll do what’s best for the pack, even if she doesn’t like the process.”

“Absolutely not! No offense, Alpha David, but the last time was a disaster, and she only had Jax and Dev with her.”

“I agree,” he says, “but it’s not a decision I’m going to make for her, nor would she let me.”

“We have to go, Ben. A storm’s coming tonight. I’ll be in touch after I talk to Junior. Try not to antagonize your—” I cough to cut him off. “We’re really doing this?” My annoyed expression doesn’t waver.

“Fine. Don’t antagonize Elara. You need to check out the waterfront; she’ll want to go with you. Look into Red Fang’s section of the waterfront. We need to learn more about it. Dad thinks something’s being transported. But what could be so big it has to travel by water and still stay hidden? And what about those scent trails?”

I nod. “I’m on it. Let’s see what kind of weather this storm brings. Winter’s been mild so far, but I’m worried it’ll make our investigation harder.”

I stand, ready to leave. I have my orders, and the Alphas have their own farewells and plans. Somehow, I’ve just volunteered myself to break the news to the ice queen that her favorite Beta is sticking around for a few more weeks.