The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 337

Chapter 337

19 – Ben

Elara was far more upset that I made sure she got home safely before swiftly taking Chance and leaving, than she was about the fact that I was leaving at all. Honestly, I’m not shocked by her reaction. We’ve both kept our distance throughout the day. I’m nowhere near high enough in the pack hierarchy to be a meaningful mate to her, and Kennedy’s face still flashes through my mind every time I’m near Elara for too long. It’s as if my subconscious refuses to let me forget my first love. My head aches from the tension, and with so much to do, I shove Chance into the SUV and drive off without looking back.

The ride home is quiet, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging in the air between us. Once we pull into the driveway, Chance quickly heads off to check in with Jason and Tommy, working on a new patrol plan that now includes searching for drugs, potions, herbs, and anything else suspicious lurking around. The tension is palpable.

I step into the Alpha’s office where Jer and Rayna are hunched over a stack of books, deep in research. “Have you found anything?” I ask, my voice low but urgent.

Jer looks up, weariness etched into his features. “The only thing we’re certain about is that these drugs aren’t a new problem…” Rayna starts.

“But no one’s ever been caught,” Jer finishes grimly.

I glance at Rayna, my future Luna, bracing myself for the argument I know is coming. Jason has seemed distracted every time he’s accompanied me to Black Claw, and I haven’t had the chance to watch him here. Meanwhile, Jer has been acting like this whole situation isn’t as serious as it is. With Rayna’s arrival, Kennedy’s departure, the underground attacks on multiple packs, and now Rayna’s pregnancy—our future—it’s no wonder none of us are ourselves. We don’t need more stress.

“I’m not staying in the packhouse,” Rayna says sharply, cutting me off before I can finish.

“No, you’re not,” I repeat, my voice steady but firm. “But Elara’s mom was attacked and hospitalized yesterday…” The words hang in the air.

“No, Luna, please…” I begin, but she cuts me off.

“I’m not the Luna yet, Ben. Stop trying to butter me up. I trained in the hospital, remember? I can help with the things you found, and if I go, I’ll be supervised. It’s a win-win, a compromise.”

I take a step toward her, opening my mouth to argue, but she speaks again before I can.

“Keep in mind, Kennedy told me all the ways to sneak out of the packhouse undetected…and I can suppress my aura and scent. Either let me help willingly, or I’ll force my presence in other ways—and no one has time for those games.” She raises her eyebrows at me, daring me to argue. Jer looks utterly useless, like a guppy flapping its gills in front of her.

I swallow hard, knowing this fight is far from over.