The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 390

Chapter 390

52 – Elara

After spending an excessive amount of time in the bathroom—plucking, trimming, brushing, and applying lotion until I run out of things to do—I finally step out. The room is cloaked in darkness, and I can hear Ben’s steady, soft breathing. It’s even enough that I’m almost certain he’s asleep, or perhaps he’s just exceptionally good at pretending to be. I slip under the covers, but restlessness clings to me. I toss and turn, unable to find a comfortable position, and my mind refuses to quiet down. Thoughts dart around like frantic fireflies, bouncing from one worry to the next, pounding in my head. Rogues infiltrating my pack, peddling drugs to the pups. Witches spiraling out of control, aiding those rogues in an attempt to seize power. My parents, the coven I allowed onto our lands, pack members betraying me without hesitation while secretly working with my father. And then there’s the mate I desire but simultaneously reject. Why can’t I catch a moment’s peace to gather my scattered thoughts? I silently plead to the moon goddess above. A sting of tears pricks behind my eyelids. If this is the weight of being an Alpha, why did my father never warn me? Why didn’t he share how grueling it truly is? I’ve spent half my life fighting, bargaining, negotiating, but this… this burden was never discussed. I inhale deeply, my breath trembling, and then a soothing warmth begins to flow up my legs like golden honey, enveloping my entire body. The tightness in my chest loosens with another slow breath, and my eyelids grow heavy. What is this strange comfort? Before I can look around to figure out why I feel as if wrapped in a soft, cozy blanket, darkness overtakes me.

I awaken to an empty room. The faint scent of Ben lingers in the air—he was here not long ago. I know he’s still upset with me for not speaking to him last night. How do I explain that I don’t want to force anyone to follow me to someone who has no issues with it? I want to lead my pack my way, and no one—not even my mate—can dictate otherwise. I roll my eyes and rise from the bed. Let him be mad; I’ll deal with it later. He’s already made it clear he isn’t going anywhere. Meanwhile, I have a thousand other pressing matters, and I’m not even sure what exactly he wants from me.

This morning, in line with my mother’s expectations, I take care in choosing my outfit. When meeting the leader of another group, it’s important to show respect by putting effort into your appearance. It’s a gesture both for their sake and mine. I would have done so yesterday had I known who we were meeting. I hope our conversation will be brief so we can quickly focus on the business of removing whatever hexes or spells are plaguing my pack. Brianna does not disappoint—she arrives fully prepared, matching my energy with her own.

Accompanying her is another woman, positioned just to Brianna’s right, in the same way Ben sits beside me. I don’t think witches refer to their second-in-command as ‘Betas,’ but this woman must hold a similar rank within the coven. Brianna makes no introductions, and I choose not to press. Perhaps their customs differ from ours.

I spread a large map across the grand dining room table, outlining the general borders and details of our territory. Ben adds notes on areas where we’ve observed the most activity, and together we describe the cave we discovered at the water’s edge near Junior’s land.

After several long minutes of scanning the map and exchanging silent glances with the woman beside her, Brianna selects a region she wants to inspect in person.

“Will you be removing any wards or hexes today?” Ben asks.

“If possible, Beta,” the woman finally replies. “Until we identify the nature of the magic involved, we can’t determine the necessary countermeasures.” Her name is Marietta, and I sense a certain sharpness in her tone. “I hope you didn’t expect an immediate fix to your problems.”

“We should start with a tour of your pack, beginning here,” Marietta says, pointing delicately to the northwestern corner of our territory, tracing the border we share with Red Fang.

“We should notify Junior and introduce you. His pack is experiencing similar issues, though not as severe as ours. Unfortunately, I believe that’s a gender-related factor,” I add, watching the two women’s eyes flash at my comment. Good—at least someone understands the struggles I face.

Once we finalize our plan and everyone has eaten, I instruct Melanie and the other Omegas to assist the coven members in settling in. I want them to have full access to the guest wing for showers and any personal needs. I’ve also granted them use of the kitchen, gym, and laundry facilities. I know they’re accustomed to being one with nature, but sometimes modern comforts help boost morale.

I insist that Jax and Dev join us. As my lead warriors, they need firsthand knowledge of the types of magic we’re dealing with. They assign a few warriors to support the coven, ensure patrols are aware of our movements, and inform Junior about the situation. He agrees to meet us at the shoreline where the most activity has been observed. Brianna and Marietta don’t request additional coven members to accompany us. Whether that’s confidence or a sign of trust we’ve earned remains to be seen.