The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 399

Chapter 399

58 – Ben

Don’t let your eyes follow her as she walks away. Don’t watch her go. Don’t watch her leave. The phrase echoed relentlessly in my mind, a desperate attempt to silence the wolf inside me, who was stubbornly twisting it into a plea: “Walk away with her.” That conversation we just had—it was the longest, most meaningful exchange between us in what felt like forever. Usually, she gives me nothing but clipped, one-word answers, her gaze fixed firmly on anything but me. My wolf insists I should be patient, give her space and time. But my rational mind suspects she’s trying to figure out how to reject me without hurting either her wolf or mine once all this is over. I don’t think she harbors any real resentment toward me—besides the fact that I’m a man. She’s still hung up on that whole female alpha thing, but I’m pretty sure I’ve shown her I’m not interested in claiming that title. I don’t want it; the warriors know it too. It’s her birthright, not mine. I’d stand by her side willingly, but someone—maybe a whisper of magic—has planted the idea in her head that if we’re connected, I’ll somehow steal the pack and the alpha status from her. Maybe I’m not the only one affected by this magic after all.

We agreed to take vehicles instead of running, just in case we need to transport more than just ourselves. Yesterday, I reached out to Junior but got no response. I tried again before we left, then contacted Luna Sam. I left messages for both, but decided we’d head their way regardless of whether they were expecting us or not.

The entire drive I’m on edge, anxiety gnawing at me. I wish I could just run, let my wolf loose, and burn off the restless energy twisting in my gut. Why aren’t they answering? Neither of them is the type to go completely silent without a reason. I also called Jason. I’m still adjusting to this new pack, but it’ll be good to see a familiar face.

Everything outside looks normal as we drive—the forests are quiet, the roads empty. Nothing seems out of place to explain the unease settling in my chest. But that feeling doesn’t fade. I’m also trying to process the magic we’re dealing with, so I fill Damon and Owen in on my strange reaction to the magic used against us—though I’m sure they’ve already been briefed by their leaders. It’s comforting that they don’t interrupt or dismiss my explanation; instead, they listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions about what I’m experiencing.

As we cross from the neutral lands that separate Red Fang and Black Claw into the Red Fang forest, a sharp headache hits me, followed by nausea.

“Yes, Beta,” they reply in unison. There it is—the shift into formal titles the moment we start talking about pack or coven business. I’ve noticed they do this mid-conversation sometimes, switching from casual talk to official terms. It’s fascinating.

They only explore for about five minutes before my phone buzzes nonstop with texts—pictures, detailed explanations of the elements and placements, and descriptions of the magic they detect. They don’t hide a single detail from me, and I appreciate their honesty. Like Elara, I wasn’t trained in magic, but I’m genuinely eager to learn. They even let me pass information along to Elara, Brianna, and Marietta, instead of sending it all at once. I’m not sure if that’s by instruction or because they think it’ll help me absorb it better—maybe both. Either way, I respect how seriously they take my role as Beta.

Either this shadow marker is particularly stubborn, or they’re both new to dispelling its magic, because they end up spending a full hour out in the forest.