Episode 3

  

ARIANNA

"I'm a little offended though. Even after four years, you still think of him. It's kind of annoying."

I stopped brushing my hair midway and swerved to stare at Sergio.

"If you don't want me to return, I won't." He waved a hand and shook his head.

"Nah, you're good. It would be wonderful to see the shocked look on their faces. I just have a little problem."

I continued brushing my hair as I oiled it. He came and stood behind me, pressing my shoulders, and I smiled.

"What is it?"

"I think I might kill my nephew if he looks at you for too long."

I stood up and faced him properly, then placed a soft kiss on his lips before trying to disentangle from him but no, that wasn’t what happened. I didn’t pull away or anything, because he held me by the waist and pulled me back in.

I know it's quite the shocker, how did I end up in this romantic situation with my ex’s uncle? I don't know how it happened but what I was sure of is that it indeed happened.

"Don't tease me like that, Arianna Zora Nor." I loved the way he called my full name whenever he wanted to stress a point, but our little kissing session was interrupted by little footsteps.

“Daddy, can you come help me with my toys?” There she was, frowning, my pretty little angel.

She looked just like me, and I was grateful for it. The result of my little escapade with Logan four years ago, no wait, that's not right.

Thanks to Logan's uncle, who turned out to be my second chance mate, after I lost my baby due to the stress and miscarriage, I had gotten pregnant for Sergio and given birth to a child for myself.

"Of course, Prynthesa. Whatever you say. But don’t you think you'll get your dress dirty if you play with your toys?"

He lifted her up into his arms, placed a soft kiss on my forehead, and left.

I couldn't ask for a better father for Athena than Sergio. He was the very best.

But then… revenge, they say, will always cloud the mind.

Sergio had filled my heart to the brim with love, but there was a little part of me that still wanted to slam my success in the faces of everyone who had been present in that wedding hall four years ago when I was banished.

They needed to see just how powerful a Luna I had become.

Yes, Luna.

I found out Sergio was also an Alpha. He’d left his elder brother’s pack to set up his own.

And in that sense, I became his Luna.

Today was the Supernatural Alpha Hurdle, an event that spanned the entire supernatural community and encompassed all packs.

 Coincidentally, it was being held at the Red Oak Pack. Alphas were required to bring their Lunas, which made it all the more perfect.

“We’re certainly going to be late but take your time. I love to make an entrance, by the way.” Sergio called out and I smirked.

A few minutes later, we were on our way to the Red Oak Pack.

*

"Welcome, Alpha Sergio. Wow, my little brother got himself a beautiful Luna and even a cute little pup."

My heart twisted in my chest. 

I felt like stabbing this Alpha in the heart, Alpha Zed of Red Oak Pack. Sergio immediately grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze. That did the trick to calm me down.

“Don’t do that,” Sergio simply said as Alpha Zed opened his arms for a hug.

"Still not a hugger, I see."

We walked in and took our seats at the table, and that’s when I caught sight of my cousin, Annika and the forbidden ex, Logan.

Interesting. Seems they got married.

The entire pack would be outside when they began to showcase each Alpha and their Luna. That would be the best part of this.

"Good morning. I didn’t quite catch your name, sister-in-law."

The Luna who had slapped me four years ago now had her hand on my shoulder. I stared at her before looking at the spot she was touching.

"Take your hands off me, please. And yes, you don’t know my name because I haven’t told you. It’s Zora." She was taken aback by my tone, but I didn’t care. Actually, I never did.

"Oh, okay. Welcome to the ceremony. Welcome to our family as well."

"It’s time for the procession," wmWe heard the guard call out.

Everyone trooped outside as they began announcing names.

"Alpha Zed and Luna Selena Silverstone."

They walked out hand in hand, smiles on their faces, waving. My eyes swept through the crowd until I spotted my parents. 

They looked old like shadows of their former selves. I had been their only hope. I’m sure my banishment had taken a toll on them.

"Alpha Ethan and Luna Stacy Rodriguez Silverstone." Now I get it, they were calling names in order: the host Alpha’s family before any other pack.

The next name would be ours.

"Alpha Sergio and Luna Arianna Nor..." The guard trailed off as beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. 

Murmurs filled the pack.

My mum and dad rushed to the front, expectantly waiting for the guard to finish.

Of course, they remembered my name. Who wouldn’t? I was quite the popular one. The one that tried to ruin the Alpha but got ruined.

Apparently, 4 years wasn't enough to forget about me.

"We don’t have all day, Ser," Alpha Zed said, still oblivious.

"Alpha Sergio and Luna Arianna Zora Nor Silverstone."

We stepped out and waved, with my little pup, Athena. I was sure the crowd couldn’t believe it was me.

I was beautiful and radiant.

I wasn’t obese like they’d thought. The pregnancy had taken its toll on me back then but imagine their surprise now.

Sergio had ordered his pack doctors to do whatever they could to help me return to shape, and they did an excellent job.

After the procession, Luna's were invited to give a short background of where they originally came from before meeting their mates.

When it got to my turn, Sergio reassured me that I would be fine. I stood up and took the podium.

"My name is Arianna Zora Nor, originally from this pack, the Red Oak Pack. Once betrothed to the next in line Alpha, Logan. But banished four years ago."

"Four years have passed… and I’m free to visit now, right?"

Their faces paled with shock.

Just the reaction I was expecting.