Episode 5

 ARIANNA

“Who the hell are you?” I struggled, tugging on the person's hand when the person spinned me around and slammed me into a wall.

“Shhh. Don't make a sound.” Logan. How didn't I know earlier? I rolled my eyes, tilting my head to a side while clasping my teeth together.

"Do you realize you're holding a Luna against her will?" I rolled my eyes when I realized my stalker was none other than Logan.

The stupid freak. The cheater and liar I would’ve been tied to for life if the goddess hadn’t been kind enough to help me break free from that marriage.

"Ari, you've... you've changed a lot," he muttered.

I felt like slapping his face. His very presence irritates the hell out of me. He disgusted me.

"Of course I've changed. Haven’t I? I have a very handsome mate who actually takes care of me. He puts my health as his top priority." I tilted my head as Logan stared at me, surveying my body lustfully.

Fucking asshole.

"Of all people, you decided to hook up with my uncle?"

I opened my mouth to respond but changed my mind.

"Apparently, he's a man and understands what a woman wants. And unlike you, he’s not a cheater."

"Arianna, that was a mistake."

"What was? Your penis accidentally slipped into Amelia's vagina? Or what exactly?" I questioned, feeling thrilled with the turn of events. It's too early to be begging for forgiveness, he had to go on his freaking kneels and I don't mean literally.

"Arianna, I was an idiot, okay? I get it now. You're the one I love. Just come back to me.” He begged and I spat on his face.

"You're wrong about one thing. You’re still an idiot." I shouldn’t even be standing here talking to this guy. He’s a damn idiot.

"Logan, get out of my way," I snapped, and he looked slightly taken aback.

"Arianna—"

"I said, get out of my way. Or I’ll mind-link my mate and let him know you’re trying to abduct me. What do you think will happen when the other Alphas present hear that? The mantle of authority will be taken from your father and handed to another family. You’ll never get the chance to become Alpha."

Yes, I was threatening him and yes, I had every right to.

"Alright, alright. I just have one more question."

"I’ll decide whether I want to answer or not."

"The little girl, Athena... she’s my child, right?"

That question caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting it. But I quickly regained composure and placed my hands on my waist.

"What makes you think so?" I threw the question back at him. He looked deep in thought before answering.

"The timing matches. I had a chance to talk to her and asked about her birthday. She told me it’s in September. I did the math. You must’ve been pregnant with her before our wedding."

Wow. He really figured it out. Kudos to him.

"Logan, my child has a father and that father isn’t you. It’s Sergio." I turned to walk away, but he stopped me.

"I’m not sure my uncle would really want someone so young. So since you already have an heir for me, I can consider divorcing Annika and marrying you."

I had never been so insulted in my entire life. Even my wolf growled inside me as I slapped him hard across the face.

"How dare you think of belittling me like that? How dare you?" I yelled and slapped him again.

"Logan, if I find out you try to talk to my daughter again, I swear I’ll make your life unbearable. Stick with the choice you made, you moron!" I screamed and stormed out of the room.

As I approached the Luna quarters, I expected it to be quiet since everyone had gone to bed, but instead, it was lively with laughter and giggles.

"Woah, what did I miss?" I walked in, and Amelia came forward and pulled me toward the empty seat they had saved for me.

"We couldn’t just go to sleep like chickens, but we didn’t want to do anything with outcasts."

"Who are outcasts?" I asked, genuinely confused, and Luna Amelia nudged my shoulder.

"You know who." She gestured toward Annika and Luna Selena.

I pulled Amelia closer. "Is this okay? She’s the Luna of this year’s host, right?"

Amelia looked at me like I’d just asked a dumbass question.

"I’ll let that slide because I like you and this is your first Alpha and Luna hurdle. But no, it doesn’t matter. If the other Lunas don’t vibe with the host, she’s an outcast until the hurdle is over."

I mouthed an "oh" and sat with them, joining in their games.

*

The next morning, I didn’t know it was tradition for all Alphas and Lunas to have breakfast together. Thankfully, Amelia briefed me beforehand.

When I got to the dining room, imagine my surprise seeing Annika sitting near Sergio.

Excuse me, what? What the actual fuck?

I looked around and noticed the seating arrangement: every Alpha had their Luna seated beside them. So why the hell was Annika sitting next to Sergio?

Oh, she’s also seated near Logan so maybe it’s just a coincidence that I’m this uncomfortable.

"Would you be so gracious to switch seats with Annika?" I whispered to Amelia as I approached the table.

She nodded and whispered something to her mate, then pulled his hand toward Annika.

"Annika, can you and your mate please move? I need to have a discussion with Alpha Sergio." Annika was about to protest, but Logan pulled her up and the seats were switched.

Logan knew better. Amelia and her mate were both elders. One couldn’t argue with them.

We began eating as the Alphas made conversation, jokes flying across the table.

"I have something to share with everyone since we’re all present," Logan said, standing up.

"Logan, it’s breakfast, not a council meeting," his father warned.

But the other Alphas waved him on, urging him to speak.

"So... it turns out Luna Arianna’s daughter is my child," Logan announced.