Chapter 20

Till the first rays of dawn crept into Lune's room, filtering through the curtains and casting a soft golden glow, she slowly stirred from her sleep. The events of the previous night flooded back into her mind like a tide rushing in—each detail as vivid as the sunlight illuminating her surroundings. She blinked at the ceiling, the familiarity of her room contrasting sharply with the surreal revelations she had received.

Lune sat up, rubbing her eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Her heart still raced from the weight of what she had learned. Werewolves. Mating bonds. Arlo, who had been watching over her since her birth. The words echoed in her mind, each repetition amplifying her disbelief. How could all of this be true? It felt like something out of a fantastical novel rather than her reality.

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Lune planted her feet on the cool floor, grounding herself in the moment. She took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh morning air tinged with the scent of flowers from outside. The world felt normal, yet she knew everything had shifted. As she moved to the window and opened the curtains, the vibrant colors of the garden outside contrasted starkly with her swirling thoughts.

This can’t be real, she thought, shaking her head slightly. She had spent her life believing in myths and legends, enjoying stories of magic and creatures of the night, but never once had she considered that they might be real. It all seemed too fantastical, too far removed from her mundane existence. Yet here she was, married to a man who was not only a werewolf but also had been fated to her since birth.

Lune sighed, pulling her hair back into a messy bun as she paced the room. She couldn’t shake off the feeling of disbelief. She had heard stories about werewolves—tales of their struggles and wars with humans, of a time when they roamed freely in the wild. But to learn that Arlo was one of them, and that she was somehow part of this world now, was beyond her comprehension.

Thoughts of Arlo flooded her mind, the way he had looked at her with such intensity as he shared his truths. She rememPancakeslity in his eyes, how desperately he had wanted her to understand, to accept him. But how could she? Every part of her wanted to trust him, to believe in this new world he had introduced her to, but another part was rooted in skepticism, clinging to the reality she had always known.

What does it mean to be a Luna? The term rang in her mind, a title she had never imagined would be hers. The responsibilities, the expectations—was she truly ready for all of tbit her lip, anxiety pooling in her stomach. The thought of being a leader among werewolves, of stepping into a role that felt so foreign, made her head spin.

Lune moved to the mirror, studying her reflection. She looked like herself, but she felt different, as if a layer of her identity had been peeled away to reveal something new beneath. She was still Lune, but now she was also af something much larger. The realization both thrilled and terrified her.

As she splashed cold water on her face, trying to wake herself up fully, she remembered Arlo’s promise to explain more about the mating bond and marking rituals. What if it changes everything? she pondered, her thoughts racing again. There was so much about werewolf culture that she didn’t understand, so much she needed to learn.

Feeling restless, Lune decided that she needed some fresh air. She quickly dressed in a comfortable outfit—simple jeans and a soft sweater—and slipped out of her room, heramid with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The house felt eerily quiet, but she welcomed the solitude, hoping to gather her thoughts before confronting Arlo again.

As she stepped outside into the garhear, the cool morning breeze greeted her, invigorating her senses. Lune wandered through the blooming flowers, their vibrant colors reflecting the beauty of the new day. She inhaled deeply, letting the scents envelop her, grounding her in the present.

Despite the tranquility surrounding her, her mind remained restless, turning over the events of the previous night like a relentless wave crashing against the shore. Would she truly be able to embrace this new reality? Was she capable of being the Luna that Arlo needed?

Sitting down on a bench beneath a blossoming tree, Lune allowed herself a moment of stillness, letting the sunlight warm her face. She could hear the distant sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling, a reminder that life went on, even as her own felt like it was caught in a whirlwind.

As she sat in the quiet, she thought about Arlo—his strength, his presence, and the way he had looked at her with such intensity, as if she were the only person in the world. She felt a warmth spread through her chest at the memory. He had been nothing but kind, protective, and earnest in wanting her to understand. But what if she couldn’t? What if the weight ofew life was too much?

Just then, she heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw Arlo walking toward her, his expression a mixture of determination and concern. He had already changed out of his formal clothes from the previous night, now dressed in a simple fitted shirt and jeans, exuding a casual yet commanding presence.

“Morning,” he greeted, a soft sayingips, but she could see the tension beneath it. “How did you sleep?”

“Not great,” she admitted, shrugging slightly. “I kept thinking about everything. I still find it hard to believe.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” he replied, sitting beside her on the bench. “But I promise, I’m here for you. We can take it slow. Whatever you need.”

Lune looked at him, searching his eyes for reassurance. “What if I can’t accept it? What if I’m not cut out to be a Luna?”

Arlo’s expression shifted to one of earnestness. “You’re more than capable. You’ve already shown strength just by being here and wanting to understand. You don’t have to do it alone; I’ll help you every step of the way. You’re not just my mate; you’re my partner.”

His words resonated within her, but doubts still lingered. “But this isn’t just about us. It’s about a whole world I barely understand. What if I fail?”

Arlo reached out, taking her hand in his. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, grounding her in the moment. “You won’t fail. You’re already so much more than you think you are. The pack will accept you because you’re meant to be a part of it. You just need to give yourself a chance.”

Lune squeezed hieeling a flicker of hope ignite within her. “What about the marking and the mating part? I need to know what that means.”

He nodded, his gaze steady. “I’ll explain everything. But first, I want you to know that marking is a deeply personal act. It signifies the bond between us—our commitment to each other. It’s an expression of love, a way to let the pack know that you are my mate, my Luna.”

Lune swallowed hard, trying to absorb the implications of his words. “And if I’m not ready for that yet?”

Arlo’s expression softened. “We can wait. I won’t rush you into anything. Your comfort is what matters most. I want you to feel secure in this, not pressured.”

As Lune considered his words, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. He was giving her space, allowing her to choose her path without imposing his desires. The tension in her chest began to ease, if only slightly.

“Okay,” she replied, her voice more certain. “I think I’m ready to learn more. But it’s going to take time for me to process all of this.”

“I understand,” he said, his smile widening. “And I’m here for you every step of the way. No matter how long it takes.”

As they sat in the garden, hands intertwined, Lune felt a flicker of determination rising within her. She might still feel weird about everything, but with Arlo by her side, maybe she could navigate this new reality. Maybe she could learn to embrace the magic and mystery of being a Luna.

In that moment, beneath the blooming flowers and the golden morning light, Lune took a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead. She was beginning to understand that while the journey ahead might be daunting, she wouldn’t have to walk it alone.

As Lune and Arlo settled into a comfortable rhythm, their conversation flowing naturally, a sudden knock on the door broke the intimate moment. Both turned their heads in unison, surprise flickering across their faces. The sound of the door creaking open followed, revealing a young maid with a polite smil and a tray in hand.

“Good morning, my lord, my lady,” she said, her voice cheerful but respectful. “Breakfast is served.”

The mention of breakfast reminded Lune that the day was still unfolding, and she realized how hungry she had become after all the emotional revelations of the morning. Arlo’s gaze shifted to Lune, an amused smile dancing on his lips.

“Looks like we have to pause our deep discussion for now,” he said with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling.

Lune felt a rush of relief wash over her at the interruption. She appreciated the seriousness of their conversation, but her stomach was grumbling, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since the previous evening. “I guess food is a good distraction,” she replied, her laughter mingling with his.

The maid stepped further into the room, carefully placing the tray on the small table nearby. The aroma of freshly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, and warm bread filled the air, instantly awakening her appetite. On the tray, there were also pastries dusted with powdered sugar and a steaming pot of coffee, the rich scent wafting through the room.

“Thank you,” Arlo said to the maid, his voice warm as he dismissed her with a wave. She nodded, smiling brightly before quietly exiting the room, leaving Lune and Arlo alone once more.

“Wow, this looks amazing,” Lune said, her eyes lighting up at the spread before her. “I didn’t expect such a feast!”

Arlo’s smile widened. “I have a feeling my aunt wanted to impress you. She always goes overboard with meals, especially for special occasions.”

Lune chuckled softly as they both moved to the table. The transition from deep conversation to enjoying breakfast felt almost surreal. She sat down, her excitement bubbling over as she served herself some eggs and bacon, while Arlo poured them both a cup of coffee.

As they began to eat, the atmosphere shifted, the weight of the previous conversation lightening as they chatted about their favorite foods and preferences. Lune found herself laughing more easily, the delicious food providing a welcome distraction from the earlier intensity of their discussion.

“So, what’s your favorite breakfast?” Arlo asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.

Lune thought for a moment, recalling her mother’s weekend pancakes, slathered in maple syrup and topped with fresh berries. “Definitely pancakes. They remind me of home.”

“Pancakes, huh?” Arlo grinned. “We can make those sometime. I’d love to try them.”

She smiled back, warmth spreading through her. “I’d like that. And I’ll show you how to make them just right.”

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they shared stories about their families and their favorite meals. For a moment, the complexities of their new life faded into the background, replaced by the simple pleasure of sharing breakfast together.

As they finished their meal, Lune felt lighter, the weight of the world lifted—at least temporarily. She knew that their conversation about the mating bond and marking would resume, but for now, they had carved out a peaceful interlude, a moment of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of change.

“Thank you for breakfast, Arlo,” Lune said, her heart swelling with appreciation. “This was really nice.”

Arlo leaned back in his chair, his gaze warm. “Anytime, Lune. I want you to feel at home here, and that includes enjoying meals together. Plus, it gives us a chance to relax and bond.”

Lune nodded, grateful for his thoughtfulness. She felt a spark of excitement at the thought of exploring this new life together, discovering all the nuances of their relationship, and navigating the world of werewolves with him by her side.

As they cleared the table, she couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out alright. She was beginning to see that in the midst of the uncertainty and fear, there was also hope and the promise of love.

As Lune and Arlo finished clearing the breakfast table, she couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in her mind. It was surreal to her how quickly her feelings had shifted since the moment she had first learned about her impending marriage to him. Just days ago, the idea of being bonded to a werewolf seemed like a nightmare, a cruel twist of fate imposed by her parents' desperate financial situation. But now, sitting here with Arlo, she felt a strange sense of comfort and warmth that she hadn’t anticipated.

She stole a glance at him as he rinsed off the dishes in the sink, his strong hands working efficiently, the muscles in his arms flexing with each movement. There was something undeniably captivating about him—the way he carried himself, the kindness in his eyes, and the easy smile that seemed to brighten even the dullest of days. It was hard to reconcile the image of the intimidating alpha she had first imagined with the thoughtful man before her.

“Can you believe this?” she mused aloud, half to herself. “Just a few days ago, I thought I would hate being mated to you.”

Arlo paused, turning to face her, curiosity dancing in his gaze. “What changed?”

Lune hesitated for a moment, considering her words carefully. “I guess… I thought you would be this harsh, demanding person. But you’re really not. You’re kind and patient, and I didn’t expect that at all.”

He chuckled, the sound warm and infectious. “I appreciate that. I know the whole werewolf thing can be overwhelming, and I understand if you have reservations about me.”

“Not reservations,” she replied quickly, shaking her head. “More like… surprises. I thought you would be a monster, and you’re really not. In fact, I like spending time with you.”

His expression shifted to one of genuine surprise, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed her words. “You like spending time with me?”

“Yes,” she said, a soft smile breaking across her face. “I mean, look at us! We’ve gone from barely knowing each other to sharing breakfast and talking about… well, everything. I never expected to feel comfortable around you so quickly.”

Lune felt her cheeks warm as she admitted that, but the truth was undeniable. Arlo had a way of putting her at ease. His presence was calming, a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around her life. She found herself drawn to him, not just as her mate, but as a person she genuinely wanted to know better.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Arlo said, his voice low and sincere. “I want you to feel comfortable. You deserve to enjoy this experience, and I want to make it as pleasant as possible.”

His sincerity tugged at her heart, and Lune realized how important that was to her. She had spent so long feeling trapped by her circumstances, but here was Arlo, offering her an outstretched hand, ready to guide her through the unfamiliar world of werewolves.

“Honestly, I never imagined that I’d actually like you,” she admitted, laughing lightly. “It’s a strange feeling.”

“Strange how?” he asked, stepping closer, his interest piqued.

“Like… I thought I would be angry or resentful. I thought I’d spend every day dreading this new life. But instead, I feel… curious. Maybe even excited?” She paused, glancing down at the floor. “I know that might sound silly, but you’re not what I expected.”

Arlo smiled, his eyes shining with a mix of relief and happiness. “You have no idea how much that means to me. I’ve been hoping you’d come to see me for who I am, not just as the alpha or your mate. I want to show you everything about my world—about us.”

Lune felt a flutter of anticipation in her chest. “What’s it like, being part of a pack? I want to know everything—what it means to be a Luna, what the traditions are, how your people view mating. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m ready.”

“Good,” Arlo said, his grin broadening. “We can start with the basics, then. Being a part of a pack means community and support. We’re all bound together, not just by our wolf forms, but by our shared experiences, our loyalty to one another.”

Lune nodded, envisioning a tight-knit group of people who relied on each other, an idea that was both comforting and exciting. “And being a Luna? What does that mean for me?”

Arlo’s gaze grew serious, filled with admiration as he regarded her. “As my Luna, you’ll be a leader. It’s not just a title; it’s a role that comes with responsibilities. You’ll help guide and protect our pack, and they’ll look to you for strength and wisdom. But it’s also about compassion and understanding. You’ll help create a sense of home for everyone.”

Lune’s heart raced at the thought of taking on such a significant role. It felt daunting, yet empowering. “I’ve never considered myself a leader,” she said slowly. “But I want to be there for others. I want to make a difference.”

Arlo stepped closer, his presence enveloping her like a warm embrace. “You already are, Lune. Just by being yourself. I’ve seen your strength, your kindness. You’ll be a remarkable Luna.”

As they stood there, the weight of her new identity began to settle around her, intertwining with her growing feelings for Arlo. She couldn’t help but smile, feeling a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

“You know,” she said, a playful glint in her eyes, “if I’m going to be a Luna, I should probably learn how to be a good mate, too.”

Arlo chuckled, a rich sound that made her heart soar. “We can figure it out together. I’ll show you what it means to be my partner, and you can teach me about what you love. Every day will be a new adventure.”

As they shared a smile, Lune felt a newfound confidence blooming within her. Maybe this journey wouldn’t be so bad after all. She was beginning to understand that Arlo was more than just a mate—he was someone she could trust, someone she wanted to build a life with.

In that moment, she couldn’t believe how far they had come in such a short time. She had gone from seeing Arlo as a stranger to realizing that she genuinely liked him, that spending every day with him didn’t sound like a burden, but rather a blessing.

And for the first time, Lune allowed herself to dream of a future filled with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging—one where she could embrace her identity as both his mate and a Luna, side by side with Arlo.