Substitute Luna

Regina

I stood there, shocked, unable to believe what I had just heard. Maybe he was joking, right? But I could tell from his expression that he clearly wasn't!

When I finally regained my composure I exclaimed, “What? Father! What do you mean by that? His substitute Luna? Me? I can’t! Certainly not, Father!”

“I have made my decision, Regina. You will become his Luna. Start preparing yourself,” he declared firmly.

A chill instantly ran down my spine, causing me to panic. “Father, please, no! I don’t want to! I don’t want to marry Alpha Lionel!”

I felt my body weaken as the reality of what he was asking hit me. Before I knew it, hot tears began streaming down my face.

“There’s nothing that can be done about this,” my father said, his voice as cold as stone. “You obviously haven’t found your mate, and Marcy has gone to be with hers. You are the only one who can make this alliance happen.”

“What did I do to deserve this, Father?” I cried out. “Why are you treating me this way? I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, I’m sorry for whatever I must have done, but please don’t punish me like this.”

Oh moon goddess, please don't let this be my fate! I can't be Alpha Lionel's Luna!

Father sighed, and said in a low voice. “You haven’t done anything wrong, my dear, but there are certain sacrifices one has to make for the greater good.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “So, am I that sacrifice?” Am I the one to be sacrificed for the greater good of the pack? Why, Father? Why is this alliance so important to you? Why can’t you just say no to the Silver Moon pack?”

He stared at me for a few seconds before saying, “There are certain things you just wouldn’t understand at the moment, but in due time, you will come to understand the reasons for my actions.”

No! This couldn’t be my reality! I don't want this!

I dropped to my knees, my hands clasped together in a desperate plea. “Father, I’m begging you, please don’t make me do this. I don’t want to marry him.”

I wished Marcy would just suddenly appear from nowhere. I wished I never told her that stupid quote! I wish I could turn back the hands of time!

He looked at me, his gaze softening just slightly, but his decision remained unchanged.

“I will call the Alpha and explain the current situation. Start preparing yourself, and don’t even think of running away. The Silver Moon Pack is not a pack to be toyed with. The fate of your sister and the pack lies on your shoulders.”

My father turned and walked away, leaving me kneeling on the cold floor. Was this how life could be so cruel? How could I possibly accept this fate?

Just yesterday, I had been thinking about pursuing my acting career, traveling around the world and exploring places. And now, in less than a day, I was to be married to a man I didn't know and taken away to another pack. Why did I have to suffer for Marcy's decision? She was the one who agreed to this arranged marriage, not me!

I curled up on the floor, hugging my knees as if it would protect me from the storm that was about to engulf my life.

My phone rang beside me, jolting me out of my thoughts. I saw Gwen’s name flash on the screen. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, but Gwen was the one person who could always lift my spirits when I was feeling down.

“Hi, Gwen,” I answered, my voice hoarse from crying.

“What’s wrong, Regina? Are you okay?” She asked, immediately noticing my mood over the phone. “What happened? Was it Richie? I swear, I’ll knock out a couple of his teeth if he was the one who made you cry!”

I chuckled softly, feeling slightly better. Gwen was my best friend who was always ready to stand up for me, no matter the circumstances. She always has a solution to every problem, but sadly, I didn't think she would have a solution to this one.

“This isn’t about Richie, Gwen,” I replied softly. “This is something much worse.”

Richie was that annoying guy from college who wouldn’t stop bothering me about going out with him. When I kept turning him down, he started making fun of me to make me feel bad. But he was nothing compared to what I was facing now.

“I’m coming over right now, Gina. Don’t cry anymore, okay?” Gwen said, her voice filled with concern before she hung up.

I tried calling Marcy again, but her phone was still switched off. I texted her, letting her know how her reckless decision had turned my life upside down.

Gwen arrived a few minutes later. As I told her everything that had happened, I struggled to hold back the tears, but it was no use. The pain was too deep.

“Oh, Gina! I’m so sorry. You don’t deserve this,” Gwen said, wrapping me in a tight hug. I melted into her arms, feeling a bit of comfort in her embrace.

“You know what? Don't let this ruin your mood, okay. Remember the cocktail party invitation that was sent for you and Marcy?”

“Yes, I remember, but what does that have to do with anything?” I asked, confused as I wiped a lone tear.

“Well, you and I are going to that ball tonight,” she declared proudly. “We'll go there, have the best time of our lives and then tomorrow, I will speak with my father about this. As your father's beta, I think the Alpha will listen to him.”

“No, Gwen, I don’t feel like going anywhere tonight. I just want to…”

“Sit on your bed and eat ice cream,” Gwen finished my sentence with a grin. I couldn’t help but laugh a little. Gwen knew me all too well.

“I knew you were going to say that, Gina, but come on. It’s going to be fun, and it’ll take your mind off things, even if it's just for the night. I've promised to help you speak to my father, cheer up!”

I still didn't feel like attending any party and declined. “You can go without me, Gwen. I really don’t feel like going out.”

“I can’t go without you, Gina,” Gwen insisted. “We’re the double G: Gwen and Gina. I can’t go without my partner.” She smiled, and then nudged at me playfully as she began singing the ridiculous song she made up using our names.

I laughed and knew I couldn't say no to a free-spirited person like Gwen who wouldn't take no for an answer.

If only I knew that something worse would happen at the party, I wouldn't have attended.