Chapter 2

Phoebe

The girls gasps in unison, and I do the same because what the hell is happening here? Am I dreaming? Did Adrian just say he plans on making me his Luna? Unlike normal werewolves, an Alpha can claim their own mate, but why me?!

Adrian waits for my answer, his eyes never leaving mine. I feel as though the whole world is staring at me, waiting for me to say something.

What the heck do I do?!

My mind is racing, trying to make sense of everything that’s happening. Adrian, the alpha of our pack, wants me, a simple and weak omega, to be his Luna. It’s a dream come true, but at the same time, it feels surreal.

I’m definitely not Luna material, but I can’t reject Adrian in front of these people.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart and jittery nerves. “Yes,” I finally answer, my voice so low it could easily be missed if it weren’t for our superior hearing. “I would gladly be your future Luna.”

Adrian’s eyes light up, and a smile spreads across his face. He steps closer to me and takes my hand in his, bringing it to his lips. “You’ve just made me the happiest alpha in the world,” he says, his voice low and husky.

I can feel the eyes of Linda and her friends burning into me, but I don’t care. All I can focus on is Adrian, the man I’ve secretly been in love with since I was a pup, and the fact that he wants me to be his Luna is just...is this really happening?

Adrian turns to face Linda and her friends once again, a cold look on his face. “You will apologize to Phoebe right now,” he orders.

Linda looks like she’s about to protest, but a single glare from Adrian shuts her up. “I’m sorry,” she mutters, her eyes downcast.

Adrian nods in satisfaction. “Now get out of my sight.”

Linda and her friends hurry out of the café, and the tension in the air dissipates. I look at Adrian, who sighs and runs a hand through his dark brown hair.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“I am,” I hand him a shy smile before growing serious. “I hope you understand that I only said I would become your Luna so that you wouldn’t feel embarrassed.”

He pauses. “Are you...rejecting me?”

“Well...yes? Don’t get me wrong!” I hold up my hands in the air, hoping it will stop him from getting angry. “I-I really like the idea, but...but I’m not Luna material!”

Adrian’s face softens. “And you don’t think that’s a role you grow into by being given it?”

I swallow thickly. “I...I don’t know.”

“Am I making you nervous?”

“What?” I almost shriek. “N-no, don’t be ridiculous.”

Adrian breathes a laugh, and then he steps closer - too close. His chest is in front of my eyes, and I’m forced to crane my neck to meet his mischievous dark eyes. He is so handsome.

“Are you sure?” he asks, cupping my cheek. I’m pretty sure his eyes are laughing at me. “Because you’re entirely red in the face, Phoebe. It looks like you’re blushing.”

I fight the urge to shiver from his touch. “Y-you must be mistaken.”

Adrian chuckles. “I really like you, Phoebe - I always have. Therefore, I would love to take you as my mate when you turn eighteen.”

“Why?” I search his eyes. “I’m not your fated mate, and if you pick me, then you won’t ever meet them - I would become your mate instead!”

“And?” he looks amused. “I would choose you over them any day of the week,” he purrs. “And who knows? You might be my mate. We won’t know before you turn eighteen.”

“I doubt that I am.”

“Then I will claim you and make it happen. Unless...” Adrian tilts his head, and I’m shocked when I see vulnerability on his face. “Unless you don’t want me.”

“N-no, that’s not what I...” I stop myself from saying too much, but it’s already too late. Adrian looks at me as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. As if he knows exactly what I want. It angers me.

My mind is a confusing place - how come this boy knows me better than I know myself? It’s part of the reason why I like him so much, but it’s also why I suffer. Because while I like Adrian, I doubt I could become his Luna.

Why could he just be a normal werewolf...

“Well, think about it, okay?” Adrian’s voice is low and inviting as he leans in closer.

His face is just inches away from mine, I can feel the heat radiating off of him. My heart begins to flutter, and for a fleeting moment, I’m sure he is about to kiss me. Instead, his lips press against my forehead and linger there for a good couple of seconds.

It makes fireworks go off in my chest. I’m melting, and when he leans back, he whispers, “Think about it, okay?” before disappearing out through the door with his coffee.

Dear Lord, if Adrian kissing my forehead feels like magic, then how would it feel if he kissed my lips?

And wait a second, was that a love confession?!

It was... wasn’t it?

I stand rooted in my place even as he leaves, shocked and terrified all at the same time.

Adrian likes me. He actually likes me. I’m happy about that, but I don’t know how to feel about him claiming me. I’ve always been told that there is something special about a fated mate the moon goddess has chosen for you.

But what if Adrian would make me happy?

He is kind and caring and always knows how to make me laugh. He challenges me to be better, to be stronger, and to push myself to new limits.

The thought of not having him in my life is unbearable. But the idea of being with him, knowing that I’m not his fated mate, fills me with guilt. I don’t want to steal him away from someone else.

I think about that as I continue working. Soon my shift is over, and I lock the door to the cafe on the chilly night. I make my way home, lost in my thoughts, when a sudden noise startles me, and I turn around in the dark.

My eyes can’t spot anything in the alley. There are only puddles on the ground and a few scratched posters on the walls. Yet, despite that, I shout, “Is someone there?”

No answer.

I take a few steps forward until I’m standing in the middle of the alley, and suddenly, I hear a loud PANG. It sounds a lot like a gun. Shit...was I shot? I never get to confirm this as everything turns into darkness.