CHAPTER 7

The conversation I'd overheard between Alpha Xander and Beta Jaxon echoed in my mind. Border breaches. Rogue wolves. Was I bringing danger to this pack that had shown me nothing but kindness?

As the early morning light started to shine through my window, I hugged my blanket closer, feeling uncertain thoughts fill my head. How could I possibly be the Luna this pack needed? I was broken, cast aside by my former pack. What if I am not good enough?

A sudden knock at my door interrupted me. “Aurora?” Alpha Xander's deep voice called softly. “Can I come in?”

I hesitated before responding, “Yes, come in.”

Alpha Xander entered, he was worried with concern as he took in my huddled form. “Aurora, what's the matter?” he inquired, moving to sit beside me on the bed.

I couldn't meet his gaze as I quietly admitted, “I'm not sure if I can manage this, Xander. To be your Luna. What if I don't measure up?”

He extended his hand and clasped mine, a gesture that felt comforting and warm. “Aurora, please look at me,” he said gently. When I finally looked up at him, his eyes showed only warmth and strong belief. “You are much better than you think.” The Moon Goddess chose you as my mate for a reason. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone.

His words warmed something inside me, but the doubt lingered. But I don't know how to be a Luna. “I'm not sure what I should do.”

Xander smiled softly. “That's okay. I'll help you. Being Luna isn't about proving yourself through tasks or chores. It's about being a leader, a confidant, a source of strength for the pack. And those are qualities you already possess, Aurora. You just need to believe in yourself.”

As he spoke, Xander began to explain some duties I would have as Luna. He emphasized that my role was to support him and the pack, to be a voice for those who might not feel comfortable approaching the Alpha directly. “Your empathy, your kindness — these are your strengths, Aurora. They're what will make you a wonderful Luna.”

His words made me feel stronger, and I started nodding, feeling a bit more confident inside. “Okay,” I whispered. “I'll try.”

Later that morning, I found myself sitting beside Xander at my first pack meeting. Xander introduced me as his mate, and they all bowed to me.

During the meeting, Beta Jaxon shared his report. “We've detected a border breach in the northern quadrant,” he said, his voice grave. “No confrontations yet, but we've increased patrols in all areas.”

I tensed up when he spoke, remembering my bad dream. Xander must have felt my worry through our bond because he reached for my hand under the table and gave it a comforting squeeze.

After the meeting, Xander suggested we take a walk around the pack lands. As we strolled through the territory, he pointed out various areas—the training grounds, the community gardens, the pup school. “As Luna, you'll have a say in all aspects of pack life,” he explained. “Your input will be valuable in making decisions that affect the whole pack.”

Our tour led us to the pup school, where we met with the head teacher, a kind-faced woman named Elena. As she began to discuss some ideas for new education initiatives, I found myself stumbling over my words, my insecurity evident in every hesitant suggestion I made.

But Elena was patient, encouraging my input and building on my ideas. I felt a little proud of myself. Perhaps I could actually manage this.

As we left the school, Xander's hand found the small of my back, a gesture that sent warmth spreading through me. “You did great there,” he said softly. “See? You have good ideas, Aurora. The pack will benefit from your perspective.”

Before I could respond, we were approached by Selene, her friendly face a welcome sight. “Aurora! I was hoping to catch you,” she said brightly. “Some women in the pack were hoping to meet you. Would you like to join us for tea?”

I hesitated, looking at Xander. He nodded encouragingly. “Go ahead,” he said. “It'll be good for you to get to know everyone.”

She took me to a comfortable living room where a group of female wolves had gathered. When I walked in, everyone looked at me, and I felt my nervousness come back strongly. But Selene's steady presence beside me gave me courage.

“Everyone, this is Aurora, our new Luna,” Selene introduced me. I was immediately greeted by a group of friendly voices, and so I began to relax when I sat down.

People began to talk around me, and I began to join in as much as I could, just telling them a bit about myself, like where I'm from. All the women were really nice and helpful, genuinely interested in what I said and really encouraging.

However, I noticed a few women who stayed distant, watching me with cold eyes. Among them was a stunning dark-haired woman with very bright-green eyes. She looked a bit disturbing, so I tried not to look at her.

As the meeting ended, I heard the group talking. The beautiful woman said something softly, but I heard her clearly. “It's not fair,” she said. “Xander and I were supposed to be together.” Everyone knows it. This outsider has no place here.

My heart sank at her words. Some people didn't want to accept me after all. When I was about to go, I came across the female wolf. When I saw her closely, she was even more beautiful, but the mean look in her eyes was clear.

“So you're the new Luna,” she said, her voice full of venom. “I'm Lyra. I hope you realize what you've walked into here.”

Before I could respond, Lyra leaned in close, her voice dropping to a hiss. “You don't deserve to be Luna. You're nothing but a cast-off from another pack. Xander deserves better.”

Her words felt like a punch, making all my doubts come back. Without saying anything, I turned and ran away, not listening to Selene calling out worriedly behind me.

I ran to my room, thinking about what Lyra said. She was right. I don't deserve to be Luna.

“Aurora?” Xander's voice called out, showing his worry. “Can I come in?”

When I didn't answer, he slowly opened the door, his eyes quickly finding mine. Right away, he was beside me, his arms holding me. “What happened?” he asked softly.

I told him everything then — about meeting the other women, Lyra's unfriendliness, and my profound uncertainty about myself. Xander listened carefully, holding me steady the whole time.

After I was done, he moved back a little, his hands on my cheeks, making me look into his eyes. “Aurora, hear me out,” he said, his tone strong yet kind. “Lyra's claims are false. There was never anything between us. You are my mate, chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. You belong here, with me, as my Luna.”

“You are more than good enough,” Xander said. “Your kindness, your strength, your resilience — these are the qualities of a true Luna. The pack will see that, just as I do.”

As I looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but love and belief, I felt something shift inside me. A new resolve began to form. I couldn't let Lyra's words dictate my worth.

“You're right,” I said. “I must defend myself. I need to talk to Lyra and sort things out.”

Xander smiled, pride shining in his eyes. “That's my Luna,” he said softly.

With newfound determination, I made my way through the pack house, searching for Lyra. I saw her with her friends.

Lyra looked at me, and smirked “Well, look who's here,” she said, her voice full of sarcasm. “Your Luna is here to visit us.”

I took a deep breath, getting ready for what was coming. “Lyra, we need to talk—”

But I couldn't finish my sentence because there was a loud noise outside. There were urgent howls in the air, and I could hear people shouting near the edge of our group's territory.

Xander appeared suddenly, his face tense. “There's a group of unknown wolves at the border,” he said quickly. “They're requesting entry. I need to go deal with this.”

He turned to me, conflict clear in his eyes. “Aurora, I-”

“Go,” I said firmly. “The pack needs you. I'll be fine here.”

Xander nodded, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before rushing off towards the border.

As I turned back to Lyra, I saw something dangerous flash in her eyes. With Xander gone, and the pack distracted, I suddenly realized I was alone with a wolf who clearly wished me harm.

Lyra took a step towards me, her lips curling into a snarl. “Alright, Luna,” she said the name with a hint of disdain. It seems it's only you and me here. Let's talk, shall we.