Trip together

(RENNA'S POV)

Awed!

That was how I felt as Nicholas pulled his sleek black SUV into the  Pack's grand estate. As I peered out the window of the car, I couldn't help the gasp that escaped my mouth.  The massive structure ahead of us shimmered under the pale light of the full moon. The towering packhouse, built of silver stone and glass, seemed to glow ethereally, a testament to the immense power and wealth of its Alpha.

Nicholas, the Alpha himself, chuckled softly as he turned off the car's engine. He stepped out with effortless grace, opening my door before I could even reach for the handle. His touch was warm as he offered his hand, steadying me as I climbed out.

"Welcome to your new home, Luna," he said, his deep voice laced with pride and warmth.

I swallowed, overwhelmed by the majesty of it all. I took in more details of the hotel's surroundings properly. The estate was breathtaking: cascading fountains framed the grand entrance, surrounded by manicured lawns glowing softly under the moonlight. A line of warriors patrolled in perfect formation, their heads nodding respectfully as we walked past.

"I .... I didn't know your family owned this estate," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Point of correction," Nicholas replied with a mischievous smirk, his piercing golden eyes glinting. "It belongs to the pack—but as Alpha, it’s mine to command." He said, his voice bearing a hint of subtle pride.

I blinked totally stunned. Though I knew Nicholas was powerful, the extent of his influence still left me stunned at times. He was nothing like the stereotypical arrogant Alphas from the stories my mother used to tell me as a child. Nicholas was commanding, yes, but there was a quiet strength to him , a balance of dominance and kindness that made him irresistible.

He boast about his wealth and look down on those below him.

As I took in my surroundings again, I shook my head in disbelief.

Three years of being his mate, and I still hadn’t uncovered all his secrets. How had I missed that this legendary estate, the pride of this Pack, belonged to him? The name itself, "Moonlit Summit," bore his mark. He was Nicholas Moonstone, after all.

How come it didn't occur to me? I wondered, wanting to smack my head.

. 

But then, as I trailed beside him , I felt a sudden nagging feeling of sadness that I didn't really know much about him.

Though our bond had deepened over time, our mating had started as nothing more than a practical arrangement. We got talking, and lost communication after a while.... after him announcing me as the Luna of the pack.

I met Nicholas during one of my mother's many desperate attempts to match me with a mate. After countless failed introductions, I was nearly ready to give up on finding my fated partner. Then, one day, Nicholas had walked into the small village tavern where I worked, on a mission to fulfill his own duty to his pack's elders. We weren’t fated mates, but we’d decided that an alliance between us could serve both of our purposes.

And so, our union began not out of love, but necessity.

Still, I couldn’t help but fall for him over the years. Nicholas's strong yet gentle presence, the way he always treated me with respect, his protective nature, it all chipped away at the walls I’d built around my heart. Yet, despite my growing feelings, I wasn’t sure if Nicholas felt the same. Did he see me as his true Luna, or merely a companion chosen out of obligation?

Although I had grown to love him, I wasn't sure it was the same for Nicholas, but I didn't let it bother me. As long as he treated me right, despite his somewhat aloof nature most times, then I was content.

“Renna,” Nicholas's said, snapping me out of my thoughts. His tone was teasing. “You look lost. What's on your mind?! If you’re this mesmerized by the packhouse’s exterior, just wait until we go inside.”

My eyes instantly lit up, my worries forgotten. " Really?"

Nicholas  smiled. "Come on, let's go find out."

Just then, a young warrior dressed in formal crisp pack attire approached us. His name tag read Ralph.

“Welcome home, Alpha Nicholas. Luna Renna,” Ralph greeted us with a respectful bow together with a huge smile.

“Thank you, Ralph,” Nicholas replied. “Could you take the bags from the car trunk and bring them to our quarters?”

"Yes Alpha", 

Ralph nodded and quickly went to work.

Then Nicholas turned to me. "Let's go inside", He placed a firm hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the grand entrance. The moment we stepped inside, I couldn’t help but gasp. The packhouse’s interior was just as awe-inspiring as its exterior. Gleaming marble floors reflected the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, while intricate carvings of wolves in various forms adorned the walls.

The energy in the air was electric, thrumming with the strength of the pack bond. I could feel it tugging at my wolf, a sense of belonging settling deep in my chest.

“This place…” I whispered, unable to find the words.

Nicholas's lips curved into a pleased smile. “I thought you’d like it. Our quarters are just ahead.” He murmured then we headed to the reception. 

A pretty red-haired receptionist greeted us with a warm smile. Without Nicholas requesting, she provided a key card. "Welcome, Alpha Nicholas  and luna Renna. You’re quarters are ready."

"Thank you, Scarlett," Nicholas accepted the key and led me on. As we trudged on, I couldn't take my eyes off the hotel's interior design. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork, and the floors were covered in soft carpets that felt like heaven beneath my feet.

We finally reached an elevator, and Nicholas punched in the number 2. The doors opened, revealing a sleek elevator. We stepped in, and the doors closed behind us. The elevator took us to another part of the hotel, which seemed like a different world altogether. My eyes widened in amazement. "This is incredible!"

Nicholas chuckled. "I told you, we have a wing to ourselves."

We got out of the elevator, and Nicholas led me to a door. He inserted the key card, and he pushed open the heavy oak door, I was greeted by the most breathtaking suite I had ever seen. The room was lavishly designed with modern and classic furniture. The space was vast and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the moonlit mountains. The soft scent of lavender and pine filled the air, calming my nerves.

The walls were painted a soothing gray, and the floors were covered with a soft Maroon rug. The suite had a separate living area, a dining room, and a kitchenette.

"I love it!" I exclaimed, unable to hold back my emotion.

Nicholas smiled, looking pleased with himself. "I'm glad you do," he said, his golden eyes darkening with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine and then closed the distance between us, the husky look I was aware of, back on his face.

" But this is only the beginning, my love. There’s so much more I want to show you. So much more I want to do to you. Well now that we're alone, how about we do something freaky."

My heart raced as he closed the distance between us, his towering frame engulfing mine and his body pressing more against mine. “Alpha,” I breathed, my wolf stirring at his nearness.

"Bring whatever you have on, Alpha Nicholas.". I looked up, my eyes challenging

The words had barely left my mouth when he covered it with his, capturing them into a searing kiss. I moaned and threw my hands around his neck, reveling in the feeling of his mouth against mine. My fingers tangled in his thick hair as I melted against him, surrendering to the pull of our bond.

But before things could escalate, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Ralph’s voice. “Alpha Nicholas, Luna Renna, I’ve brought your bags.”

Nicholas groaned, resting his forehead against mine. 

"Hold on. I'm coming," He called out. And then he lowered his tone, "I will go get our bag, and when I'm back, we'll continue from where we stopped."

I giggled, my cheeks flushing. “Go. I’ll be waiting.” I watched him walk off and I  bit down on my lower lips. This might be the shortest, yet most amazing trip of my life.

As he turned to answer the door, I placed a hand over my stomach, a secret smile playing on my lips. Tonight felt like the perfect moment to tell Nicholas about the new life growing inside me.

Perhaps this trip would mark the beginning of something truly extraordinary for both of us and our pack.