>>Clio
"Yes," Matthew replied, "Bastards and abnormal wolves deserve a pack too." He looked at his subjects, "This is our place."
My heart acted weird. I didn't mean it like that, I was just surprised. Of course everyone deserves to have a home.
I looked at the crowd again as the sun was setting and my eyes went over all the people I could see.
I see… He was kicked out for being a bastard, so created a place for others like him. Is that it? That must be, thus the name
'Misfits'
"Hello," I greeted them, "It's really nice to meet you all." The curious expressions on their faces turned to smiles
"Hello! Luna!" They all seemed delighted to meet me. A little bit too much
Luna!?!
Why are they saying that when Matthew and I aren't even official!??! Is it because if I was a werewolf I wouldn't even think about being with anyone else?
I glanced at Matthew and he simply smiled at me, making no attempt to tell his people he and I weren't together yet.
I looked back at his people and something suddenly struck me.
!!!
Wait a minute…
Him bringing me to his pack would be just like him bringing me to meet his family!!!
OH MY GOD!
I can't believe I just realized that!!!
***
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the clearing where the pack had assembled. A makeshift fire crackled, its warmth offering a reprieve from the cool night air. The pack members, most of them in their human forms, chatted and laughed, sharing stories of both their human and wolf lives.
The gathering was made for me. The lights of the houses and surroundings were turned on and so the place was bright but the fire was what was illuminating us the most in the clearing.
I was the center of attention, sitting on a thick tree stump with plenty of curious eyes on me.
"Um," I looked at them, "I'm not sure if you guys want me to say something or…"
"Luna!" A young woman said, "No need to be nervous!"
I nodded, "Still," Feeling a mix of nervousness and gratitude. "It's all so new to me."
Some of them chuckled, a sound that mirrored the rustling leaves. "No worries. We're all on your side." They all were a bit too welcoming.
It was a feeling that had grown alien to me. A bit too foreign
"All of you?" My gaze dropped for a moment, "On my side, why?" I looked at them, "I just came here for the first time,"
"Because you're the Alpha's mate!"
"I'm not even a wolf," I told them, "What if I choose not to be with him?" My question caught them off guard, they all glanced at each other and for a moment they kept staring.
It took me a moment but I realized what they were doing.
MINDLINKING!!
They're talking amongst themselves. Matthew told me about this when I asked what he meant wolves had something similar to telepathy.
I gulped,
I wonder what they're discussing. It got me nervous. Will they throw me away if I don't choose Matthew? Will I be someone weird to them too?
My chest tightened. I pursed my lips and I felt isolated
"It doesn't matter!" But someone spoke right after I looked away, "
"The Alpha chose you," They said, "And that's all we need."
"Right!"
I looked at them in awe
"If it's about protecting, we'll do it!" They said, "It doesn't matter if you're human, we'll be there for you,"
I was dumbstruck by them, "Why would you?"
"Because we already like you!"
!!!!
That came as a surprise and I found that a little awkward, "Why?"
"Because the Alpha likes you!"
Woah, they seem to have a lot of trust in Matthew.
The flickering firelight played on their faces, creating a mosaic of expressions as they engaged in conversations.
"You all seem very fond of Matthew,"
"He's a natural leader, " One pack member said, casting a nod in the alpha's direction. "He's made a home for wolves like us who have nowhere to go."
Another chimed in, a wistful smile playing on their lips. "Did you see how he handled that dispute last week? He's simply amazing." I turned to look where they were looking and saw the Alpha, standing near the pack house, talking to someone
Oh? So he regularly handles things here too? Is that why he suddenly disappears from the office and people don't know where he is? He comes to handle stuff here,
Curiosity piqued, I subtly shifted closer to catch snippets of the conversation.
"He's got this way of making you feel seen," A voice whispered. "For people like us who were never seen, it means a lot."
"But still," I replied, "Him and I are different people, just because you like him, doesn't necessarily mean you have to like me."
They all spared each other a glance, then looked at me. A low chuckle followed. "Have you noticed those moments when he's with his mate?"
"Me?" I pointed at myself.
They nodded, "We've never seen him this happy."
Oh…
As the pack members exchanged these observations, my attention became increasingly drawn to Matthew.
"He's a listener," someone noted, their eyes fixed on the distant conversation. "And there's a depth to him, like he's carrying the weight of the pack."
"Yea, I heard he had to make a lot of effort to get this pack."
"Why?"
"The royal family wouldn't allow it."
"They wouldn't? Why not?" I asked as if I already didn't know the answer. I did, I just didn't remember
"Because wolves need to be perfect," They all tore their gazes away and my heart fell.
"But Alpa Matthew made a place for us, he pulled us from the streets, gave us a home."
They smiled, "Not only that, but he also saved us from being rogues,"
The more I listened, the more I found myself drawn. Then again, before this, they were all rogues and homeless. Anyone would be grateful for what Matthew did for them.
"We all had our beginnings, all of them bad," I looked at a white haired boy, "But now we're here and we would love to have our Luna as part of our story."
It felt like it would be a heavy responsibility. Being a Luna and all, but my heart seemed content with it, so I didn't say anything else against it.
****
The next morning, Matthew decided to show me around the pack, starting from the pack house.
My heart pounded in my chest as he led me through the different rooms of his house. I was captivated by his words, his gestures, and, of course, his presence. But what was going on in my head and heart?
The desire to hold his hand was an itch in my fingertips, a craving that seemed to grow with every passing moment.
But, oh, the shyness held me back like an invisible force. How could I possibly make the first move without risking embarrassment or rejection? As we navigated the corners of his home, my mind raced with thoughts of our intertwined fingers, and a blush crept up my cheeks.
"The pack still lacks a lot, we have to get the approval of the royal family everytime we want something so it's taking time." But whatever he was saying was going over my head.
Oh! Gosh! What is wrong with me! It's just holding hands!! I've been wanting it for a while! I can do this!!!
I nodded to myself as we entered a room, "Many rooms are empty for now, like this one,"
A serendipitous moment presented itself. We found ourselves in a room filled with the soft glow of ambient light. It felt like the perfect setting for a connection, an opportunity too good to pass up. The warmth in the room matched the warmth in my heart, and I couldn't let this chance slip away.
I fidgeted with my bracelet, then with a subtle adjustment, my fingers brushed against his ever so briefly. It was a fleeting touch, delicate and almost accidental, but to me, it felt like a spark which made my heart skip a beat.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. I stole a quick glance at him, wondering if he felt it too. His step hesitated, and our eyes met. Was there a hint of surprise or recognition in his gaze? I couldn't quite tell but he had his eyes on me.
My feelings were doubling up and I gulped,
"I," DO IT!!! I told myself, "I just really just want to hold your hand." I said softly as a light breeze made its way in through the window, fluttering my hair.
His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I held my breath. Then, a warmth spread across his face, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, what are you waiting for?" He replied, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness.
Before I could fully process his response, his hand gently enveloped mine. It was a simple, yet profound gesture. The touch sent a wave of comfort and excitement through me.
OH God… This feels so nice
Our fingers interlocked as we continued the tour, my heart still raced, but now with a newfound excitement. The anticipation of what might happen next fueled my every step. I had taken a small, subtle step toward bridging the gap, and the thrill of the unknown lingered in the air between us.
'Luna'
The word revolved in my mind and I stole a glance at him
'His Luna'