Danica's POV
I stormed out of the Alpha’s quarters, my pulse hammering so loudly in my ears that I barely heard the voices around me. My fingers curled into fists as I walked faster, desperate to put distance between myself and what had just happened.
This is a mistake.
I can't be the Luna.
I am a warrior, one of the best in JuveMoon Pack. I have trained my whole life to fight, to defend, to lead in battle. I am not meant for some fairy-tale destiny where I stand beside the Alpha as his mate, playing the role of Luna.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips.
The Moon Goddess must have made a mistake.
By the time I reached my room, my chest was tight with frustration. I slammed the door behind me, pressing my back against it, trying to steady my breathing. My mind replayed everything, waking up in his bed, the way he looked at me, the way my body betrayed me when I felt the pull.
With a frustrated groan, I flopped onto my bed and buried my face in my hands.
Flashes of last night kept replaying in my mind.
The way he kissed me. The way his hands roamed my body, igniting a fire I didn’t know could burn so deep. I had never imagined being with someone so intimately, and yet, I had surrendered myself so easily.
And the worst part?
I wanted it.
I ached for him in a way that made my stomach churn.
I had spent my entire life convinced I didn’t need a mate. I had trained myself to believe that the bond wasn’t necessary for survival. And now, here I was, lying in my bed, longing for something I knew I could never have.
I squeezed my eyes shut and shook my head.
No. I can’t do this.
The door creaked open, and I stiffened.
“Are you okay?”
I didn’t need to look up to know it was Leah. Her voice was laced with concern, but I didn’t have the energy to respond.
She sighed. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Where were you last night?”
I hesitated.
How do I even begin to explain this?
Leah stepped closer, peering down at me with confusion. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I let out a humorless chuckle. “Worse. I saw my mate.”
Silence.
Then, Leah gasped, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she grabbed my hands. She plopped down onto the bed beside me, practically bouncing. “Finally!” she shrieked. “I told you, didn’t I? The Moon Goddess is merciful after all.”
I forced a weak smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes.
Leah, oblivious to my internal turmoil, continued excitedly. “So? Who is he? One of the warriors? Maybe Kane? Oh! What about Micah? He’s been eyeing you for months!”
I could barely keep up with her enthusiasm.
She started listing names, all men I’ve fought beside, all men who had shown interest in me at some point.
But I shook my head at each one.
When she finally paused for breath, I took the opportunity to say it.
“It’s the Alpha.”
Leah froze.
She blinked once. Twice. Then, her fingers loosened their grip on mine as she slowly stood up.
"What?!"
The single word was filled with disbelief, shock, and maybe even a little horror.