Page 107 of His Fated Luna

“I present to you, Alpha and Luna of the Bloodfire Phoenix Pack!” Ezra ended.

I leaned forward at the same time that Rose offered her cheek. I couldn't help but let out a low growl, hands snaking around her waist, pulling her flush against me before planting a kiss on her mouth. A kiss that I deepened immediately, trying to show her through my actions how much I wanted her. She gasped into mymouth and I swallowed it, revelling in the feel of her against me. She kissed me harder, clearly enjoying our kiss.

We were both drowning in the heat of this kiss, completely impervious to the cameras clicking around us or the cellphones recording this moment.

And when I pulled back, my hand patted away a stray curl that had come loose from where it had been pinned away from her face.

“You wore your hair down,” I said gently, hands not moving from her waist.

“Diego’s decision,” she spoke out loud. My fingers dug into her hips, thumbs rubbing circles gently over the fabric covering her beautiful curves. Standing here like this, looking into her eyes made me want to kiss her again.

Suddenly, people began jostling around us, moving forward to congratulate us.

The moment was broken. I stepped away from her, hands in my pockets. People crowded around Rose. Jake was there with his parents and I had already greeted Lexia earlier who had come in her mother's place with her father. mother hadn't been feeling well, she had explained to me.

Everyone went to the venue constructed on pack territory where important events were always held. The grounds outside had been utilized because Mom had decided that an outside event would be best for a nice late afternoon lunch. White gauzy fabric covered long tables and waiters were going around handing out champagne.

I absently found myself walking inside the empty event center. I’d spent enough time with Rose by now to realize I’d fallen for her, hook, line and sinker. I wanted to keep her forever, not just for a while. I wanted this life we were slowly creating together. I wanted her. Did she want me? Bitter regret rose up in me when I recalled the way my mate’s eyes had lit up when they’d fallen onJake who had come to congratulate us. I wanted what Jake had: Rose’s affections. I was an idiot for taking so long to realize my feelings for her.

“Are you worried about Tanya?” a new voice interrupted my musings.

I looked up to see Lexia standing in front of me, a vision in light blue silk. I gave her a half smile. We’d spent over two years together. Of course, she’d be able to tell when something was bothering me. I accepted a glass of champagne offered to me by a waiter. Lexia declined when she was also offered a second remaining glass on the empty tray.

“It’s actually pretty disgusting. She’s only seven. How could he even recognize her as his mate? It shouldn't even be possible until she’s older.” I couldn’t help but voice my true feelings.

“She’s the daughter of an alpha, and he’s the son of an alpha. A pretty strong alpha too,” Lexia added. “But…you know, Aiden, it’s not what you think. She’s too young for him to be physically attracted to her.”

“Isn’t that what the mate bond is all about? The urge to mate?”

“Not if the mate is underage and hasn’t even turned yet,” Lexia reasoned. “At that time, you just feel really protective. You want to keep them from ever being hurt...it's not physical when it comes to underage mates.”

“How would you know?” I asked, arching an eyebrow. “Find an underage mate somewhere around here?”

Lexia laughed lightly. “You know you’re the only one for me, Aiden. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.”

I sighed, guilt twinging inside me again. What was I supposed to say to her? That I’d wasted two years of her life? Sorry? I stood there looking at her, wallowing in guilt. That’s when Rose entered from the back door.

Rose's POV

I took in Lexia, standing there and Aiden's arm propped up on the balustrade that led to an event hall upstairs. I felt my heart plummet. He’d been having a moment with Lexia, apparently. After all this time he was still stuck on her. I’d even worn my hair down for him. Because he said that’s how he liked it. I’d wanted to look beautiful for him today. But I’d been too afraid to make myself vulnerable and admit it to him outloud.

I stepped closer to them and fought the urge to throw Lexia so far away that she could never ever come near Aiden again.

I couldn’t let my anger take over. I had to remain calm. When I’d first entered the pack, I’d promised Aiden I wouldn’t expect anything from him. But it felt like my heart was breaking as I saw them standing together in camaraderie. Finally I cleared my throat and caught their attention.

“I…they’re asking for you so we can cut the cake,” I finally said. My voice was flat, dead. “Josie said she saw you and Dylan come in here.”

“Dylan’s not here. But I am.” Aiden began to walk towards me after setting his untouched glass of champagne down on a glass side table. “Let’s go.”

He didn’t look back at Lexia.

Lexia’s POV

I watched Aiden leave, my heart in my eyes.

I loved him. How could he just stand there and look at me as if we hadn’t made promises to each other?

There was a movement from a corner behind the stairs. Out of the shadows emerged Dylan. The expression on his face told me everything I needed to know. I swallowed. It was time to face the music.