Page 18 of His Fated Luna

I frowned. “We’re not worms, Josie. We’re humans who justhappento shift into wolves.”

Josie waved a dismissive hand, unconcerned. “Fine. Then take birds and peacocks—the females choose the most brightly colored males so their offspring inherit the strongest traits. It’s the same with wolves. The alpha will mate with the strongest female of the pack. In our case, that means the one with the power to help the pack survive. And to ensure the mating process, nature has gifted the future lunas of our pack with strong, fertile genes and,” —she smirked, eyeing my bust line— “the assets needed to turn their men on.”

I shifted uncomfortably. Ever since my turn neared, my body had developed more…womanly curves. But I wasn’t graceful or striking like the other she-wolves. I was short and soft, with love handles and thick thighs that stubbornly refused to disappear. There was no way Alpha Aiden would ever be attracted to me. No one would.

Even this morning, I just sat in my car, inhaling his lingering scent and reliving the memory of his kiss, knowing it was foolish.

“The stronger your wolves become, the stronger the mate pull gets,” Josie mused, giving me a knowing wink. “Besides, from what I heard, my son rather liked what he saw last night.”

I stiffened. “What youheard?” I repeated, my voice sharper than I intended. My stomach twisted. Had Aiden told her about the kiss?

The urge to disappear into the floor had never been stronger as Josie watched my reaction with an assessing gaze.

“Jake called me last night,” she explained. “Told me Aiden announced to the entire diner that you were his mate.”

I exhaled in relief. Sothatwas what she meant.

Josie arched a brow. “I know my nephew is attending the university nearby. Who do you think recommended he apply here?”

I blinked. “Jake?” My shoulders sagged. “Oh.”

Josie’s expression sharpened. “Did something else happen last night?” Her voice was neutral, but I knew better.

I shook my head quickly.Too quickly.“It was embarrassing, that’s all. I think it was just his wolf instinct taking over. It wasn’t really Aiden speaking.”

Ihadto believe that. Because no matter what his wolf wanted, Aiden—the man—wanted to be with Lexia.

Josie studied me for a moment but didn’t push.

“Alright,” she said lightly. “Next, let’s go over the chants and incantations a luna can use to invoke our ancestors.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Josie’s teachings deepened my understanding of our pack, and I found myself appreciating our traditions more. Our pack name wasn’t just symbolic—the elders who passed on were reborn as spirits, guiding us from the other side. Only the most loyal and high-ranking pack members became our spiritual guides. It was a cycle, much like the rebirth of a phoenix.

By the time we walked back to the alpha residence, I was exhausted. My stomach rumbled in anticipation of dinner, but my steps faltered as we neared the mansion.

“I…maybe I should just go home,” I said hesitantly.

“Nonsense.” Josie swatted my arm like I was being ridiculous.

I chewed my lip. “Alpha Aiden is back. You probably want some alone time with your son.”

Josie gave me a knowing look. “We had our alone time last night and this morning. Rose, heliveshere. It’s not like your presence will interfere. Besides, you’re practically family already!”

I stared at her, startled.Family already?

Did she still believe Aiden and I would mate?

Josie must have noticed my expression because she quickly added, “I mean, we’re all so familiar with you. Having dinner together is normal for us.”

I wasn’t sure I believed her.

She grinned. “And besides, Lorraine made spaghetti and meatballs. Youloveher homemade tomato sauce.”

I sighed, glancing toward the mansion again. My heart pounded at the thought of seeing Aiden, but it was unavoidable.

Resigned, I followed Josie inside.

Lorraine was an omega wolf and the cook for Josie’s household. Traditionally, a luna was too busy with pack responsibilities to cook, so preparing meals for the family usually fell to a hired omega. A few times a week, though, Josie would give Lorraine the day off, leaving everyone to fend for themselves with leftovers—or suffer through Josie’s cooking.