Page 3 of His Fated Luna

Alpha Aiden's POV

“I want the entire venue drowned in gold and blue—to signify the merging of our two packs. No exceptions.” My voice was absolute, carrying the weight of my title as the new alpha–a role I had been thrust into all too early after my father passed away this summer. I missed him, even now when someone called me “Alpha” it made me turn and search for my father. Only to realize, Dad wasn’t here anymore. It was me. I was the alpha. And I had no clue what I was doing.

Lexia, my girlfriend, slipped her hand into mine as we stood in Dad’s study. Wait, that wasn’t right. This was my study. We stood inmystudy.

I looked at the event planner, my mouth in a stern line, hoping to display myself as a strong, confident leader. Hoping that my voice was able to reflect the authority I carried.

“I would love to have an ice-sculpture!” Lexia stated excitedly, her ice-blue eyes awash with excitement. “An ice-sculpture of a phoenix for our engagement party.” She clapped her hands.

“Of course,” I said smoothly. Lexia was the only daughter of the neighboring Silver Creek Pack alpha. And we were about to become engaged. Tomorrow, at our engagement party, I would get down on one knee in front of everyone and ask her to marry me. Then I would slip the ring onto her finger that we'd both shopped for. Lexia didn't want the heirloom handed down through my family. We needed a perfect ring to signify the union of the perfect couple. Dad would be proud that I was uniting two strong packs. Right?

Every shifter had a fated mate. But our pack was different. I did not have a fated mate since there were no women in our pack with the phoenix shaped birthmark. Which meant I was free to take a chosen mate. And Lexia was perfect for the role.

The heavy oak doors to Dad’s study swung open.

“Hello Aiden.”

That voice.

Lexia went rigid next to me as we both looked up to face Josie Sinclair. My mother stood in the doorway, deep blue eyes, the same color as mine, sharp as ever, scanning the room before landing on me. Her expression was unreadable, but something in her gaze set my teeth on edge. When I was a child she had often looked at me that way when I did something wrong.

“You’re back,” I said smoothly, forcing a smile. She had taken my siblings with her to visit her sister. I had hoped to surpriseher when she returned tomorrow. “Didn’t expect you for another day.”

She folded her arms. A silent challenge. “And I didn’t expect my son to be planning something as monumental as his engagement without consulting his mother.”

I exhaled sharply. “I wanted to surprise you.”

I wanted to avoid you trying to convince me Lexia wasn't right for me.

Mom’s face darkened. With a single glance, denoting her years of authority as luna of this pack, she dismissed the planner. He didn’t hesitate—scurrying out of the room like he’d just witnessed something forbidden.

Maybe he had.

“Lexia,” Mom said sternly, a scowl firmly set on her lips. “Please give me a moment alone with my son.”

Lexia looked like she wanted to argue. But not many people had ever dared cross the luna. And for good reason. Nobody wanted to see Mom when she got upset.

“Alright, Mrs. Sinclair,” Lexia murmured before moving away from me and out of the room.

“You didn’t have to make her leave,” I finally said angrily, crossing my arms. “Soon, there will be no secrets between us. She is my fiancé and mate.”

Mom stepped closer. “Lexia is not your mate.”

My jaw tightened. Not this again. I had had this argument with Mom and Dad multiple times.

“She’s my choice.”

Her head shook, slow, deliberate. Her next words sent my world crashing down around me.

“She’s not your destiny,” Mom countered swiftly, voice edged with steel. “Your fated mate exists, Aiden. And I know who she is.”

The walls of my world began to crack as Mom kept speaking, telling me I had to go meet this stranger. A stranger who was supposed to be my soulmate.

Chapter 2

“I hope it’s okay if I love you forever.” — Ally Maine

Rose's POV