Chapter 23

LUNA POV

My eyes were still puffy when I woke up today. I've been crying a lot yesterday after Matilda's funeral, plus I slept late last night.

After that short conversation with Lucas last night, Hector came to my room. He told me that he smelled the wolf of the Alpha enemy. I just told him that I thought I saw a werewolf in the woods last night while I am standing at the window but it left when it saw me. I've never told him about Lucas. I can't trust Hector now and I can't trust Lucas too.

We had a sumptuous breakfast today. Francis and Stefan prepared the food for us.

"Thank you for this breakfast. I need to go. Dad wants me to take care of his business today so I need to meet with some of the investors this afternoon," Jasmine said.

"Alright," Hector responded without leaving his food.

"No need to drive for me Hector, our family driver is already outside to drive me home. I love you. Thank you for last night," as she gave Hector a peck on the lips.

I felt my face start to burn like fire as I remember last night's scene in Hector's room. It broke my heart. It is really difficult to love someone who can never love me back.

After breakfast, we decided to go already. I was in Hector's car while Francis and Stefan are in another car.

I am wearing my black jacket with the knife inside. The fear inside me started to grow. I need to be strong to save my life from the danger that might come tonight.

The entire time, I've never talked to Hector. I just tried to close my eyes as if I were taking a nap while we were on a trip.

After an hour, we finally arrived in Portland. This is my mother's hometown. She told me before, that she grew up in Portland. She had a best friend named Anastasia. I saw how my mother burst into tears when she mentioned Anastasia. She told me that Anastasia died after giving birth to a child. 

"Here we are Luna, this hotel owned by my father," he said as I look at a very tall hotel building. 

This is the King's hotel in Portland. So this is how rich their family is.

The attendant leads me to a room where I can rest. Hector told me that I would meet his father tonight at 8 p.m. in time for the pink moon to rise.

I can see in Hector's eyes the fulfillment. I know he is happy as he is about to complete his mission and that's me.

I am sitting on the bed as I tried to relax. I heard three knocks on the door and two attendants came in. They brought some food for me.

As I enjoy the food, I saw a note beside the plate. I opened the note and was surprised to see the message inside.

"Tonight, know that I am here to protect you. I will save you, Luna."

-Lucas

It was Lucas. I am so curious about him. Why would he help me in the first place?

After a few minutes inside the room, I felt bored. I walked out of the room to walk to the lobby. There are few people around. The hotel lobby was big. There was a desk for check-ins and customer service, a water station, a seating area, and clear signage. As I walked around, I saw a man approaching me. He was tall and handsome. His body was well-built. He can be a celebrity or even a model. His face looks familiar. He looks like Hector.

"Hey, Luna," the man said. And he knows my name.

"Hello, ahm, who are you?" I asked in confusion.

"My name is Drake. I am one of Hector's half-brothers. It's so nice to finally meet you." I saw him smirk.

"Nice to see you, Drake." I was shy to talk to him.

"Hector must be very happy now. He will fulfill his mission. He successfully got you. He will finally get what he wants after tonight." he said.

"What do you mean Drake?" I asked again.

"He will be the next Alpha of our pack. After fulfilling his mission and after tonight, my father will surely take back the position of being Alpha of the Blacktooth Guardians pack. I am sure he will fight my uncle who is the current Alpha of the pack to get the throne back. Once my father will be successful, he will turn over the position to Hector. So Hector will be the new Alpha." He continued.

I was left in shock. So that is the reason why Hector cared and protected me all this time, he wanted to become an Alpha of their pack. But why would his father need to see me tonight? What would be my role in their pack?

"I guess I need to go Luna. Take care and see you tonight," he said goodbye.

As he left, he also left a lot of questions in my mind.

I returned to my room and was surprised to see Hector standing outside waiting for me.

I just looked at him and went straight to my room. He immediately followed and close the door.

"Luna, are you mad at me? You didn't dare to talk to me all this time," he inquired.

"I felt tired Hector. You can leave now. See you tonight." I replied.

"No, please talk to me, Luna. Is there something wrong?" he said as he scanned my face.

"Yes!" I yelled at him. I felt tears start to form in my eyes.

"I hate you. I hate you, Hector. I fell for your goodness. Deep inside I know that you are playing a game. All your kisses and touch were just part of your game and lust. I am here because of your mission. You are playing with my feelings." I burst out as tears roll down my eyes.

"Lu...Luna, what do you mean," his voice is shaking.

"Tonight, you will get what you want. Once you're done fulfilling your mission. You will soon get what you want. And you will forget about me!" I shouted.

"Luna, I cared for you. Once you meet my father tonight, you will know everything. My father can help and protect you. Please trust me," he pleaded.

"Get out, I want to rest," I told him as I went back to bed.

"I want you to know Luna that I will never allow anything bad to happen to you. I will always protect you," I heard him speak.

Silence filled the room. A few minutes later, I heard him go out of the room.

I took a deep breath. Of all the men in the world, why Hector? Why should I feel this way for him?

We left the hotel at 7 pm. Still, I haven't dared to speak to him in the car. I don't want to talk to him.

We arrived at the Japanese Garden here in Portland just in time as the full moon started to shine in the sky.

The place was beautiful even during the night. My eyes caught a waterfall with different arrangements. There are bridges too of many varieties and the natural guardian stones. I can see authentic and harmonious garden elements all around. The lights gave many colors to the plants and flowers around.

Hector suddenly spoke at my side.

“Luna,” he said.

I turned to look at him.

"Luna, this is the time. My father is waiting for you"