Ready to challenge

"I present to you, Renee Spencer. My mate and your Luna natura at the moment."Bane said as he looked at me. I looked forward, keeping my chin up. I couldn't look at him and I couldn't look at the pack members.

I could already see disapproving looks on some faces. Some were amazed and some still looked shocked of the news that the Alpha had found his mate and was in the midst of them all this time. The most shocking thing was that it was me the cursed wolf as every one says. "Of course, she will be the official and true Luna of this pack when she proves herself to be. As tradition have it, if there are any she-wolves who wish to challenge the moon goddess' Luna, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The pack was ever so silent, they looked around the room looking for someone who dared to take the challenge.

My eyes looked for the bitch Carlo and someone by the back stood up, I met her eyes.

The crowd erupted in small chatters once again, but then again, it was expected for her to stand up. Albert's hold squeezed my hand for a second and loosened.

"I, Carlo Martinez, daughter of the the Alpha of the Red Moon pack challenge the Luna natura for the Luna's position." she announced loud and clear. Her voice was strong and firm, clearly used with public speaking. She looked around and then met my eyes again. My breath hitched, I wanted to vomit. "How do you suppose to protect this pack, you are a cursed wolf, who killed your sister"

My eyes widened. She knows.

The pack gasped and, the whispers grew louder. I could see how some faces scrunched in disapproval again. They talked amongst themselves and I could feel drops of sweat trickling down the side of my head. I was taking slow paced breaths, I was becoming lightheaded.

Inside of me, rage was starting to set. My wolf didn't speak but we both knew what we were feeling right now. An unsettling discomfort at the sight of the pack questioning our capability to lead.

I didn't understand it, so I ignored it. I chose to keep my head held high when all I really wanted to do was to run away.

I saw this one brunette girl stand up with newly found confidence. She smirked at me, her face smug with a knowing look. I didn't even know who she was. She looked at Bane first she returned her gaze at me.

"I, Leah Zader, warrior of the Red Moon pack, challenge the Luna natura for the Luna's position."

My wolf growled inside. I held Albert's hand tighter.

From the other side of the room, another girl stood up. ""I, Bianca Lewis, warrior of this pack, challenge the Luna natura for the Luna's position, we won't be ruled with a luna like her"",

I suppressed my wolf, she wanted to take control.

I closed my eyes taking a deep breath, but as I did so, I heard a girl speak again. ""I, Diana Rains, challenge the Luna natura for the Luna's position, she doesn't deserve to be a luna"",

"I, Lydia Simons, warrior of the Red Moon pack, challenge the Luna natura for the Luna's position."

I could feel Albert's anger ever so lightly, but he handled it well. The look on his face didn't even change as the girls stood up to challenge me. Right now, his touch was the only thing keeping me sane. Right now, he was my anchor and I needed him to stay strong for us because I was so ready to crumble.

I was expecting more people to stand up, but after Lydia Simons, I didn't hear anyone anymore.

Bane cleared his throat and all the chatters died down. "Carlo Martinez, Abigail Truman, Anna Reyes, Corinne Browns and Lydia Simons. In challenging the my mate, you accept that you are challenging your Luna, the moo goddess' Luna."" lan emphasized 'my mate' maybe to scare them, I really don't know but everyone heard his annoyance.

""Yes."" they all chorused.

""Very well, the battles will take place three days from now on. Dismissed."" Bane announced and everyone stood up, their heads bowed. Albert's hand still in mine, he led me to the backstage quickly.

Alec and Elliot were right behind us. lan loosened his necktie, his irritation apparent.

We walked in silence, getting away from the banquet hall and the lounge area of the pack house. The atmosphere was thick and heavy. The Alpha's anger was brewing. lan led us to the office and as soon as the office doors were closed, he turned around, his irises shifting gold and blue. A sign that he and his wolf were present.

""Has our pack become so disrespectful to their Luna and the moon goddess?!"" a low growl escaped.

Alec and Elliot visibly flinched. The Gamma sighed as his eyes rested on me for a bit, a mix of pity and sadness. Alec's lips stayed pursed. I mean, what could they really say. Nothing.

It wasn't their fault that my status was revealed, giving more warriors courage to challenge me.

""Once all of this is done, I expect the pack to be properly disciplined and educated. I've never been m--""

My hand reached out for lan's, making him turn to me. I could see the anger that painted his face. He truly felt wronged and that made me feel a tiny bit flattered.

I looked towards Alec and Elliot and forced a smile. ""Can you leave us alone, please? You, two fine gentlemen, have done great tonight. Thank you."" I said.

lan looked at me incredulously, then sighed exasperatedly, messing his hair up by running his hand through it harshly. Alec and Elliot looked at each other, unsure of what to do. I nodded encouragingly and the two turned around to leave.

""Don't.""

""lan, it's fine. It's not their fault, and you can't blame the pack. After all, it is true. I am an Omega. Your pack is a pack of strong warriors, getting their acceptance is hard, I recognize that.""

With his left hand, lan gently held my face. ""But you'll be against five warriors. That's never happened before.
And you have to fight them right after another.""

""I will be fine. The moon goddess must've put me here for a reason. If it's to be the Luna, then I will try my best to be that.""

His anger seemed to calm down and I was relieved at that.

In the midst of this chaos, we seemed to be each other's anchor.

The glints of his eyes changed with longing and relief. He pulled me closer towards him, his arms laced around my waist. His lips went down to my neck, where his mark should be.

The sparks went haywire as he nibbled at the spot and I had to bite my lip at how good it felt. Then, ever so slowly, his eyes met mine again, his forehead touching mine.

""I will make things right, don't worry."" he said with promise.

Before I could even say anything, his lips crashed gently onto mine.
And I i'mmediately froze in my clothes.
This was all because of the mate bond.
"