Part A: Chapter 7

Staying at the Carmichael mansion still felt so surreal. It was as if every time I walked the grounds, something new had been placed.

Shelly always ignored me whenever she saw me and I didn’t blame her, not after Aidan had made it clear that he wasn’t going to take lightly to anyone who had anything bad to say to me. She would always make snide jokes whenever I passed but that was as much interaction I had with her.

I had also learnt the name of the auburn haired guy, he was Ivan, the Gamma of the pack and third in command from Aidan. He was really nice and always talked to me when Aidan had to go out with Carter for important work or when they had meetings. Whenever I asked him why he wasn’t with them, Ivan would tell me that someone had to remain behind to look after the pack in the Alpha and Beta’s absence and that it was his job.

“Don’t you sometimes wish you could just rewind time to when you were happiest?” Ivan asked as he threw rocks onto the lake, making them skid as far as possible. “I sometimes wish I could have known my birth parents but it’s still okay because Mr. Carmichael took me in and raised me like a son along with Carter, Shelly and Aidan.”

Yes, they had a lake. The place was large and every pack member lived inside it’s walls, protecting them from any danger that lurked outside. Ivan had decided to show me the lake after our training session and I was glad for the change in scenery.

“Not really, I haven’t known anything other than what I’ve been told,” I replied, not really wanting to talk about it. I still didn’t know anything and Aidan was always gone trying to help me find the answers that I needed. “Most days feel like it’s the happiest I have ever been especially when Aidan is there and then when I’m alone I wonder what my life used to be like and that only depresses me since I can’t remember anything.”

Ivan stopped throwing the rocks and turned to face me. He looked sympathetic, “I’m sorry for bringing it up,” he said. “I keep forgetting because every time I talk to you, you just make me forget everything, especially my own worries. Forgive me Luna.”

I playfully bumped my shoulder against his. “I’m not your Luna and it’s alright, I like spending time with you because you always teach me something new about myself each day when Aidan isn’t there to be the one training me.”

Ivan shrugged, “you will soon be the Luna, best to accept it,” he replied and went back to throwing rocks onto the lake. “Besides, I have to train you, orders from the Alpha and I know better than to disobey him.”

We sat in silence, me watching as the rocks that Ivan threw skidded across the lake and slowly getting lost in my thoughts. I couldn’t wait to show Aidan how strong I had become and spur him.

“What’s going on here?” Aidan asked and Ivan jumped up so fast and away from me that he almost fell into the lake.

“Nothing,” Ivan responded quickly as he took a step away from me. “I-I was just showing her the lake after our training session.”

Carter burst into laughter as he walked behind Aidan and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Cut him some slack, he wouldn’t do anything that stupid not when he values his life,” he said still laughing and then he turned to Ivan who looked terrified. “C’mon, let’s leave the lovebirds alone.”

Ivan all but run as Carter followed behind him still laughing. I felt bad for Ivan as he watched him go.

“Why did you have to be mean?” I asked Aidan as I turned back to look at the setting sun illuminating the lake. “We weren’t doing anything.”
I heard Aidan unzip his boots before he joined me, he wrapped an arm around me and used his index finger to make me look at him. He didn’t say anything, just kissed me and I kissed him back. He pulled back just as I wanted more and I pouted which made him laugh.

“You’re cute when you pout like that,” he replied and tacked a loose curl behind my ear. “I wasn’t being mean, I just don’t want another guy looking at you like that, only I can look at you in that way.”

I rolled my eyes, “and how was he looking at me?”

“Like you are the most beautiful woman in the world and he wants to make you his,” Aidan replied flatly. “I can’t wait for you to become my Luna and be by my side every time, everyday helping me make decisions that affect our pack. I can’t wait to truly make you mine, in spirit, body and soul in front of the Moon Goddess.” He grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers together before he placed a kiss on my knuckles.

I looked at our intertwined fingers and then at him. I wanted everything that he wanted but I needed to know of my past. I didn’t want to start a future with him without knowing where I came from or what my story was. I had to be sure that there were no skeletons in my past that would try and hinder me from having a future with the man who was next to me, the man who had captured my heart and shown me I had a place in this world.

“I had a meeting with the private investigator today and he didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know,” Aidan’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “We will find your family, I promise you that.”

It was as if he had read my mind and just knew how to make me feel better. “Thank you, you didn’t have to.”

“I made you a promise that I would help find your family and I intend on keeping it,” he kissed my knuckles, “if it means turning the world upside down just so you can have your answers then I will do it, for you and only you.”

“You know, one of these days you’re gonna have to spar with me,” I said jokingly. “And I’m pretty sure I can win or at least get in a good few blows.”

Aidan pulled me onto his lap using our intertwined fingers. He wrapped one hand around my waist and the other around my neck, bringing our lips dangerously close. “And one of those days I just might let you win.” I could feel his breath fanning my lips and my eyes automatically darted to his lips which looked irresistible.

“That’s cheating, I want to be able to beat you fair and square,” my voice came out breathless but my eyes were still glued to his lips. “Can’t you just fight me without going easy on me?”

Aidan smirked, “as much as I trust Ivan to do his job, I don’t think you are at that level just yet,” he said smugly. “And I like seeing that happy look on your face when you win or get what you want.”

I playfully hit him on the chest and he laughed. “Then why did you tell him to train me if you were just going to say that?”

“Babe, if you want to spar with the Alpha then you need to train with the Alpha.”

“Then can you train me?”

“I’ll only let you win so Ivan and Carter are your best chances of actually training. And you know, I might do other things instead of training you.” He trailed a finger up and down my arm making a shiver run through my body. His touch always made me want more and I knew he felt the same way. “I might pin you to the wall and take you right there in the training room and I don’t think you want anyone to find us naked.”

Heat crept up my cheeks and I was glad that my dark skin hid just how embarrassed I felt.

“Stop saying just things,” I replied as I buried my face in the crook of his neck.

We sat like that until a panicked Ivan appeared from nowhere and by the look on his face, I knew something was up.
“Alpha, we need you,” Ivan said.

Aidan turned his head to look at him, he seemed to read something on his face because he cursed under his breath as he got up. “Take her someplace safe,” he handed me to Ivan and then disappeared.