His Reluctant Luna

Alice

"Wow!"

My anger, resentment, and escape plans were on the back burner. I was busy staring at the tall, lush green trees. There were miles and miles of trees, much more than Jade moon territory.

"You like it?" Lucian asked, his green eyes reflecting the greenery below.

"You have a river!" I exclaimed excitedly as I looked down at the Blue Ribbon of water snaking through the deep green. It was beautiful.

Then I spotted the buildings. At first, they just appeared like a mass of grey and whites. There was a huge central courtyard, garden, whatever you might call it. The size of a football field. It was surrounded by buildings, several of them. The helicopter landed in this lush grassy courtyard.

Avoiding the loud noise and the wind lashing around us, Lucian helped me climb out of the helicopter. The ride had been short, about 45 minutes. I guessed his minions would be arriving by road. The copter flew off. I bet Lucian had a hanger somewhere on the property. I took in my surroundings, and it left me breathless.

There was a smattering of numerous buildings and houses of various sizes, but the centrepiece was the giant castle or a mansion, whatever you might call it.

It was not old, but it was based on the Louis XIII-style château, though it was not medieval looking. It was modernized. Surrounded by acres of forest, meadows, and pastures. A long driveway led through verdant parkland to the grand main residence. There was a French formal garden, graced with a water mirror!

"That's where you live?" I asked aghast.

Lucian was now smiling widely.

"Yes," he replied.

"That building is an architectural marvel, how old is that?"

"It was built sometime in the 1900s by my grandfather, my grandmother was French. He wanted to make her feel at home. Do you like it?" His curious eyes observed my face for my reaction. I nodded eagerly, still gaping at the marvellous building.

"C'est sensational," I replied.

It drew a chuckle from him. I did not protest when he put his hand around me, glueing me to his side.

"How many people live here?" I asked while looking at the houses around.

"2000, and several more who are not stationed here currently. They are living in the city or away at college." He replied, casually.

Jade moon was half the size of the Crimson Shadow.

"Wow! Your coronation ceremonies would be interesting."

Coronation or acceptance ceremonies were held when a new Alpha or Luna was introduced to the pack. Every member familiarized themselves with their scent, and it lasted hours, even days depending on the pack size.

"I am glad that you are already planning the coronation." He said with a glint of humour in his eyes.

I stiffened. "Don't get your hopes high. It was just an observation." I snapped.

He explained to me the other aspects of the property, like the orchards and vegetable garden, the school, and a stable!

"Charming little prince, aren't you? With your castle!" I joked.noveldrama

He tilted his head and grinned at me, humour lighting up his green eyes.

"But it's empty without my princess, she keeps running away from me."

I pouted, "Sad, maybe you didn't try hard enough".

"Is it? What should I do?" He asked, an amused smile crinkling at the corner of his lips.

"I don't know, possibly sweep her off her feet or something," I was flirting with him!

Though I admit it was much better than fighting with him.

Lana was happy, at least. She was tugging at my skin, ready to burst out.

"Alright!" He said and left my waist, stopping midway.

Before I could fathom his intention, I was grabbed and hauled in his arm. My feet dangled; my head pressed into his chest. A quick bolt of fire shot through my body.

"Put me down, I was just kidding," I protested.

"No, I just swept you off your feet." He said huskily.

A loud cheering caught my attention, and my eyes grew wider in surprise. It seemed like the entire pack has assembled outside. People were lining the driveway as Lucian walked on it. Few were standing near the massive entrance. "God! You don't need to be so dramatic, just put me down, Lucian," I pleaded. "The pack is loving it, let us give them a good show." He replied.

He carried me with a flourish as if I was a trophy. It was useless to argue, so I simply stared down, wishing for the ordeal to end as soon as possible.

I wrapped my hand around his neck to balance myself and not appear awkward.

He pulled me more firmly against him, while my face burned with embarrassment.

He stepped through the main door into a grand hall. There was an imperial staircase right in the middle of the room.

The staircase split into two passages on the first floor which was lined with the door, I assume they were bedrooms.

The first floor had the biggest, state-of-the-art kitchen I had ever seen. And the dining hall was big enough to hold a banquet.

The colour theme was white and gold almost everywhere.

"Alpha, you are back with the bride!" Said one middle-aged lady, beaming at us.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

Bride? What the hell.

"How have you been, Katherine?"

Lucian finally put me down, and I bristled in embarrassment.

"This is Katherine, she is the caretaker and in charge of this place." Lucian introduced me to the lady.

There was another girl around my age, she had short red hair, her delicate features and large brown eyes gave her a pixie kind of look. She oozed with power.

"A beta," I thought.

"This is Savannah, she is one of the Beta. I have some pack business to attend to. This is our home," he motioned to the huge area, "Savannah is going to take you to my quarters. You can take a shower if you would like, your luggage will arrive in a few hours, though some clothes will be brought to you. However, for the time being, you may not leave my quarters and do not go anywhere escorted."

He lifted my chin with his finger, "Do you understand me?"

I nodded numbly and tried to get my wits around me.