His Reluctant Luna

"I am sorry for everything Mark, have a safe trip," I said to Mark while sending him off at the airport.

After Aunt Flora had done her spell. He was moved to a human hospital under the supervision of the pack doctor. He woke up groggy, remembering nothing of the wolf attack. I fought with Rick and Lucian to let me stay with Mark. That was the least I could do for him. He was declared fit to travel after a few days.

"Alice, it's ok. I admit I was upset, but probably we are not meant to be. I hope we'll stay friends." He said with a smile.

It was so much better than the fearful and hateful looks he had given earlier.

"I am not returning, Mark," I said softly.

"That's a shame, you were one of the best in my team." He spoke.noveldrama

"I belong here, and I don't want to make things awkward."

"I understand, you can mail your resignation. I will take care of it." He spoke.

"Take care, Mark," and hugged him.

It was hard to describe what I felt. Mark was sweet, and I did love him once upon a time. Perhaps, if I were a human, in different circumstances we could have had our happily ever after. I was glad I was able to save him from an unwanted fate. Memory magic is not practised usually and it took a lot of convincing for Rick to allow it. I owed Aunt Flora. I also had a few questions for her.

"There was no need to hug him," Lucian said through clenched teeth as I walked out of the airport. I was not allowed to go out on my own. Bobby and several Betas from both the packs had followed us while I drove to the airport.

"Lucian, don't test my patience, why are you here?" I said warily.

"You can't be left alone; you are a trouble magnet. I had to make sure that you were safe." He said, putting on his sunglasses as we approached the parking lot. He looked good.

I glanced at numerous cars parked around mine, being filled with several Betas and warriors from both the packs, I shook my head in annoyance.

"Come with me," he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards another car.

"Hey, I have my car," I protested. He grabbed my keys and threw them randomly at one of his betas, who caught them.

"Now you don't, now come on," he pulled in one of the car's passengers' side and got in at the driver's side.

I looked around, he usually had someone driving him around, so it was a surprise that he was doing it himself.

"You will drive?" I asked.

"Yes, is that a problem?" He turned towards me.

"No, but aren't you going home?" I asked.

"Rick has asked me to be at the trial." He replied.

Oh! Yes, the trial. I was supposed to be punished for breaking the pack rules and defying the Alpha. Being the Alpha's sister did not mean I could get away with anything. It would set a bad example in the pack. I leaned back and glanced at Lucian through my downcast eyes, he was dressed in a suit today and looked hot enough to cause a mini-riot among a small group of females.

"How are you feeling, Alice?" He asked, almost giving me a stroke. I was expecting a taunt, not a concerned query.

"I am fine, relieved actually. As if a huge weight is off my chest. I know I sound selfish, but this engagement was more of a burden on me. I should have refused right away when Mark proposed. Somewhere in my heart, I always knew we were not right for each other, yet I led him on and created this whole mess." I took a deep breath. "I am a terrible person."

He stopped driving and looked at me.

"Come here," his soft voice said.

I blinked, confused as he leaned over to take me in a comforting hug. The soft fabric of his suit brushed against my cheek, and that familiar musky scent permeated around me.

"You are a wonderful woman Alice, everyone makes mistakes, acts selfishly at times. But the fact that you accepted your mistake and tried to rectify it. That is what makes you incredible. You care for others, Alice and try to protect them. You are a true Alpha, Alice, never forget that. "His hand smoothed my hair as he spoke those comforting words.

He never failed to surprise me, instead of angry outbursts here he was comforting me. I would have loved to remain pressed in his arms, but the angry honks of the irate drivers forced us to pray apart.

"Move on, you are blocking the driveway." Someone yelled from that back.

"Darn it! I should not have driven today." He cursed.

I chuckled, as he took control of the wheels again.

*************

I took a deep breath before entering the brightly lit dining area. That is where Rick was going to hold the 'trial'. I was glad the crowd was smaller than expected. I walked in nervously towards the front. Lucian and his gang of Betas were sitting on the left side. His long legs crossed over each other, arms folded, while he looked around with a bored expression.

Rick, Linda, Beta Jackson, Bobby, Emma even aunt Flora was present there. Rick motioned me to take a seat, and I perched nervously near a chair.

Then Rick stood up and spoke loudly, "We are all gathered here today to deal with

a disturbing matter. Alice Anderson, my sister, defied my orders and endangered

our pack and our existence. Fortunately, the problem has been dealt with. However, that doesn't relieve her of her mistakes."

I chewed my lips nervously.

"Do you have anything to say, Alice Anderson?" Rick looked at me. His face was set in a hard mask.

"I accept my mistake, Alpha. I disobeyed you. I deserve whatever punishment you will choose for me." I said softly.

"Who else helped you?" Rick asked.

I contemplated my answer, Rick could easily find out that Emma had helped me sneak out, lying would make things worse. But I could not put my friend in trouble.

"I helped her," Emma interrupted suddenly.

Her mate Bobby turned towards her with a furious expression.

"This is not good, not at all good." I thought.

"But I forced her to help me, she didn't want to help," I added.

I heard a snort from Lucian, he was looking at the proceedings with an amused expression. I wondered why he was here. The pack members were not happy. I could hear whispers and dissent.

"I am sorry Alpha, I manipulated Emma and forced her to lend me her car...."

"That's not true! I helped as per my free will, I booked the hotel for Mark and helped her sneak out." Emma interjected, cutting me off.

"Emma...."

"Oh! Stop it, both of you. I will decide who is responsible for this, it's not a fucking courtroom." Rick roared irritated.

Wolves do not follow democracy; an Alpha's word is the law. Our trials are short, and without any lawyers. I went quite immediately and bowed in submission.

"Emma, you will stay confined in the cabins beyond the lake for 1 month. You will not interact with other pack members, including your mate. You will not be welcomed nor allowed to participate in any pack activities or runs during that period. Is that clear?"

Emma's eyes moistened a little at this harsh punishment. Wolves are very social, even more than humans. It is hard for them to stay away from their pack and their mates. I am an exception.

But not everyone is weird like me. It would be torture for her to stay away from Boddy for such a long duration. I looked at her apologetically.

She gave me a reassuring smile. Bobby was upset, but he could not defy his

Alpha.

"As for you, Alice," Rick sighed," I don't know what to do with you." He said softly, as if to himself.

"Technically, you are no more part of this pack."

I looked up, surprised. When was I banished?

"I am still connected with you, though," I said.

I heard a cough and turned towards Lucian.

"That's because we have not yet completed our mate bond, sweetheart. You are mine now." He said with a slick smile.

Rick nodded.

"This is why I called you here Alpha Lucian, she is your mate, so her punishment should be meted by you. I am sorry about not protecting her and endangering your mate."

"Wait what? "I started to say.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience because of my mate, Alpha Rick. I will make sure that she is punished.... suitably," he said with a slight smirk.

I could sense Linda, Emma and a few other ladies giving a smug smile. What the

hell was happening?

"Very well, we are done here. You all may leave." Rick announced.

The pack members started to leave, while I sat dumbfounded.