In the Alpha’s Arms

A Luna for Life

Lita held the mug under the thish of water, running her fingris around until all the soap rinsed free. She had been holding her breath for several long second before Rafi broke the silence.

in almost physical assault on the rhythmic spasming of Lita’s chest.

“So, I heard you’re planning a Luisa ceremony?” His voice was painfully upbeat, an

She nearly dropped the mug, pinching her eyes closed long enough to pull herself together. She cut the water and set the mug on the drying rack. One breath. Two. Inhaling, she dried her hands on the dish towel and turned to face her father.

That’s what you’ve come here to say? Years of lies. The fucking bombshell of me being a werewolf and an Alpha wolf at that? Mom’s ex–communication from my home pack… the fact that I even have a home pack?! The fact that you were all werewolves for my entire life and kept it hidden from me… Or maybe that I was abducted and imprisoned by a psychopathic monster no less than two weeks ago… Or how about that you were ready to sell me off to Brian no matter that he was abusing me and that I had just lost my brother… your son ALL OF THE THINGS YOU COULD ADDRESS AND YOU ASK

ABOUT MY LUNA CEREMONY!!

ΠΡ

Lita was breathing too rapidly, her pulse a mess of adrenaline and anxiety. She wanted to deck him hard. She wanted to use her Alpha tone to put him in his place… on his knees beneath her where he belonged. She wanted to scream and cry and she wanted a fucking hug all at the same time. It was al so fucked up.

Fuck She cursed herself as the first few tears spilled down her cheeks. She snatched her hand over them, desperately trying to push them away. “Get but I’m sorry I agreed to see you. I’m sorry I thought we could talk this out. I just fucking get out.”

She spun back around to the counter, taking up the clean mug. Re–soaping the sponge, she cut on the water and began to wash it again. Lita could feel the tremors tracking up her arms.

Baby girl-”

Don’t call me that

Im so sorry. what do you want me to say? That I’m a fool? Done, I am a fool. You want me to say I’m a piece of shit? I am. I made decisions based on power and influence and yes, money.” Lita could hear him pacing behind her as she made small circular passes over the mug. She needed the simple task to center her.

When I met your mother, I saw a business deal, okay? What she did, having you outside our marriage with our fucking Alpha, no less, wasn’t much of a blow. I didn’t have her euled. You have to care to do something like that. Alpha Asher did that to keep her quiet, I suspect.” Lita dropped the mug, ignoring the sound of it cracking in the sink.

What

“I didn’t know… I mean I guess I still don’t really know who your real father is but based on the exile… I have to assume it’s Asher.” Rafi shrugged like it didn’t matter.

matter? So fucking cavalier about who my biological Luther is. Is he is he the one that sent the

Im sorry WHAT?! How can you act like this doesnt matter? pack to help Cole rescue

First of all, dont speak to me that way-

TO YOU HOWEVER THE FUCK I WANT… DAD! AND IF YOU

about what I want to talk about. Nothing more nothing less. I thought, for one stupid moment that I might have been wrong about you. Maybe mom had been pulling the strings but

did. Who the hell knows what he does in his private time? Yes, he agreed to send the men but I’m the one that made the request. I’m the one that begged, on my goddamned knees mind you, for him

story? Mom cheated. Lied to

his hands, “No. I have some culpability.

all. Why would we expose you to a world you could

Alana for Life

into Cole’s

as Brian was concerned… yes, okay I ignored your complaints because at the end of the day, his family and influence would keep you safe and taken care of for you entire life! I mean, an Alpha, wanting a wolf–less girl was unheard of… it was a major boost to your reputation and standing. He’s the one who would be able to change rules for

you didn’t give a shit

ARE HAPPY, LITA!” Ra roared, taking several intense steps toward her, “None of that enough for you? It’s

fus are happy. We

comfortable. We’re

his eyes, “But I don’t care. I don’t want an apology. I don’t want understanding. I don’t

off the table.”

the words started she

like he never existed. I couldn’t understand how parents could care so little for their kids. But neither of you do. I don’t know if you were trying to get in Cole’s good graces because you- Lita suddenly couldn’t breathe, the truth of what was happening hitting

it, isn’t it? You think Asher fucked mom so you want out? But you have no other pack to latch onto, do you? So you thought- Lita laughed too loudly, too hoarsely–Fuck you thought if you made nice,

every answer she

at once, like a flood of words she had been wanting to say forever. By the time she looked back up, Rafi was gone, the front door hanging open. And it was like she’d always known, her parents

stared at the open door for a long time. Longer than she should have after everything that had happened. But finally, she let

she should have chosen the other option. Stace gripped her arm reassuringly, “You look

a mindreader.

you wait until we can link,” she winked and rubbed

you’re going to be the best Luma they’ve ever seen,” Jaz chimed in

will have no choice but to co her

Stop

clearing. Finally, Lita could see what Cole tried to show her before their fight. How stupid that fight seemed now, she wished she could go back and finish the surprise. But this was how it was supposed to go all along, she told herself, mimicking Elise’s words. Everything happened for

heart pattered in her chest, those few short weeks felt like a lifetime ago instead. The life she’d had before Cole no longer

and now you see why,” Stace nudged her forward. Lita gasped as she took in the scene. The entire pack had formed a semi- circle around a lake. It was beautiful, still water, glowing with the colors of the sky. Someone had dressed the water’s

handsome than ever. Younger than he’d ever seemed before. Not a single inch of his face held that dark, brooding exterior shed first met. And yet, the best thing he wore, was his

his, the warmth like a soothing balm that promised to banish every chill. She hadn’t realized she was crying until he wicked away a tear and kissed the path, leaning in to

A Luna for Life

look–you’re everything I could never have imagined for myself,” Cole said, his voice