บท 6: I'm still your Luna
Radulf's expression darkened as he frowned, clearly wrestling with his wolf. "I thought love never existed between us," he muttered. "Then why are you so affected by a kiss I gave Nina?" His tone was sharp, as though trying to deflect the turmoil within him.
Without waiting for her reply, he straightened his posture. "I don't want us to be late for the feast," he said curtly. "Besides, I'm starving after such a long journey. If you want to pester me like this, save it for later." He brushed past her, the back of his hand grazing hers.
An electric spark surged through his body at the faint contact, making him pause momentarily. Radulf clenched his fists, forcing himself to keep walking, his jaw tight as if to suppress his wolf's desire.
Melissa watched his retreating figure with a mix of defiance and yearning. However, she squared her shoulders and followed after him. 'I can't give up. I have to win his heart. It's my only way out of Father's grasp… my only chance at survival,' she resolved in her mind.
Breaking the tense silence, she asked, "Do you hate me because my father punished yours?"
Radulf continued walking while turning to face her. "Don't pretend like you don't know," he snapped.
Her brows furrowed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't know," she replied firmly. "That's why I'm asking you. I've done everything to be a good wife to you, even when you never wrote to me and never cared for me." Her voice softened with the hope of finally having a real, honest conversation.
Radulf's gaze hardened, though something in his eyes flickered. "Yes," he admitted, his voice cold. "I hate you because you're the Alpha King's daughter. You carry his blood, his name—a constant reminder of what he did to my father, my pack and my mother. I feel low before your royal blood."
Melissa flinched at his words, feeling a bit upset about that.
His next question, laced with a bitter edge, caught her off guard. "What will you do now? Go running to your father and request him to punish me too?"
"Why? Are you scared of punishment?" Melissa asked. She knew Radulf was the strongest Alpha in the kingdom, yet she couldn't resist needling him, testing the boundaries of his composure.
Radulf shot her a cold glance. "No," he replied.
Melissa let out a small sigh, her teasing fading into something softer. "You shouldn't hate me for what my father did to you. He wasn't good to me either," she proclaimed.
Radulf frowned, her words catching him off guard. His wolf stirred at her vulnerability, but his human side remained guarded. 'What did she mean by that?' he wondered, confusion clouding his thoughts.
Before he could ask, they reached the grand entrance of the feast hall. Melissa, sensing the eyes of the gathered pack on them, took a bold step. She hooked her arm through his, lifting her chin as if daring anyone to question her.
Her message clear: she was their Luna, Radulf's mate, whether they had mated and marked each other or not.
Radulf tensed at her touch but didn't pull away. He knew what she was doing. As much as he wanted to resist her bold display, part of him respected her resolve. With the crowd waiting inside, he decided to let it pass—for now.
Together, they entered the hall, causing everyone to stand up in their respect.
"You can let go of my arm now," Radulf said curtly as they made their way toward the main platform where their seats awaited.
Melissa tightened her grip slightly. "I don't want to hear whispers about how I failed to capture my husband's attention, even after his return," she replied in a voice equally low.
Radulf's eyes narrowed as he glanced at her, but before he could retort, she added, "Besides, if you still want me to live by your side, then it's only fair that you live on my terms too."
Their gazes locked in a fiery battle of wills. Neither was willing to back down, their stubbornness clashing in the silent war that had been brewing for far too long.
"Do you really think you can control me, Melissa?" Radulf finally said.
"I don't need to control you," she countered. "I just need to remind everyone including you that I'm still your Luna."
"If you grab my mark, then I will declare you my Luna. I wonder if you can even do that," Radulf pronounced. It was an open challenge for not only Melissa but also his wolf. He wanted to end this attraction by fighting against it.
They ascended the platform when Melissa's foot slipped but Radulf caught her in time. However, what he noticed was how Gregor almost took a step forward to make sure Melissa didn't fall.
"Ah, my heel," Melissa murmured looking on the step. Gregor rushed to grab it when Radulf snatched it from him.
Melissa glanced at the two men and wondered why Gregor came to her. However, her attention was caught by Radulf who was on his knees, asking her to lift her leg.
Melissa did so and Radulf lifted her dress lightly, making sure he would not let the others see more than her feet. Fixing the heel in her foot, he stood up and peered into his eyes. "You are clumsy as ever," he remarked.
The butler came running with a servant who had a water bowl in her hands. He washed his hands and the butler wiped Radulf's hands from a towel. By now, Gregor had gone back to his seat.
Once done, Radulf turned to Melissa and placed his arm on her shoulder before looking at his pack before them.
"Thank you for keeping faith in my wife while I was absent from the pack. From now onward, your Alpha, will take over the duties alongside his luna," Radulf declared, but he didn't take Melissa's name which left a doubt in the people's mind.
"Miss Nina Harbinger, the daughter of Alpha Markel, who was once the King of our neighboring kingdom, is now our respected guest. I hope the pack will welcome her warmly," he added, introducing Nina to everyone.
Nina came forward and stood next to Radulf. "I am not here as an enemy's daughter but as a gift to your Alpha. I hope you all accept me as your person soon," she asserted with a loud enough voice before glancing at Melissa, challenging her silently how she would take Luna's position soon.
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