ZORA'S POV
The atmosphere in Alastair's private room was tense, laden with the uncertainty of my accusations. I stared at Alastair firmly, determined to prove the truth, while Ulrich, the beta, remained silent, scrutinizing every word.
“Zora, how can I believe these accusations without solid evidence?” Alastair inquired, his expression skeptical.
“What I have to offer are facts, Alastair,” I replied, holding my ground. “As soon as Hunter started the test against the Brown Bear, Fierce followed him. I grew suspicious and decided to follow both.”
Ulrich frowned, suspicious. “That's not enough to prove that Hunter is cheating on the test. It could be just a coincidence.”
I decided not to back down. “I went to the test site, and to my surprise, I found Hunter taking Fierce to the omega den.”
Alastair raised his eyebrows. “Hunter in the omega den? That's unlikely.”
At that moment, I received a notification on my phone. Jeff, one of the pack members, was alerted about the situation. I glanced at the message and then looked back at Alastair.
“If you need more evidence, talk to Cierce. She was aware of the whole situation,” I declared.
Alastair looked at Ulrich. “Contact Cierce immediately. We need to clarify this.”
Ulrich left the room quickly, leaving us alone. The tension persisted, and I knew I was relying on Cierce's honesty to prove my accusation.
“Zora, if this turns out to be false, the consequences will be severe,” Alastair warned.
“I understand the implications, Alastair. But I believe in justice and the integrity of the Moon Goddess's tests. Hunter must face the consequences if he's acting in bad faith. My father, the Alpha King, will never accept that his successor is a fraud, and he will surely bring his entire army here and decimate your pack.”
Silence hung between us as we awaited Cierce's response. My mind was restless, hoping for the truth to come out and the pack's honor to be preserved. The door opened, revealing Ulrich, and my heart raced, awaiting Cierce's revelation.
He turned to Alastair and confirmed, “Cierce confirmed the information, Alpha Alastair.”
Alastair, now with a serious expression, pondered the received information. “Zora, your accusations were not unfounded. It seems that Hunter did try to conceal Fierce's involvement during the test.”
I maintained my posture, not showing triumph. The goal was to secure my Luna position, not just to end my chances.
“Ulrich, order Hunter to present himself immediately,” Alastair instructed his beta.
Ulrich stepped away to fulfill the order, while I stood in front of Alastair, aware that it was now my turn.
“Alastair, this not only questions the integrity of the test but also puts Hunter's coronation process in doubt,” I added, offering a solution. “However, we can pretend that the events during the test never happened. Just order him to choose me as his Luna. Oh, and in case you're thinking of trying to convince me, don't forget who my father is and what he has done for you to be on this throne. Think carefully if you want Fierce to find out that the throne was rightfully hers.”
Alastair sighed deeply, his expression shaken. “Is that the only option I have, isn't it? Don't worry, Zora, I will convince Hunter that you are the Luna for him.”
***
Frustration consumed me as I lay next to Hunter in the Sawtooth National Forest cabin. Night after night, we slept together, but he never tried to touch me. We spent the night talking, but it always ended the same way, with him turning away and sleeping completely indifferent to my needs. The lack of his touch heightened my restlessness. Without hesitation, I got up from the bed, determined to act according to my own desires.
As I entered the kitchen, the idea of using Rue to influence Hunter crossed my mind. However, an unpleasant surprise awaited me. Ignis was engrossed in a conversation with the omegas. My expression must have revealed my dissatisfaction upon finding her there because Ignis quickly abandoned the conversation and directed her gaze toward me.
“What are you doing here?” I questioned Ignis, frustration evident in my voice.
Ignis, with her customary serenity, replied, “I am guiding the omegas in preparing breakfast for you and Hunter.”
I promptly rejected the idea. “It's not necessary. I will prepare it myself for Hunter.”
Understanding my thoughts, Ignis warned, “Do not use rue to influence Hunter. You need to respect his feelings.”
My expression hardened. “Hunter loves Fierce, and I cannot accept that.”
Analyzing me with insight, Ignis inquired, “Why not? You achieved your goal of being Hunter's Luna.”
I declared, determined, “I need him to take me as his wife soon.”
Ignis's response caught me off guard. “You slept with Caleb, didn't you?”
My irritation surfaced. “Don't meddle in my thoughts.”
Ignis touched my belly, surprising me with the news, “Zora, it's too late. The fruit is already blossoming within you.”
Incredulity filled my mind. “How could you know?”
Ignis smiled again, revealing her profound knowledge. “I am a Peeira. That is one of the blessings and curses we carry. You sealed your fate with Caleb.”
The news of the pregnancy overwhelmed me like a storm. Caleb and I, were connected not only by fate but now also by a deeper bond that transcended the simple connection between a wolf and his predestined mate.
***
I watched Hunter and my father, Alpha King Garnet, working together, the evident harmony in every gesture. A wave of thoughts schemed in my mind, a plan taking shape as I held a generous mug of Hops, mixed with a subtle touch of rue. It was time to start shaping what was destined to be.
I approached Hunter and Garnet with a smile on my lips, the mug in my hands. Garnet, noticing my presence, commented with satisfaction, “There's my beloved daughter.”
I returned the smile, addressing both, “I'm so happy to see the two most important men in my life getting along so well.”
Garnet, with a pleased look at Hunter, agreed, “Indeed, Hunter has been a great addition to the family.”
Hunter, somewhat uncomfortable with the praise, justified, “I'm just fulfilling my duties.”
I extended the mug toward Hunter. “Here's the reward for the dedicated wolf.”
Hunter accepted the mug and thanked me. In an impulsive move, he downed the liquid in one go, revealing his skill in handling the drink. Garnet, in turn, observed us with interest.
“Why didn't you bring a drink for your father as well?” Garnet inquired, looking at me.
I stared at Garnet, responding with a hint of mischief, “Now, I only serve my mate.”
Garnet's expression became a mix of surprise and appreciation. He understood what those words meant. It was a subtle way to make it clear that Hunter held a central place in my life.
Garnet nodded, appearing satisfied with the response. “Very well, Zora. It seems you are on the right path.”
With that initial spark, my plan was set in motion. My fate rested in the hands of that small herb mixture, as I continued to weave the threads of my strategy, determined to guide Hunter along the path I had chosen.
***
I was in my room at the Cabin, brushing my red hair when Hunter entered shirtless, showing signs of hard work in the pack. His sweaty and muscular body revealed the effort he dedicated to the pack's well-being. I looked him up and down, appreciating the sight unfolding before me.
“You don't need to subject yourself to these strenuous tasks, Hunter,” I said, smiling at him. “You can leave these responsibilities to the other wolves.”
Hunter gave a slightly awkward smile, his eyes reflecting the sincerity of his words. “I like feeling useful. It's good to be involved in pack activities.”
I set the brush aside and stood up from the bed, approaching Hunter. I held his shoulders and looked directly into his eyes. “From today on, you don't need to do this anymore. We'll find other ways to contribute to the pack without you having to exert yourself so much.”
Hunter, looking slightly dazed by the effects of rue, agreed. “Okay, if that's what you want.”
A smile played on my lips as my eyes sparkled with anticipation. Then, daring to explore the delicate terrain of feelings, I mentioned something deeper.
“And what about Fierce?” I asked, holding my ground. “You don't need to love her anymore, Hunter.”
He shook his head, looking convinced. “No, I love her.”
I took a deep breath, acknowledging that Rue wasn't as powerful as I would have liked. However, I didn't give up completely. I seized the moment to make a request, choosing my words carefully.
“Okay, Hunter,” I said gently, “but I wanted to ask you for something.”
He looked at me curiously. “What is it?”
I looked deeply into his eyes, seeking a genuine connection. “That you, at least, do with me what you would do with Fierce.”
Hunter, under the influence of Rue, agreed readily. “Okay.”
Then, in an impulse that transcended reason, Hunter held me in his arms, and our lips met in a kiss.
For a brief moment, we immersed ourselves in a passionate kiss, and my mind boiled with the sensation that I was somehow gaining control over the situation. Rue, while not completely eliminating Hunter's feelings for Fierce, seemed to make him more susceptible to my suggestions.
While Hunter held me in his arms and led me to the bed, I carefully planned the next steps. It was a delicate dance, a game of manipulation and strategy, where each move was crucial to win Hunter's heart once and for all and secure my position by his side as his Luna.