The days went by, and I tried my best to focus on the new routine as an omega. However, the longing for Hunter was constant, and I couldn't help but seek him out whenever I had the chance. Yet, it seemed that, like me, Hunter had new obligations, and our encounters were only fleeting.
When I caught a glimpse of Hunter among the trees, he appeared focused and distant. The brief nods we exchanged were not enough to satisfy the growing curiosity and feelings within me.
In one of these attempts to find Hunter, I encountered Sibyl and Cierce, the she-wolves with whom I now shared my daily life. Sibyl noticed my constant search for Hunter and commented with a knowing smile:
One day, as I roamed the pack's territories, Sibyl, an experienced wolf and now my fellow omega, approached me. “Fierce, don't worry if you can't find Hunter often. He has new duties now, especially with the approaching coronation feast.”
I nodded, trying to conceal my disappointment. “I understand. The coronation is near, isn't it?”
Cierce, who was with us, replied enthusiastically, “Yes, and we're in charge of organizing everything, including the place where the Luna contenders will wait.”
I perked up my ears quickly. I was intrigued by the mention of Luna contenders. “What do you mean? What will happen on Hunter's coronation day?”
Sibyl explained, “Alastair requested that all alphas from other packs send their females. The Moon Goddess will decree who will be Hunter's Luna. He is destined to be the Alpha King of all packs in the Western region of the country.”
The news stirred me unexpectedly. Feelings I was still trying to understand began to surface within me. “So, he will find his mate...”
Cierce nodded, adding, “And the Luna will be crucial. She will play a significant role in the pack. In fact, she will have a leadership role for all the other packs.”
I absorbed the information, still processing the fact that Hunter was about to become the leader of several packs and have a mate. “Any she-wolf can be chosen as Luna, I mean, omegas can also be chosen?”
Sibyl laughed dismissively. “Don't be foolish, Fierce. Omegas have no chance of becoming Luna. The position is reserved for alpha lineage she-wolves.”
Cierce, however, added an intriguing exception. “Unless the Alpha recognizes the she-wolf as his Destined Mate, or the Moon Goddess designates.”
Sibyl shook her head skeptically. “That's more legend than reality, Cierce. I've never known any omega to achieve such status.”
The idea of being recognized by the Alpha himself as the Destined Mate, or even by the Moon Goddess, sparked a glimmer of hope within me.
I smiled confidently. “Everything in life has a first time, doesn't it?”
Sibyl replied with a wry smile. “Certainly. By the way, you're about to have a first time now, Fierce. You'll help us organize the place where the Luna contenders will wait.”
I blinked in surprise, not expecting this turn of events. “Wait, I'm going to help organize that?”
Cierce laughed, patting my shoulder. “Yes, of course! You're here to learn, aren't you?”
Sibyl agreed. “And it's an opportunity for you to get more involved in the pack. Show them that, even as an omega, you are useful.”
I sighed and shrugged. “Alright, then. Let's do this.”
I agreed, deciding to focus on the task at hand. Helping Cierce organize the place where the Luna contenders would wait was a way to keep me busy and push away the thoughts that Hunter's coronation proximity was causing me.
Cierce snapped me back to reality by handing me some flowers to decorate the space. “Come on, Fierce, place these flowers there. We need everything to be impeccable for the arrival of the contenders.”
I nodded, trying to concentrate on the task at hand. The place was taking shape, every detail being carefully planned to impress the she-wolves who would come seeking Hunter's and the Moon Goddess's favor.
As we worked together, the conversation revolved around expectations and speculations about who would be chosen as Luna. Cierce and Sibyl shared stories of past coronations and the importance of the Luna in maintaining harmony and balance in the pack.
“Who do you think will be chosen, Sibyl?” I asked, trying to disguise the genuine interest behind the question.
She shrugged. “It's hard to say. Sometimes, the Moon Goddess surprises everyone. But it will certainly be a strong she-wolf, worthy of being Hunter's Luna.”
At the end of the day, as the sun began to set, I looked at the prepared place. It was a serene space surrounded by nature, a setting that reflected the grandeur of the upcoming event. I knew that my role as an omega did not allow me to aspire to that title, but secretly, a part of me still wished to be in the place of those she-wolves who would await the Moon Goddess's choice.
***
The day had been intense, filled with arduous tasks as we prepared for the coronation feast. When I finally finished helping Cierce and Sibyl organize the place for the contenders, I felt the need to step away for a moment.
I looked at the other omegas, and Cierce, with a mischievous smile, said, “You're going after Hunter already, aren't you, Fierce?”
Sibyl, more sensible, added, “Don't take too long, Fierce. We have more things to do.”
I nodded with a wave and replied, “I'll just get some water from the stream. I won't be long.”
I transformed into a wolf and headed toward the stream, guided by the light of the full moon illuminating the path. The tranquility of the night and the gentle sound of flowing water created a soothing atmosphere. Upon reaching the stream, I returned to my human form, feeling the cool night breeze caress my skin.
With my long black hair dripping water, I entered the stream, enjoying the refreshing sensation of the cold water. I closed my eyes, trying to relax after a day of intense work. The sounds of nature around me, combined with the silvery light of the moon, created a magical scene.
However, the tranquility was broken by a noise in the water. I turned quickly and found Hunter, also in his human form, emerging from the depths of the stream. Our eyes met, and for a moment, we stood there, motionless, processing the surprise of the unexpected encounter.
“Fierce,” murmured Hunter, with a mixed expression of surprise and pleasure.
I asked, trying to disguise the surprise, “What are you doing here, Hunter?”
He replied, with a shy smile, “I could ask you the same, Fierce.”
I explained, “I was just trying to relax after a tiring day of work.”
Hunter nodded as water dripped from his body. “I needed a moment of peace too.”
I smiled sadly, feeling the pain of the distance that was beginning to form between us. “I miss you, Hunter.”
He admitted, with sincerity in his golden eyes, “I miss you too, Fierce. It's not as simple as it seems. Soon, I'll be the crowned heir, and things will change.”
I questioned, curious and apprehensive at the same time, “Change how?”
Hunter approached slowly, his expression serious. “I wish it were different, Fierce. If I could choose, I wouldn't hesitate. I would choose you without a second thought.”
I was momentarily paralyzed, absorbing his words. His confession was like a soft note in the middle of the silent night. He came even closer, and before I could say anything, his lips met mine in a gentle yet emotion-filled kiss.
The surrounding water seemed to come alive, dancing under the moon's silver reflection. The kiss was a promise of something more, but it also carried the weight of the uncertainty the future would bring. When we separated, our eyes met, and Hunter murmured, “I don't want things to change, Fierce. I want it to be you.”
I smiled, emotions swirling within me. “Then let's do whatever is possible to make that happen, Hunter.”
Hunter whispered, “I want you to know, Fierce, that my heart won't easily be given to another.”
Hunter drew closer, and his lips met mine in a kiss full of emotion and desire. The stream whispered around us, witnessing the meeting of two souls longing to connect.
The feelings that had grown since that night in Denver seemed to find resonance in that moment. I surrendered to Hunter, letting the waters of the stream witness the intensity of our feelings.