Chapter 20 Chapter 20

Chapter 20 Chapter 20
Amira’s POV

“What’s going on in that head of yours, girl?” Maximus teased, his tone light but curious enough to make me tense.

“It’s nothing,” I said quickly, trying to sound casual. There was no way I’d tell him what was really on my mind.

“Really?” he asked, raising one brow in disbelief.

The way all three of them were staring at me made it feel like they could see right through my thoughts. I shifted uncomfortably, coughing a little to cover up my nervousness.

“Can you tell me why you called me here?” I asked, hoping to change the topic.

“Finish your water first, then we’ll talk,” Maximus said, handing me a glass. I took it hesitantly and drank under their intense gazes.

To my surprise, the tension in me eased slightly after finishing it.

I smiled faintly. “Okay, I’m done. You can talk now.”

Santiago still hadn’t said a word, and I didn’t even dare glance his way. His silence always had this heavy presence that made it hard to breathe.

“So, here’s the thing,” Alex started cheerfully. “We’re moving to a new house, and you’re coming with us.”

“I’m coming with you?” I repeated, blinking in confusion. I didn’t mind them moving, it was their decision, but why on earth was I being dragged into it?

Then Santiago’s cold, commanding voice cut in. “You’re the Luna. Have you forgotten that?”

I blinked again, even more confused. “And what does being the Luna have to do with packing up and leaving? We don’t even live together, even though we’re in the same area.”

“Well, we’re not asking for your opinion,” he said sharply. “We’re only informing you in advance. We’ll leave on Monday.” His tone was final, leaving no room for argument. Then, without waiting for my response, he turned and walked away.

I stared after him in disbelief. “He just gave an order without even asking for my opinion?” I muttered under my breath, letting out a small, helpless smirk.

“Uh… you’re not happy?” Alex asked hesitantly.

“What’s there to be happy about?” I almost snapped, frustration slipping into my tone.

My mind started racing again. What if the new house didn’t have two separate buildings like this one, one for them and one for me? The thought made my chest tighten.

“Don’t tell me you’re serious. Moving in with us means luxury for you. Don’t you see that?” Alex said, his voice filled with excitement.

I rolled my eyes. Luxury? To me, it sounded more like a nightmare. Why would I willingly give up my peaceful space just to live under the same roof as them? Absolutely not.

But Alex was still waiting for my answer, so I forced a polite smile. “No, thank you. I’m perfectly fine here. I don’t need any fancy mansion.”

I hoped my words were clear enough. After saying that, I stood up abruptly.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” I said, and walked out before any of them could respond.

When I returned to my room, I dropped face-first onto the bed. Just going there and back had drained every ounce of my energy.

Maybe I was simply exhausted, but I didn’t even last a minute before drifting off to sleep.

\---

The next morning started just like any other, until one of the maids came to tell me Lily was around.

“Where is she?” I asked quickly, heading straight for the living room.

Everyone in the house knew Lily usually came to see me, so they always informed me the moment she arrived.

When I got there, she was already waiting. “Good afternoon,” I greeted politely.

She nodded with a small smile. “They’re not around,” she said suddenly.

“Hm?” I frowned, not understanding.

Her expression turned a bit awkward as she repeated, “The Alphas aren’t around. They went on business to a neighboring pack.”

“And why are you telling me that?” I asked, confused.

It wasn’t like I had ever asked about their movements before. So why was she suddenly reporting to me like this?

Lily’s cheeks flushed pink. “From now on, I’ll be updating you on their schedule so you can get used to it.”

“What?” I blinked.

“I mean,” she continued quickly, “you’ll need to be familiar with their routines for at least a week. That way, when you move in with them, you won’t find things awkward.”

Her words hit me like cold water. My brows furrowed deeply as realization struck.

Wait, last night’s discussion. My heart skipped. “Hold on… are they serious about that?”

Even if they were, hadn’t I already refused?

“Do you think they’re joking about moving?” I asked nervously, searching her face.

“No,” she said firmly. I studied her closely, hoping to find even the smallest hint of doubt—but there was none.

My heart sank even further. “Can you please tell them I don’t want to go?” I pleaded softly.

Maybe she could talk to Santiago and the others for me. It wasn’t like I’d cause any trouble staying here.

I reached for her hand, but she gently pulled away, looking regretful.

“Don’t worry,” she said kindly. “If they start treating you like one of their own, you’ll be fine.”

One of their own? I almost scoffed. I didn’t believe that for a second. And even if there was a chance, I refused to hope. Hope only made fools of people like me.

I forced a faint smile. “You can go now. And from tomorrow, don’t bother updating me on their schedule. I don’t need it.”

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” Lily said anyway, patting my shoulder as if she hadn’t heard a word I said.

I pouted in frustration and turned away, walking back into my room without replying.

But deep down, I already knew, whether I liked it or not, she’d still show up tomorrow. After all, it was an order from those three.

I went back inside and sat with Clara. Since no one else was around, she spoke more openly than usual.

“Have you heard what everyone’s talking about?” she asked in her usual gossip-filled tone.

I grew curious and leaned closer. “Tell me, what is it?”

Clara looked a bit hesitant, biting her lip before speaking. “Promise me you won’t get mad?”

I frowned, puzzled. “What’s it about?”

Wasn’t she about to share gossip? Since when did gossip need a promise? Unless… it had something to do with me.

Curiosity took over, so I quickly promised. “Alright, I won’t get mad. Just tell me.”

She looked around carefully before leaning closer to whisper in my ear.

“I heard the Alphas are moving to a new house, and they’re bringing a new girl with them.”

“What?” I blurted in surprise.

Clara must have taken my tone the wrong way, because she immediately patted my shoulder like she was comforting me.

“I know you’re sad, so just rest on my shoulder and don’t get upset,” she said softly.

I stared at her, speechless. The pity in her eyes almost made me laugh. Why was she looking at me like that?

I couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing.

I knew her gossip couldn’t be true, so why would I be bothered? And even if it was, it didn’t matter. There was nothing between us aside from the Luna title. What business was it of mine who they brought to their new house?

Honestly, I hoped it was true. Maybe that way, I wouldn’t be forced to move in with them.

“Why are you laughing? Do you think this is funny, or do you think I’m lying?” Clara asked, clearly confused by my reaction.

Her worried face only made me laugh harder.

“Don’t look at me like that, or I’ll laugh even more,” I said, wiping tears from my eyes. My chest ached from laughing so much.

“Clara, you look so funny,” I managed to say between breaths.

It had been ages since I laughed that hard.

Clara, on the other hand, stared at me like I’d lost my mind.

“Amira, are you sure you’re okay? Your men are about to cheat on you! Wake up!” she said dramatically.

Her words made me freeze instantly. My men? Did she seriously just call Santiago, Maximus, and Alex my men?

I couldn’t even laugh anymore. How were they my men? Just because someone gave me the Luna title?

I took a deep breath, deciding it was time to correct her. Normally, I didn’t care to explain my situation with them, but today, I had to.

Maybe it was because, deep down, a small part of me had started to believe I belonged to them, and hearing Clara call them my men stirred something I didn’t like.

I even wanted to deny how I felt at that moment but the evidence was there. My heart had flustered. Goodness, Amira is that cursed. I already know my life was spoiled but it shouldn't be up to their extent. How can I have a flustered heart for them?

No, this needed to end.

“They’re not my men. I’m only their Luna on paper,” I said calmly.

“But you guys are mates, and they’ve already acknowledged you as their Luna,” Clara said, sounding genuinely confused.