The Unwanted Luna

-POV

Kyle-

I stared at her tear-stained face and the only thing I could think of was why she didn't tell me? Why did she decide it was easier to fight this on her own, as if that was her retribution for protecting our Luna? Or maybe....when she held my hands and her hands were shaking...was she scared of my reaction? I winced at the thought of ever getting angry at my mate. Let alone for something she couldn't have controlled. She didn't know her future child would be affected by her choices that day. She just did what any other pack member would have done. She protected her Luna. I told her a hundred times last night that it's okay and I won't throw her away. My poor baby was so scared and I didn't even notice. What kind of mate am I?!

I rolled over on my back and watched the moonlight peek through my window. "Run." My Lycan was right. Maybe that would help. It's not like I was getting any sleep anyway.

I kissed her cheek softly. "I'll be right back, my love." I whispered before darting out of the room. Just a little run. I'll be back soon. I just need to clear my head.

"Or figure out where we went wrong. Whatever you want to call it." My Lycan grumbled.

I sighed heavily and slipped in with the trees as my legs elongated and my claws and fangs extended. My Lycan roared to life and snapped at the air in front of it while we increased our speed and heard a response. The howl of a wolf.

"You too?" Vil growled while his wolf came into view, bobbing and weaving through trees.

My Lycan snorted but kept on it's initial track. "How did I not notice?!" I shouted the same question I'd been asking myself all night.

"Notice what?" I skidded to a halt and turned to my alpha.

"Ayame didn't tell you?"

Vil jogged up to me and sat on his haunches with a huff. "Tell me what? After her little stunt in the office, I was too busy trying to make sure she was safe for most of the night, then Edon took her for the rest of it, claiming we had her in the morning, so he got her at night. I haven't seen her since she talked to your mate."

She didn't tell them. I started to pace until I saw an unsuspecting tree and my fist made contact with it. The crack raddled the still slumbering forest while my breathing increased. "Emily is pregnant." I growled and Vil was silent for a moment. "That's great news, brother!" His wolf yipped and I'm happy he thinks this is good news.

I shook my head and walked back and forth again. "Those men that shot her are like thorns in my side. I wish I could just rip them out and turn them into a fine powder!"

"What do they have to do with the baby?" Vil asked, and even with his wolf, I could see the random contorted 'the hell' face he always wears when he doesn't understand how one thing meets another.

"The bullet was dipped in wolfsbane and, apparently, just enough was in her system when we conceived. The doctor doesn't know if that will affect the baby's chances of...um...living." Finally, my Lycan found a tree to sit on but I wasn't inclined to shift, even though he had calmed down.

Vil stood to his feet and growled lowly. "That's fine. You will get your retribution soon for your new family, Kyle. For now...be there for her. If there is one thing Ayame has taught me, it would be to stand there with her and give her support when she can't stand anymore. Be there to tell her that she's going to make it even when she can't see the end. I'm sorry brother, and I wish you three all the best." He howled and the sound was saddened. Just like how I feel. Then, he ran off towards the training grounds without another word.

I let the sun rise over the trees before I turned in the other direction and just pushed myself to do what was asked of me earlier. I just...ran.

By the time I made it back to the pack house, the sun was well overhead and Emily was sitting in the kitchen watching Ayame cook something. Smelled like lunch. I ruffled my short hair, making sure I wasn't tracking any dirt before heading in to be nosy. "Hey girls. What's cooking?" I asked before picking up my mate and giving her a million kisses, careful to make sure I didn't squeeze her stomach.

"Kyle! Put me down!" She begged while her laugh filled the room.

Ayame clapped happily and started to plate some chicken on the serving dishes. "Are you two good? Please be okay. If not, I'll yell at Kyle for you." She rushed out and I gently put Emily back on her stool, kissing her cheek again.

"Yeah, we are alright. I feel a little better now that Kyle knows, and you know, but it's still not the best thing in the world." Emily rested her elbow on the counter and her chin on her hand while she looked over the food choices. "I want pickles." She said out of nowhere. Ayame froze and looked between the two of us while I looked at her. "Sure, I'm sure we have some in the fridge." She skipped over to the pantry and came out with a whole jar. "Here you are." She slid the jar across the counter and gave her a fork. "Ugh...you're a saint bestie." She popped open the lid and got to work, completely forgetting the utensils.

I smirked and plopped on the seat next to her. "Where's Litty?"

Ayame spun around with some broccoli and started to plate that next. "After the Luna ceremony, I gave her a vacation. She made so much food so fast. She was more than happy to take it. I think she is enjoying Miami or something?" Ayame said. "And you're going to be the chef until then?" I asked worriedly.

She rolled her eyes. "I love to cook, Kyle."

"Yes, but the guests are still here, and you are going to cook for everyone? Don't forget, you also have your ranked duties and I really don't wanna hear them complain about tracking you down all the time."

She bobbed her head happily, completely ignoring my concern, and the smile just got bigger. "I think I found your mate in the kitchen." I called to the guys.

"Just let her do it. She's been up since four...cooking. I think that's how she copes. She made breakfast earlier and I'm sure dinner is somewhere in that pile of food." Edon said reluctantly.

Oh...well.... That makes sense. She spun around again with a bunch of biscuits. "Please be aware that I burn water." Emily said...again...out of nowhere.

I winked at her, and she giggled. "I think it'll be fine if our Luna cooks for everyone."

After at least thirty minutes, she had three different meat dishes, four pasta and veggie dishes, and a lot of breads and desserts. Emily's mouth dropped. "How did you do all of this?"

Ayame looked around at her creations and shrugged. "I don't know. I had the kitchen all morning. No one really eats breakfast so...I had all the time in the world. Kyle, do you mind helping me get the food to the dining room?" She asked, grabbing a tray. Emily went to help, and we both cut a glare at her. "Sit." We chimed in at the same time.

She hesitated before huffing irritably and going after some more pickles. It didn't take long before the food was in the room and the maids brought in the drinks. "Alphas, she's done." I called to them, and I started hearing people heading into the hall. "You know I'm not fragile, right?" Emily asked, resting her head on my back as her arms slipped around my torso.

I rubbed her hand gently and sighed. "I know, my love, I just need you to lay low until we hear back from King Zyair. Just a little longer, I promise. I still have hope and so should you."

She hummed softly and went to grab some food off the back tables. We decided on more of a buffet style since there are more people here than usual. I followed after her and started adding to my plate, while stealing glances at her every once in a while. I know she has given up already. It doesn't take a genius to see that, but if she's getting tired, it's my time to step up. Vil was right.... That's the best thing I can do...for now.

-POV Ayame-

I saw everyone grabbing food and finally my triplets trickled in. Edon was working with Conri on the transfers that came from the Luna ceremony. Turns out more people found their mates last night. Vil was coming straight from the training grounds and it seemed like he had brought some of the warriors with him. I think I have made enough.

All three of them kissed me before grabbing some food. Edon cuddled me to sleep last night and, since then, they have been giving me space. It was nice, but I didn't want that much space. When my head is spinning, they tend to be the one thing I crave as a distraction. "Then let them know what they are missing." My wolf purred and I immediately agreed.

I ran up to them and tapped Conri on his back. He glanced over his shoulder. "Yes, little one?"

"Should I make more food or is this enough?" I asked curiously. He looked up from the meat and smirked.

"How about you get a plate and sit down?" He...suggested. I blushed lightly and nodded. I grabbed a plate and the warriors behind Vil allowed me to go ahead of them. I grabbed some of the pasta and a couple pieces of meat, but honestly I wanted to just sip on some tea. I wasn't really feeling up for food.

"Come on, Ayame. I've been smelling it all day. I'm dying here. We didn't have breakfast either!" My wolf whined. I sighed and added some mashed potatoes and a slice of chicken while she yipped in my head. If I can't eat it. I don't know what to tell her. "If you don't eat, I'll shift." She warned and my breath hitched when I made it to the table. She comes up with a good idea, then she comes back with threats? Rude!

"What's wrong, princess?" Edon asked, waiting for me to take a seat.

"Nothing...um...is there a way to, um..." I put the plate down and slipped into my chair while the three of them turned to look at me. I shifted in my seat and finally blurted it out. "I just need five minutes of quiet and my wolf is driving me crazy." I whispered harshly.

Vil coughed on his food and I could see Conri smiling under his napkin. "Oh, it's easy. You just have to force them out. Just think of them being put in the back of your mind." Conri said.

That wasn't helpful. I huffed and started nibbling at my pasta while she continued to nag me to eat faster. What happened to luring our mates?! Stuffing myself with food is only making me agitated. "Alright! Enough!" I howled and she whimpered before silence finally consumed me. I sighed in relief and leaned back in my seat.

"Did it work?" I glared at mister 'it's easy, and he glared right back. "Little one...." He warned and I puffed out my cheeks before going back to my food.

Edon's hand slipped over my leg and the warmth was nice. "Well, I can tell that it worked since your face isn't contorting as much." He whispered and I placed my fingers over my cheeks. Was it that obvious? "Thank you for the food, princess, but maybe after this you can take a break...please?" He added.

I tilted my head confused. "Well...I do have some reading to do and I really want to go talk to Uncle Rollo and Zyair. Oh, and I do need to work out today. I haven't done that yet." I started remembering my to-do list and it really was a long one. Maybe I spent too much time in the kitchen.

"Babe, that's not what we meant." Edon called.

"So, then what should I be doing? You three have been busy too!" I growled back.

Vil went rigid at my retort and I knew I was annoying him. Good. "How about watching a movie with Emily or going to get some ice cream?" Edon suggested.

I raised a brow. "We don't have time for that." I said sternly. "If you three are working, then I'm working." I nodded.

"Angel, listen to Edon." Vil chimed in while they continued to eat.

I ate a few more bites. "No." I added shortly.

He growled lowly and some of the people closer to us noticed, but everyone else was too engulfed in their own conversations. "Oh really?"

I cleared my throat. I've already gone this far.... I might as well throw in the last nail. "I stand by what I said."

He chuckled darkly. "Okay, we will see about that."

It looks like we will be continuing this...conversation later.