Chapter 2

Chapter 2

ASHINA POV

I stared blankly at my husband for a moment before laughing maniacally. It was as if the man had said some strange words that I couldn't comprehend.

“This has to be a joke, right?” I asked with my gaze, not leaving Ethan, who seemed to be shivering despite the good air conditioner in the room.

I was expecting my husband to speak up but Jessica answered in her annoying grating voice “ No sister, I came to celebrate your birthday but the moment I crossed the border to the pack, I started feeling strange with the smell that almost made me crazy,” She sighed “I assure you, I was as surprised as you were when the fresh scent leads me to my mate - your husband.” Jessica sniffed her surroundings, moaning in ecstasy.

Sometimes, the scent of one's mate could drive one crazy or easily make one lose control of themselves. It is a smell that could easily drive them crazy. A sweet musky aroma.

“You know how much I enjoy the smell of mint,” She said, which made me feel disgusted just by her sight. I followed Jessica behind, and truly, the scent led me to Ethan.

I was stunned, but what made her priceless was Jessica sending Ethan a wink, and I could see the man's reddened cheeks while blushing. It happened so quickly that I almost thought I was overthinking things.

Everything still seems like a dream to me “Is this a joke, Ethan?”

I noticed My husband couldn't even look at her. The man kept his gaze diverted.

I don't even know what to do anymore. I could only stand still like a statue, still believing this could be a prank from my husband.

“If only I had waited behind, just maybe I would have been Luna. Who knows if Father would have chosen me instead of you.”

Upon hearing the trashy words from her, I shook my head, unable to bear it anymore. I turned back and rushed out of the study room fighting the huge not to fall before getting outside with tears streaming down her cheeks.

It was as if thousands of unsolved problems and mysteries were weighing me down that I could collapse anytime soon.

Not wanting any of the pack members to see my tears, I tried to hold my tears till I got to my room. I turned back, expecting to see their husband walk in, but I guessed the man didn't follow me which added to the freshness of the tears that started wailing out of my eyes.

Confused and lost I cried profusely as I buried my face in my hand. I have always been hurt by her, even right from kids; Jessica has always had the upper hand in hurting me.

I knew she was here on a mission the moment I set my gaze on her and just like I thought, she was truly on a mission to accomplish. Now, she had the Moon goddess on her side to make my husband of four good years her mate.

If I hadn't perceived the scent and witnessed the whole scenario by myself, she would have thought someone was pulling her legs.

“Take a deep breath. Think about our baby,” my wolf said to try to calm me down.

I took a deep breath trying to calm myself down.

“Ashina, Ashina?” I lifted my head to the familiar voice calling my name. I looked towards the door and saw my husband standing like a standing ovation over there.

Seeing him made me take a deep breath as that helps in cooling my mind a lot. At least the appearance of my husband makes me feel like I still have my husband behind my back.

“Oh, Ashina,” I muttered in what seemed like a heartbroken voice as he walked towards the bedside taking his seat beside me. “Hey, look at me. Am here ” he said, turning me to him and at the same time holding my hand tenderly.

“You shouldn't be worried, Ashina. Your sister being my mate doesn't change anything.”

“I love you, Ashina. I love being around you every moment. I've chosen you for a lifetime.” He whispered gently, kissing my hand before looking into her eyes.

“But Ethan, I am still a little bit worried. I'm worried you'll leave me for …..” I was interrupted by the alpha, who had used his index finger to stop me from finishing my words.

“What happened to the trust between us, dear?” Ethan asked, staring into my eyes. “You should trust me, Ashina.”

I looked away; I was unable to digest the man's words, more of believing him.

“Listen, Ashina, I am going to reject her first thing tomorrow. I believe that will make you trust me more.” he continued “I don't want to lose you – I never wanted to lose you, okay?”

Hearing the man's words, I seemed to heave a sigh of relief. My husband's words felt genuine in my ears, and I couldn't help but blame myself for doubting the man I had been with through hot and cold for four years. How could I ever doubt his love for me?

“Do not cry anymore. It hurts here seeing you crying,” Ethan said, touching his heart as a means of showing his pain.

I pulled him into a deep hug, not wanting to let the man off. I just wanted to stay in that position forever and the man let me have my way.

What was I overthinking? My husband loves me so much. That he would never leave me for anyone. I couldn't believe I doubted the man's love to the extent of thinking the man would leave me for my sister.

Impossible!

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~

The following morning, When I woke up, I found the bed empty which was strangely unusual. My husband and I have always left the bed together every single day. I wore my pajamas briefly on my body and got out of the room. I walked to the verandah, and luckily, I saw Ethan standing over there; not wanting to make any sounds, I tiptoed over there, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Good morning, my dear, and happy birthday to you.” He muttered even before I could utter a single word which made me blush hard that my man could recognize me despite me not uttering a single word.

He turned around and leaned to kiss me which I didn't hesitate to reciprocate. But the moment he pulled away from the kiss, I noticed the man's eyes were bloodshot and extremely red. As if he hasn't slept a wink throughout the whole night.

I was confused and wanted to ask why his eyes were red but she decided not to. “Today is a big day for both of us.” He grimaced and nodded briefly. The man was aware of what I was talking about; I would be celebrating my birthday, and he would be rejecting his fated mate. And maybe by tomorrow, he'll know about the pregnancy and my baby, which makes it a big day for them.

Ethan gave me a quick hug “You have to get ready, Ashina.” He said with a smile, “I'm sure the pack members will be trooping in anytime soon, or do you want them to meet their Luna in a groggy and messy state?” he said, picking up the towel nearby and wrapped it around his neck, making him look more manly.

I chuckled while staring at my husband with a lovely gaze; I couldn't believe the man was mine alone. No matter what, I am grateful to the moon goddess for making me have a husband in my life.

Minutes later, “I am going to reject your sister after the party. I do not want anything to ruin your day, My Luna.” he said walking out of the bathroom.

I nodded with a smile “Make it quick and less painful.” She said, “I don't want Jessica to suffer the pain of being rejected after she's still my sister.” Ashina thought.

“You know I will make it less painful because she's the sister to my lovely wife.” he said “I have prepared something huge and I know you can't wait to see it,” he said with my gaze glued on him as he dressed up and walked over to me stealing a quick but short kiss from me before rushing out.

Somehow, I couldn't stop thinking about the strange feelings I have been getting from this whole issue. I couldn't help thinking something unusual from my husband as I got into the shower. It was warm and humid with my husband's scent, which was exactly what I needed to cool down my mind, even if it was just for a moment.

I washed up quickly, and by the time I walked out, My maid, Susan, was already waiting for her. She had already arranged my dress on the bed which was more sparkling than ever.

“Happy birthday, Luna” Susan mumbled with her head bowed respectfully with a shy smile. Am used to seeing my maid shy unnecessarily. At times, I used to wonder how she'd be able to find her mate. “I, um, got this for you. It's not expensive either, but….” She held out a knitted scarf made from Merino wool.

Thinking about it, it will take her a lot of time and energy for her to be able to get the scarf done.

“Oh my goodness…” I gasped in surprise as I took the knitted scarf. The priceless look on my face was so overwhelming that I couldn't help but feel so emotional.

Even without saying it, I understand how much energy and hard work she had put into getting this done for me despite serving me every moment and time.

I didn't know when I pulled her into a tight hug. For her to do something amazing for me, I couldn't help but think I held a place in Susan's heart. I could remember picking Susan from the river bank right from when she was a child; she had no one, no family members except me, who brought her to the pack and nature.

“Thank you so much, Susan. It's very pretty.” I whispered before disengaging from the hug.

“I should help you get dressed, Luna. Some pack members are already waiting for your arrival.”

I nodded as I was assisted by Susan into dressing up, styling her hair, and adoring her neck with the jewels Ethan specially ordered for her.

~~~~~

I walked down the hall, it was already getting filled up by the time I got inside. People started greeting me with a joyful smile on their faces.

“Happy birthday, Luna! May you live long for yourself and us!” rang across the hall from all the pack members in the hall.

I stretched out my neck looking for that particular person who was nowhere to be found. Even my wolf was pacing to and fro. Feeling more agitated despite today being my happy day.

I felt like throwing up the more I sat there; I just couldn't understand my body system. I was probably fine some minutes ago but everything changed suddenly. What could have gone wrong? I flashed a fake smile at everyone who was happily celebrating my day with me before getting up. I made an apologetic expression at them before making her way to the exit.

Susan made to follow me “Luna, you look pale. Should I get you something to cool down your throat?”

“No, you should wait back. I'll be back soon.” She said but Susan still made another attempt.

“But…..” Susan stuttered.

“No, but! You stay behind and wait for me!” My wolf growled, feeling more irritated by everything.

I hurriedly turned and walked away. My legs picked through the long, narrow way of the hall, not aware of the exact place I was going, but I marched on with purpose. Finally, I reached the wood, which wasn't too far from my matrimonial room; there was a hidden grotto where Ethan and I mostly enjoyed their leisure time together.

I stopped there and decided to check it out. I took a step towards the grotto when I heard a loud moan coming within. I was so confused that I couldn't help but press her mouth against each other. Because this is a hidden place meant for me and my husband that no one in the pack could dare use except one particular person. I began praying, hoping it was otherwise.

I pushed the door open with an extreme kick and there I met her husband pounding through my sister, Jessica. To the extent that they didn't even realize my presence in the room.

“Oh fuck!”

“Ethan, go deeper please!”

“Yeah… yeah …. More!”

Those were the words of ecstasy

ringing inside my head as I stood there shivering and unable to accept what was going on in front of me.

“Ethan…..” I cried out sorrowfully.