The Alpha's Contract Luna (Alexia)

~Alexia-

The ride home was extremely silent and had been for an hour, at least for Alexia. She kept thinking about what her father had said. During the first part of their journey, she deliberately rode with Melissa, not wanting to let Kieran know how her father affected her. Was she the reason for her mother's disappearance? How so? She was still twelve years old back then. What can a twelve-year-old do?

Did her mother protect her? Did someone take her away in Alexia's place?

"Alexia, why did you ride with us? Alpha Kieran seemed very disappointed," Melissa said.

Alexia woke up from her trance. She looked around the SUV and realized they were all cramped inside, thanks to her. The kids wound up sitting on the adults' lap to accommodate her. "Sorry, I - I spoke to my father, Mel," she revealed. "What he told bothered me."

"What did he say?" Melissa's mother, Kate, asked.

"Something about my mother," Alexia answered. She turned to Kate and asked, "Aunt, I know you told me this a hundred times, but what else did you know about how my mother disappeared?" Melissa's mother sighed. She replied, "I told you about it a thousand times, hon, but I understand."

"That time, there were visitors in the pack. They looked really strong. There were six of them, but they showed no fear over the fact that they had come into new territory," Melissa's mother narrated.

"I wasn't there, Alexia. I could only rely on what the warriors said." Kate resumed, "The visitors spoke to Alpha Roland and your mother, Luna Avery. Not much was heard about the conversation since they were inside the alpha's office, but the next day, Luna Avery willingly went with the visitors."

"She walked around town that day, saying goodbye. She said she would be gone for a while but promised to return. Alpha Roland sent her off to the woods with the visitors. When he returned, he appeared to be heartbroken, but said nothing. He promised the pack that the Luna would return. However, years passed, and she never came back." Kate shrugged and added, "That was the last time we saw your mother."

Alexia sighed. Yet again, it was nothing new. Obviously, her father was keeping something from her, but was unwilling to tell her.

Two days went by. Finally, they arrived at the Stone Blood Pack. Dean was reunited with his family, bringing tears to Alexia's eyes.

Melissa's and Dean's family were warmly welcomed into the pack. Jaxon had already assigned apartments for their stay, and the best part was how it was only fifteen minutes away from the red-brick mansion, the packhouse. During their arrival, they did not have time to chat. Everyone was busy unloading and settling down. Thus, Alexia bid goodbye and allowed them to adjust to their new home. She meant to visit the next day instead. When they arrived at the packhouse, she went straight to her room and took a shower. The traveling took a toll on her, and she meant to sleep right after.

The shower felt good. It made Alexia briefly forget about her father and whatever happened to her mother. She took her time, putting lotion over her body and drying her hair.

When she came out of the bathroom, she saw Kieran sitting on her bed. He was holding pieces of paper and a pen. He said, "Contract? Sign."

She giggled at how he wasted no time. Alexia shook her head and said, "You just had to make that your priority."

"Hmmm." Kieran said.

Alexia seemed to have forgotten how she was only wearing her towel. She walked up to Kieran and signed the contract. As she did, she felt his burning gaze, which no longer bothered her. "Don't let what your father said get into your head, Alexia. I'll investigate your mother's disappearance and see if I can find answers. I can't promise, though. Eight years is a long time," he offered. Alexia looked at him and answered, "Thank you, Kieran. I think that would really help."

After signing the revised contract, Alexia gave Kieran the pen, but in doing so, the hold around her chest loosened. Her breast was on display for him for a moment, but she covered herself quickly, her face burning. 'Arrgghh! Why did I not change first!' She thought to herself.

For the second time since meeting Kieran, she saw his approving smile. He said to her, "Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility for what I have seen."

He got up and marched towards the door, saying, "Soon."

Alexia did not know if she was ready for it, but it assuredly sent tingles down her core. 'Goddess, help me!'

'He would take responsibility,' Alexia thought. Contrary to what Kieran said, he did not at all, make an attempt.

Days had passed since they returned, and Kieran was busier than ever. Every day, he left early, sometimes not joining Alexia for breakfast, and arrived late in the evening.

Alexia would greet him as usual, kiss his lips and do the same when she was still awake to say goodnight. Every night in her sleep, she felt his presence around her. When she would wake up every morning, her room smelled woodsy and had a hint of spice.

Two days ago, he left for another town, a distant territory belonging to the Stone Blood Pack. When he came back, he kissed her, had a brief meeting with his warriors, and rested in his room. He did not go to her room, like she secretly hoped. How was he supposed to take responsibility?

Alexia could not help but wonder what she had done wrong.

"Hello, earth to Alexia. Are you hearing me?" Alexia jolted in her seat, hearing Rae.

"Oh," Alexia said. She realized how she was thinking too deeply about Kieran's actions, that she wasn't paying attention to Rae.

They were at a boutique with her old friend Melissa, fitting a gown for what she would wear during the annual ball.

"I said, the gown looks perfect on you," Rae said, giving that okay sign with her fingers.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"You are so beautiful, Alexia," Melissa said. "Alpha Kieran will fall in love with you even more."

"See!" Rae pointed. "Even Melissa noticed. Everyone could see that Alpha Kieran dotes on you."

"Oh, he does. He looks at Alexia like no one else is around," Melissa said approvingly.

"Stop it." Alexia turned to the mirror and studied herself. Rae chose another white gown for her. It hugged, ker body beautifully, and it showed off her slender shoulders. She remarked, "It looks lovely, but lately, I feel like Kieran is avoiding me."

"What are you talking about, Alexia?" Rae dismissed her words with her hand. "You guys kiss every day. I see that all the time -"

"Yeah, when he leaves, and when he comes back, but -" She paused, choking on her words.

"But what?" Rae asked.

"We don't make out longer than that anymore -"

"Oh, my Goddess! You made out, as in not just the goodbye and hello kiss?" Rae reacted.

Thank goodness no one was around the fitting room. Otherwise, Alexia would have felt the need to hide under her dress. Rae was very loud.

Alexia shrugged and explained, "Yeah, like, kiss for a long time, rolling around the bed -"

"You shared a bed?!" Another shocking news for Rae. "And when the fuck are you going to tell me about this?!"

Alexia felt shy about sharing this with Rae. She did not want to brag about the little progress in her relationship with Kieran. She hesitantly replied to Rae, "Um. Soon?"

"Wait. Wait. Shouldn't that be normal for them? They are married." It was the first time Melissa heard Alexia, being reluctant about her marriage. She could not help but ask.

"No, you see. We are still getting to

e'

know each other, Mel. Don't forget how the king imposed this upon us. At first, I was afraid of him. You know those stories about Kieran, but they weren't completely true," Alexia reminded. "Our relationship has improved over time, but it was much better back at the Cross River Pack."

"He was more attentive, and our kisses were... hot." Alexia's face burned when she admitted this.

"I see," Melissa acknowledged. She giggled and said, "I'm happy for you, Alexia. There must be a reason for it, though."

"Yes, and he has been very busy,

Lex," Rae pointed out. "But the best

solution to your problem is to tell him about it. You are both marrie Marriage is about communication. You want to understand him. You make a statement and tell him exactly what you want."

"Are you still scared of Kieran?" Melissa sought.

"No, not anymore," Alexia replied.

"Then, let him know. Up to you how you do it, but you have to get that out of your chest. Married couple talk to each other," Rae said, winking at her.

In the evening, Alexia purposely stayed up until Kieran arrived. At ten, he finally turned up with Jaxon.

When he entered the living room, he was surprised to see her. He faintly smiled at her and asked, "You waited for me?"

She nodded and gathered her courage. She said, "Yes, I wanted to say goodnight."

She stayed rooted on the floor and added, "Goodnight, Kieran." Then, she walked away, heading for the stairs.

"Wait!" Kieran called her attention. "Are you forgetting something?"

"Oh," Alexia responded. She paced towards him and pecked at his lips. She purposely looked into his eyes and observed his bothered reaction.

He grunted and asked, "What was that? That was not right."

Alexia's face burned. She gave him her back, and as she walked in the direction of the stairs, she mindlinked with Kieran, 'I forgot. Why don't you teach me again?' Kieran hissed.