Dario’s P.O.V

I walked into the empty house. Usually, it made me sad since I hated staying alone, but today it was peaceful. It was as if I were the only one in the world, and it was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Although I enjoyed the peace and quiet, it nearly always filled me with anxiety. But today was good, as I didn’t feel the urge to run into his arms like I usually do. I sat on the couch, trying to remember the last time Jaylen and I sat together, but nothing came to mind. Now that I thought about it, he and I have never sat down together alone or watched a movie. It was always just me, myself, and I.

Hey, what about me, you asshole? Kylo asked, offended. Seriously, everything offends him.

Yes, of course. How dare I forget about you? I answered sarcastically. Why did the goddess hate me so much, giving me such an annoying wolf?

You know I can hear your thoughts.

I know. I answered, blocking him out before he could answer. He’s going to be so pissed; eh, he’ll get over it.

My peaceful moment was interrupted yet again by the front door opening. I looked at the time, and it was still 3 PM. He was home early.

“Hey Jay, you’re home early. Is everything okay?” I asked, looking towards the door, but got no answer.

“Jay?” I called out again.

I got up to see what was happening, but I heard a crash. I ran to the door to find Jay on the floor. His scent hit me like a truck. It was so intense that my knees buckled underneath me. I had to get to him, though. He needed me.

“Dear Goddess, Jay, what's wrong?” I hurried to his side to help him, and as soon as I touched him, I felt like my whole world disappeared, and it was just me and him. Nothing else.

“Mate.” He growled, looking at me with glowing eyes.

“Shit.” The realisation hit me. Jay was in his rut. “Got damn it.”

Dario, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle this. Just his scent is driving me crazy. Kylo’s shaking voice sounded in my head.

“Mate,” Jay growled again, pulling me to him and hugging me tightly. He caressed my cheeks gently, looking into my eyes and melting me softly. It seems like he wasn’t too deep into it yet. I just needed to get Raymond to take him to the cabin. Before I could open the link, Jaylen started kissing my neck, sending shivers so strong down my spine that I quivered with pleasure.

“You are so beautiful, Goddess. You taste so good,” he spoke in a deep voice. It rumbled in his chest. His hot breath, fanning the skin on my neck as he nibbled, sent an involuntary moan out of my mouth, which seemed to rile Jay even more.

I could feel Kylo’s distress. If this continues, my heat will arrive much earlier, which would not be good. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Kylo buddy, I’m so sorry, but I need you to go. Hide somewhere. I’ll call you out when it’s over. Please. Without uttering a word or resisting, I feel Kylo hiding in the deepest part of my unconscious. Thankfully, that cleared my head a bit, but Jay was still kissing, sucking, and biting my neck like a lion feasting on a gazelle.

“Jay, -” I started but got cut off by his lips on mine. Oh, goddess, this feels heavenly. He kissed my lips hungrily, his hands exploring my body, which was at his mercy. His lips left mine, kissing me all over my face, and his hands slipped underneath my shirt. His gentle, hungry touch left me with nothing but a moaning mess. I was his, and he could do whatever he wanted with me. I was lost in the pleasure, lost in his beautiful scent, and lost in his lustful eyes. I am finally touching my mate and kissing him. His lips met mine again in a heated embrace, and his knee slid between my legs, which sent my body into overdrive. This is it; this is happening. I am about to become one with my mate.

This is everything I ever dreamed of–my mate holding me close. He wanted me. But harsh reality hit when he called a name that was not mine. It was a name I knew very well.

“Aiden…”

I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces. After all this time, he never forgot about him, and I am the one standing next to Jaylen. I am the one withering underneath him with lust. Yet he calls for him. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I felt confused, hurt, and broken.

“You smell so good, mhmmm.” Jaylen nuzzled into my neck, sniffing before he started scenting me. The feeling was divine. My body shivered with desire. I never knew scenting could feel this good; I could feel his aroma flow deeply inside me. Again, reducing me into nothing but a moaning mess, but this…

This is not what he wanted, and this is just the rut. Jaylen was not ready; he told me, and I understood. Pain shot through my heart, rendering my body limp with numbness. It was a beautiful, cruel, and short dream. My fingers reached for his face, touching him and kissing him one last time before it was time to let go before I had to end this dream.

“I love you, Jaylen.” I kissed his tender lips before striking the back of his neck. He passed out in my arms, and I held him tightly. Maybe one day, this dream will turn into reality… Maybe.

I tried to lift Jaylen’s body off me to get him into the house, but he was too heavy in my weakened state. So, I had to swallow my pride and call someone to come and help me. There is only one person I could call in this instant.

“Um, Ray, can you please come to our room?” I opened the link and called out.

“Oh shit, you called me Ray, what’s wrong? Did something happen? Are you hurt? Are you…”

“Just… come, please.” I interrupted.

“On my way.”

It took him 5 minutes to get here before he knocked on the door.

“It’s open, I think,” I called out.

Ray opened the door instantly, only to see me on the floor, with a passed-out Jaylen on top of me.

“Um…” he started.

“Don’t. Just help me get him to the bedroom and call the pack doctor. He’s in his rut.” Without another word, Raymond carried Jaylen, bringing him to the bedroom while I collected myself. Talk about embarrassing.

I stayed seated on the floor next to the entrance, not daring to move. It was like all the strength had left my body.

My love for my mate was instant. The moment I saw him, my world turned upside down. He was everything I dreamed of and more. His body, scent and eyes, and once I got to see him with his pack, made his kindness and love for his people even more beautiful. His breathtaking smile lightened up the whole place, and I fell deeper and deeper in love with him every time. At first, I thought he just needed time to adjust to us being mates. A week or two turned into several months and now 2 years.

Maybe it’s time for me to leave. I’ve been thinking about it but have always been too scared to act upon it. Being alone out there is terrifying and painful, but it beats the loneliness and the pain I feel inside. This runs deeper, solidifying my core. Out there, I can protect myself from hunters and ferals, but here, I cannot protect my heart from my mate.

I sighed as I heard another knock on the door. It was the pack Doctor Cane and his nurse/husband Julian.

“Good afternoon, Luna,” Cane greeted.

“Hello, please come in. He’s in his room.” I led them to the room, where Ray was putting the blanket on top of Jaylen, who was snoring loudly.

“So what happened exactly? Ray only told me to come here with my medical kit.” Cane asked.

“Um, h-he… His rut is here, and he was trying to... Long story short, I knocked him out cold.” I hurriedly ended my embarrassing sentence.

“Got it. I will give him his medication so he can rest.” Cane replied without further prying to which I was extremely thankful for that.

“Thank you.” I watched as Julian and Cane got to work on my mate.

As I was preparing to leave the room and wallow in self-pity, the hairs on my body stood. Something is wrong. I looked at Ray, who seemed to have felt the same before we heard in the pack link.

“We’re under attack. Ferals from the north.”

“Fuck.” Raymond and I said simultaneously.

“Doctor, you stay here and keep Jaylen safe. I’ll have two guards come for extra reinforcement. Take care of him, please.” I pleaded.

“Of course, don’t worry; we’ve got him,” he reassured me. I ran and kissed Jay’s cheeks before following Ray out of the room.

Kylo, I need you, hermano.

I’m here. I got you.

A sigh of relief escaped me as I sprinted through the dense woods, the brilliant sun filtering through the leaves. I stumbled upon a vicious confrontation unfolding before me. Raymond jumped into battle immediately, but it took me a second to grasp the scene. Though I felt like a stranger in this pack, my heart surged with determination to protect it and its people. They need me, and I will fight with everything in me to keep everyone safe. The rogues were relentless; their snarls and menacing stances belied their savage intent. I faced them; each blow was a testament to my resolve to shield my mate's home, even if it wasn't mine. Ray engaged the largest rogue, his fierce growls echoing through the woods—the rouge bit into Raymond, who snarled in pain. I ran to him with all my strength, sending the rouge flying into a tree.

Remind me to buy your favourite snack later. That shit hurts like a bitch. Raymond said through the pack link.

You'd better add dinner and a movie to the list. I replied as I jumped behind him to intercept the feral that was about to bite into Raymond… again.

Okay, no more jokes, noted. He shook his fur as if to get rid of his blurred thoughts.

He went back to fighting, ripping the unwanted wolves into shreds. I usually forget how strong Ray is with his goofy, usual personality, but damn, he is a beast. I heard a growl to my right as I looked over to the side and found the rouge I had just pushed off Raymond back on his feet, looking me dead in the eyes.

Oh shit, someone is pissed. Kylo remarked, smirking as usual. Since Kylo was co-piloting with me, I could feel his emotions much clearer. He was hurt, but he was still doing his best to detach from his pain. I could also feel his excitement. This idiot loved fighting.

How about I leave this to you? I asked.

Yes, please, this son of a bitch is mine to end. I nodded internally before fading into the darkness.

Kylo’s P.O.V

I could feel Dario fading as I took complete control. He is so strong. Any other human would’ve perished long ago with what we’ve gone through, and I just hope he finds happiness soon. The growl from the rouge reminded me of the task at hand. Don’t worry, big boy, you’ve got all my attention.

Under the blazing sun, I faced the rouge wolf, my smaller frame poised and ready. I knew I couldn't match its size, but speed was my strength. The rogue's snarl echoed through the forest as it charged, a blur of fur hurtling towards me.

I darted, swift and agile, evading its ferocious bites. I bit and looked away, a dance of evasion and speedy retaliation. My size made me a target, but it also granted me speed. I used it to my advantage, exploiting every opportunity to land quick, calculated strikes. Each snap of my jaws was precise, aimed at weakening the rogue. Blood stained the ground, an indication of the intense struggle. The rogue's growls filled the air, but I remained focused, using my swiftness to stay a step ahead. I aimed for vulnerable spots, making the most of my speed.

The daylight illuminated our battle, with shadows dancing amidst the flurry of movement. Finally, the rogue faltered after a relentless display of speed and determination. He staggered, weakened by a series of strategic strikes. With a final blow, he went completely limp. I stood, panting, my body was marked with scratches, but I was happy to see this bloody battle finally ending.

I felt a nod on my side as I turned to see Raymond looking me over. I guess he was worried. Goddess, bless this man. I nodded my head to indicate I was okay. I looked around to ensure everyone was okay. Thankfully, we didn’t lose anyone. There were many wounded, but it was better than death. I opened the pack link to communicate with the warriors on the battlefield.

“Great job, everyone. You did well. Make sure to secure the premises and take the wounded to the infirmary. Anyone who has enough strength, make sure to clean up and burn the bodies.”

“Lu- um- Dario, we have caught a couple of prisoners. What should we do with them?” One of the warriors, Wilson, spoke. I couldn’t help but notice his stumble. Many of them haven’t accepted us as the Luna/Alpha because we haven’t completed the mating with Jaylen. Some have acknowledged it, but some still struggle to accept that the… former Luna is also no longer here.

“That’s for Jaylen to decide, so lock them up for the moment,” I answered.

Everyone got to work after cleaning up, while some took the injured back. I stayed to help with the cleaning as we all shifted back.

“Hi, Kylo,” Ray greeted.

“Raymond, how did you know it was me?” I questioned.

“Your voice, it’s deeper than Dario’s. It’s been a while. How are you?” he asked. I know what answer he’s looking for, but I am too tired to get into it.

“I am great. I just beat the rogue that kicked your ass, so I am feeling amazing.” I smiled at him innocently.

“Hey, that’s not fair! I was caught off guard.” Raymond whined.

“Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

Raymond pouted as we continued to clean. After everything was done, we walked back to the pack house, happy to see the little pups running around like usual.

“Dario,” a familiar voice called out. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was since my heart started clenching as Dario hid deeper inside, not wanting to face him–at least not yet.

I turned around, looking at his dishevelled appearance. He looked exhausted; he had a look in his eyes that I couldn’t read. Sometimes, I wish I could read minds so that I could find out what he wants. Dario is not the only one who is so tired of this.

Before I can comprehend what’s happening, I feel myself being pulled into a tight hug.

“Wh-?”

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Hello beautiful humans I hope you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to like and comment and I will see you all in the next one. 

Izzy out :)