Chapter 19

HAYLEY

I’m standing in front of a door that feels like it’s the gateway to a new life. Part of me is hesitant to step through.

Part of me wants to bolt, because if they knew the real me, the things I’ve done, they’d hate me. Despise me. Maybe even kill me.

I’m doing this for Jax. I keep repeating it to myself.

For Jax. The one I…cherish.

Everyone’s expecting me, so there won’t be any surprises. That’s a relief. A surprise entrance would have been even more nerve-wracking.

Jax made sure they knew I was coming, but he asked them not to pry. He didn’t tell them that part, though. That’s our secret.

A large, warm hand envelops mine, pulling my attention upward.

I look up at Axton, and it’s only then that I notice my hands are trembling.

“Don’t cry, Hay,” he says, and I realize that tears are streaming down my face. Axton gently wipes them away.

“You don’t have to do this, you know. You don’t have to prove anything. Jax will love you no matter what,” Axton says with sincerity.

Love.

Jax loves me?

“L-love,” I stutter.

“Isn’t it obvious? He’s head over heels for you.”

How could someone like Jax love me? I’m a nobody. But out of all the women in the world, he loves me.

Out of all the female warriors in this pack, who are capable of so much more than I am, he chooses me.

He loves me.

I’ve never been loved before. Not even a little bit. Maybe that’s why love feels so strange to me. It’s a weird feeling. But a good kind of weird.

A huge, goofy smile spreads across my face.

Axton brings me back to reality when he says, “Just be yourself and you’ll be fine.”

“Thank you, Ax,” I say, meaning it. I give his hand a squeeze.

We ascend the few steps to the double doors, and I let Axton lead the way.

He opens the door wide enough for both of us to enter. There’s no need to knock—they probably already know we’re here.

I walk into a room full of women, all of them studying me. Judging me. Deciding if I’m worthy of being their luna. Little do they know I won’t be here long enough for that to matter.

Fear seizes me again. I feel like I’m choking. I can’t find the words to speak, I just stare at the twelve women in front of me.

Axton senses my discomfort and quickly steps in front of me, shielding me from their scrutiny with his broad frame.

Axton’s deep eyes meet mine and he murmurs, “You don’t have to do this.”

When I don’t respond, he reminds me to, “Breathe.”

I take a deep breath, clearing my foggy mind.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe... I’m gonna mind-link Jax and tell him we’re going home.”

I grab his shirt and shake my head. “No, no, I can do this... just breathe.” I remind myself.

For Jax.

I know they can hear our conversation, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ll just have to deal with the embarrassment.

I look up at Axton and nod, signaling that I’m ready. He reluctantly steps aside.

I put on a shy smile and give a small wave.

All of the women are stunning. They could all be models. As I look at each of them, I recognize one of them. Rose. Lily’s babysitter. I give her a bigger smile, but she just stares back coldly.

Maybe she doesn’t recognize me.

But then, in an instant, she’s grinning from ear to ear and bounding over to me, shouting, “Hayley! Fancy seeing you here!”

She gives me a hug that’s a little too tight. Maybe I’m just too fragile.

I keep my arms at my sides and look to Axton for answers. He just shrugs, looking as confused as I feel.

She pulls back and turns to the other women. “Everyone, this is Hayley.”

The women all stand and come over to me. My heart pounds in my chest and my palms start to sweat. I look to Axton for reassurance. He gives me an encouraging nod.

One by one, the women kiss both of my cheeks and hug me, showing respect for their luna.

I’m taken aback. They all respect me, and I haven’t even said a word. Did Jax tell them to do that?

No, that’s not like him. He’d want me to earn their respect, not have it handed to me.

So if they weren’t told to respect me, then they truly do.

Warm smiles light up the women’s faces, and mine too. Rose stands at the back of the group, her face expressionless.

I finally take in the rest of the room. There are flowers everywhere, filling the air with their scent.

A water cooler stands in one corner, next to a table laden with drinks and snacks. Doors line the walls, leading to who knows where.

A large coffee table sits in the middle of the seating area, surrounded by sofas and chairs.

A TV is mounted on one wall, playing softly in the background.

“Come, come. Come sit down!” A radiant woman with brown hair says. She’s practically glowing with happiness.

We all take our seats. They return to their previous spots, and I choose a comfortable armchair.

Axton drags a chair over to sit next to me, ready to protect me if necessary.

“Let’s get to know each other,” the brunette woman suggests. She seems to be the one calling the shots, but I can’t be certain.

Her name is Isabella. The other women are Tiffany, Julie, Alexia, Aria, Rachel, Layla, Helen, Violet, Emilia, Willow, and of course, Rose.

I try to appear relaxed, but it’s a struggle. Isabella kicks off the conversation on a light note.

“So, Luna, how are you doing? Are you settling in okay?” she asks, her tone warm and inviting.

Luna.

She called me Luna.

A wave of guilt washes over me. I can’t be their Luna. I’m not strong enough to lead them. I’m not brave. They expect me to protect them, but I can’t even protect myself.

I’ve failed at my role before I’ve even begun. They need a strong, confident woman who has her wolf. A woman who isn’t me.

I glance at the other women who are watching me with anticipation, all except Rose.

She’s engrossed in a strange device in her hands that she keeps tapping.

I’ve seen Jax and Axton with something similar, but I’m not sure what it is. I’ll have to ask them.

“I’ve been good… Jax and Axton have been… really helpful?” I look at Axton for confirmation.

He doesn’t look at me, as he’s supposed to be uninvolved, but he gives a subtle nod that only I can see. A small smile tugs at my lips.

I turn back to Isabella as she continues, “Alpha has only spoken highly of you. He told us some time ago that you were his mate.

“I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re glad that Alpha has finally found his mate. He used to rarely smile, but lately, he’s been grinning from ear to ear!

“He did mention that it would take you some time to become Luna, but that’s okay. Just your presence on the pack grounds makes everyone feel a bit better, and that makes a difference.

“So if you don’t feel ready for the Luna duties, that’s perfectly fine. You’re helping us just by being here. It means a lot to all of us.”

I can’t stop smiling as she speaks. Her words are so kind.

She may not realize the impact of her words, but knowing that the pack accepts me makes me feel less self-loathing.

If these strangers can accept me, why can’t I?

I feel at ease talking with Isabella. She’s grounded and has a calming presence. She’s the kind of person I can handle being around.

She’s the person I’ve trusted the quickest, and it’s no surprise given her gentle nature.

I’ve been hurt by men, but I’ve also been let down by women who did nothing to help me, so I’m cautious around both genders. But with Isabella, I feel safe.

She has short brown hair tucked behind her ears. Bright blue eyes light up her face, and a constant smile graces her lips.

She appears to be around thirty, but with werewolf genes, she could be older. I hope I look like her when I’m older. She’s stunning.

We continue our easygoing conversation, and I seem to get along with everyone. I’ve spoken to all the women individually, and they’ve all been very welcoming.

Suddenly, Rose asks, “So why don’t you want to do your Luna duties? What happened to you before you came to Midnight Rose Pack?”

I freeze.

Silence fills the room.

Everyone exchanges glances before their eyes land on me. I lower my gaze to my lap, too embarrassed to meet anyone’s eyes.

Axton, sitting next to me, starts to growl as he senses my discomfort. I’m not sure if he knows about my past, or if he’s just protecting his Luna.

Why would she ask such a question? I don’t think I’ve ever been rude to her. I thought she liked me.

Thankfully, Isabella diverts the awkwardness by asking, “Anyone up for some tea? I’ve got cookies.” Isabella to the rescue. My hero.

Before any of us can respond, a loud bang echoes from the doorway, and someone comes storming in…