Landon

I was walking out of my office in the north corridor of the pack house when I heard the commotion near the entrance hall. There's a conversion point in the pack house and that's the space in front of the living room.

When you enter the pack house, there are halls that lead to the office spaces, the guest and Alpha wings and the garage in the back of the house. So in order for me to go back to my room, I have to walk on by.

But even as I walked the hall, I overheard Spencer's voice shouting at Ares. The pack is usually a quiet place despite its many residents and people who work here. They all know everyone can hear really well, so they save their conversations for when they're alone in a more secluded area.

Anyway, I took my time before appearing at the entrance hall because I didn't want to face any of them and their drama. I knew this would end up badly once I learned Ares was lying to his mate. I just knew it.

I actually commend him on making the better decision for his sake, but why hide it from his mate? Spencer would be happy he doesn't have to go through a long distance relationship. If I could, I'd join my mate in Houston too. Or better yet, conclude my degree in Austin.

Damn, I miss Austin so much...

After Spencer and Harry went to the guest wing of the manor, I walked to the corridor to find my friend devastated. He was so gutted by this, his tears were moving me. I offered him a warm embrace and eventually we walked together to the front of the pack house where his car was parked.

After I returned, I went to my room to wash up for dinner. I can see tonight is gonna be uncomfortable at the table. Harry wasn't in our room, but I saw that he went with Spencer to his.

Later that evening, the room was mostly silent - except for Ella telling us all about her day in the day care center, not a care in the world - and the vibe was awkward.

My brother wasn't aware of the reality, but he doesn't meddle. He's a teenager with other concerns in life, but my mom was aware of what happened since she probably overheard it too. At least, the gist of it.

"This lamb is delicious, mom. You should have them cook it more often." - I told her, trying to defuse the tension in the air as we're all eating.

"I'm glad you like it. The butcher gave me a special deal, so we're gonna have plenty of that in the coming days." - She smiled at me, pleased with herself.

"You buy the food yourself, Luna? I didn't know that. I thought you had people for that." - Harry was surprised to hear this.

"First of all, I'm not Luna anymore. You are. Second, yes I do the grocery shopping and buy everything else this house needs. No one else is equipped to handle the expense account. I mean, nobody should be forced to deal with the bureaucracy of spending other people's money." - She said with an awkward smile.

Harry sighed at the realization.

"It's a proper job being Luna of the pack and Lady of the house. It's not all glitz and glamour." - She snickered.

"Wow. I didn't know that. I don't know how I am ever going to have time for that and being a doctor." - Harry said, worriedly.

"You'll get the hang of it, I'm sure. Plus, I'm gonna train you once you are able to have the available time. I'll be here if you need me." - She said with a pleasant grin.

"Oh I'm definitely gonna need you, ma'am. I can see you're gonna be my lifesaver." - Harry said, humorously.

"You were the one who saved my son's life by accepting him as a mate. Whatever I can do to help your journey, I'm always here for you." - She said with a sweet tone and content smile.

"Your mother is the best! Damn, these Barnetts are killing me!" - Harry whispered to me, though from this close proximity there isn't a tone low enough for her NOT to hear it.

"She really is." - I agreed, really happy about the circumstances. I'm sure it's not an ideal situation for me and Harry since no other Luna held a steady job - or went to college unless her mate went along.

But these are modern times and Lunas should be able to do whatever it is they want in life, even become a busy doctor. It's the sign of the times, as they say. And I really mean that. I'm not worried about my mate's career at all.

The only thing I need from him is to love me.

Spencer is watching the conversation play out in silence and we're respectful of his privacy. I would like to say something but I'm not gonna interject myself in their relationship and risk it backfiring.

But more importantly, I can't argue in Ares' defense because I can't think of a single reason for his lying. I know he didn't want to appear weak before his mate, but our strength lies in our vulnerability.

He can't play warrior with his mate. That's not what the mate bond is about. The same way I can never play the 'Alpha card' with Harry. Like I said before, there's no ranking between mates. We are equal partners in everything.

Our duties are cleared and diverge from one another. Meaning our roles before the pack may be different, but within the confines of our relationship, there's no Alpha and Luna. There's only Harry and Landon.

I hate seeing Spencer like that because of something his mate did, but let it be a lesson for him. Don't lie to your partner, it doesn't end well for you.

After an otherwise awkward dinner, Harry and I retired for the night. I'd ask him about Spencer's state of mind but I don't want to talk about it right now. They will get this sorted eventually. This week is about us and our last days of summer together.

I tended to my mate's needs with tender and love, giving him all my undivided attention which is what he deserves. We loved each other for an hour before we're too sleepy and crashed into each other's arms.

The next morning, we both hurried to go to the bathroom and take a shower. Both of us were reeking of sweat and... well, we took a nice long-ish bath and changed into clean clothes for breakfast.

Spencer had the exact same expression he had yesterday, but we greeted him all the same. Harry and I, on the other hand, had joyful expressions on our faces.

"Good morning, son. I trust you had a pleasant evening judging by your faces. If Harry smiles any wider, he can light up this whole dining room." - Mom snickered, causing my mate to blush from the attention.

"We had a great evening, mom. We have to make it count since it's already Thursday. There's no day but today." - I replied, enamored by my mate.

Spencer grimaced at my words, but it is what it is. Harry, noticing his state, reached out his hand across the table to touch him in a soft manner.

"Considering everything that you have survived my friend, this is nothing you can't talk it out. I'm sure Ares already regretted lying to you. You need to sit down with him and lay down the law." - Harry suggested, receiving a shy smile in response.

"Trust me, he totally regretted it." - I chimed in, breathing out an uncomfortable sigh.

Spencer was surprised at my little outburst, but said nothing. He just kept looking at me for a minute until I broke out in sweats. It's not that I'm intimidated by him, but this situation is less than ideal for me.

After breakfast, I was shocked with yet another surprise walking inside the pack house. At least this time, it's a pleasant surprise. I mean, mostly.

Rhiannon walked inside holding hands with her mate, marked for eternity, looking happy to be here. Aaron wasn't that comfortable, but nothing could beat the sheer joy in his eyes. It's a joy I know all too well, fortunately.

"Oh my Goddess!" - Harry gasped in shock at the sight. He's not so chill that mate of mine. He gawked at the two of them as we walked out of the dining hall, surprised by the appearance - and especially the mate markings on their necks.

"Good morning, Alpha. I hope it's okay that I came by unannounced. I owed you a visit, so I brought my mate too. We're going to see my father after this." - Rhiannon greeted me with a radiant smile. I could tell she was really happy and so was I for her.

I greeted Aaron, who said hello to his brother and the rest of my family as they walked out. Spencer also exchanged pleasantries with them before continuing on his way to his room.

"Of course it's okay. You'll always be welcomed in this house for as long as I'm Alpha. Congratulations, my friend. I'm so happy for you." - I said, hugging her. I understand it was a struggle for her to accept her mate. Considering who he is and everything they went through together, anyone could relate to her.

But if my complicated story with my mate is any indication, you really can't fight the mate bond. And the more you try, the harder it fights back. Just ask my mate if you don't believe me.

"Thanks, Lan. I tried, but I'm powerless against a Goddess." - She said, shyly. Aaron gulped awkwardly at this. Harry also congratulates him.

"All of us are mere puppets under her powerful grasp. Can I offer you guys some juice or coffee? Have you had breakfast yet?" - I inquired, politely.

"We did. We had breakfast with the Staedlers earlier. We're gonna catch my dad before his shift, but I just wanted to stop by to see you. I know you were worried about me, so I just wanted to let you know that I'm fine now. I'm mated." - She replied in a content expression.

"I really appreciate you coming to see me. And I really was worried for you. But I can see from your eyes how happy you are now. I'm so happy for you both, my friend. Truly." - I said, grinning widely at her.

"Thanks, Lan. Also, you should know that I'm not coming back to the force. I'm gonna move in with my mate and help them rebuild their pack. I am the rightful Luna of the Blood Moon pack after all." - She surprised us with the news.

"Yes, you are. Long Live the Alpha and Luna!" - I cheered her on, ecstatically.

"Long Live the Alpha and Luna!" - My mom and Harry repeated back to them.

Aaron was the happiest I've ever seen him so far, but my friend though... She looked fantastic. I think happiness suits her. This is truly the first time since I've known her that I can see her truly happy.

She seems so fulfilled now that she has completed the bond. Now she can embrace the role selected to her by the Goddess. She really is the rightful Luna of their pack and she's gonna do great by them, I'm sure.

We said goodbye to the happy couple shortly after and my heart is so full right now. Officially, now all my lonely heart club members are mated and properly bonded.

She seemed the happiest I've ever seen her in so long, maybe ever. It warms my heart that the world will now finally get the full experience of Rhiannon Henderson, Luna of the Blood Moon pack, long may she live.

https://youtu.be/jQAK6sVovUk

A|N: I didn't know when I'd get here, but I actually chose her name because of this particular song. I never did that before in any of my books, but I really liked it.

In fact, in my next novel after "The Twins' Fate'' there'll be a character named 'Jude' specifically because... oh well, you should know the reason already.

If you don't, do yourself a favor and listen to the Beatles.

Love,

Léo.