The Unwanted Luna

-POV Charlie-

I stared at myself in the mirror after taking a thirty-minute shower to get Malerie's scent off me. Zelena's words ringing in my mind. "I...I don't know if I'm okay with you dating another girl." I shivered at the thought. There was no way I was going to let her down. I cannot let her down. I sighed and a knock came at my door.

I headed to the door and pulled it open. Zelena was standing there and her eyes grew when she stared at me. I looked down confused and realized I was still shirtless. I cleared my throat. "Sorry. Come on in." I said, pulling open the door and waiting for her to hurry inside before grabbing a shirt from my bag. I flicked it out to make sure there weren't any wrinkles before throwing the gray fabric over my chest.

Once I was presentable, I came from around the partition in the room and saw her sitting down at the table in the small kitchenette. "Sorry to come by without asking. I know that's a huge risk." She said, looking everywhere but at me. That seems to be a habit of hers. Kind of like.... I shook my head, realizing her and Luna would get along well before sitting in the chair next to her.

I rested my hand over hers and gave them a subtle squeeze. "I told you, you can contact me any time. My phone is on silent at the moment since I just got back from another overly expensive date." I groaned irritably and she perked up to look at me.

"Right the one at the horse ranch or something?" I told her everything. I had nothing to hide and I didn't want her to be stressed out over me. I'm just lucky she is still allowing me to do this. I would quit at the drop of a hat if she asked. She has enough to worry about. I won't add to that.

I chuckled and tapped her nose with my free hand. "Horse races. I would rather it was a horse ranch though. That would be way more fun."

"Wait, you can ride horses?" She asked as her grin increased.

"Yes, I can and I'd love to show you and your daughter at some point."

She nodded excitedly and I realized these are the moments I want to have with my mate, not being in stuffy clothing and flaunting how much money I can drop on any given evening. That just feels like a waste to me. "Please! I'd love it!"

I nodded and put that in the back of my mind. "Sounds fair. It's cold the majority of the year in Bodhi Cora, but I'm sure we can visit some ranches further south on my time off."

She nodded and I could see the gears turning already. I have only had time to talk to her over the phone since we left the pizza place and seeing her in front of me was rather tempting, but I'm sure she has a reason for showing up unannounced like this and I'm sure it wasn't so I could get more familiar with her body. I have the rest of the day off. Maybe...I can use this unscheduled visit for good. I was about to ask her when her face turned completely serious. "I have something to ask you." She said with determination, but even her serious attitude made me smile.

Now I'm starting to know how Conri feels. "Yes?"

"I want you to come to my coven. We are having a Summer Solstice festival and...umm...I would like you to come." She hesitated for a moment, and I didn't even get a chance to answer before she started talking again. "It's okay if you don't want to go though. It will be a smaller one than what I'm sure you are used to in Bodhi Cora, but I, um...."

"Zelena!" I didn't mean to shout, but she was rambling and it was getting louder. I needed her to stay focused.

"Yes?" She whimpered.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but I would love to go."

She sighed in relief and fell back in the chair. "Oh thank the Goddess."

I furrowed my brow as a grin played on the corners of my mouth. "What? Did you think I would say no?"

She shook her head. "Of...of course not. I just wanted.......oh, never mind. I'll text you the address. I have to go pick up my daughter from daycare and you were on the way, but thank you for having me."

She bowed a bit and stood to her feet. "Go with her!" My wolf shouted, begging me for more time with Zelena. Damn, even hearing her voice in my mind is music to my ears.

"Sounds good. I'll relax here and maybe I can pick you two up for dinner before the festival."

"Two?" She asked in shock.

"Of course. I cannot wait to meet her and I think it would be nice to hang out before the festival. Maybe get her away from too many sweets if she's already full."This book has many missing chapters and scenes if you're not reading it on [J] o bnlb.c[o] m. I walked my mate to the door, not allowing my hand to leave hers. Even though it was a short walk, it felt like time stopped for a while when she looked up at me and I down at her.

"You would really do that? I mean I would love to, but I'm just surprised."

"Don't be. I'll pick you up at your house. Send me the address."

She nodded happily and quickly kissed my cheek before running out of the door. "See you tonight!"

I rested my hand on my cheek like a little school boy and I'm sure the grin that followed was just as bad. My wolf howled for joy while the door closed behind her.

This is really happening.

At around four in the afternoon, I received a text message from Zelena and I was already ready to leave. I don't think I've ever been this impatient before. I grabbed my keys and blazer before rushing out of the room. I yanked my phone out of my pocket and confirmed my ETA with her receiving a smiley face in return. I grinned at the subtle gesture and sped down the road toward my little kitten.

-POV Zelena-

Every time we need to be somewhere she always does this! I chased Ravi around the house. She screamed at me while she was kind of dressed? She had on her white undershirt and princess pull-ups but everything else was a no go. I sighed and remembered that he'd be here any minute. "Raven Theodora!" I called, losing my patience. I sighed and looked down at myself in the pair of faded jeans I was wearing earlier and a black tank top. Hardly something to wear when you meet up with your mate.

If his previous mate is anything like he described, I'm sure she is a bombshell and I'm just...well...me? I haven't met her yet, but if her mother is any indicator...I'm not really much to look at. I heard the doorbell ring and my whole body shook as the sensation of my mate being nearby overtook me. I gave up on my daughter for now and headed for the door. When I pulled it open, Charlie was standing there in all his yummy, muscly glory. I pulled open the door a bit more and he smiled down at me. "Sorry. I know I look a mess and my house is a mess, but I promise I'll be ready soon when I get ahold of -"

Right when I was about to finish explaining everything, Raven came out of nowhere - teleportation, unfortunately, is her gift - and slammed into Charlie's leg. She started to sniffle and I knew she was about to cry. He gathered her up in his giant arms with such care that I almost forgot he was this seven-foot warrior in front of me. His short auburn brown hair was combed out of the way and he was dressed in his gray t-shirt and jeans from before. Maybe I can get away with wearing this but, if I have time, I'd like to upgrade a little bit. Either way...thank the Goddess.

"Where were you headed off to?" He asked her playfully and my daughter wrinkled her face before turning to me and back at him. I smiled at her and she smiled back before screaming happily. He still held onto her after that ear-piercing shriek and she went straight into her story of escaping the dragon, which, I'm assuming, is me.

"It was funny!" Every time she find me, I disappear! Poof!" She squealed happily. Yeah...poof.

Charlie shifted her to one arm and rested his free hand under his chin. "Hmmm...but then you and mommy aren't ready to go on the adventure I have planned."

She gasped in shock. "What adventure?!" She shouted again, a little too close to his ears. I have no idea how he is okay with this.

"I don't know, but if you don't put on something nice we can't make it before the adventure ends." Charlie said with an exaggerated sigh.

"No!!!" She shrieked and wiggled, trying to get out of his hands. He put her down and I was about to lunge for her just in case she decided to make a break for it again, but instead she grabbed my hand and pulled me to the stairs. "We need dresses right now mommy!!" She shouted. I turned to him, and he closed the front door before folding his arms with a triumphant grin. I laughed and mouthed: Thank you, before following Raven up the stairs.

Once we made it to the top, I scooped her up and ran to her room, putting on her red romper and black and white sandals before throwing her hair in a quick bun and slicking back the edges. "Please don't get all messy. Stay with mommy until we go downstairs again, okay?" She nodded and absently played with the doll in her hand. "Yes, mommy. Who is that man downstairs? He's funny." She asked with a giggle.

I smiled softly and took her free hand to guide her into my room. "He is mommy's friend." Yeah...that's the best way of explaining this for now. "Friend?" She asked curiously.

"Yeah, like Tommy and Agnes are your friends, Charlie is mine." She made an Oh shape with her mouth before I scrounged around for proper attire for the solstice. We usually wear red or black and I needed to find something that isn't faded, covered in baby stains, or just...old. I sighed and went with a black and white romper that matched Raven's, but it was a little worn from the last...ten years I've worn this thing. Don't I have anything nice to wear?

Ugh. Whatever. I pulled my hair back and shook out my curls, deciding this would have to be good enough. He's already here and I cannot have him wait too long. I threw on some mascara and a nude gloss on my lips before scooping up my daughter and my purse along with a bag, just in case she had an accident. She is only three. It happens.

"I'm so sorry! I'm ready." I said, running down the stairs. He looked at the two of us and the biggest smile fell on his face.

"Don't worry about it. Do you need me to carry anything?" He asked while I tried to pull on my old converse. I will not sacrifice comfort when I may or may not have to chase a three-year-old around later.

I leaned over and Raven whined and reached out for him. I sighed and gave up trying to ignore his offer. I passed Raven on to him and she immediately started playing with the hem of his t-shirt while he seamlessly took my extra bag too. "Oh, I can hold onto that." I pressed and he shook his head.

"Don't worry about it, Zelena. Just get your shoes on. I have her and the bag." He said calmly with no animosity in his voice. He actually wanted to help? I know he is my mate, but he is really taking me for a ride here. Let's just say I don't plan on getting off any time soon...or ever. I slipped on my other shoe and stood up to adjust my hair away from my face.

"Okay, I'm ready." I reached for Raven and she shook her head and buried herself into his shoulder. "Raven." I groaned, just wanting to get this night of embarrassment over with. All thoughts of a nice night with my mate are long gone, but maybe I can salvage this?

Charlie pulled me into his chest and kissed the top of my head. "I got this. Take a breath, Zelena. I may be your mate, but I'm also here to help you." I breathed in his scent of a small island oasis. Sea salt and palm trees. So calming. I waited a second before I looked up at him. "Better, beautiful?" He asked and I felt my knees go weak.

"Yes, thank you Charlie."

"Of course. Now, since both of my ladies look so lovely tonight, I have to pull out all the stops!" He called and Raven started to bounce on his forearms excitedly.

"We don't have to do anything too crazy." I warned him playfully.

He grinned mischievously and tapped my nose like he did at the bed and breakfast. "Trust me, kitten." He hummed and I almost moaned at the pet name, but I know my daughter is here and I have to focus.

"Okay." I finally said before he pulled away from me and opened the door.

"Let's get going."