The Unwanted Luna

-POV Charlie-

"Hey...where did your mind go?" Zelena asked as her soft voice rang through the room. I know it was stupid and I know I've had to take more precautions than before, but I moved in with Raven and Zelena for the rest of my time here. Because I had to entertain the whining child so much, I didn't have enough time for Zelena and my cute little pup. That would never do. Zelena was shocked but she didn't object. I kept my room at the bed and breakfast, just in case Donna was staying one step ahead of me. As the days go on, I find that highly unlikely. Of course, we stay cautious and I make sure to clean Zelena's scent off me so Malerie doesn't smell it, but I definitely make up for it later. Zelena snuggled into my chest while I stared up at the ceiling. "Nothing. I'm just thinking about today. I'm pissed that you have to go through with this, but on the bright side, you get to stay with me and that's the safest place to be." I mumbled.

"Of course it is and Raven will be with my mother. My mom is one of the strongest witches in our coven and Raven is adored by all my coven sisters. There is no way anyone will get within a hundred feet of her."

"Not to mention our omegas will protect her with their lives." I growled.

She giggled and patted my chest. "I'm sure she will be fine and I know I will be as long as you are with me. I won't worry about a thing."

I groaned and rubbed my face. "But I have to be all endearing around her. I have to call her...ugh...babe."

She slipped her body up so our eyes met. "But I'm the only one you call kitten." She purred and I immediately flipped her over and laid kisses all over her cheeks, neck, collar bone, lips. anywhere I could touch without going overboard. I mean, I never know when - "Momma...Mr.Charlie...." I heard Raven on the other side of the door and my kitten stopped giggling at the onslaught of feather kisses. I'm just glad that little toddler stopped appearing in and out of our room. She would just pop up out of nowhere and snuggle into Zelena or I. Honestly, I didn't mind it and I'm thankful she won't get the shock of her life doing that. Well...at least not yet....

"I guess that's my queue." She sighed and tapped my chest.

I shook my head. "I got her." I hopped out of bed and pulled on some sweats from my bag and a t-shirt. I pulled open the door and looked down at our little Raven.

"Mr.Charlie." She whimpered, raising her hands up. I scooped her in my arms and she hugged me tightly.

"What's wrong, pup?"

She giggled happily and smiled at me. "Mr.Charlie! I'm not a wolfie like you." She said, still giggling.

I tapped my finger on my chin pretending to think before I tapped her nose. "You will still be my little pup, though." I noted, and she smiled happily.

Once her giggles calmed down, she leaned back a bit and yawned. "Grandma's house?"

I chuckled at her excitement. Zelena came up and slipped her arm around my waist. "Yep, Grandma's house."

Raven giggled lightly and popped out of my arms, then reappeared in front of her door down the hall. "I get ready!" She called and we waved to her before she slammed her door. We didn't have the heart to tell her Zelena had already dropped her things off at Agatha's yesterday. I kissed Zelena on the top of her head and she slipped past me. "I'm going to start on breakfast. You can have the shower first."

"Thanks, kitten. I'll see you down there." She nodded and headed downstairs while I got ready for the day I have been waiting this whole week for. My wolf growled happily at the thought.

She is finally going to get what she deserves.

"Babe! Let's go!" I called from the kitchen while Mal's mom was busying herself with some snacks for the road.

"Oh, I cannot say I'm excited for this Luna ceremony, but I am excited that my Malerie will be accompanied by the Head Warrior. I mean it's no alpha, but it's a ranked member none the less." It's?! The hell am I? A toy? "She knows she did wrong. Maybe her brothers will pardon her since you clearly already have. According to her, you two are head over heels for each other." She hummed, wrapping the last of the muffins.

"Delusional...the both of them." My wolf added as I did my best to suppress the shock in my tone. Head over heals? Seriously?After I found my mate, Zelena became my world. I even met her coven a few days ago along with Raven. The cutest kid in the world. My spies did some digging to see if she was playing me just like Malerie was trying to do, but surprisingly enough, she wasn't. She was completely genuine and the minute I get home, I will introduce her to my friends and hopefully get the coven on our territory. Raven is with her grandmother for now and I will leave a few spies here as guards for them. I've seen both of them every night since the festival when I didn't have to work, and I feel like some of my heart belongs to that little girl now, while the rest belongs to her mother.

After chatting some more with the elder witches, I was told that they only work on defensive spells, but that would be one thing we don't have. Their partnership may even save a life someday. They really are quite the asset. "Ms.Oden, you really don't need to pack up anything for the drive." I suggested.

"Oh, hush. Just remember to protect my Malerie. She's been through enough with the men in her life turning on her. I'm just glad her mate has had a change of heart."

I pressed the bile down and forced out a smile. She has to know that this is all bullshit. Every night, I would get updates from my spies and, whether I liked it or not, they told me everything. One of them even asked if I was going to be okay with this. These women are doting on me to my face and calling me an idiot behind my back. Of course, I kept a plain face and told them this was part of my job and it was. Also, having my second chance mate openly accepting me made this so much easier. We may be taking this slow, but it was worth it. Hey, I'm a wolf. Let's just say Kyle and Emily's relationship is more of a realistic timeline than Ayame with the triplets.

"Alphas, we are heading out as soon as your sister and Adolpha get their asses down here." I called through the link I blocked four days ago. I...I needed to do this myself.

"Wow...dude, you are alive. We were starting to think you might need some help down there. Everything good? Your Luna's having a heart attack over here since you went dark all of a sudden." Kyle said mockingly.

"You know...sometimes you can be the ass of your own joke, Kyle." I shot back.

"Hey, stop you two. Charlie, I'm sure you had a reason to step away. The omegas have been filling us in the best they could but they seem to be hiding something. Care to share?" Damn Conri and his ridiculous deduction skills.

"Not yet, Alphas, but I think when I show my surprise, Ayame will forgive me and we will see an increase in power for the territory. All is well."

"I hope so. ETA?" Conri called back.

"Ha! Don't rush the ugly. It takes time for the gremlins to be presentable enough for the public eye." Vil said, and I couldn't help the snicker that fell from my lips.

"What was that dear?" Donna asked, turning her attention back to me.

I cleared my throat and shook my head. "Nothing. I'm just remembering the Alpha Ceremony. Malerie was fickle about what to wear for that event too.

Her mother smiled and moved around the counter. "Oh, well. She likes to look nice. I'm sure you have noticed. She is an alpha's daughter after all." There goes that obnoxious regal air...again. And Malerie looks nice?! She barely ever wears any clothes! Zelena has thirty times more class and delicious curves than Malerie ever would. The respect and class my girl shows for herself and the redness in her cheeks when I complimented her sexy body was enough to make me drool...daily. Malerie couldn't hold a candle to her.

I discreetly adjusted myself while my wolf had the pleasure of luring me in with his...visuals. Even though we both decided to wait, it was killing my wolf a bit. However, everything might hit the fan when we get to this Luna ceremony, and I cannot risk her safety. She knows too much about these women for them not to turn on her immediately if we were too conspicuous. Leaving my scent all over her is kind of a bad idea. I'm not losing my true mate to anyone. Especially to the girl who tossed me to the side like I was nothing. I nodded. "Of course. How could I forget?" I mumbled and either Donna didn't hear me or she decided not to notice.

After another half hour of awkward silence, I smelled my mate coming along with the other two. "Ms.Oden." She hummed before turning to me and bowing. "Head Warrior." She added. Those of the Fae demand respect above all else in professional situations. Thankfully, that also hid the blush on her cheeks as I looked her over. I bowed back respectfully and made sure not to make my drooling so obvious.

Zelena was wearing a simple green dress, matching my green button-up and black pants. The ranked members are required to wear the colors of our territory for main events such as this and I requested her to do the same. Knowing Malerie and Adolpha, I'm sure they didn't even notice.

Speaking of, the two girls behind her did not look anything like Malerie or Adolpha, but now that I've seen their disguises, I can easily show their faces around to the warriors and alphas. "I know. I look hideous. Let's just get this over with." Malerie said curtly. Honestly, she looks better now than before. Simple dirty blonde hair with a rounded face. Little make-up and a simple light blue dress with short white heels. Nothing too ostentatious like she normally does. Adolpha was dressed in a black and white pants-suit with short brown hair and freckles under a set of circular spectacles. Quite the change.

I took a breath. I can do this. "You look lovely no matter what, Mal. Let's get going before your mom makes even more food for us." I smirked and leaned over to give her a hug but my eyes didn't leave my sexy wiccan. I didn't stay staring for too long before grabbing the muffins and heading out the door.

Malerie was blushing again, but I felt absolutely nothing. It was like I was back in high school, dating before the pull of the bond called to me. It's sad really because I think she is starting to feel a lot more than she ever expected.

I'm just grateful the feeling isn't mutual. I climbed into the car and the girls slipped into their respective seats. Zelena was sitting behind me, Malerie in the front passenger and Adolpha sitting behind her. "Let's get going." I called to the group and floored it to Bodhi Cora. The faster we get over this charade, the faster I can hold Zelena in my arms where she rightfully belongs.