The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

Chapter 1: Ayla

“Ma,” I called down the hall. “Come on, Ma. They’ll be here soon. You need to get out here.”

“I’m coming,” my mother yelled back. “Don’t rush me.”

She came out of her bedroom and down the hall. I was grateful that she didn’t seem to sway at all, and as she approached, the only scent wafting off her was mouthwash. And she actually seemed presentable. It was the first time in weeks.

Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised. She always managed to look presentable in front of Kylee. Goddess forbid her precious baby learn the truth about her.

No, that was my burden to bear. And in truth, I accepted it willingly. I wanted to protect Kylee from that reality as much as Ma wanted to hide it from her. However, I will admit we had different reasons.

I waved Ma to the armchair in the living room while I went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. I was making Kylee’s favorites. It had been two months since my little sister had been home, and we were both excited. Even more exciting, she was bringing home her mate for the first time.

I was so happy for her. They had apparently met almost two. Years ago, when she visited the local college campus with her high school. I had no idea they had found each other until her freshman year of university. I had asked her why the secrecy, and she told me they needed to wait to make their relationship public because of his position in the pack. They announced their relationship a few months into her first year. Still, she kept putting off us meeting him even though they were only a couple hours away. Don’t get me wrong, she told me all about him. Whenever we talked, she would just gush about how perfect he was. But it wasn’t until a month ago that she finally admitted to us that he was our future Alpha.

Ma and I were ecstatic. We couldn’t be more pleased. Especially me. Our current Alpha, Alpha Torin, was a good leader, a fair leader, and a good man. We were very blessed to have had his support after our father died.

Not that we knew him all that well, but he was the one who helped me get the family back on its feet after such a terrible loss. I knew he had a son, but I had never met him before. Again, it’s not like we were exactly close to the Alpha at all. I doubt he ever really thought of us. He was just taking care of the members of his pack, and for that, I will always be grateful.

But I had heard that his son, Theo, was promising to be just as good an Alpha as his father. So I really couldn’t have been more relieved that he was my sister’s mate. She would be properly looked after and taken care of, and she would be happy.

I was pulling the chicken out of the oven when I heard Ma from the living room.

“They’re here,” she sang.

I moved quickly. Getting out our nice serving dishes that were gifted to my parents at their mating ceremony, I started to plate dinner onto them. I was still transferring the food when I heard the front door open and the squeals of my mother and sister as they embraced. I finished my task and moved the dishes to the dining room table that was already set neatly. I smiled at my presentation and excitedly hurried to the living room.

I froze at the threshold. A scent overwhelmed my senses, causing my stomach to knot and my heart to race.

The tall, broad man standing next to my sister turned toward me and we locked eyes.

Mate.

I practically gagged trying to stifle the word from slipping from my mouth.

the hell was

my sister’s

Not mine.

was fated

I having this

Better question…

to be having

pupils dilated, and they held my gaze with a vice-like grip as he, too, seemed frozen to where

as I was. It took a minute for her to understand the situation, but once she did, she started whimpering in the back

This couldn’t be happening.

hell

I wasn’t going to break my sister’s heart. Absolutely not. I wouldn’t let him either. Not right now. We’ll just get through dinner, and I’ll find a

plastered a smile

opening my arms so she could jump into them

you, sis,” she

missed you, too,” I said

behind her. “Theo, this

clenched into fists, and he forced a tight-jawed smile toward me.

didn’t reach

don’t you guys go take a seat, and I’ll be right there. I need to tend

some big news, and I don’t think I can wait

promise I’ll be right there,” I assured her as I rubbed

grabbed Ma by the arm and led her to the dining room. Theo followed a few steps behind. He had to pass me to get through. Right as he approached, I turned my body to ensure we didn’t touch. He paused in front of me for a moment. I looked up

was anger, confusion, desire, and possibly even hurt reflecting in his eyes that I couldn’t help but notice were the color of honey. He had questions. I subtly

from the fridge and set it on the counter for later. I listened to the others conversing in the next room and quietly slipped out the

felt a lump start to form in my throat and quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to cry. So, I did what I usually

a string of

f*ck is happening? Why is this happening? This ISN’T happening,” I whispered with

‘Our mate.’ Dasha insisted.

some kind of mistake. Just get

I didn’t have time to deal with that. So, I took two more deep breaths and went back into the house. I was

at me. “Oh, Ayla, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold back any