Alpha's Secret Bride-Chapter 79: She Celebrated, Unaware the True Luna Had Returned

Chapter 79: She Celebrated, Unaware the True Luna Had Returned

He already knew it was Lunara, but he ignored her. She had been trying to gain access to his chamber, but he denied her entry at every attempt.

Emma slept off in Brandon’s arms in the early hours. He looked at her and gloried briefly in the shared moment. Her wolf, which was full of strength, now radiated a steadfast and serene peace. He couldn’t believe how fortunate he was to have his best moonally as his mate. He recalled the first day he begged her at the general territory park to be his mate, because he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life and saw no future without her. A deep, boundless calm settled within his wolf.

He smiled and gently eased her head onto the pillow. Her unclad wolf was concealed beneath the duvet. He covered her properly and slowly rose from the bed. Her presence made him feel alive again, restoring a sense of balance within him. It was time to resume his one-hour training at the warriors’ den.

He walked into his closet and slowly put on his training boots and workout gear. Draping his towel over his shoulder, he quietly stepped out of the chamber in high spirits. Max, Leo, and some of his guards were already stationed outside his door, waiting for him.

"Moonrise, Alpha," they chorused in deep baritones.

He simply waved at them and strode down the stairs. New wolves were busy cleaning and decorating the den. They all bowed immediately upon seeing him. He did not recognize them and had no interest in questioning their presence, so he walked past them without acknowledgment, his shoulders squared with pride. His mate was his greatest honor, and her presence filled his wolf with purpose and satisfaction.

He walked straight into the hearth to brew his morning coffee. His gaze swept over the food items Bernard and Lunara had arranged on the worktable, and he frowned slightly. The preparations were excessive for an ordinary morning meal. It looked more like a feast.

"Moonrise, Alpha," Bernard greeted.

He waved absently, still studying the display.

"Moonrise, my Moon Prince," Lunara greeted with a bow, her smile deceptively sweet, as though she were the rightful Luna of the packlands.

He was in a good mood, so he returned her smile faintly. He could see the excitement burning in her eyes. The last time he had smiled at her was when he discovered she had driven Emma out of her den—an act that had ultimately led Emma back to him.

He moved toward the far end of the hearth where the brewing machine stood and began preparing his coffee. He preferred making it himself.

"Bernard, bring the crystal mug."

Bernard opened one of the cabinets and retrieved the temperature-controlled mug, pouring Emma’s coffee into it.

"Take it to my bedchamber," Brandon instructed as he walked out of the hearth, holding his own cup. Bernard followed closely behind him.

"I think it is time we made some changes around here," Lunara said, tossing aside the hand towel she held as she moved toward him.

He stopped and turned slightly.

"I was furious when my maid told me you allowed that low-born she-wolf into your chamber, yet you deny me access. Brandon, we are to be mated in forty-five days. Don’t you think it is time I gained full access to your life?"

"I noticed your mood last night, but you disappeared before I could ask what troubled you. You needed me, yet I could not even step into your chamber. When will things change?"

"I see you have replaced the domestic wolves without my mate’s consent," he said coldly.

"I am the only mate here! The former workers were loyal to her, and I despise them. These new ones are loyal to me, and they work efficiently. I... prefer them."

"Then be prepared to pay them yourself when the full moon-cycle ends. Their feeding and lodging are also your responsibility."

"What?!" she snapped.

"Hundred domestic wolves? How long do you expect me to sustain them?"

"As long as they remain here," he replied with a shrug.

"Brandon, this is unfair! I will report you to the High Luna!"

"Go ahead," he said, walking away.

She followed him into the warriors’ den, continuing her pleas, hoping Brandon would support her argument. Brandon ignored her entirely.

Ken arrived moments later, carrying a water flask and towel. They exchanged greetings. He had visited Brandon during his troubled time, but they had not truly spoken since then.

Lunara resumed her pleading, hoping Ken would intervene. But he remained silent.

"Sling your hook, Lunara—would you? I’ve heard more than enough!" he shouted at her.

"If those workers do not vacate, I will personally tear down their quarters!" she declared before storming out.

Ken watched her leave and sighed heavily.

"You are not at ease," Brandon observed.

"I have been restless since last night," Ken replied.

"Why?"

"You saw your mate in another territory and failed to bring her back. I am still angry at you for leaving her behind. I am also angry at myself for not insisting harder. Brandon, you cannot continue like this without her," he said, lying back on a bench, gripping a dumbbell.

"I will not be at peace until we return for her. She is your mate."

"When are you and your mate completing your bond?" Brandon asked, shifting the subject.

Ken stared at him, stunned, then sighed deeply.

Arianna left me," the he-wolf said after a few moments of ignoring his question.

"Oh...I’m sorry. I suppose you strayed again."

"Yes, and it’s her fault."

"It’s always her fault! Have you ever admitted you are wrong?" He sighed again, and he understood why.

Bernard entered the training den, his wolf clearly unsettled. Questions burned in his eyes, yet he held them back because of Ken. He turned and began to walk away once more.

"Is she hosting a gathering?" Brandon asked without turning to face him.

"Yes."

"What is she celebrating?"

"Her victory over her enemy," Bernard replied.

"Who exactly?" he asked, as though unaware of who her only rival was.

"Luna Emma."

"Alright."

"Your morning meal is ready, Alpha."

"Take it to my chamber," he ordered, and Bernard left with a heavy wolf. He could not explain the sadness weighing on him—perhaps it was because he had not seen the face of the she-wolf in his Alpha’s chamber and assumed betrayal against their beloved Luna.

"Can we go and bring her back now?" Ken said angrily, dropping the dumbbell onto the ground.

"Do not worry, Ken; everything will be fine," he assured him. He exhaled slowly and lifted the dumbbell above his chest once more. They trained for thirty minutes before retreating to their separate chambers.

His mate was still resting deeply. Her wolf was fully covered, just as he had left her. He carefully pulled back the covers. She let out a soft whine and opened her tired eyes. His gaze drifted to the smooth curve of her neck. He leaned closer and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

"Starlit, I know you are weary, but you need to cleanse yourself and eat," he murmured softly into her ear. She turned and looked at him weakly. Her faint gaze was followed by a slow stretch of her wolf. He reached for the intercom device once she was fully awake.

"Bernard, come to my chamber."

"At once, Alpha."

"Why do you need him?"

"To prepare the bathchamber for you," he whispered. She rolled her eyes and quickly sat upright, clutching the covering to her chest.

"Listen, no more pampering. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can, Starlit... but the pampering has only just begun," he said, leaning forward to claim her lips again. He stopped when the sound of the door bolts echoed through the chamber.

"Alpha, I...I..."

They both turned to see why Bernard was stammering. He grinned awkwardly, biting his lips as he looked away.

"Moonrise, Luna Emma."

"Bernard, why are you behaving strangely again?" Emma asked, watching him closely.

"Nothing," Bernard replied, blinking back tears. "Everything has been wrong since you left. The news of your departure threw the entire den into mourning. Richard has remained indoors ever since. All the domestic wolves... have..." He sniffed. "I am glad you have returned."

Brandon was stunned. Bernard—crying over his mate’s return.

"Prepare the bathchamber for her."

"Yes, Alpha," he answered and hurried away at once.

"They cherish you and cannot endure your absence. You can imagine how I felt when I entered the healing den and discovered you were gone."

"I’m sorry," she whispered softly.

"It is alright," he smiled, squeezing her palm. His left eye twitched again involuntarily. Each time his gaze met hers, his wolf reacted strangely—his heart shifting, his senses stirring, and that persistent twitch beginning from the very first moment he saw her.

"Someone is celebrating a victory over her rival. She is hosting a gathering for her moonallies."

"Who?"

"Your sibling... Lunara."

She fell silent for a moment.

"Then I have no issue with it—so long as she funds it herself and restores my den afterward. If anything is damaged and left unmended, she will face my wrath," she said as she slowly stepped down from the resting platform, wrapping the sheet around her wolf. "I also need to speak with the crafts wolves who installed your door. I want the same in my chamber."

"The bathchamber is ready, Luna," Bernard announced before exiting.

Without warning, he lifted her into his arms, and she laughed softly.

"I will bathe you, feed you, and return you to rest."

"No, I have much to do today. I must see Richard, address my workers, and set boundaries for those celebrating my absence—"

"She has employed new domestic wolves."

"What? In my den