Page 60 of King Luna

My chest tightens as it all comes flooding back. That’s right; Noah claimed Mason not only knows our strongest Alpha, but also would never admit it.

Was that because they’re an Alpha woman, or a non-binary or transmasculine Alpha carrying a pup?

But who else is also pregnant that we know?

I can’t think of a single other person. The more I rack my brain, the angrier I become: why is Noah keeping this wolf so private, anyway? In terms of his personal life and traumas, that’s one thing. But we just had a discussion about this. With that threatening list looming above our heads on the projector screen, this sounds like crucial information for our survival.

What if I’m wrong? What if Noah is another man who has used manipulative tactics on me, and I didn’t notice—again?

“Who are you talking about?” I ask.

Noah’s eyes zip to mine. The whole room falls silent. Everyone glances from me to Noah, awaiting his response.

But Noah doesn’t flinch; his gaze remains locked onto mine. “I’m sure you’ve heard us joking about ‘mother wolves,’ but it’s not actually a joke. Pregnant wolves are often feared by how strong they become to protect our pups. You’re a powerful figurehead, so while we’ve been concerned you could be a target while pregnant, it’s also possible they’ll be even more intimidated by you if they happen to find out you’re pregnant.”

I tighten in defense, my nails digging into my palms. “So you’re talking about me? But you were whispering about your strongest wolf as well, so is there something that I don’t know?”

“There isn’t anything you don’t know, we’re just talking quietly to reduce everyone’s stress. But—” Noah’s mouth opens, then closes. “This is a big misunderstanding.”

Viktor’s eyes widen. His fleeting glance at Tane ticks my anger up a notch.

My frustration rises, but I mindlink Noah, not wanting to embarrass him.Are you sure you’re not whispering because it’s something secretive? Is your strongest wolf different from your strongest Alpha that you mentioned to Mason? I don’t know them either.

They’re all the same person. And it’s not a big secret: I’ve told you the truth, many times. But maybe not directly enough,Noah mindlinks.

My heartbeat gallops.I don’t get it. Please, just tell me clearly.

I will, but I don’t think it’s fair of me to rub it in constantly, and this misunderstanding is making it sound even worse. I just didn’t want to make you even more uncomfortable. I know how much pressure it is to be viewed like this, and it’s not like you can control it. But I forgot about the Alpha thing I said to scare Mason. I didn’t realize how fucked up that was for me to blurt out in the heat of the moment, and I’m really sorry. You’re an Omega, even if you have an Alpha side, and I know that. I won’t assume otherwise unless you tell me.

I shuffle where I stand, my cheeks flaring hot.Wait, you’re talking aboutme?No.

Noah’s shoulders stiffen.I would be pissed in your position too. I really shouldn’t have phrased it like that to Mason, especially not in front of so many others. But that doesn’t change the truth about—

No, it’s not even the Alpha thing. Mason hates Omegas and could never see us as strong as any Alpha, so I’d do the same thing. I’d summarize my occasional Alpha-ness as full Alpha-ness just to shut that asshole up—if only that ‘strongest’ label you tacked on were anywhere near true. That’s the problem. You’re glorifying something that doesn’t exist in me.

Noah doesn’t move. He continues to challenge my staredown, not daring to back down.I disagree.

Oh, my God. He’s serious.

I grit my teeth.It can’t be me.

Noah’s chest tightens.Why not?

No, this is ridiculous. You have to be mocking me.

Mocking you? I’m not the one mocking your strength right now. I’d never, not once in a million years, categorize you as ‘weak,’ Aliya.

My chest puffs.Then I disagree too. This makes no sense.

When Noah’s jaw ticks, I’m tempted to let out a genuine growl, my wolf edging to the surface with my rising frustration. But as a wave of hurt pummels both sides of our bond, my chest cavity stings.

Viktor’s brows furrow, glancing between Noah and me. “Uh... Should we step out?”

Fuck. I didn’t realize it, but my Alpha musk has been creeping from my scent glands, forcing wary stares out of our Luna allies.

Wait, no—out ofeveryone. Viktor and Tane eye me just as closely as they eye Noah.

What the hell is happening?

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