Alpha Benji

♕ Chapter Twenty-Seven ♕

"Are you mad at me?"

The question sounds pathetic coming from my lips, but I can't help but ask. Ever since we left the daycare center, the mate bond has left a nagging feeling in my chest. I know something is wrong – I can feel it.

The noise of cluttering utensils fills the silence. From my spot across the kitchen table, I stare at Benji, willing him to answer. My food has remained untouched since we sat down. It's hard to eat with so much anxious energy floating in my tummy.

He finally has the decency to look up, pushing his plate away to focus on me. His features are no longer riddled with anger, but I know he's still irate. "I'm not mad at you." He answers, putting emphasis on the last word.

"Well, who are you mad at, then?" I ask, even though I already know the answer.

Benji must have thought the answer was obvious as well. He snorts, "I'm mad at that disrespectful pack doctor. If he weren't one of our best doctors, I would have ripped his head off his shoulders for acting like that."

I flinch at his crude comment. Images swirl through my mind of Benji holding Noah's decapitated head in his hand. I do my best to shake the disgusting image from my head, both mentally and physically.

"He was just...joking. It's his personality." I hesitate, watching as Benji's eyes narrow. It's clear that he's annoyed that I'm defending Noah, but I feel compelled to. He's been one of my very few genuine friends since I've came here. "Besides, he doesn't know any better. No one knows."

How could Benji get mad at someone for overstepping a boundary they didn't know existed? As far as anyone is concerned, I'm a unique stranger who is over-staying their welcome in this pack. I am not their Alpha's mate. I am not their Luna. It's ridiculous to blame someone for something they have no control over.

But I guess logic hasn't always been Benji's strongest skill. He did attack and lock up multiple packs on the sheer idea of them potentially going after him.

His blue orbs are icy as he stares back, dancing with hints of darkness at the edge. I can tell he's fighting with his inner animal instincts, resisting the urge to lash out. "We will have to change that," he mumbles after a moment of silence.

Confusion danced across my face as I scrunched up my eyebrows. "I don't understand..."

"I didn't introduce you as my mate to the pack because I was unsure. I thought our obstacles would be too difficult to get over." He pauses, darting his tongue out to wet his lips. "I thought my past would be an issue. But, enough is enough, you're my mate. You are the Luna of the Imperious pack. They deserve to have their Luna, and you deserve to have your position."

My mouth is dry by the time he's done speaking. His eyes are no longer cold, but instead fueled by a new sense of life. His gaze is unrelentless; he is determined to make me his Luna. I never imagined seeing him like this – admitting my right to the Luna position. I feared rejection the second I laid eyes on him. There were too many factors going against us from my Omega title to my time spent in the cells.

I am an outside wolf, from a 'traitor' pack, with a low wolf status. Yet, he still wants me as his Luna.

"I thought you wanted to keep our bond a secret, in case one of your enemies found out." My voice is strikingly different from his own; where he is strong and confident, I am hesitant and uneasy. It isn't like me to question his decisions, but my self-doubt gets the best of me.

A short growl escapes his lips, "I'll kill anyone who threatens my Luna or my pack."

Promising to kill people isn't the most heartwarming thing your mate can say to you, but for some twisted reason, it feels like it is. The mate bond is more alive then usual, flourishing in my chest and radiating warmth throughout my body. If I had a wolf, I'm sure she'd be yipping in the back of my mind with glee.

I twist the fabric of my jeans in the palm of my hands, anxiously pulling at loose threads. "When would you want to do this all?" I ask, before lamely adding. "The Luna stuff, I mean."

"Immediately. Next week, I suppose."

My almost quelled anxiety has now skyrocketed to an ultimate extreme. I barely recognize my own voice as I squeak out, "Next week?! I'm not ready."

If my anxiety isn't already clear based on my reaction, Benji can most likely feel it through our bond. In a blur of colors, he's suddenly at my side, abandoning his spot at the dining room table. He's so tall he needs to bend down to bring our heads level.

His left hands rest on my shoulder, shooting sparks of electricity across my skin. "Calm down. You are ready. I know you are ready." He pauses for a moment, before continuing. "I trust you to be my Luna. Do you accept?"

I'm lost in his stare, drowning amongst the depth of the blue orbs. My mouth has a mind of its own. I barely register my voice as I seal my fate with one last word.

"Yes."

♕♕♕

A/N: 

Update time!! First of, I'M SORRY!! I know it has been a hot minute since I've updated, and I know this a bit shorter compared to what I like to put out, but here it is! I've been extremely busy IRL, so I struggled to find time to come on here and write. I figured it would be better to get this chappie out, despite the length, and just work on starting the next chapter earlier. 

With that being said, what do you guys think?! Thoughts on this big progress for Benji & Aria? I want to hear your thoughts and ideas!!

MY CAST (This is just how I see the characters, but you can envision anyone else for the roles! Just thought I would share an updated list)

Aria played by Zhenya Katava

Alpha Benji played by Kellan Lutz

Beta Alaric played by Marlon Teixeira

Gamma Jeremiah played by Ian Somerhalder

Dotty played by Cara Delevinge

Gwen played by Ashley Benson 

Noah played by Dave Franco

Ellie played by Cintia Dicker

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE SUPPORT & LOVE! I hope you all are staying healthy and safe! If you enjoyed reading, please vote & leave a comment! <3