The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 346

Chapter 346

23 – Elara

“Alpha, you really need to eat something and get some rest,” Melanie insisted, carefully setting down a tray filled with food and a steaming cup of coffee. “You’re not following the schedule the warriors laid out.”

I snapped back, my voice rough, “That plan was designed for their shifts, not mine.” Then, forcing myself to calm down, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Melanie didn’t deserve my irritation. “Sorry, Melanie.”

She gave me a forgiving smile. “It’s okay, Alpha. But seriously, some rest would do you good. You’d be sharper, and maybe a little less cranky.” She smirked, clearly enjoying teasing me. I must have looked exhausted to let her get away with that. Before I could answer, she added, “Relying on coffee alone can only keep you going for so long.” Her expression softened. “When was the last time you actually slept more than two hours?”

“Yesterday, when you kicked me out of my office,” I replied curtly. “Why?”

“That was three days ago,” she corrected, placing a hand on her hip. My eyes widened in disbelief. “I’m giving you one hour to finish whatever you’re working on, then you have to go up to your room, clean up, and get some sleep. Otherwise, I’m calling reinforcements.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And who exactly are you going to call? My mother’s still in a coma, my father’s indisposed, and all my warriors are as wiped out as I am. None of them would dare challenge me—they know better.”

Melanie arched a brow. “I’ll call Ben. Your mate will make sure you listen.”

I froze. No one but Jax and Dev knew about Ben being my mate. Well, that was probably a lie—warriors were the worst gossipers, even worse than teenage girls. The rumor was likely already swirling, but I hadn’t confirmed it to anyone. “What makes you think he’s my mate, or that he’d have any influence over my decisions?”

She waved her hands animatedly. “Start with the way you look when he’s around. He doesn’t treat you like some ‘stupid female,’ like other visiting alphas, betas, and warriors do.” She grinned. “You don’t brush off his help like you do with everyone else. Should I keep going?”

“You think I have a look?” I leaned back in my chair, watching her pace in front of my desk.

She actually giggled. “Yes, Alpha, you have a look. It’s not some lovestruck, googly-eyed thing. You just seem more confident when he’s here. Your aura feels stronger—not overwhelming or unpleasant, just… more. Does that make sense?”

I frowned, confused. “I don’t feel any different than any other day.”

She paused, clearly tuning into something, then her mouth curved into the most mischievous smile I’d ever seen—like Jax when we were kids about to pull off some prank. “Well, let’s put that theory to the test, shall we?” She stepped to the side of my desk just as the door opened, and the man himself walked in. I shot Melanie a sharp look.

“So, you got a heads-up but not me? Who’s in charge here?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. I knew Ben was watching the exchange, but I wanted an answer from her.

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