The Wolf God's Unwanted Luna

Vivian’s POV

We stared at each other. He looked calm, serious even, but I was a whirlwind of confusion. Still, I held back my questions when I heard my mother’s voice on the line.

"Oh, that’s wonderful, but how? And why can’t you two come here?" Her voice held a mix of joy and curiosity. Hearing I was safe and with my mate, no less, seemed to settle her nerves. She’d always believed that a mate would protect me.

"For many reasons, Mrs. Gray. But wouldn’t you like to see where your daughter is living now?" Zaliver’s tone turned smooth, persuasive. If I were in my mom’s shoes, I’d be curious too.

"Uh, yes, I suppose I would. So, you two are living together? I don’t know how your father and I feel about that, Vivian. You barely know each other. Maybe you should come home, and the both of you can—"

Zaliver’s arm suddenly tightened around me. What was once a comforting hold became possessive, almost as if he feared she could somehow pull me away through the phone. He yanked me closer like I was his and his alone.

"I don’t think that’s a good idea," he said firmly. "There’s a lot we need to talk about, which is why I’ve arranged for both of you to come here. It’s important we all get to know one another. Don’t you agree, Vivian?" His eyes pinned me, dark and unyielding, daring me to say anything different. There was something simmering beneath the surface, anger maybe, or fear. He hated the thought of my parents separating us, even just hypothetically.

"Uh, yeah," I said softly, unable to look away or go against him. "We should meet here, Mom. It’ll be great."

"Well, I’ll speak with your father, sweetheart. My heart feels so much lighter now. Thank you for looking after my daughter, Mr. Azrala." My mom’s warmth made me wince inwardly. She had no idea she was thanking the same man who had kidnapped me, my mate yes, but also the feared Lupus Deus.

"The pleasure is mine. She’s wonderful. I’m honored to have her by my side for the rest of our lives," Zaliver replied smoothly, watching me with burning eyes. Through the bond, I felt a teasing wave of heat and something darker, mockery maybe. I turned away.

"Oh, how adorable! I can’t wait to meet you," my mom gushed. I felt my stomach twist. She thought the "forever" part was a cute exaggeration.

"Mom, I think you should know about—"

"We’ll send over your flight details soon," Zaliver cut in again, his voice all business. "I hate to end the call, but we must. You should be here in two days."

I opened my mouth to protest, to finally say what needed to be said, but she beat me to it. "Where are you two exactly?"

"Let’s keep that a surprise," he said with a smile in his voice. "But pack like you’re going to Hawaii."

Mom squealed into the phone. "Oh, thank the Lord! You’re safe and sound. We’re going to Hawaii! I’m so happy!"

"Mom—" My disbelief was all over my face.

"We’ll be in touch soon, Mrs. Gray. See you then," Zaliver said easily, as if he wasn’t pulling the wool over her eyes.

"Goodbye, Mr. Azrala. Bye, sweetheart! Your father will be so thrilled to hear the news."

"Mom—"

Click.

I turned to Zaliver, watching as he stood there calmly, back to me, his fingers flying across his phone. That conversation had gone completely sideways. While I was relieved my parents would be coming, I still didn’t understand why we couldn’t go to them. Every time I tried to explain things, he’d cut in with charm and control.

"What the hell, Zaliver? Why didn’t you let me tell her the truth? And why are they coming here instead of us going there?" I snapped, the anger pouring out of me.

He turned slowly, one brow raised slightly, and tucked his phone into his back pocket.

"For a lot of reasons, Vivian. That’s not the kind of conversation to have over the phone, especially not without your father present. And I’ve got more to explain than you do." His tone was steady but firm. "As for bringing them here, it’s simple. If they’re here, they’ll see how well you’re doing. They’ll know you’re safe with me. But if we leave the island, things could get dangerous. The moment word spreads that you’re my mate, you’ll become a target. Here, I can protect you. Out there, it could be catastrophic."

His words landed heavy. I hated that he made sense. Still, I didn’t like the way he took control, not just of the situation, but of me. And yet part of me didn’t want to leave him either.

I pressed my lips together, holding back more words even though part of me still burned to argue. But deep down, I knew he had a point. As much as I hated being kept away from them, I would rather my parents be safe, even if it meant I couldn’t be near them. He must’ve sensed that shift in me because his posture eased, some of that edge fading from his frame.

"Thanks for..." I started, nodding slightly in his direction. But the words died in my throat.

What was I even trying to say? That I was grateful? I was. That brief call with my mom, despite all the times we were cut off, had settled something restless inside me. Just hearing her familiar voice, knowing she was okay and that she’d actually heard from me, had untangled something I hadn’t realized was coiled so tightly in my chest. The guilt wasn’t gone, but it sat lighter. The homesickness was still there, but it was no longer the only thing filling my chest, pressing out everything else.

I looked at Zaliver, this man who had upended my entire world and then, quietly and without fanfare, handed me back my mother’s voice like it was the least he could do.

"Just, thanks," I said finally.

He didn’t say anything back. He just looked at me for a long, quiet moment, then gave a single, small nod.

That was enough. For now, it was more than enough.

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