His Reluctant Luna novel Chapter 14

Alice

"Wow!" 

My anger, resentment, and escape plans were on the back burner. I was busy staring at the tall, lush green trees. There were miles and miles of trees, much more than Jade moon territory.

"You like it?" Lucian asked, his green eyes reflecting the greenery below.

"You have a river!" I exclaimed excitedly as I looked down at the Blue Ribbon of water snaking through the deep green. It was beautiful. 

Then I spotted the buildings. At first, they just appeared like a mass of grey and whites. There was a huge central courtyard, garden, whatever you might call it. The size of a football field. It was surrounded by buildings, several of them. The helicopter landed in this lush grassy courtyard.

Avoiding the loud noise and the wind lashing around us, Lucian helped me climb out of the helicopter. The ride had been short, about 45 minutes. I guessed his minions would be arriving by road. The copter flew off. I bet Lucian had a hanger somewhere on the property. I took in my surroundings, and it left me breathless. 

There was a smattering of numerous buildings and houses of various sizes, but the centrepiece was the giant castle or a mansion, whatever you might call it. 

It was not old, but it was based on the Louis XIII-style château, though it was not medieval looking. It was modernized. Surrounded by acres of forest, meadows, and pastures. A long driveway led through verdant parkland to the grand main residence. There was a French formal garden, graced with a water mirror!

"That's where you live?" I asked aghast.

Lucian was now smiling widely.

"Yes," he replied.

"That building is an architectural marvel, how old is that?"

"It was built sometime in the 1900s by my grandfather, my grandmother was French. He wanted to make her feel at home. Do you like it?" His curious eyes observed my face for my reaction. I nodded eagerly, still gaping at the marvellous building.

"C'est sensational," I replied. 

It drew a chuckle from him. I did not protest when he put his hand around me, glueing me to his side.

"How many people live here?" I asked while looking at the houses around.

"2000, and several more who are not stationed here currently. They are living in the city or away at college." He replied, casually.

Jade moon was half the size of the Crimson Shadow. 

"Wow! Your coronation ceremonies would be interesting."

Coronation or acceptance ceremonies were held when a new Alpha or Luna was introduced to the pack. Every member familiarized themselves with their scent, and it lasted hours, even days depending on the pack size.

"I am glad that you are already planning the coronation." He said with a glint of humour in his eyes.

I stiffened. "Don't get your hopes high. It was just an observation." I snapped.

He explained to me the other aspects of the property, like the orchards and vegetable garden, the school, and a stable!

"Charming little prince, aren't you? With your castle!" I joked.

He tilted his head and grinned at me, humour lighting up his green eyes.

"But it's empty without my princess, she keeps running away from me."