Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna novel Chapter 8

(Ethan's POV)

"Emma cried the whole night because you left after she fell asleep," Victoria said, her voice trembling with emotion. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped nervously against the marble countertop.

I sat across from her in the kitchen of Rosewood Haven, watching as she prepared breakfast. The morning light streamed through the large windows, highlighting the elegant space.

"She kept asking where you went," Victoria continued, her blue eyes filling with tears. "I didn't know what to tell her."

I remained silent, taking a sip of my coffee. Victoria's distress seemed genuine, but I'd learned to be wary of her emotional displays.

"We suffered for five years in the Moonstone Pack territory, Ethan," she whispered, setting down a plate of venison and eggs. "Five years without you. Emma doesn't understand why you keep leaving us."

The mention of those five years stirred something uncomfortable in my chest. Victoria had left the territory pregnant with Emma, claiming she needed space. I'd later discovered it was because of Olivia's pregnancy with Lily.

"I'm sorry about yesterday morning," Victoria said, reaching across the table to touch my hand. "I shouldn't have confronted Olivia like that. It was impulsive."

Her fingers were cool against my skin. I looked at her delicate hand, remembering how different it felt from Olivia's smaller, warmer touch.

"It won't happen again," she promised, her voice soft and pleading. "I've been patient for so long, Ethan. I just want us to be a family."

She squeezed my hand gently. "I'm going to win the Pack Healer's Crystal Competition this year. The former Alpha King will finally approve of me, and we can be together properly."

I met her gaze, my expression neutral. "Hmm," was all I offered in response.

My amber eyes drifted toward the window, my thoughts elsewhere. Victoria's smile faltered at my lack of enthusiasm, but she quickly recovered, continuing to serve breakfast with practiced grace.

(Olivia's POV)

The door to Lily's room creaked open as I stepped inside. The familiar scent of moonflowers and vanilla – Lily's favorite – still lingered in the air.

I approached the small altar I'd created in the corner. The Moonwood Ceremonial Urn sat there, its carved surface gleaming softly in the afternoon light.

"Hello, baby," I whispered, gently touching the sacred vessel.

Lily's memorial portrait hung above the urn. Her emerald eyes – so like mine – stared back at me, her smile frozen in time. She looked so happy in that picture, taken just months before her illness worsened.

"I miss you so much," I said, my voice breaking slightly.

Memories flooded back – Lily's laughter, her small hand in mine, her brave smile even as she lay in the hospital bed. My beautiful, well-behaved, lovely daughter who had been taken from me far too soon.

"I'm going to win that competition," I promised, tears welling in my eyes. "I'll buy you the most beautiful burial ground, where your spirit can find peace."

I traced the outline of her face in the photograph. "You'll be reborn into a happy family next time, baby. A family where your daddy loves you as much as I do."

The thought of Lily being reborn into a loving family brought both comfort and pain. She deserved so much better than what she had received in this life.

"I won't let you down," I vowed, wiping away my tears. "Not this time."

With renewed determination, I turned to my Crystal Design Sketchbook. The competition deadline was approaching quickly, and I needed to perfect my design.

Three days later, I submitted my Moonstone Crystal Design just before the deadline. The intricate sketches showed a revolutionary healing crystal configuration that incorporated rare moonstone arrangements capable of accelerating werewolf healing.

I'd poured everything I knew about healing crystals into this design. Years of study under Elder Willow's guidance, combined with my natural talent, had resulted in something truly special.

The following day, my phone rang. The caller ID showed "Lunar Tower."