Chasing His Betrayed Luna novel Chapter 21

AURELIA

~<>~

“We’ve crossed the border, Relia.” Inara’s worry was etched into each of those words as the car moved slowly along the bumpy road that connected Dark Moon Pack's borders to its civilization.

My guts twisted and I felt my heart beating rapidly as my eyes shifted from side to side, taking in the less familiar landscape of a place I once called home. Clearly, a lot has changed since I left. For one, I had to travel for almost nine months on foot before I made it to Black Fur Pack five years ago but with the luxury of cars, it only took four days to make it back to where I started.

Just four days!

“But you aren’t alone this time. You’ve me, friends, lovely kids and I bet Alpha Tristan would kill anyone to keep you safe. That man adores you so you’ll be just fine–” Inara began to fill my head with encouraging words as we drew closer and closer to my past.

But I’d to cut her off, “Adores me? Don’t start spewing nonsense about him, Ina. He’s simply being my Alpha.” An Alpha I have been lying to for five years.

My chest tightened because I knew Alpha Tristan would feel the brunt of my betrayal when he found out that I was once a member of Dark Moon Pack, once mated and married to Raiden who he detested, and–

“He wants to be more than that. I can sense it. Plus why else would he provide a separate car for you and the kids? You could have joined the other warriors in the bus.” Inara chimed to me and quickly added before I could counter her assumptions. “He doesn’t have to know, Relia. Focus on the games and return home as soon as possible.”

But how soon would that be?

With Raiden playing games, how soon would I be able to escape again?

I ignored Inara’s comment not because I wasn’t curious to know why she’d think Alpha Tristan wanted more from me but because I needed to go over some ground rules with my kids who were sitting quietly beside each other. Their initial excitement had faded due to fatigue but I could still see their eyes sparkling as they looked out the windows.

“Katie,” I called for the most difficult child first and she looked at me with a tired smile. “What did we agree on before we left home?”

My daughter rolled her stormy blue eyes, looking a whole lot like the intimidating version of me that I never got to unlock. “If I knew you’d be like that, I’d have rode with Tristan, Mom. You–”

“She asked you not to call her mom, Katie and I also can’t call her mama as long as we are away from home. You’re breaking the rules.” Kyle cautioned his sister who shook her head and facepalmed like the dramatic queen she was.

Katie voiced, “I already promised not to call you mom or tell anyone I am your daughter. I also promised not to get into any trouble, Warrior Lia.”