Page 39 of The Alpha's Lunar Crown

I press my eyes shut, trying to imagine the easiest way I can have this conversation with Selene. Every scenario that plays in my head ends with her breaking down in tears or worse.

I nod, "I know."

I empty my glass, then slam it hard against the table, surprised when it doesn't crack. "They can't keep getting away with this."Liam nods, unable to do more than that at this point in our conversation. He has a distant look in his eyes, one that is paired with a calculating glint.The silence in the room is thick afterward, with both of us seemingly lost in thought, each one thinking the same thing. Silver Pack needs to be put in check at this point. We've all had enough of this senseless bloodshed.I sit in silence long after Liam has taken his leave, unable to get myself out there where I can possibly bump into her. But deep down, I know this is not the kind of news I intend to keep away from her, especially with how fast bad news travels.I pick up my support stick, putting one foot before the other as I make my way down the stairs to where I believe I'll find her.Just like I guessed, she's stretched on a couch, her face crumpled in a frown, her eyes on her phone.

The clinking of my stick against the floor gives away my presence, and when she looks up, her frown is quickly replaced by a smile.

"Up and about already, I see," she chides, a playful seriousness in her tone.

I settle across from her, managing a small smile, "Can't sit still. There's too much to do."

She shrugs, "You could've easily called me to come see you in your office if you needed company, a better alternative to you getting down all that flight of stairs like this."

I shake my head, not wanting to entertain her pity, "I'm alright."

Placing her phone aside, she drops her leg, giving me her full attention, "Alright then."

I sit for a while, unsure how to bring up the topic until she speaks again. "I have news." She looks unsure, and her face is a museum of emotions, a classic cocktail of guilt, fear, doubt, and a small glint of hope and excitement simmering underneath."I thought you already could tell me anything.""I know, but this is a bit different." Her eyes don't meet mine, and there's evident guilt in her demeanor, so she's certainly not aware of the situation. That brings me a little relief, but I also have no doubt whatever she's about to say has something to do with her mate. Are they getting married? Goddess please—

"I'm pregnant," she blurts out, bringing my thoughts to a screeching halt. "I'm sorry. I swear I didn't intend for this to happen. One moment, we were just talking, and the next—"

Her voice trails off, and she tucks her finger on her lap, her eyes glued to her feet.I feel my heart drop into my stomach, my mouth opening of its own accord as I process the news that, under different circumstances, would've been good.

"I'm trying to reach him, but he's not available. I was looking to share it first with him." She adds, her eyes resting on her phone only a few inches away from her."Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I can't shake off the feeling of impending doom. I've been more nauseous than usual. My emotions are a bit all over the place, and I feel like the center of my world was moved while I slept. I've been telling myself it's pregnancy hormones, but something doesn't feel right. My wolf is restless, too.""Do you—" she clears her throat, her eyes everywhere but me. "Do you think he lost interest? Maybe he found someone else, or he decided the situation is too complicated for him?"

Her eyes finally find mine, and the fear in them damn well cracks my heart. She needs reassurance, and I wish I could give her some. I wish I could tell her I'll send someone to him or something, but I can't. I don't lie. The news suddenly feels too heavy for me.

"Selene," I begin, the sound of my own voice surprises me."I know. I know I'm probably just spinning out of control, and it's the hormones, but he always takes my calls. No matter how busy he is, he makes time for me, and this is not something I can just text him." Her eyes lit up like a light bulb just came on somewhere."Do you think I should pay him a surprise visit? I mean, we try to keep our meetings private because—" she gestures between me and her, "but I really need to see him."

She sucks in a deep breath before returning her attention to me. "Sorry, I cut you short. I just have a lot in my head right now. You wanted to say something." She raises a brow, urging me to go on.I clear my throat, unsure how to approach the topic. I decide after I can feel her eyes still watching me that it's best I blurt it out.

"His pack was attacked this morning, and he didn't make it out alive."

She pauses, her lips together, her expression changing, "Who didn't.." she trails off just then. "Who didn't make it out alive?" Her voice is a few octaves higher now.

I stare at her, making no effort to elaborate more because I can see in her eyes that she knows who.I watch the initial excitement evaporate from her expression, leaving in its stead a deep, suffocating sadness."I'm sorry.." I manage to say as I squeeze her hands in mine, communicating my support."Who's responsible?" she asks, sniffing a tear. I pause for a moment before telling her in detail everything I heard from Liam.Once I'm done, she presses her eyes shut, her hands trembling as she sobs, the kind that causes her body to jerk uncontrollably.

Seeing her like this breaks what's left of my heart, and I reach out, gathering her in my arms as she sobs, her tears soaking through the fabric of my shirt, but I don't mind.

I run a finger over her shoulder, muttering soothing words until she's calm again, her sobs coming out in silent gasps now."I have no idea what I'm supposed to do now, none whatsoever. It feels like a part of me is gone, leaving a deep void I can never fill," her words come out in short hiccups."He didn't deserve it, you know." I nod, mumbling an affirmative reply as she continues, "I need to know who did this. I need a name, anything."

"I'll see what I can do to help you with that." I make a mental note to get the word out to everyone who could provide the answers she needs that their service would be rewarded.

"I don't need you to see what you can do to help, Lucien. I need to know every detail of this attack down to the person who delivered the last blow. I'll come for them, even if it's the last thing I do. Silver Pack will feel the wrath of a wounded woman."

Another bout of sobs takes her body, and I hold her steady, my mind a maze of thoughts.

An idea comes to my mind, and I take my time to share. "Selene," I begin, causing her to raise her head, watching me with tear-stained eyes, "Now he's…" I trail off, not wanting to repeat it, "There's a vacant leadership position in their pack." I pause, waiting for my words to resonate with her.

"You can challenge their strongest warrior. You're a pure-blood wolf. I do not doubt your combat ability."

She's sitting upright now, a small space between us as she takes in what I have just said."We're still married," she said matter-of-factly.

Her response is a clear message. She's not averse to the idea. The only thing holding her back is the fact that she is still tied to me. I understand her. If anything happened to Rora, I'd be out with teeth and claws, leaving blood in my wake till I found the culprit and made them pay.

I smile despite myself. "That can be annulled if you want." She needs to take out her anger somehow. I understand her need for revenge, and I also know if she's not able to avenge his death, she'll never forgive herself.We shifters are creatures of fierce loyalty, and our love is measured in how far we will go for our loved ones. Nothing will break a wolf like not being able to express their love and loyalty for a loved one. It's pure torture. It's a gift I won't deprive her of—the opportunity to fight for a loved one, to show him how much he matters even in death, and to let the pack know he was loved.

She looks up just then, her eyes glassy with tears, "You'd do that?"I nod, reaffirming her words, "I would."

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