Page 42 of The Alpha's Lunar Crown

He nods, his fingers sliding over his face. "If you need anything, I'm just a call away."

I nod in reply, walking towards the door and holding it open for him. He stands awkwardly in the doorway, his hands tucked into his pockets. I push the door wider, reminding him he was just leaving.

"This feels just like old times," he says, his voice heavy with nostalgia."This is nothing like the old times, Lucien.'He takes a step closer, causing me to back up a bit. "But it can be. You're here now. This must be a sign."

"This is no sign, Lucien, I am here because my son is—"

"Our son," he cuts. "Rora, please. I just need another chance, and I swear on my life I'll make you the happiest woman," his voice drops a notch. "And I'll be the best father to Ronan. You know he needs it."

"Don't try to blackmail me with him," I snap, my chest heaving. "Don't you dare try to use Ronan to buy your way back into my life. He deserves a father who will stay. A father who will love and value him above all else. He deserves a man who will prioritize him."

"And I'll stay," he says, his steady voice a contrast to my agitation. "I'll protect him. I'll take care of him. I'll take care of you. Just give me another chance."

I suck in a deep breath, regaining my position at the door. "You have to go now. I need to keep a close eye on Ronan."

His eyes search mine for a moment before he nods. "I mean every word I've said, Rora, and I intend to spend the rest of my life proving it to you." His eyes move behind me, scanning the room before returning to my face. "Take care of yourself. I'll be back at dawn."

I waste no time slamming the door shut the moment he leaves. I knew this was going to be hard. What I didn't expect was his resilience and the effect it has on me.

It's just a matter of time, Rora. Ronan will get better soon, and you'll be out of here as soon as possible. I whisper to myself as I rub the area on my chest that won't keep still.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Aurora

There's a calmness in the air, the kind that frees you of all the aches that come with worry. I sit still, my smile in place, as I watch, with a great sense of admiration, Lucien and Ronan play around in circles.

It's been a week since our arrival, and so far, Ronan's health has gotten remarkably better. He's lively once again, and that is more than enough to have me content.A small smile graces my features as he locks eyes with me, waving wildly in my direction. I feel my stomach fold into a knot as Lucien meets my gaze, his sweaty body glistening under the intensity of the sun.

I manage a polite nod in his direction, and he mirrors the gesture. Ronan and Lucien have been attached at the hip from the moment Ronan started feeling better.He asks about him all the time, follows him to the pack house on a few occasions, and insists he comes around every day. Lucien is also really great with him. I can see the tenderness in his eyes whenever Ronan is yapping endlessly about a new interest or telling him about his toys at home. He looks like he doesn't want to be anywhere else, and whatever Ronan has to say is the most important thing, even if it's mostly gibberish.I've watched them play catch and seen Lucien take him around the pack to show him around. On one occasion, I walked into the living room to find them napping. Lucien was strewn across the sofa while Ronan lay on top of him, his weight supported by Lucien's arms while Guardians of the Galaxy rolled by on the TV screen.The sight brought a strange feeling with it, and if the situation was different, I would've taken a picture and treasured it for life, but I knew better. I wasn't going to start making permanent memories with a temporary man. So, I threw the covers over them and walked away.They continued in a similar fashion, spending the days playing around and evenings watching movies till Ronan slept. I've made it a point to stay out of their way and limit my contact with Lucien.

The nature of the bond and how quickly Ronan grew attached to him had me shaken at first. I was worried about how he'd cope when we leave. But I am not going to rob him of a father's love, no matter how short the duration might be.I force my fears to the corner, allowing myself to enjoy this almost intimate family moment. My son is healthy and has been bonding with his father over the last week. That is more than enough for me. I do not need or want more than this. I hate how often I have to remind myself of this.

A familiar car pulls into the driveway, interrupting their game as they make their way, hand in hand, toward the pack healer."Hey!" She says cheerfully, waving at me.

I put a hand over my forehead, squint, and then lean closer to make out what she is holding before I return her wave.It's a small bag, and the contents are not obvious in any way.Lucien and Ronan catch up with her, and the three of them are deep in a conversation. I wonder what they're talking about, but I fight the urge to walk up to them.When they begin walking toward me, I'm nervous, my smile faltering slightly."Welcome," I say, letting her pull me into her embrace. She smells of lavender and lime, an odd mix that seems to suit her perfectly.

She nods, leaning back to speak, "I stopped to drop these off for Lucien."

My brow shoots up, a question dancing in my eyes, but I stay quiet. He reaches out to accept the bag, holding it firmly at his side as they exchange pleasantries before he excuses himself, with Ronan hot on his tail.She turns to me just then, "Also," she begins, "I was hoping to speak with you."

My heartbeat intensifies as I let my mind go through a number of reasons she'd be looking to speak with me. I think about Ronan, wondering if there are any lingering complications for him health-wise.

Nothing comes to mind, so I walk with her back to her car, "Okay, go on," I urge, eager to get this over with as soon as possible.

She sighs, taking her time, "Have you considered staying here longer?"Without thinking, I shake my head. "I haven't. Why?"

She pauses, turning to face me, her expression a lot more serious now, "He's better. You can see that. Staying here is good for him right now, just until he's old enough to decide what's best for him and his wolf is strong enough to exist without community."

I blink rapidly, struggling to understand where all of this is coming from, "Did he put you up to this?" I ask, my tone accusatory. This sounds like a ploy to get us to stay here and live here if possible. I'm not going to fall into these twisted mind games.She laughs, a soothing sound that seems to echo around me, "No, not at all. Your son is my patient. I'm just concerned about him." Her gaze straightens just then, the smile fading as a frown takes its place, "Taking him away from here can cause another episode."

"Is that the only way it has to be? There's no way for him to feel better elsewhere, even if he has the best care?" I ask, worrying my bottom lips between my teeth. I need Ronan to be at his best. Watching him slowly come back to the boy I used to know and seeing him grow stronger in Lucien's presence has been the best experience. But we can't stay here. It's only a matter of time till tongues start wagging, and I can't risk the trouble.

The healer looks at me, her eyes heavy with concern. "He has to be kept close to his kin."

"I'll think about it," I say, not wanting to drag on with the topic any further.

She nods, "Please, do."

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