Page 48 of The Alpha's Lunar Crown

I can't shake the feeling that I might've done something wrong, but my gut insists this is the right way. She might be disappointed, but I know if I tried to sway her, it would only add to the bricks in the wall I'm already trying so hard to demolish.

We will get there, but first, I need to win her trust, and I'm prepared to starve myself of my personal desires and drag my bare foot through hot coal tar if that is what is required.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Aurora.

The city lights stretch before me as I pull into our driveway, the familiar sight of our small but cozy home offering a strange sense of comfort and displacement all at once.The journey back was a quiet one. Ronan had barely said a word since we left the Blackwood Pack's territory, his usual energy dulled by something heavier, something unspoken. I knew exactly what it was. He spent the entire drive wearing a long face and staring out the window. He didn't even touch the grilled chicken I packed for him.I cut the engine and turn to face him. He is sitting in the back seat, his small hands gripping the edges of his booster seat, his eyes fixed on both in particular. His whole demeanor saddens me.

"We're home," I announce in a sing-song voice, but I don't get the excitement I expect.

Ronan blinks as if coming back to the present and nods. But there is no excitement, no rush to unbuckle himself and race inside like he usually would.

I swallow hard, reaching back to brush his soft curls. "Ronan," I begin, choosing my words carefully, "do you want to call Uncle Lucien?"

His face lights up, bright and hopeful in a way that both warms and tears me apart. "Can I?"

"Of course, darling," I say, forcing a small smile. "Go ahead."

I dial Lucien's number and hand him the phone before stepping out of the car, but not before I catch the excitement in his voice when he says hi.

"Hi, Uncle Lucien."

I can't hear Lucien's response, but I can feel it—the deep timbre of his voice, the warmth it always carries when he speaks to Ronan. I wrap my arms around myself and lean against the car, staring up at the sky.I stepped out to give Ronan the feeling of privacy, but the curious part of me cracked a window open.It is clear tonight, and the stars are scattered like tiny pinpricks of light, much like they had been in Blackwood.

Blackwood.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss it.

The realization hit me hard, pressing against my chest with an unexpected weight. I had spent years building a life away from the pack, convincing myself that I had moved on. But the days we spent there, the quiet moments, the way Ronan had fit so seamlessly among them—it had felt right. More right than I want to admit.

And then, there was Lucien.

I close my eyes, remembering the conversation I had overheard between him and Selene—the honesty in his voice, the regret, and the longing. He hadn't wanted that marriage. He is really sorry, and he wants to make amends. He never wanted anyone but me.

But is that enough? Does that cover all the years and the way he treated me? Can I ever forgive him for the nights I slept on the street, or the night I went into labor and was scared shitless.

Where was he when Ronan was teething and ran a fever so high he got seizures? My eyes prickled with tears at the memories of the horrendous times. I don't know how I'm supposed to just push it all behind me.

The front door creaks open behind me. "Mom, he wants to talk to you."

I hesitate for a moment, clearing my throat to dislodge the knot in my chest before taking the phone. "Lucien."

"Aurora."

His voice is strained, like he's holding back what he actually wants to say.

"Thank you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, "For being there for him."

"You don't have to thank me, Rora. He's my son. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him."

His words send a shiver through me, but before I can respond, a knock on the door interrupts the moment. I turn, frowning. It is late for visitors.

"I have to go," I murmur.

Lucien sighs. "Is everything alright? With Ronan and the house. Did you find everything just how you left it?"

"Yes. Everything is fine." I replied, feeling the sudden need to end the conversation. Having him all caring and possessive messes with my head. "Goodnight, Lucien."

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