Chapter 0005
Author: Aurora Starling Last Updated: 2024-03-09 14:09:48
“Thank you, Luna Hannah,” Zoe said, her sincerity exceeding my expectations.
“Thank you for choosing us as your pack,” I replied, affecting an almost sickeningly sweet tone. Turning to her son, I asked, “Tell me, how old are you, Adam?”
Adam shyly held up four fingers.
Zoe smiled, running her fingers through Adam’s golden locks. “He’s four years old,” she said proudly. “He’s also a bit shy around new people.”
I smiled brightly at Adam. “That’s all right. It’s good to be a little cautious around strangers.”
Turning back to Zoe, I continued, “With your permission, I’ve prepared gifts for all the Pack’s children in advance of the upcoming Lunar Festival, and I’d like to give Adam his now. It might help him feel at home.”
Zoe gestured with her hand. “Be my guest.”
I reached into the supply bags, where I’d hidden Adam’s gift from even Noah’s view. I produced a box encased in shiny red wrapping paper and handed it to Adam. The boy turned the gift over carefully, seemingly unsure what to do.
“Go ahead, sweetheart,” Zoe encouraged. “Open it.”
Giving his mother one last look, Adam tore apart the wrapping paper, tossing it aside. His eyes widened at the sight of the Transformer Optimus Prime action figure. He looked at his mother again, then a wide smile spread across his face as he began jumping up and down.
“Mommy, Mommy, look!” he exclaimed, repeatedly jabbing his finger at the box.
“I know, I see,” Zoe said, laughing with joy. “That’s a very special gift. What do you say to Luna Hannah?”
Adam set his new toy down and, surprisingly, rushed to hug me, burying his face in my dress. “Thank you, Luna Hannah,” he murmured.
I returned his hug. “You’re welcome, Adam.”
A chorus of “awws” erupted from the crowd. The paparazzi jostled for a picture of me with Adam and Zoe. To my secret delight, Noah was almost entirely forgotten.
Later that day, at home, I watched news videos of the Acceptance Ceremony.
“Luna Hannah has surpassed herself today with her warm reception of Zoe, Alpha Noah’s former fated mate, and her son, Adam,” one news anchor declared. “She’s shown remarkable grace and poise. I know I wouldn’t have handled the situation so tactfully.”
“Luna Hannah has certainly proven herself worthy of her position today,” her co-anchor added. “She didn’t just give Zoe and her child the same supplies as the other refugees; she truly opened her arms and heart to them, greeting them like long-lost family. How many of us would have done that?”
“Amidst Luna Hannah’s praiseworthy response, one wonders: why has Zoe returned to the Nightcrest Pack?” the host of another show mused. “It’s highly unusual for a former Luna to join another pack. Zoe, as a Luna, was known for her honor and reputation—could something have jeopardized both?”
One political commentator delved into the profile of Drake, Zoe’s presumed ex-husband, speculating on the reason for Zoe’s sudden departure:
“Drake, nephew of the Luna Queen, was a notorious playboy before his marriage to Zoe. He likely never abandoned that lifestyle. Recently, he was spotted with international supermodel Amber.
“Zoe may have finally had enough of his womanizing and left him to protect her image. Whether this will succeed or backfire remains to be seen. Few Lunas recover from divorcing their Alphas…”
My phone vibrated, seemingly for the hundredth time that hour. It was Viona again. I couldn’t keep her waiting; she might think something had happened to me.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Finally!” Viona exclaimed. “I was starting to worry.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re such a drama queen sometimes. What’s up?”
“What’s up? It’s all over the news!”
“What is?”
“Zoe’s back!”
“Yes, I know,” I said calmly.
“Aren’t you furious?”
“Not exactly,” I lied. “Are you?”
“Of course! How could Noah let her return, after everything you’ve done for him? After everything you’ve sacrificed?”
“Viona, I don’t understand your concern.”
“Bullshit! They were fated mates, Hannah. You know what that means.”
I forced a sigh, maintaining my calm façade. “Yes, I know. I’m not an ignorant teenager.”
“Then why aren’t you more worried? Don’t you know what could happen now that she’s back? That little bastard could—”
“He could cheat on me, ruin my reputation, make a fool of me. I know.”
Viona paused, processing my words.
“And yet you’re smiling and welcoming her and her child into the pack,” she said, her tone bitter. “You’re letting them walk all over you, as though you didn’t give up being an Alpha to become Noah’s Luna. As though you aren’t…”
I knew what Viona was about to say: As though you aren’t mutilating yourself to appease him.
For a moment, I almost lost control. I quietly wiped away tears, took a deep breath, and spoke again.
“I have it under control, Viona,” I assured her. “I know what I’m doing.”
“But, sweetie,” she said, her tone now sad and conciliatory, “are you prepared to be hurt?”
“I’m not going to be hurt,” I insisted. “I’ve made a decision, and I won’t come out of this disadvantaged.”
I jumped as the front door opened, revealing Noah’s imposing figure. Scott followed close behind.
My brows furrowed. Noah only came home on our intimacy nights.
“I have to call you back.”
Before Viona could reply, I hung up.
I watched Noah cross the living room, Scott at his side. Noah dropped his messenger bag on the couch and stood before me, tablet in hand. His brooding expression confirmed he knew of my decision.
I braced myself.
“I received an interesting email from the Alpha Council today,” he said, glaring at me. He handed me the tablet. “Is there anything you want to tell me?”
I didn’t bother to look at the tablet. I knew its contents. He wanted me to claim an error, but there wasn’t one.
I returned the tablet. Then, I squared my shoulders, lifted my chin defiantly, and met his gaze.
“Yes, that is my divorce application.”