Alpha King Chases Abandoned Luna

Chapter 8

(Ethan's POV)

"Emma cried the whole night because you left after she fell asleep," Victoria said, her voice trembling with emotion. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped nervously against the marble countertop.

I sat across from her in the kitchen of Rosewood Haven, watching as she prepared breakfast. The morning light streamed through the large windows, highlighting the elegant space.

"She kept asking where you went," Victoria continued, her blue eyes filling with tears. "I didn't know what to tell her."

I remained silent, taking a sip of my coffee. Victoria's distress seemed genuine, but I'd learned to be wary of her emotional displays.

"We suffered for five years in the Moonstone Pack territory, Ethan," she whispered, setting down a plate of venison and eggs. "Five years without you. Emma doesn't understand why you keep leaving us."

The mention of those five years stirred something uncomfortable in my chest. Victoria had left the territory pregnant with Emma, claiming she needed space. I'd later discovered it was because of Olivia's pregnancy with Lily.

"I'm sorry about yesterday morning," Victoria said, reaching across the table to touch my hand. "I shouldn't have confronted Olivia like that. It was impulsive."

Her fingers were cool against my skin. I looked at her delicate hand, remembering how different it felt from Olivia's smaller, warmer touch.

"It won't happen again," she promised, her voice soft and pleading. "I've been patient for so long, Ethan. I just want us to be a family."

She squeezed my hand gently. "I'm going to win the Pack Healer's Crystal Competition this year. The former Alpha King will finally approve of me, and we can be together properly."

I met her gaze, my expression neutral. "Hmm," was all I offered in response.

My amber eyes drifted toward the window, my thoughts elsewhere. Victoria's smile faltered at my lack of enthusiasm, but she quickly recovered, continuing to serve breakfast with practiced grace.

(Olivia's POV)

The door to Lily's room creaked open as I stepped inside. The familiar scent of moonflowers and vanilla – Lily's favorite - still lingered in the air.

I approached the small altar I'd created in the corner. The Moonwood Ceremonial Urn sat there, its carved surface gleaming softly in the afternoon light.

baby," I whispered, gently

so like mine - stared back at me, her smile frozen in time. She looked so

you so much," I

smile even as she lay in the

I promised, tears welling in my eyes. "I'll buy you the most beautiful burial ground, where your

the outline of her face in the photograph. "You'll be reborn into a happy family next time, baby. A family where your daddy loves you as much as I

a loving family brought both comfort and pain. She deserved so much better than what she had

down," I vowed, wiping away my tears.

The competition deadline was approaching quickly, and I needed

Design just before the deadline. The intricate sketches showed a revolutionary healing crystal configuration that incorporated rare moonstone arrangements

design. Years of study under Elder Willow's guidance, combined with my natural talent, had resulted in something truly

my phone rang. The caller ID

answered, my heart

Winters? This is Sophia from the Pack Healer's Crystal Competition committee," a professional female voice replied. "We're impressed with your preliminary design

breath, hardly daring

demonstration at Lunar Tower tomorrow afternoon," Sophia continued. "You'll be competing for the final

voice steadier than I felt. "What

design drafts

This was my chance - my opportunity to

emerald eyes reflected my determination in the mirror. I would win this.

Lily.

in a portfolio. As I pulled into the parking area,

as Ethan emerged from the driver's side. He walked around to the

squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love

Victoria appeared beside them, pouting playfully. "What about me? Doesn't anyone love

her mother. "I love

family tableau. Her

glanced at them with envy - the picture-perfect family. The