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.

whispered, gently touching the sacred

me, her smile frozen

I

small hand in mine, her brave smile even as she lay in the hospital bed. My beautiful,

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

photograph. "You'll be reborn into a happy family next time, baby. A family where your daddy loves you as much

of Lily being reborn into a loving family brought both comfort and pain. She deserved so much better

let you down," I vowed, wiping away

renewed determination, I turned to my Crystal Design Sketchbook. The competition

Moonstone Crystal Design just before the deadline. The intricate sketches showed

crystals into this design. Years of study under

my phone rang. The caller ID

answered,

Winters? This is Sophia from the Pack Healer's Crystal Competition committee,"

breath,

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

to say, my voice steadier than I felt. "What time

design drafts and any materials you might need for

the call, I set the phone down with trembling hands. This was

reflected my determination in the mirror. I would

Lily.

drafts carefully secured in a portfolio. As I pulled into the parking area, my heart sank at the

watched from a distance as Ethan emerged from the driver's side. He walked around to the passenger

wrapping her arms around his

you too, princess." Victoria appeared beside them, pouting

giggled, reaching one arm toward her mother. "I love you too,

to Ethan, creating an intimate family tableau. Her hand rested possessively on his arm as she leaned against

The Alpha