Alpha King’s Lost Luna by Aubrey Pepper

Chapter 44 Grievance

CA SSANDRA

As Adalyn continued to glare daggers in my direction, I turned to look at

Finnick.

“Did you lay a hand on Prince Marco?” I asked as evenly as I could possibly manage. Finnick took a moment and then shook his head.

“I didn’t do anything,” he said quietly, but his expression told a different story. Finnick tended to glance down at the ground when he was lying, and he’d done just that a moment ago. So, I took a breath and repeated myself.

“Finnick, this is serious,” I said in a much sterner tone. “I want the truth. Did you lay a hand on Prince Marco?”

Finnick took a moment of pause, and then he nodded.

“Sort of,” he admitted. “But it was just a light push, Mommy. And Marco hit me

first-”

“Prince Marco,” Adalyn corrected him through bared teeth, and then she rushed over to us. She seemed as if she were going to sn atch my son away, but held firm. and lifted him up before she could do anything.

I glared at Asher’s wife as she stopped in front of us. No one, royal or not, was going to lay a single finger on my son.

“I’ll take my son and leave-” I started to say, but as I turned to move, Adalyn’s hand clamped down on my shoulder.

“I’ll tell the Alpha King,” she spat. Her nails dug into my skin, but the pain didn’t matter. I was in protective mode and my only concern was my son.

“Tell him whatever you like,” I retorted, and I yanked my shoulder away with

impressive force. “But I’ll be taking my son away now.”

Prince Marco began to wail.

“My father is going to punish you!” he cried, and he pointed his finger at Finnick. “You’re going to be in trouble!”

Finnick opened his mouth to speak, but I shushed him immediately. I didn’t wait for Adalyn to dismiss me. I simply turned and rushed right out of the room and into the busy hallway. I walked as quickly as I could with Finnick in my arms, and I held him tightly against me.

“Mommy,” Finnick whimpered as I sped toward our chamber. “Mommy, I’m

sorry-”

did you push Marco?” I asked

having it. I set him down on the ground and

never an excuse for physical violence,” I chastised him. “Now, tell me Finnick, why did you

was quiet for a moment, and then he began to sniffle. It was soft at first, and then it grew a little louder. I

I prompted

cheeks, my heart began to ache.

sniffs, and the whites of his eyes turned slightly red. “He laughed at me, Mommy,

I hadn’t realized Finnick had overheard what Erika had said to me last night. Even if

I said loudly. “You don’t say things like

ever raised my

suddenly began

exclaimed, and before

off down the hall toward

no use. Tears welled in my own eyes. My worst fears were coming true.

was toxic.

behind me, and I readied myself for the stern

okay?” she asked, and when I shook my head she sighed. “Shhh… don’t

that to me,” I whispered through my cries.

me. “He’s not that kind of boy. I must tell you, Ca ssandra.. This is all my fault. I stepped out of the classroom to grab some water and left the boys alone. I didn’t expect them

war path and would likely seek revenge on anyone involved in

fault,” I said as I wiped my cheeks. “Thank you for getting

a small, apologetic smile. “Thank you, Ca

maid turned and walked down the hall. Once

in bed with his head buried in his blanket. I quietly closed the door

softly. “Finnick, I’m

up slowly. I took a seat beside

there in silence for a minute or two.

us last night?” I asked. “And why would.

about you, Mommy. I… just wanted to say bad things to him

meant well, but you can’t say things like that to people, even if they’re mean.

keep things from me, Mommy.”

He was right. I was so full

apologized. “I’m sorry,

too,” he whispered. “I should probably say that to

presents itself, you should,” I agreed. “For right

Daddy leave because he didn’t like me?”