Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 279: Grand Deceit

Killian's POV

I sat in my chair, the weight of guilt still pressing down on me, my mind spiraling with thoughts of Astrid. Regret felt like a physical thing, constricting my chest, refusing to let go. I rubbed my temples, trying to block out the voices in my head, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

I didn't want to deal with anyone right now. Not after everything. But the knock came again, more insistent. With a sigh, I forced myself to speak.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Beta Ryder stepped in, his face alight with excitement, practically beaming.

I blinked, surprised by the energy radiating from him. He was rarely this enthusiastic, and I wasn't in any mood to deal with whatever news had put him in such a good mood.

"Killian," Ryder began, unable to contain his grin. "I've got something important to tell you."

I tried to mask my exhaustion, but it was a losing battle. "Ryder, now's not really the time="

"No, you'll want to hear this," he cut in, stepping closer. "The results... the DNA test you've been waiting for."

I froze. The DNA test.

In an instant, my fatigue vanished, and I sat up straighter. My heart rate quickened. "The test?"

Ryder nodded, his grin widening. "It's out, and... you're not going to believe this." His voice dropped, almost conspiratorial, drawing out the suspense.

I stared at him, every nerve in my body on edge. "Ryder, just tell me."

with excitement. "The test

my mind struggling to

from Ryder's hands and started skimming through it to check if he

confusion on my face, but he pressed on. "Giselle. She's not Ryker's biological

me as I stared at

"How is that possible? I married her because of him. I

Ryker was born, Ryder. I was told Ryker was my son! I married her because I thought she was his mother!

know how, but it's true. Giselle

so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. "She lied," I whispered,

years,

married a woman out of duty, stayed with her,

—

I thought we shared a bond. I thought I was doing the right thing by keeping the family together, but it had

muttered, more to myself than to Ryder.

cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably.

up. "What do you mean that's not

test," he said, his voice dropping lower, more serious now. "The

revelation. "Of course he is. I've known

know who his mother is," Ryder interrupted, his tone grave. "That's the

room suddenly felt

air too thick to breathe. My heart pounded in my chest as the full weight of what he was saying hit mef Giselle wasn't Ryker's mother, then...

whisper. "If Giselle isn't his mother, then who is?" Ryder shook his head. "We don't know yet, but

and I stumbled back to my chair, collapsing into it as the shock of the

I have a son with no mother? Who