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."

gleaming with excitement. "The test came back

didn't register. I blinked, my

papers from Ryder's hands and started skimming through it

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

from my chair, disbelief coursing through me as I stared at the paper showing that Ryker was right. The test came out

"How is that possible? I married her because of him. I My mind raced,

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

don't know how, but it's true.

like it might burst from my chest. "She lied," I

these years, I had built a life

married a woman out of duty, stayed with her, raised a

—

I thought I was doing the right thing by keeping the family

could she do this?" I muttered, more to myself than to Ryder. "How could she lie about

throat, shifting uncomfortably.

head snapped up. "What do you mean that's not

his voice dropping lower, more serious now. "The test confirmed that Ryker is your biological

first revelation. "Of course

know who his mother is," Ryder interrupted, his tone

room suddenly felt

as the full weight

mother, then who is?" Ryder shook his head. "We don't know yet, but we will

back to my chair, collapsing

I have a son with no mother? Who was the woman who