Chapter 27
1127 Words
_Lyla's POV_
The next morning, I woke up feeling drained. The weight of what I had read the night before still clung to me, making my chest feel heavy. My stomach twisted uncomfortably, and I knew that I wouldn’t be able to eat anything. I wasn’t in the mood for breakfast.
I wanted Aaron to come back. His presence always made me feel safe. But he wasn’t here, and the silence of the room only made the anxiety worse. I wished I hadn’t read that book. Now, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Despite my lack of appetite, I forced myself to get dressed and head down to the dining hall. Skipping meals wouldn’t help anything. Maybe if I sat with the others, it would take my mind off everything.
But as soon as I entered the hall, I regretted my decision. Aaron’s father sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes locking onto me the moment I stepped inside. A smirk tugged at his lips, one I had come to associate with nothing good.
“Well, well,” he drawled, setting his cup of coffee down. “Look who finally decided to join us.”
I stiffened, forcing myself to stay calm. “Good morning,” I said while keeping my voice polite.
He scoffed. “Is it? Seems to me that my son’s little Luna is looking worse for wear. Trouble sleeping?”
I clenched my fists under the table. “I am fine.”
Aaron's father chuckled and shook his head. “You don’t belong here, girl. I don’t know what my son sees in you, but mark my words—when reality catches up, he will come to his senses.”
His words stung, but I refused to let him see it. I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze. “Aaron chose me.”
“Foolish boy,” he muttered. “A weak Luna means a weak Alpha. This pack needs strength, not a scared little girl.”
My heart pounded. I didn’t want to let his words get to me, but they did. I wanted to snap back, to tell him that he was wrong—but before I could, a firm hand grabbed his wrist.
“Enough.”
I turned to see Aaron’s mother standing beside him. Her usually warm eyes were filled with cold anger. “You will not speak to her that way.”
Aaron's father frowned. “Elisabeth—”
“No,” she interrupted, her grip tightening. “You may be Alpha, but I am still Luna. I will not tolerate this.”
For a moment, he looked like he wanted to argue, but then, with a sigh, he pulled his arm free and stood. “Hmph. Suit yourself.”
Without another word, he left the dining hall, leaving behind a tense silence.
Aaron's mother turned to me, her expression softening. “Are you alright, dear?”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
She gave me a small smile. “You don’t have to eat here if you don’t want to. Until Aaron returns, feel free to have your meals in your room.”
Relief flooded through me. “I think I’ll do that.”
She squeezed my hand gently. “You’re stronger than you think, Lyla. Don’t let him make you doubt that.”
I gave her a weak smile before leaving the hall. My appetite was completely gone. From that moment on, I decided that until Aaron came back, I would have breakfast in our room.
The next day, I received a message from Aaron. He would be back in the evening. The moment I read those words, my heart lifted.
Finally.
The hours seemed to stretch endlessly. I found myself pacing the room. I was unable to sit still. Every sound made me glance at the door, hoping it was him. I needed to see him, to feel his arms around me. I needed to know that everything would be okay.
When the sun began to set, I stood by the window, watching the entrance to the packhouse. My breath caught when I saw a familiar figure approaching.
Aaron.
I rushed downstairs, my feet barely touching the ground. As soon as I saw him step inside, our eyes met. Relief washed over his face, and before I knew it, I was running toward him.
He barely had time to drop his bag before I crashed into him, wrapping my arms around his waist. His warmth surrounded me, his scent filling my senses.
“I missed you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
Aaron’s arms tightened around me. “I missed you too, Lyla.”
I buried my face in his chest, letting out a shaky breath. “You were gone for too long.”
He chuckled softly and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “I came back as soon as I could.”
I pulled back slightly, looking up at him. “How did the meeting go?”
Aaron sighed. “Better than expected. The other Alphas agree that we need to act quickly against the rogues. We’re setting up patrols and strengthening our defenses. It’s a step in the right direction.”
I nodded. “That’s good.”
His thumb brushed against my cheek. “But what about you? You look… tense.”
I hesitated, debating whether to tell him about the book. I didn’t want to ruin this moment, but he would find out eventually.
“I read something in the book,” I admitted. “Something about the Alpha King… and the Lunar Wolf.”
Aaron’s jaw tightened. “What did it say?”
I took a deep breath. “That his goal is to have an heir with a Lunar Wolf. And if he succeeds… that child will bring destruction.”
His expression darkened, his grip on me tightening. “He won’t touch you, Lyla. I swear it.”
I nodded, but the fear still lingered. “I just… I don’t want history to repeat itself.”
Aaron cupped my face, his gaze burning with intensity. “It won’t. Because I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. You are mine, Lyla. No one will take you away from me.”
Tears pricked my eyes, but I managed a small smile. “Promise?”
His lips curved into a soft smile. “Promise.”
Then, he leaned down, capturing my lips in a gentle but firm kiss. I melted into him, letting the warmth of his love push away the lingering fear.
Aaron was home. And as long as he was by my side, I knew we would find a way to stop the Alpha King.
Together.
- Writer
