The Rejected Luna

Chapter 5

_Avery's POV_

The morning after the rejection was quiet, almost hauntingly so. I had barely slept, and now I found myself folding clothes into a suitcase. Each item felt like a small piece of the life I was leaving behind. My mom came in, her footsteps soft, and sat beside me. She picked up one of my sweaters and started folding it too, her hands gentle and careful.

“Avery,” she began, her voice a soft whisper, “are you sure this is what you want?”

I looked at her, trying to keep the tears at bay. I didn’t want to cry. Not now. “Yes, Mom,” I replied, my voice cracking just a little. “I can’t stay here. It hurts too much. I need to start over… somewhere far from here.”

She nodded slowly, but I could see the pain in her eyes. “I understand, honey. I just… I just hate to see you go. You’re my baby.” She brushed her hand over my hair like she did when I was little. “But I want you to be happy. I want you to feel whole again.”

I hugged her, resting my head on her shoulder. Her warmth, her steady heartbeat, it all reminded me of how safe I felt with her. And now I was leaving that safety behind.

A few hours later, I stood outside with my suitcase, ready to leave the pack house. My dad approached, his face serious, but his eyes were soft with worry.

“Avery,” he said, his voice gruff but full of love. “You know you’re always welcome here, right? No matter where you go, this will always be your home.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “I know, Dad. Thank you… for everything. For loving me, even when… even when things got tough.”

He reached out and hugged me tight, holding me in his arms. “I’m so proud of you, Avery. You’re stronger than you know.”

His words made my chest ache, but I knew he was right. I had to be strong, for myself. I pulled back, giving him a small, shaky smile.

Then, Luna Maria and Alpha Elias walked over. Luna Maria took my hands, her gaze warm and full of pride.

“Avery,” she said softly, “you have shown such grace. I can’t tell you how much I admire your strength.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “You will always be a part of this pack, no matter where you are. If you ever need us, we’ll be here.”

“Thank you, Luna Maria,” I replied, my voice thick with emotion. “You have been like a second mother to me.”

She hugged me tightly, and I could feel her sadness, her love. “Take care of yourself, sweetheart. And remember, you deserve happiness. Don’t ever settle for less.”

Alpha Elias gave me a solemn nod. “We will miss you, Avery. The pack will always be here for you.”

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of sadness and relief. Then, I noticed Anna approaching. She looked hesitant, almost nervous, her gaze flickering toward Kaden, who was standing a little farther back. He didn’t move, just watched us with that same cold expression he always had.

Anna stepped forward, her voice soft. “Avery… I never meant for things to happen this way. I didn’t want to hurt you. I… I’m sorry.”

I managed a small, polite smile. “It’s okay, Anna. I just hope… I hope you both find happiness.”

She looked at me, relief in her eyes, and nodded. “Thank you, Avery. I… I really am sorry.”

Then, I looked over at Kaden. He hadn’t moved, hadn’t spoken. He just stood there, watching, but with no emotion, no warmth. I took a deep breath, steadying myself.

“Goodbye, Kaden,” I said, keeping my voice as calm as I could.

He gave a short nod, his face expressionless. He didn’t say anything, didn’t even look at me like he cared. My heart ached, but I wouldn’t let him see how much it hurt. Not anymore.

I turned away, putting the final wall between us. It was done. I was free, even if it meant leaving everything I had ever known.

As the car pulled away, I looked back at the pack house, at the place where I had grown up, the place where I had loved and lost. The memories flashed through my mind—the laughter, the dreams, the hopes I had had for my life with Kaden. But that life was gone now. The bond was broken, and all that remained was a bittersweet ache.

I felt my mom’s hand on my shoulder, her fingers warm and reassuring. “You are doing the right thing, Avery,” she said gently. “You are giving yourself a chance to heal.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I knew she was right, but the pain was still there, still sharp. I looked out the window, watching as the pack territory slowly faded behind us.

“Where are you thinking of going?” my mom asked after a while, breaking the silence.

“College,” I replied, the word feeling strange on my tongue. “I’m going to apply to schools out of the country. I want to start fresh somewhere… far away.”

She gave a small nod, a proud smile breaking through her sadness. “You’ll do amazing things, Avery. I just know it.”

I took a deep breath, letting her words settle over me. It was strange, thinking about a life beyond the pack, beyond Kaden. But maybe, just maybe, I could find something new, something that was just for me.

When we arrived at the airport, I hugged my mom one last time, holding onto her warmth. “I’ll miss you,” I whispered.

“I’ll miss you too, sweetheart,” she replied, her voice choked with emotion. “But remember, I’ll always be here for you. No matter where you go, you are never alone.”

With a final wave, I turned and walked toward my future. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope, a spark of something that felt a little like freedom. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.