The Rejected Luna

Chapter 12

_Avery's POV_

When the plane finally touched down, a mix of relief and dread washed over me. We were back. My home, my pack, and my past were all waiting, but so was Kaden—and his wedding. The thought alone twisted my stomach into knots.

Liam was by my side as we disembarked, handling most of the airport formalities. He took charge of our bags, speaking to the customs officer on my behalf when my mind wandered, lost in thoughts about Kaden. I didn’t know how I would face him now. Running from my old life was hard enough but returning felt even harder. My feelings for him weren’t something I could just switch off, even if our bond was severed.

Liam noticed my distraction as we walked. “Avery, are you with me?” he asked, tilting his head to catch my gaze. “You seem… somewhere else.”

I forced a smile. “Sorry. Just a bit tired from the flight.”

He raised an eyebrow, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m here, you know. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Before I could reply, we stepped outside, and my eyes immediately spotted my father waiting by the exit. He looked like he hadn’t aged a day, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw me. I broke into a run, rushing into his arms, feeling like a child again as he hugged me tightly.

“Dad,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

“Oh, Avery,” he murmured, pulling back to look me over with a proud smile. “You look… well. How have you been?”

I nodded. “I am fine, Dad. Really.”

He gave me a searching look before nodding. “And everyone back home? Are they doing well?” I asked, suddenly nervous about what I might hear.

He sighed, his smile fading just a bit. “We are all fine, but your mom and I…we have missed you. So much.”

I hugged him again, holding on tightly before stepping back. That is when he glanced over my shoulder, noticing Liam, who was pushing our luggage cart toward us.

“And who is this young man?” my dad asked, raising an eyebrow as he gave Liam a once-over.

I managed a small smile. “This is my friend, Liam.”

Liam came forward, extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir. I am Liam, Avery’s boyfriend.”

I felt my cheeks flush as my father’s eyes widened. He shook Liam’s hand, then looked at me, a hint of surprise in his expression. “Your… boyfriend?”

I nodded, avoiding his gaze. Dad’s look softened into a smile, and he clapped Liam on the shoulder. “Well, Liam, I hope you know what a treasure you have in my daughter. And I hope you’ll treat her well. She has been through a lot, and if you ever break her heart…” He let the sentence hang, his tone light but with an edge of seriousness.

Liam met his gaze, his expression steady. “Sir, I promise you, I’ll take good care of her. She means a lot to me.”

My dad seemed satisfied with that, and we started heading toward the car, Liam walking beside him and carrying the bags as they talked. The two of them fell into an easy conversation, and my dad was already joking and laughing with him, seeming genuinely pleased. It was strange, but nice, to see them getting along so well.

I, on the other hand, sat quietly in the backseat as Dad and Liam continued their chatter. I watched the familiar scenery pass by the window, my heart feeling both heavy and numb at the same time. I knew Kaden would be here, somewhere nearby. Would I see him? Would I even want to? I wasn’t sure if I could handle the sight of him with Anna, preparing for their wedding.

I must have looked lost in thought because Liam glanced back at me, his expression turning serious. “Hey, you okay?” he asked, his voice soft.

I blinked, trying to focus. “Yeah… just a lot to take in, I guess.”

Dad, noticing the change in my mood, reached over to give my hand a comforting pat. “It’s been a long journey for you, I know,” he said gently. “But remember, Avery, we are proud of you—no matter what.”

I managed a small smile. “Thanks, Dad.”

The rest of the drive passed with Liam and Dad talking about random things. Liam shared stories from our time away, making my dad laugh, while I stayed quiet, half-listening and half-dreading the inevitable reunion with Kaden. What would I do when I saw him? Would it be best to ignore him and pretend I didn’t care?

The thought of seeing him with her, of witnessing the happiness I had always wanted but could never have, made my chest tighten painfully. I stared out the window, wondering how I would survive the next few days.

We finally reached the house, and as Dad helped unload the bags, he turned to me with a warm smile. “Welcome home, Avery,” he said, his tone filled with warmth and love. It felt comforting, but a sense of unease still lingered, like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

Liam wrapped an arm around my shoulder as we walked inside. “Remember,” he whispered, “I am here with you. Whatever happens.”

I nodded, grateful for his presence. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the feeling that returning here would only open old wounds I wasn’t sure had healed. I hoped I was ready for whatever came next—but I couldn’t be sure.