Ch. 236..240: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 236-240

Chapter 236: Past Hurts

Nova's POV

My time with the Shadowfang Pack has drawn to a close. I came for the ceremony, a vibrant celebration of Astrid, which wrapped up just yesterday.

Now, as the echoes of laughter and joy fade, guests bustle about, readying themselves to return to their own lives, and I am one of them.

I meticulously counted my belongings, ensuring nothing was left behind. Michael had stepped out to prepare our car, leaving me alone in the room to conduct one final check.

I scanned the corners, the drawers, and beneath the bed, making sure every item found its way into my bags.

Once satisfied, I slung the heavy bags over my shoulder. Their weight was no burden to me; with my werewolf strength, they felt as light as feathers.

A typical female human would struggle under such a load, but for me, it was just another reminder of the power coursing through my veins.

I finally opened the door to follow Michael with the bags. For sure, he is already waiting for me outside after moving the car out of the parking space.

However, as I stepped out into the hallway, I almost jumped in surprise when I saw Drystan standing by the doorstep like a silent sentinel framed by the fading light.

'How long has he been waiting here?' A thought darted into my mind as I caught his intense gaze.

Drystan didn't say a word; he just held me in with his steady stare, and I felt a mix of surprise and curiosity swirl within me. I forced a smile, trying to keep things casual despite the flutter in my chest. "What are you doing here?" I asked, hoping to break the tension that hung between us.

I held my breath when Drystan suddenly leaned forward, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a surge of anticipation.

'Is he going to?' The thought hung in the air, but then he reached out for the bags on my shoulder, and I paused, caught off guard.

I realized he was simply trying to help. I instantly cleared my throat and stepped back to reclaim my space. I tried to remain composed, not letting any of my emotions betray me.

What was I thinking?!

Drystan opened his mouth to say something when I stepped back from him.

"No, I've got this," I cut him off, my voice firmer than I intended, not letting him touch the bags.

He still hasn't answered my questions. What is he doing here?

"I came here to help you with your bags. Allow me," Drystan spoke, his voice steady and calm, but there was an intensity in his gaze that made my heart race.

"There's no need, Michael would be

here any minute," I replied, quickly averting my gaze. I was afraid that if I held his stare any longer, I might just melt into a puddle at his feet.

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"Michael is your second chance, mate, is he?" Drystan's voice softened, and I sensed an undercurrent of something deeper.

"Yes, he is," I answered, my tone turned out more indifferent than I had intended

"When are you going to introduce him to me?" Drystan asked, his question leaving me momentarily speechless.

Yesterday, I sensed someone following me with their gaze the whole time. I knew it was him, but I pretended that I hadn't seen him and tried my best to ignore him.

He had been watching us, but I kept my gaze far from him, making sure that I wouldn't make eye contact with him.

Now, he finally had his chance to confront me about it, and now, I feel pathetic for being caught like a suspicious person hiding something from him.

"Michael is different from us. That's why I don't know how I can introduce him to everyone," I made up an excuse, and knowing how smart Drystan is, I knew he would see through it.

"He is human?" Drystan asked although I knew he already knew since he was a powerful werewolf, and I knew he already caught a whiff of Michael's scent.

"He is," I answered, confirming his question nonetheless.

"Break up with him," Drystan said, his tone startlingly casual. My eyes shot up at him in surprise.

"W-What?" I stammered, taken aback by his words.

"He is human. Trust me, he is going to hurt you. You can't be with him," Drystan insisted, making me scoff at his words.

"He is my mate," I snapped back, defiance rising in me.

"But you aren't his mate. Humans don't have mate bonds. You should reject him before he cheats on you," Drystan demanded.

"How can I break up with him for

something that I'm not even sure he'll do? Yes, you're right! He doesn't have the mate bond, but he had

never hurt me - unlike you, who was bonded to me by the mate bond!"

The words spilled out

anger and hurt, the raw

with

bubbling to the surface.

Drystan opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out of him. I could see in his eyes that he just said those words because he cared about me. However, he had already hurt me, and it made me question just how much he actually cared.

"Forget about this. You don't get to say anything about me and Michael again. After all, you are the reason why Michael became my mate." I declared, turning to leave. Just as I started to walk away, Drystan grabbed my arm, halting me in my tracks. "Where are you going?" he asked, his voice a mix of urgency and confusion.

Chapter 237: Promised Return

Nova's POV

I pulled my arm away from Drystan's hold as I struggled to maintain my resolve. "I'm leaving, Drystan," I answered firmly. The weight of his presence felt both comforting and suffocating, making it hard to breathe.

I have to stay away from him as far as possible for the sake of my sanity.

"Leaving? You're going back with me to the Nightsong Pack," he stated, a hint of authority in his voice. My eyes widened in surprise as I glanced back at him, disbelief swirling in my chest.

"Back to the Nightsong Pack? I just can't go with you!" I blurted out, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Michael and I already talked. I'm going back to where I came from."

I tried to snatch my arm away from his grip, but his hand tightened, refusing to let me go.

"You promised that you'd come back once you found your mate. Now that you've found him, it's time for you to return." His tone was firm, leaving little room for argument.

"That's because I thought I would be mated to a werewolf!" I exclaimed, my frustration bubbling over. "Michael is human; he can't stay in the Pack with us."

Drystan's grip remained firm, his expression serious. "I can't let you leave. Do you know how dangerous it is for a lone wolf out there? We just came from the meeting; you heard that the rogues are planning something. I can't allow you to be out there, not without knowing you're safe. You need protection, Nova."

His words ignited a spark of defiance in me. "I can take care of myself!" I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Drystan's brow furrowed, concern etched on his features. "It's not just about you. I can't stand by and let you put yourself in danger, especially now." The intensity in his gaze held me captive, and I was pinned down by his words.

"I made a promise to your sister that I will take care of you and protect you no matter what," Drystan added.

His words sobered me, and in a moment of clarity, I pulled my arm away from him, and I managed to free my arm from his grasp. "You already broke your promise a long time ago," I hissed as I pointed a finger at him.

I turned to leave as I felt anger and hurt rushing through me, but Drystan snatched my arm forcefully, surprising me.

I yelped as I spun around, the bags on my shoulder tumbling to the ground. My hand instinctively pressed against Drystan's chest as he pulled me closer, our faces just inches apart.

My eyes widened, and my legs felt weak as my heart raced inside my chest. All those years, those same feelings lingered, now stronger than ever.

Just having Drystan in front of me was enough to reignite emotions I thought I had buried three years ago.

Drystan was taken aback, our faces just inches apart. He stared at me with wide eyes, and in that moment, I could see a flicker of emotions swirling within them.

It was as if he was looking at me but seeing something else - my sister.

I pushed him back, adding some distance between us. Drystan blinked. He straightened himself when he finally caught himself together.

It has always been like this. I have always lived in the shadow of my sister in front of Drystan.

Drystan had always seen me like his little sister since my sister died. He took care of me just because he wanted to keep the promise he made to my older sister.

And just earlier, he was looking at me so intently because he was reminded of her. Ever since I allowed my hair to grow back to its natural color, I knew I resembled her more.

Three years ago, I already knew all

this, but I always hoped that things would change. As years went by, l slowly healed and learned to accept my sister's death, and eventually, I fell in love with Drystan because of his personality.

Drystan took more time to heal, and I waited for him, but when he did, he fell in love with Astrid. I had always just been his little sister, and the mate bond was not even enough to change that.

"Just come back with us to the

Nightsong Pack and keep your promise," Drystan urged, his voice steady but laced with concern. "In return, let you live wherever you want, but only after you and Michael get married. Until then, you're

staying with me."

The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders. I made a promise, and I have to keep it. I know also that Drystan is not going to let me leave here unless I agree to come back to the Nightsong Pack with him.

"Okay, I'll come back," I said, surrendering, "but only on one condition: Michael has to come and live with us too." Drystan's expression shifted, surprise flickering in his eyes. "You know that's not how it works, Nova. He's a human!"

"I'm not leaving him behind," I insisted, my voice firm. "He is my mate. He needs to be a part of my life there."

Drystan hesitated the weight of my words hanging in the air. I could see the conflict in his eyes, but eventually, he sighed, realizing he had no choice. "Fine," he said, his tone resigned. "If that's what it takes to keep you safe, then I agree. Michael can live with us at the Nightsong Pack."

Relief washed over me, but it was mixed with uncertainty. "Thank you, Drystan," I replied softly, grateful for his willingness to compromise as I had.

 

Chapter 238: Not Alone

Astrid's POV

I held a bemused expression on my face as I stepped out of my room, a whirlwind of disheveled thoughts and half-hearted energy swirling around me.

Today, I'm going to be on my way to Silvermoon Pack. I thought I'd be motivated and excited; I'd waited for more than three years to be given a chance at revenge.

Yet, I didn't expect that I'd feel absolutely nothing about it. Instead, a strange emptiness settled in my gut, as if the anticipation had been siphoned away.

Ever since my son died, avenging him has been my only goal in life. I must be feeling empty because I knew even if I annihilated the whole Silvermoon Pack, nothing could bring my son back to life.

I slung my bag tight on my shoulder as I closed my door behind me, ready to leave. As I glanced back at my almost empty room, a knot formed in the pit of my stomach, and I wondered how long it would take me to return here. Would I be successful in avenging my son?

Would I even be able to come back alive?

"Miss Astrid."

I was startled when someone spoke up behind me. I was so occupied in my thoughts that I failed to sense anyone approaching.

I turned slowly and saw a Pack Omega standing behind me with her head lowered in respect.

"Miss Astrid," she repeated softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Alpha wishes to talk to you before you leave."

I slowly nodded my head when I heard her words. I was also planning to visit him first before I left, but he had already ordered someone to call me.

"I was on my way to come to his office," I answered her with a small smile.

"Alpha Theron is at the Plant Nursery. He wishes to speak to you there," she answered.

A flicker of curiosity crossed my features. The Plant Nursery is an unusual choice for a meeting, but then again, Theron had always had a connection to nature.

When his duty as an Alpha allowed him to have some free time, he always spent it in the Plant Nursery. Because of that, people thought that was his favorite place.

As I approached, I finally spotted Alpha Theron from afar, sitting on a wooden chair set under a small hut. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows around him.

He seemed at ease, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The guests were all leaving, but he was here resting, letting his son take charge of the Pack affairs so he could rest.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts as I stepped closer. "Alpha Theron," I called, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

He looked up, a warm smile breaking across his face. "Astrid, how are you feeling?"

Caught off guard by his gentle inquiry, I hesitated. "I'm fine," I replied forcing a smile to reassure him. "Why did you call me here?" I

asked, eager to get straight to the

point.

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Theron simply smiled at my question. "Please, sit."

I settled into the chair beside him, the scent of blooming flowers enveloping us. The vibrant colors around us felt alive, a stark contrast to the turmoil stirring within me. "Astrid, I know your past in the Silvermoon Pack," he began to speak with paramount concern etched on his face.

My throat constricted at his words, a lump forming as memories surged to the surface. The pain of loss and betrayal intertwined, threatening to overwhelm me.

"I know what they did to you... I know what they did to my grandson."

My jaw tightened as I tried to hold myself together.

"The only reason why they are still breathing today is because I don't dare to act without your permission." Alpha Theron added, his gaze unwavering.

"I am your father, Astrid. I am the

Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack. If you want will annihilate the whole Silvermoon Pack for what they did to you. Just give me the word, and I'll do it. His words hung in the air, heavy with promise.

"Everything you say, everything you want, I'll give it to you. I'll make it up to you." As he spoke, a rush of conflicting emotions surged through me.

"You are no longer alone. You have

the whole Pack, you have me as your father. From now on, you no longer have to suffer, you no longer have to bear things on your own will always be here to protect you. You don't have to live in fear again. You don't have to think about other things now that you have me."

Tears welled in my eyes as I slowly glanced at him, unable to hold back my emotions anymore.

In my life, I had always been alone in my suffering. I was mistreated without anyone to defend me. All my life, I only had myself to rely on.

The thing is, I wouldn't have to live all alone if my father did not abandon me. He was the person who abandoned me first.

"Now tell me. What do you want me to do to them? You no longer have to go there and do things on your own." Alpha Theron suddenly turned to look at me as he asked his question

I instantly turned my face away from him and rushed to wipe all my tears before he could find out that I was crying.

 

Chapter 239: Undeserving

Astrid's POV

"That's not what I want. I don't want innocent people to be implicated by the actions of two people," I managed to answer firmly despite the tears blocking my throat.

"Then let me deal with Killian and Giselle directly," Alpha Theron suggested, his voice steady

"No!" I didn't mean to raise my voice, but the word escaped me, sharp and urgent. "They ruined my life. They killed my son. I must deal with them myself."

Alpha Theron's expression shifted with a mixture of concern in his eyes. I could see how much he wanted to take things into his own hands.

"This is between me and them. I want to face them instead of avoiding them. If I hadn't avoided them before, my son would still be alive. I would have heard his first word and seen his first steps. He would have been able to experience the world." My voice trembled as I continued, the raw pain spilling out. "I'm partly responsible for my son's death. I was a coward, and I didn't deserve to be his mother. Give me this chance to be the mother he deserves, just this once."

Alpha Theron's expression softened, but his eyes held a deep concern. "Astrid, be honest with me. What are you planning to do to them?"

I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his question. "I don't know exactly," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.

His brows furrowed at my answer. "Vengeance can be a double-edged sword. What you're planning can lead to dangerous outcomes. Let me be your knife. I can handle whatever danger may come. I just don't want you to put yourself in harm's way." I scoffed at his words, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Ever since I lost my son, I have never been afraid of danger."

I turned to glance at him, my heart heavy with the truth. "My son was the only one I had, and he was taken from me. I no longer have anything to lose and nothing to fear."

Alpha Theron let out a heavy sigh, his expression a mixture of resignation and concern. "If that's what you want, I'll grant it."

I lowered my head as I felt bad for still choosing to pursue what I wanted and put myself in danger despite his wise words and his offer to help.

"Just remember my words, Astrid. Just one word from you, and I'll do it. You don't have to worry about what other people may say. I am the Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack. I can handle everything," He reminded me firmly, making me nod my head. I felt a flicker of gratitude for his unwavering support, but the weight of my decision still pressed heavily on my chest.

"You don't have to endure everything alone," he continued, his voice softening. "Remember, you still have something to fight for your future and your well-being. Don't lose sight of that in your quest for vengeance."

A lump formed in my throat as I looked up, my voice barely a whisper. "Is there really still a future that I can look forward to?"

"Of course, there is!" he answered readily, his expression reflecting disbelief at my doubt. "There is still Drystan waiting for you."

I looked at him in surprise and saw him looking at me teasingly. "What are you talking about? There's nothing between me and Drystan," I shook his words off easily.

"Well, I never said that there was something, he replied, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Drystan has been waiting for you for more than three years. When are you going to answer him?"

My cheeks flushed at his words. "We're just friends!" I protested. My voice came out sounding higher than I intended, betraying my unease.

Alpha Theron suddenly sighed,

shaking his head. "What a poor guy.

Every week, he travels to our Pack just to see you, yet you still see him

as a friend. Can't you see how much

that guy cares for you?"

I looked away, the weight of his words settling in. "It's complicated," I murmured, feeling the tension in my chest tightens.

"Complicated or not, you need to

recognize that kind of loyalty," Theron urged. "Drystan has shown you he's willing to stand by you, even when you've pushed him away That's not something you should

take lightly."

I felt a mixture of frustration and warmth at the thought of Drystan's dedication. "I just don't want to hurt him," I admitted quietly.

"Or yourself by keeping him at arm's length," Theron replied gently. "You deserve a chance at happiness, Astrid. Don't let fear hold you back from what could be something beautiful."

I fell silent at his words, feeling the weight of his insight. Ever since everything fell apart between me and Killian, I had convinced myself that there would be no more second chances for me. But clearly, I was wrong - Drystan proved that to me.

It turned out I was the problem. I had been so focused on my own hurts that I struggled to open my heart again.

The realization hit me hard, and I felt a mixture of sadness and hope swirling within.

"Don't keep Drystan waiting, Astrid," Alpha Theron encouraged me. "Don't let him slip away."

I took a deep breath and faced him fully. "Drystan doesn't deserve me. He would be better off with someone else."

Alpha Theron's eyes widened. "How could you say that? Drystan likes you, and you don't have the right to dictate what he deserves or not."

"Alpha," I spoke up to stop him. "I'm too broken, and a person like me would only break him. I only wish nothing but to have my revenge, and he will only get hurt if he continues to follow me. Someday, I know he is going to realize that, and he will find someone who will put him first."

 

Chapter 240: Hidden Attraction

Astrid's POV

I stood with my arms crossed, my eyes blank as I drowned in my own thoughts. My gaze was fixed on the Pack Omegas, watching them load my luggage into the car. Each bag disappeared into the trunk with a soft thud, a rhythmic soundtrack to my swirling thoughts. Though I was physically present, my mind wandered far beyond the scene before me. I observed the Omegas working, but my thoughts were consumed by the journey ahead and the unknowns that awaited me.

As my imagination took hold, I couldn't shake the conversation I had with Alpha Theron earlier. The weight of his words lingered in the air, pressing down on me like an impending storm.

Alpha Theron's words were a great reminder to me, and they settled heavily in my mind, bothering me.

"Astrid!"

My soul nearly leaped out of my body when someone suddenly surprised me from behind.

I turned around to find Nova beaming at me, her bright energy a stark contrast to my swirling thoughts.

I placed a hand over my chest to calm my racing heartbeat.

When I turned around, I saw Nova beaming at me. As I focused on her bright smile, I noticed her expression shift to one of concern, a frown forming when she registered my startled reaction. "Hey! You okay?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with concern.

I forced a smile on my face, hoping to soothe her unease. "You startled me," I replied to lighten the moment.

Nova's brows knitted together, and guilt washed over her features. "I'm so sorry," she apologized, her voice laced with worry.

"It's alright. It's my fault. I was lost in my thoughts," I assured her. "Is everything okay?" I asked her as I wondered why she came here to see me.

Nova took a breath, her expression shifting as she prepared to share her news. "Actually, I came here to tell you that I'm leaving," she answered, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. "Leaving? Where are you going? Have you already informed Drystan?" I asked, bombarding her with so many questions.

She chuckled softly, a warm smile breaking through my flurry of concern. "Of course, Drystan knows already," Nova assured me. "I'd be staying at the Nightsong Pack in the meantime."

A shadow crossed her face, and her brows furrowed as if a bad memory had resurfaced. "Drystan treats me like a child. I was planning to go back with Michael, but Drystan insisted I return with him instead," Nova replied with a huff.

I couldn't help but smile upon seeing the aggrieved look on her face. "Well, it's good that you're heading back to the Nightsong Pack. Everyone is on high alert lately. Unusual rogue activity has been reported, and all Packs are preparing for possible coordinated attacks. Right now, it's safer for you to stay inside the Pack."

Nova pouted slightly at my words, her disappointment evident. It seemed she had enjoyed her time in the city with humans so much that the thought of returning home felt like a loss.

"Do you think the rogues are planning something big? Could there be another Emberwood Pack?" Her expression shifted, worry creeping in with her question.

I took her hand, holding it gently to offer comfort. "Don't worry. We're not going to let something like that happen again. Right now, everyone is working together to prevent it. You don't have to worry."

Nova slowly nodded, absorbing my words. I noticed her gaze shift behind me, and a hint of recognition flashed across her face as she

S my luggage being loaded into the vehicle.

"What's that?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

I turned to follow her gaze, and my heart twinged with the reality of my departure. "Just my bags. I'm heading out soon, too."

Her eyes widened slightly. "You're leaving as well?"

"Yeah," I admitted, feeling a little nervous about it.

"Where are you going? I thought you said it's dangerous to leave," Nova questioned, concern etched on her face.

"I'll be staying at the Silvermoon

Pack for a while. I was tasked to

help them strengthen their defenses in case the rogues decide to attack," I answered, hoping she would understand.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Does Drystan know about this? Did he allow you to go back there?"

I sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "Whether Drystan likes it or not, I won't let him stop me."

Nova's expression shifted, curiosity turning into something deeper. "I thought Drystan and you are..." She paused, staring at me with wide eyes.

"Drystan and me are what?" I asked, confusion bubbling up inside me.

She hesitated as if weighing her words carefully. "I know Drystan. Knowing him, he's not going to let you go back to Silvermoon Pack over his dead body."

I chuckled at her words. "You're wrong. I already told Drystan about this. At first, he hesitated, but in the end, I was able to convince him."

Nova's brows furrowed in confusion as if my words did not sit well with her. "If you are going back to Silvermoon Pack, then how about Drystan?"

My brows furrowed, mirroring her expression. "What about him?

"I-I," Nova stammered as she weighed her words carefully. "I just thought there was something... more between you two."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her implication. "More? Like what?"

Taken aback by my question, she hesitated. "It's been three years since I left, so I naturally thought that "

"You were aware of Drystan's feelings towards me?" I cut her off in surprise.

Nova's eyes widened further after asking her my question.