Ch. 246..250: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 246-250
Chapter 246: Troublemaker
Astrid's POV
"Bring her a chair and offer her a drink," I commanded the warrior standing near us, trying to maintain some semblance of respect despite the tension.
Giselle raised an eyebrow, a smug look crossing her expression. "Oh, how generous of you, Astrid," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I think it would be more fitting if you personally served me. As the head here, it would be proper for you to serve me because I'm the Luna."
The warriors around us shifted uncomfortably, sensing the challenge in her words.
I scoffed and turned my attention back to the warrior. "Why are you still standing here? Go bring the Luna her chair and offer her a drink," I commanded him, my tone leaving no room for debate.
The warrior nodded quickly and moved to comply, but Giselle's voice rang out sharply, halting him. "Stop right there!" she yelled, her tone laced with authority.
The tension in the air thickened as she turned her gaze to the gathered warriors. "Let me make something clear," she continued, her voice cold and commanding. "Anyone who moves to obey Astrid's command will be exiled from the Pack. I will not tolerate insubordination!" Giselle yelled, her expression hardening.
A murmur of shock rippled through the group. The warriors exchanged glances, caught between loyalty to their Luna, and their loyalty to me as their leader. I could feel the weight of their indecision.
Giselle smirked, clearly reveling in the power she wielded when she saw everyone's reaction.
However, her happiness was short-lived when I finally spoke, my voice steady and resolute.
"Have you already forgotten what your Alpha told you?" I asked, raising my voice to command their attention.
I locked eyes with the several warriors, willing them to remember the words that had been spoken. "Your Alpha has appointed me as your female general. You should be listening to my commands.
The tension shifted as my words sank in. I could see understanding dawning on some faces as they realized their mistake. Their expressions hardened with resolve, and determination sparkled in their eyes. They were ready to obey me and support my leadership, and the atmosphere transformed from uncertainty to solidarity.
Giselle's confidence wavered when she heard my words and noticed the warriors' reaction. She became rigid, her shoulders tense, and the corners of her lips twitched visibly as she struggled to maintain her poise. As the warrior moved again to obey my command, Giselle's frustration boiled over. "I am your Luna! Are you not afraid of my words?" she yelled angrily, her voice echoing across the training grounds. The tension in the air cackled as her fury heightened. I could see that Giselle was slowly losing her hold on the warriors.
One of the warriors stepped forward, his gaze steady and resolute."You are our Luna, but Astrid is our general. As warriors of the Pack, we pledge our loyalty to her," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they all united together to pledge their allegiance to me.
Giselle took in short breaths, her expression shifting to disbelief. Her eyes widened as she processed their defiance.
"Is this what you all want?" she snapped, her voice dripping with scorn."You're following an Omega? Astrid, you're not fit to be the female general. You're too weak, and it's been years since you've even been in a fight." Her words cut through the air, sharp and accusatory, attempting to undermine my authority by attacking my worthiness.
I took a steadying breath, feeling the
heat of her insults ignite a fire within me. "If you think I'm weak, then let's settle this the way warriors do,"I challenged, my voice rising above the tension. "I say we fight. You and me. Right here, right now."
The warriors around us shifted their expressions, a mix of surprise and anticipation.
Giselle, however, merely laughed, a mocking sound that cut through the air. "You really think you can take me on?" Giselle scoffed, her eyes gleaming with derision. "I heard your wolf was injured. You can't even shift, can you?" "Even without my wolf, I've trained hard and earned my place here," I replied, my voice steady despite the rising tide of frustration. "You're underestimating me, Giselle. It won't matter if I can shift or not."
A twisted smile crossed my features as I thought of beating Giselle in a fight. The idea of facing her down, of showing everyone that I was more than just an Omega, filled me with excitement.
I couldn't wait to fight her in front of everyone. Just imagine the whispers that would spread through the Pack if I defeated her - what would they think if the news got out that their Luna was no better than me?
"What's the commotion all about?" A voice suddenly rang out.
The atmosphere shifted as Alpha Killian arrived on the scene, surprising everyone. All the warriors stopped what they were doing and bowed their heads to greet their Alpha 1 also bowed my head, momentarily forgetting my position in the heat of the moment.
Meanwhile, Giselle beamed, rushing to her husband's side, her demeanor transforming into one of sweetness and submission. "Killian, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice dripping with affection.
Killian glanced coldly at Giselle. "If I didn't arrive on time, I would have witnessed you beating each other up in an absurd challenge," he said, his tone laced with disapproval as he surveyed the gathering.
The warriors exchanged uneasy
glances, sensing the tension
between the Alpha and his Luna. Giselle's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, it was just a misunderstanding, right, Astrid?" she said, attempting to deflect.
I straightened, meeting Killian's gaze directly. "Alpha, I challenged Giselle because she believes I'm unworthy of my position as your female general. I want to prove that I can lead."
Killian regarded me thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You should take a break, Astrid; you've been working since dawn," he dismissed me.
He turned his attention to Giselle, his voice firm. "I'd like to speak to you in private."
It seems Giselle got herself in trouble instead.
Chapter 247: Resemblance
Astrid's POV
I left the scene after Killian dismissed me, granting me a short break to rest. I took a stroll at the Pack garden, a smirk dancing on my lips as I imagined the couple having their private argument.
Giselle was so foolish to challenge me without considering the consequences of her actions for the Pack. She's so fixated on herself that she fails to see the bigger picture.
She had placed the Pack in danger with her ignorant actions; of course, it would certainly earn her Killian's anger.
Lost in my thoughts, I stopped in my tracks when I spotted Giselle's son in the distance, being accompanied by his nanny.
Instead of taking care of her own son like a responsible mother should, Giselle handed that responsibility off to someone else, wasting her time stirring trouble for me instead.
Having nothing else to do, I approached them, a smile forming as I greeted the nanny and the little one. "Hello there! What a beautiful day to be outside," I spoke as I knelt down to meet the boy's curious gaze.
Ryker stared at me with wide eyes, not saying anything. His silence reminded me of the first time we met when I still had no idea that he was Giselle's son.
"Do you like plants?" I asked gently, hoping to spark some connection with him.
I was expecting a response, but he remained quiet, and his gaze remained fixed on me.
"Miss Astrid, please forgive Ryker. He doesn't know how to speak," Ryker's nanny spoke up for him.
Understanding washed over me, and I recalled the moment I had overheard Killian and Giselle's conversation with Alpha Damien and his wife. They had mentioned that Ryker has autism, which explained why he didn't respond as expected. "That's okay," I said softly, my voice filled with warmth. "Sometimes, you don't need words to share your thoughts."
I glanced at the flowers around us, hoping to find something to engage him. "Look at these beautiful daisies. They remind me of when I was little. What about you?"
As I spoke, I caught a glimpse of a small mark on Ryker's wrist. Curiosity piqued, I leaned closer and realized it looked strikingly similar to a birthmark I had a small, heart-shaped spot.
"Hey, what's this?" I asked, gently pointing to his wrist. "You have a mark just like mine!"
Ryker's eyes widened as I caught his full interest. For a moment, he seemed to comprehend the connection. Then, to my surprise, a soft giggle escaped him - a sound so pure and joyful that it infected happiness to me as well.
I couldn't help but smile and laugh with him. There was a slight breathiness to our laughter, and our heads both slightly tilted back.
I showed him the birthmark I have on my right wrist and placed our hands side by side to show him that our birthmarks looked so much alike, only that he was small, like a dot.
"We're like twins!" I exclaimed playfully, holding up my wrist to show him my own birthmark.
As I placed our hands side by side, my smile slowly faltered when I realized just how uncannily similar they looked. The heart-shaped mark on Ryker's wrist was unmistakably like mine but smaller.
Ryker glanced at our wrists, his eyes wide with curiosity, and I could see the wheels turning in his mind. The innocence of his expression made my heart swell, but my joy quickly shifted when I looked up and noticed the nanny.
Her gaze was fixed intently on our birthmarks, and a horrified look spread across her face. It was as if she had stumbled upon something she hadn't expected to see a realization dawning that senta shiver through the air.
********
I stormed through the Pack garden, the remnants of my argument with Giselle still simmering in my veins. Her refusal to admit her mistakes ignited a fire of frustration within me.
I clenched my jaw, trying to shake
off the tension. I had given her a clear warning: "Never offend Astrid again I hope she will listen this time and not let her pride overshadow her reason again.
If Ryder hadn't come to inform me of their brewing conflict, a war might have already broken out, and I would have had to deal with the Shadowfang Pack.
I was on my way back to the Packhouse to continue with the paperwork that I was dealing with when I spotted Astrid talking to Ryker.
I stopped in my tracks and gazed at them. Astrid's laughter floated through the air, bright and unguarded, a sound that cut through the tension I carried like a knife through the fog.
Just then, I heard Ryder's voice behind me, breaking the spell. "At least she's not putting hate on the innocent child," he remarked.
"I think I haven't seen Ryker feel this relaxed and happy with anyone else except you. Even his own mother couldn't make him laugh like that," Ryder added with a hint of amusement in his voice.
I remained silent, watching them. Ryker's eyes sparkled with delight as he listened to Astrid, and it struck me how much he resembled her at that moment.
The way he tilted his head, the way his smile lit up his face - it was as if I was seeing a reflection of Astrid.
"Seeing them two from this distance, don't you think they look a lot?" Ryder asked, his tone thoughtful.
My eyes snapped at him when I heard his words. He also noticed it too.
“I-I uhhh... I mean, there must be something wrong with my eyes," Ryder forced out a chuckle, thinking that he had made a mistake.
I glanced back at Astrid and Ryker, and I couldn't help but feel bothered. I have performed a DNA test on me and Ryker, and it came out positive. However, I've never tested the DNA between Ryker and Giselle
"I want a DNA test," I spoke firmly, my voice cutting through the air with an edge of urgency.
Ryder's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean you want another DNA test for you and Ryker again?"
"No," I replied, my tone brooking no argument. "I want a DNA test between Ryker and Giselle."
"This is crazy!" Ryder blurted out, incredulous. "Giselle was pregnant, and she gave birth inside the Pack. How could she not be Ryker's mother?"
I turned to him, my gaze steady and intense. "No one must find out about this, Ryder. If there's even the slightest chance that something isn't right, I need to know."
His expression shifted, a mix of concern and understanding crossing his face. "This is insane!"
"I need to know the truth," I insisted, my voice low but resolute. "I want you to personally handle this task and deliver the results to me as soon as possible. No one else can be involved." Ryder nodded slowly, weighing my words. "Alright, I'll do it," he answered forcedly.
Chapter 248: Longing
Drystan's POV
I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of the details on the paper before me. Beside me lay a stack of documents still waiting to be read.
I paused when my stomach growled loudly, an urgent reminder that I also needed to take care of myself. As soon as I woke up this morning, I headed straight to my office to tackle the paperwork I failed to finish yesterday. I haven't drunk water or taken a single bite; I was so focused on the papers I needed to take care of.
With a resigned sigh, I set the papers aside. My hunger is too strong to ignore, and I'm already late for breakfast. Even if I continue working, I know I won't be able to work effectively if I don't take a break. Standing up, I made my way to the Pack's cafeteria, eager to satisfy my appetite.
Since I arrived late for breakfast, the cafeteria was nearly empty. Remnants of the morning meal cluttered the tables as the Pack Omegas worked diligently to clean up.
I settled at the nearest table that had already been tidied up.
"Alpha, you really should take care of yourself and eat on time," one of the Pack Omegas said, quickly offering me a plate of steaming food. "We heated it for you so you wouldn't have to eat cold leftovers."
I flashed her a grateful smile, appreciating her kindness. "Did everyone eat their breakfast?" I asked, dipping my spoon into the soup to start eating.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she thought about it carefully. "Yes, Alpha, except for Miss Nova. I haven't seen her inside the cafeteria."
My spoon froze mid-air, and I slowly set it back down, a knot tightening in my stomach
"Alpha, is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. "I can ask the chef to cook something different for you."
I stood up abruptly, a sense of urgency nudging me forward. "There's no need. Prepare an extra meal for Nova, I'm going to eat with her," I answered decisively before striding out.
As I walked outside, I let out a frustrated breath. Even I felt so hungry. What does Nova think that she would rather starve to death than go and eat breakfast?
Is she starving herself to death just because I forced her to come here with me? I shook my head, annoyance simmering at that thought. I'm not going to let her skip breakfast. I'm going to eat with her and watch her eat all her food.
I stopped in my tracks when a burst of laughter caught my attention. My head snapped to the gardens where the sound came from.
"That's not a word," I instantly rushed to follow the sound as soon as I recognized Nova's voice.
I stepped back and hid behind a tree. As soon as I spotted her in the distance, she sprawled on a blanket under the trees, sharing a picnic with Michael.
No wonder why she did not come to eat for breakfast. She's already eating here together with her mate.
My wolf growled inside me as I stood rooted on the spot, unable to take my eyes away from them.
I watched as Nova and Michael shared laughter under the sun. They seemed so carefree, their joy palpable even from afar.
I used to be the one who made her laugh, the closest person in her life. Now, Michael had stepped into that role, effortlessly pushing me out of Nova's world.
I felt like a ghost from her past, lingering on the sidelines as they shared their moments.
"See, it's a word! I told you!" Michael exclaimed triumphantly, a grin spreading across his face as Nova pouted in annoyance.
She had always been a sore loser, and I could see the familiar stubbornness rising within her. She could handle losing twice but never thrice.
Once that third defeat hit, the playful banter would morph into a storm of frustration that left no room for reconciliation.
I watched, a mix of longing and bitterness swirling inside me as she crossed her arms, her expression a blend of defiance and disappointment.
I remember the time when I played
against her seriously and made her
lose for three games straight. I've learned my lesson since then. Every time she challenged me to a game, I
made sure to make her win at times.
I placed a hand on my chest when I suddenly coughed, unable to hold it back. It was a deep, raspy sound that echoed through the air, drawing their attention.
"Drystan? What are you doing here?" Nova and Michael stood up abruptly when they saw me.
I smiled at them and waved off my hand dismissively. "I was just walking by. I'm sorry that my cough disturbed you," I answered, trying to brush off the moment. "Are you all right? Your cough sounded serious," Nova asked me worriedly.
Lately, I had been pushing myself too hard, working overtime, skipping meals, forgetting to rest, and it was finally catching up with me, weakening my immune system. "I think it's just a cold. I went for a run last night and got caught in the rain," I said, trying to downplay her worry.
I wasn't lying. Last night, I couldn't
sleep. My wolf was restless, consumed by thoughts of her and Michael. Running was the only way to tire myself out enough to find some rest.
"You should have it checked so the Pack Doctor can provide you with medication," Nova insisted, her concern evident.
I nodded, ready to agree, but before I
could respond, a Pack Omega
approached, her head lowered in
respect. "Alpha, you received an urgent letter," she announced, interrupting us.
I took the letter, my curiosity piqued, and opened it. It was an invitation to Ryker's 4th birthday party, and all Packs were invited.
Chapter 249: A Trap
Astrid's POV
My body turned tensed as I stared at the invitation letter in my hands that had already been sent to all the Packs.
Ryker's 4th birthday is coming next month, and Killian believed it was the perfect opportunity to lure the rogues into a trap.
He purposefully invited all the Packs to spread the word, knowing that if the rogues were indeed planning an attack, then they would surely take advantage of the gathering where there would be many important figures present. With the support of other Packs and adequate training from the Pack Warriors, we would be ready to handle any surprise assault the rogues might attempt.
Killian had discussed his plans with me beforehand, explaining everything thoroughly.
As the Silvermoon Pack's female general and the one responsible for training his warriors, he needed my permission before proceeding with his plans.
After considering his strategy, I agreed that i I was a solid plan, and I believed I would be able to train his Warriors and prepare them for just one month.
My gaze hardened as I brushed the invitation letter. This birthday party is not only a chance for the Packs to confront the rogues, but it is also an opportunity for me to finally give my son the justice he deserves.
"I'm going to avenge you, my son," a tear trailed down my cheek as I whispered.
In my grief, I gripped the invitation tightly, crumpling its edges. This urgency is one of the reasons why I readily agreed to rush things and expedite everything for next month.
Finally, things were falling into place, like puzzles fitting together. After years of waiting, I felt a surge of hope; the justice my son deserved was finally within my reach.
I sniffed and hurriedly wiped away my tears before anyone could see. Taking a deep breath, I straightened myself and prepared to step outside.
Today, we were expecting visitors from the Crimsonbane Pack. They were part of Killian's plan, which is why he had invited them to discuss important matters.
Last time, I missed the opportunity to speak with Vanessa privately about the questions that were weighing on my mind.
Now that she and her husband were coming to visit, I could finally seize the moment and find the answers I was looking for.
As I made my way outside the Packhouse, I mentally prepared myself, keeping my plans in mind.
The scent of pine and the warmth of the sun filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. When I arrived, I saw Killian already in a deep conversation with them.
Vanessa stood nearby, her laughter ringing out like music. She looked as radiant as ever as she held her three-year-old daughter close to her.
I took a moment to collect myself before approaching. As I drew closer, Vanessa caught my eye. However, I shifted my focus to Hazel and approached her instead.
"Hi, Hazel," I greeted her softly as I crouched down to meet her gaze.
At the sound of my voice, Hazel's cheeks flushed, and she quickly ducked behind her mother's legs, peeking out shyly.
I could see the hint of a smile playing on her lips, but her shyness held her captive.
"Look, I have something for you," I said with a warm smile, hoping that it would gain her trust. I fished out a chocolate from my pocket and showed it to her. "Here, you can have it."
Hazel's eyes widened at the sight of
the chocolate, her curiosity slowly overcoming her shyness. She hesitated for a moment before. glancing up at her mother for
approval. Vanessa nodded gently,
encouraging her.
With a small, tentative step, Hazel peeked out further, stretching a tiny hand toward me. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with wonder.
I handed her the chocolate, feeling a warmth spread in my chest as her fingers brushed against mine. Just then, Vanessa's husband spoke up, breaking the moment. "Excuse us for a moment, love," he said, looking at Vanessa. "There's something I needed to discuss with Killian. Why don't you stay here with Astrid?"
"You guys had just arrived from a
long journey and I know you must be hungry. I've already had someone prepare food for you. Would you like to eat and rest first?" I interjected, eager to extend my hospitality.
DUMS
This should have been Giselle's job as the Luna of the Pack, but for some reason, I haven't seen her come out of her room the whole day.
It is as if she was trying to avoid the guests. I could only place matters into my own hands.
Vanessa smiled at my offer, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "You made the right guess. We should eat first."
I lead them to the small outdoor
area, shaded by the soothing sounds
of nature. It felt much more inviting
to eat here than the usual dining area inside the Packhouse, which is why I led them here.
As we settled at the rustic wooden table, I gestured to the spread before us. "I hope you enjoy this. It's one of my favorite spots."
Hazel's eyes sparkled as she looked around. "It's so pretty here!"
Vanessa nodded in agreement. "It really is. Thank you for bringing us here, Astrid."
The main reason I chose this spot was to ensure we had privacy for the questions I needed to ask.
As we ate, I decided to broach a sensitive topic. "You and Giselle don't seem close."
Vanessa huffed at the mention of Giselle's name. "Of course not. She's a terrible person; that's why I don't like her."
"Terrible?" I echoed, intrigued. "Has she done something to offend you?"
Vanessa paused, setting her fork down. She met my gaze with intensity. "You have no idea what she did while she was living with us in the Crimsonbane Pack."
Sh
Chapter 250: Secret Revealed
Astrid's POV
My eyes went wide when I heard Giselle's history in the Crimsonbane Pack. Vanessa had told me everything from when Giselle arrived at their Pack to the day that she left.
I felt as though I had been blind all along, unaware of who Giselle really was. Even the hairs on the back of my neck stood up when Vanessa told me the whole story and all the vile things that Giselle had done while she was staying with them. I couldn't believe that she had already been that kind of person before she even came to our Pack.
She had completely fooled us into believing that she was a kind and innocent woman.
We have no idea that beneath that pretty and angelic face of hers actually lies a poisonous witch who manipulated everyone around her.
She repeated everything that Giselle did in the Crimsonbane Pack here. She seduced Killian just like how she had seduced Alpha Damien. It was a grave mistake to welcome her into our lives.
"That woman is a whore. There's nothing she wouldn't do to become a Luna. I bet she would even date a dying raisin as long as he is an Alpha," Vanessa spat, her voice filled with contempt.
Her words hit me like a cold slap, and my throat constricted as the truth sank in. "W-Why didn't you warn us?" I asked, the weight of betrayal heavy in my chest. "If you had told us, none of this would have happened." I wouldn't have to lose my own son. Vanessa's expression softened, her lips curled downwards in sympathy. "It was too late when I found out, Astrid. Giselle left the Pack without a trace. She escaped from us.
We tried to look for her at first, and then we stopped, thinking that she was already dead. We were all caught by surprise when we heard the news that she was engaged to Alpha Killian and carrying his child. By then, it was already too late; there was nothing else we could do."
Vanessa closed her eyes and lowered her head as she tried to hold back her tears. "Ever since I heard what happened to you, I had always been ridden with guilt. I can't shake the feeling that it's all my fault. If only I had handled Giselle myself, what happened to me wouldn't have to be experienced by someone else."
I bit my bottom lip to stop it from quivering as I absorbed her words.
"I'm sorry, Astrid. If only we had known sooner, I would have told you guys everything." Vanessa's voice trembled as she spoke.
I stood up and wrapped her in a hug, completely forgiving her. We were both victims of Giselle's deception, caught in a web of manipulation that had ensnared us both. How could I place all the blame on her?
Vanessa hugged me back tightly, her tears soaking into my shoulder as if a thorn had been pulled from her chest. I could feel the tension in her body begin to ease, the weight of her guilt and sorrow slowly lifting. "Thank you for forgiving me, Astrid," she murmured, her voice trembling.
I could only imagine the weight of the burden she's been carrying all this time. It was no wonder she had been so kind to me; her kindness masked the heavy guilt that weighed on her heart.
I stroked her hair gently, offering comfort. "None of this is your fault. I don't blame you."
Her grip tightened as she pulled back to look at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know there's nothing I can do to make it up to you, but if you need support, I'll try my best to help you."
I nodded, appreciating her sincerity. "There's no need to feel indebted to me, Vanessa, but if I need something, I'll tell you."
Vanessa nodded and managed a small smile, a flicker of relief crossing her face.
As our conversation settled, my attention shifted to Hazel, who was playing by herself not far from us. Completely unaware of the deep conversation we had just shared, she was lost in her own little world, her imagination taking flight as she played. An amused smile crept onto my face as I watched her. "Look at her; she looks so much like her father," I commented, taking in the familiar features that defined her.
It was striking how she hadn't inherited any of her mother's traits, making her almost a female version of Alpha Damien. The resemblance was uncanny, and I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my heart at the sight of her joy.
"Of course, she will. Vanessa is not my daughter," Vanessa spoke steadily.
My eyes snapped to her in surprise. "What do you mean?"
Vanessa sighed, glancing down at Hazel, her expression shifting to one of deep contemplation. "I need to tell you something a secret I've kept since Hazel was born. She's not my daughter, Astrid. She's Damien's daughter with another woman."
My heart skipped a beat, the weight of her words crashing over me. "What do you mean? How is that possible?"
Vanessa looked pained, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "I also have no idea. One day, Damien just came home with her and told me that she was his. The whole thing about me being her mother was his idea. Even Hazel thinks that I am her biological mother."
"Then who is her real mother?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Damien refuses to tell me. I think whoever her mother was, she didn't want her. Damien is also keen on keeping that woman out of Hazel's life," Vanessa replied.
I fell silent, a wave of sympathy washing over me. That must be so hard for her—caring for a child born of her husband's affair.
"You don't have to feel bad for me,"
Vanessa suddenly spoke up as if she could read my thoughts.
"Whatever Damien has done hacet
nothing to do with Hazel. She's a
sweet child; it's not hard to love her.
I'm happy that I could be her
mother."
I smiled at her, grateful for how their relationship had blossomed despite the circumstances. "When is Hazel's birthday?" I asked, eager to shift the conversation to something lighter.
"She has the same birthday as Ryker," Vanessa answered a hint of pride in her voice.
I placed a hand over my chest, wondering why it was suddenly beating rapidly.