Ch. 251..255: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 251-255

Chapter 251: Scorched Kisses

Astrid's POV

A storm brewed in my mind, leaving me restless on the bed. The soft sheets offered little comfort as I pondered the conversation I had with the Vanessa.

For reasons I couldn't quite grasp, her words felt like a weight, a heavy stone pressing down my chest whenever I tried to make sense of them.

I couldn't point out what was wrong; nothing she said seemed out of the ordinary. Yet, the unease lingered. It gnawed at me, robbing me of sleep.

Adrenaline coursed through me, and I shot up from bed when a sharp knock suddenly interrupted my thoughts. My heart raced in response to the unexpected sound.

Glancing around my dimly lit room, I gathered my thoughts and took a few deep breaths to soothe the fluttering in my chest.

I reached for the lamp, flicking it on to cast a warm glow across the space. Guided by its soft light, I made my way to the door, wondering why someone would come knocking at my door at this time of the night. "Is there " I began to speak as I swung the door open, but my words got caught in my throat when my eyes met Killian instead.

My breath hitched as he towered over me, his presence imposing and intimidating. The warmth of my room seemed to retreat in the face of his intensity, and for a brief moment, I was captivated by the way his gaze held me, a magnetic pull I couldn't resist.

A shiver ran down my spine when his eyes trailed downwards, spreading heat through my skin. Following his gaze, heat crept up to my cheeks as I realized where he was staring.

I was about to sleep, so I wore my thinnest and softest shirt for comfort and didn't bother to wear anything underneath it.

I wasn't expecting Killian to come to visit me at this late hour. Even with the delicate fabric draping over me, I still felt exposed. The cloth felt more like a suggestion than a barrier.

The room suddenly felt smaller, the air thick with an unspoken tension that sent my heart racing. Before the weight of our proximity could suffocate me, I took a step back, instinctively creating distance from whatever was brewing between us.

"C-Come inside," I managed to say, my voice steadier than I felt as I motioned for him to enter.

Killian stepped in hesitantly, his gaze lingering on me, and in that moment, a wave of realization washed over me. Instead of welcoming him in, I should have shut the door in his face and sent him away.

My mind was hazy, clouded by confusion and a rush of emotions that left me unable to think clearly. As the door clicked shut behind him, something deep within me sparked to life.

"I came to tell you about the plans I discussed with Damien," Killian spoke, his voice low and steady, cutting through the tension in the air.

I couldn't help but notice the way his eyes flickered over me, lingering just a moment too long, unable to tear his eyes off me. For some reason, felt pleasure in just the way his eyes regarded me, igniting a warmth that spread through my chest.

I nodded, striving to focus on his words, but the heat in the room made it nearly impossible.

When Killian and I got married, Killian never consummated our marriage. I could still remember how pathetic I was as I waited for him in our bedroom after the wedding.

It was our wedding night. It should have been something memorable, but to me, it became a night of shame. Killian made me wait all night and never came.

In the years of our marriage after that, Killian never regarded me as his wife. The first time that something happened between us, he was drunk.

It was the only time that he regarded

me as his wife. It was also the only time that something happened between us. That same night is also when bore him a son. It was meaningful night for me, but to him, it was just a drunken night that he couldn't even remember,

Even though he was drunk, even though he was under the influence of the alcohol that consumed him, I didn't push him away.

I was married for years but was still a virgin. People ridicule me, thinking that I am barren without knowing that it's only because Killian never shared my bed once, so how could I get pregnant?

What kind of wife couldn't please her husband? What kind of wife had never served her husband? I was so pathetic that I took his drunk state as my chance.

Now that he is in front of me, sober and in control, I'm going to take back what's left of my dignity that he had taken from me.

"About the plans..." he began again, but his voice faltered as he caught my eye. I stepped forward, closing the distance between us.

In a moment of reckless abandon, I

I

reached out, my fingers brushing against his shoulder, down to his arm. I watched as his Adam's apple bobbed up and down as his body responded instinctively to my touch.

Killian held my wrist, stopping me. I thought he was going to push me away, but I was surprised when he

held my wrist to his nostrils, inhaling deeply as if savoring my scent.

Then he started placing kisses on my wrist, up to my arm, my shoulder blade, and then the crook of my neck.

I gasped as my skin felt scorched by the touch of his lips. Then, I followed obediently as he pushed me to the bed and started to devour me.

 

Chapter 252: Second Rejection

Astrid's POV

I tilted my head back and curled my toes as Killian expertly explored me, his hands and tongue teasingly moving closer to my sensitive spots.

"K-Killian," I gasped, the sound escaping my lips like a whisper of pleasure.

I never imagined that I would turn into a purring kitten, completely captivated by his every touch.

As our breaths turned ragged, I reached for Killian's shirt, unbuttoning it slowly. Each pop echoed the tension between us.

Once the fabric fell away, I pressed my hands against his warm skin, my fingertips tracing the contours of his six-packed abs, feeling the heart radiate beneath my touch.

Killian let out a low growl at my caress, igniting a yearning deep within me. I couldn't help but trail my fingers down to the bulge in his pants. A smile crept across my face as I realized just how much he desired.

With a mix of excitement and anticipation, I began to work on removing his pants. Just as I was about to slip my hands in to give him pleasure, Killian suddenly jolted back as if my touch had startled him awake. "What's wrong?" I breathed out, urgency lacing my voice as I propped myself up to face him, concern mingling with the heat of the moment. My brows furrowed as I hugged myself together, clinging to what was left of the delicate fabric I was wearing.

I watched as Killian's golden eyes flickered, transforming back to the familiar deep brown that had always held a hint of warmth. He blinked rapidly, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to stave off an invisible pain.

"Killian," I whispered, reaching out, hoping to bridge the distance that had suddenly stretched between us. Just as I was about to reach for his arm to offer comfort, Killian recoiled from my touch, hurriedly slipping away from my bed, trying to get as far from me as possible.

A pang of hurt twisted in my chest at his rejection, but I couldn't let him go. "Killian, what's wrong?" I stood up, determination igniting my steps.

"Please, answer me!" I grasped his arm, halting him in his tracks, desperate to pull him back and unravel the mystery that had spun between us.

Killian slowly turned to face me. The man I had been with just seconds earlier was gone, replaced by the same man who had been treating me like a stranger. His face was locked in a mask of formality, his eyes distant, as if he had placed an invisible wall between us.

Still, I didn't back down. I looked into his eyes, demanding an explanation.

"A-Astrid, I'm sorry," Killian stammered, confusion swirling in my mind.

"Sorry for what?" My brows knit together, frustration bubbling to the surface.

"I-I'm responsible for my actions. I shouldn't have done that," his voice came out strained, each word an admission that felt like a betrayal.

"Why shouldn't you?" I pressed my heart racing. "What's so wrong about what we shared?"

Killian fell silent, his expression frozen, as if the words had lodged in his throat. Finally, he managed to whisper, "I'm already married."

I scoffed at his answer. "That didn't stop you once."

Killian sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as if the weight of his choices bore down on him. "Astrid, I know how this looks, but I need you to understand. I'm trying to do the right thing here."

I swallowed hard as a wave of hurt washed over me. When he was still married to me, he chose not to do the right thing. Now, with Giselle by his side, it seemed so easy for him to maintain that distance, to hold himself back from me. Was that really how much he treasured her?

"I need to leave, Astrid. I'm sorry for confusing you. I shouldn't have done that." His words felt like a cold slap, and before I could respond, he turned and walked away.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, my knees buckled weakly, and I slumped onto the bed, hurt by his words and his second rejection. 'I shouldn't have done that.' His final words echoed in my mind, deepening the crack in my heart.

Was this how undesirable I was to him? That he could so easily pull himself back from me, a bond we once cherished, while he had failed to do so with Giselle? The thought twisted like a knife, leaving me grappling with a storm of emotions.

I stared at the closed door, wishing I could rewind time. I made another fool of myself again. Killian must be thinking how easy and shallow I was.

The silence in the room was deafening, amplifying my loneliness, a stark reminder of the shame that happened earlier.

I pulled the blanket around me

tighter, as if it could shield me from the truth that wrapped around my heart like a vice. I had laid myself bare in front of him, opened up the parts of me that were usually guarded, and for what? To be met with a wall of rejection? My thoughts spiralled, each one more painful than the last.

What did he see when he looked at me? A fleeting moment of weakness? A reckless choice he regretted?

I couldn't shake the feeling that I had become nothing more than a chapter in his life that he wanted to close.

I felt a surge of anger at the situation, at him for leaving, at myself for allowing this to happen. It wasn't just about him; it was about me about my choices, my failings. I had let myself believe in a fantasy, one that was now shattered.

With each passing moment, the ache in my chest deepened, morphing into a resolve that surprised me. I wouldn't let this define me.

Wiping my tears, I sat up straighter,

determination flickering to life within me. I needed to reclaim my sense of self, to remind myself of who I was outside of Killian's shadow. I had dreams, aspirations, and a life to live, with or without him.

 

Chapter 253: Breakfast

Astrid's POV

I stared at my food, pushing the scrambled eggs around my plate, forcing myself to take a bite even

though I had no appetite. The nutritious breakfast spread that would usually excite me to eat didn't appeal to me today.

On top of that, I feel under the weather from lack of sleep. After the tension last night, it took me some time to fall asleep and to make matters worse, I had to face Killian first thing in the morning and eat breakfast with him in front of our guests.

If it wasn't for the guests, I wouldn't have to join them for breakfast. I feel bad for the time I wasted that could have been used to train the Warriors instead.

"How was your stay? Did you all have a good sleep?" Killian's voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and practiced, as he turned to our guests.

I remained silent as I kept my gaze on my food, afraid to steal his attention or make eye contact with him that I wasn't ready to face.

"Yes, Alpha. Thank you for your warm welcome. We didn't have any problems so far," Alpha Damien replied, his smile genuine as he continued to eat.

"That's good to hear," Killian responded smoothly. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask the Omegas. I've instructed them to serve you well."

Alpha Damien nodded with a smile, appreciating the Silvermoon Pack's hospitality.

"Is the food to your liking?" Giselle chimed in. Her voice was soft and inviting. "If there's any food that you're craving to eat, I can ask our Pack chef to cook it for you."

"It's okay. You cooked enough food. Our stomachs are full already," Vanessa replied without meeting Giselle's eyes.

Giselle's face brightened suddenly, and she stood up, drawing our attention. "It just so happens that I have some chamomile tea that I personally sun-dried. I would like everyone to taste it and hear your thoughts."

Killian smiled enthusiastically. "My wife's tea doesn't disappoint. You should taste it while you're here," he said. His eyes sparkled with pride as he turned to Giselle. "Giselle, go and give us a taste of your tea." Giselle smiled excitedly before she moved gracefully to fetch the tea.

I felt a familiar ache in my chest as I watched her leave with a compliment from Killian.

In the years I was married to Killian, I never received a single compliment from him. I had always

performed my duties well as his Luna and as the trainer of his warriors, yet never had he looked at me like that filled with admiration.

I had always surpassed everyone's expectations of me, but Killian would always point out my mistakes and criticize my flaws.

What's so great about drying leaves and brewing tea? Even the blind could do that perfectly. What I had contributed to the Pack is nothing compared to what Giselle is capable of doing.

Giselle returned with a calm look on her face. I watched as she flitted between us, pouring the tea that she was bragging to us.

As Giselle poured the tea with calmness on her face, I noticed the underlying tension in her.

Her hands, though steady, betrayed

a slight tremor as she filled each cup. It was as if she was trying to maintain an image of serenity white the weight of her unspoken hatred and anxiety hung between us

QUMS

"Here you go," Giselle spoke softly as she placed a cup in front of me, her voice a gentle melody which is very unlike her. I wonder if the tea is poisoned, just like how her gentleness is.

Although Giselle is cruel, she's not stupid. There's no way she would deliberately poison us all in here. Giselle's gaze shifted toward me, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. "Why are you so wrapped up in those clothes?" she asked, her tone light but probing.

My breath hitched at her question. I purposefully wore a turtle-necked sweater today to hide the marks that Killian had left me last night. There was nothing else I could wear except for this sweater.

"It's quite warm in here. Why are you wearing a sweater? Here, let me help you take it off." Giselle leaned in and reached her hands to my sweater.

"No, it's fine!" I blurted out, panic rising within me as I stopped her.

The idea of her uncovering my secrets sent a wave of dread through me. I forced a smile, hoping to mask the turmoil within me. "I've been feeling sick and cold lately."

My gaze flickered to Killian, who had

been staring at me intently. Just from the took on his face, I felt a chill that had nothing to do with my. sweater. He seemed to understand more than he let on. I think he knows what I'm trying to hide.

Giselle paused, her expression shifting from concern to something sharper as if she were trying to see through me. "You know, it's okay to let people help you," she spoke her voice softening again, but there was an edge to her words that hinted at her suspicions.

"This tea you gave me is a great help already," I answered her before taking a sip of her tea.

I wished her tea tasted bitter, but instead, it was surprisingly soothing, the chamomile floral and warm against my tongue. Each sip brought momentary comfort to me.

Just then, the door swung open, and Ryker burst inside, interrupting the fragile atmosphere around us.

 

Chapter 254: Affectionate Child

Astrid's

POV

Ryker barged into the room, taking everyone by surprise. All eyes turned to his small figure, momentarily stunned by his sudden entrance.

Full of energy just moments before, Ryker suddenly froze when he saw us, his throat constricting as he took in the unfamiliar faces.

The weight of our gazes seemed to pin him down, and I could see his breath quicken, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features.

Before his emotions could consume him, his gaze suddenly landed on mine. I gazed softly at him and gave him a warm smile to encourage him and calm him down.

As soon as he recognized who I was, a flicker of calm washed over him, and I watched as he focused intently on me, the tension in his body beginning to ease.

After my encounter with him in the garden, I did some research about autism and learned about several symptoms and tendencies that autism might exhibit.

Ryker and I had only crossed paths a few times, but something about him drew me in, igniting a desire to understand him better.

One of the things I discovered was that crowds could trigger overwhelming feelings, leading to emotional distress. I learned that helping him focus on one thing could improve his clarity of mind.

I felt a surge of relief that I was able to help him find that focus. My research was not in vain.

"Ryker? What are you doing here?" Giselle asked, worry etched across her face as she looked at her son standing before us. Her brows furrowed when she realized the negligence that had allowed him to wander off.

Just as she finished speaking, another person rushed into the room, breathless and flustered. It was his nanny, her eyes wide with concern.

"Ryker, please stop running. I'm tired already," she gasped, trying to catch her breath.

Just as she prepared to chase after him again, Ryker took off, darting toward my side. I sensed the sudden shift in the room as his nanny's eyes widened, taking in the gathering. Her eyes almost bulged out of their sockets when she realized what they had interrupted.

I was taken by surprise when Ryker suddenly tugged at my shirt, looking up at me with a bright smile that contrasted sharply with the tension surrounding us.

I glanced at everyone around me; they looked back at me with interest, their expressions a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

Except for Giselle, who shot me a glare that could have melted steel-her protective instincts flaring up at the sight of her son.

"F-Forgive my negligence, Alpha and

Luna," Ryker's nanny stammered, her head bowed in fear. "Ryker and were just taking a walk outside when he suddenly ran off. I've been trying to chase after him, but he's so fast! He looked like he was searching for something; I didn't think he was looking for Miss Astrid."

My attention shifted back to Ryker as he held up a shiny rock, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He wanted me to take it, and I gently reached out to accept it.

As I admired the heart-shaped stone in my palm, a smile spread across my face. "Is this for me?" I asked, my voice bright and warm.

Ryker pursed his lips, then nodded earnestly, his expression serious yet proud. I felt a surge of warmth at

his gesture. "It's beautiful," I told him, holding the rock up to the light to showcase its glimmer.

His face lit up with joy at my words, the anxiety from earlier dissipating as he took in my appreciative reaction.

But just then, Giselle's voice cut through the warmth. "Why are you just standing there? Go and take Ryker out of here. You are disturbing the guests," she scolded his nanny, her tone sharp and filled with urgency.

The nanny flinched, her eyes widening in fear as she glanced between Ryker and Giselle. She hurriedly moved to take Ryker away, but I instinctively stopped her.

"It's alright; there's no need to take the child away. He came here to give me a gift," I said, defending Ryker as I held up the heart-shaped stone for everyone to see.

Suddenly, Killian spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension. "This is new! Ryker never shares his things

with anyone, let alone gives theme

away. Even I, Giselle, his own parents, couldn't borrow his things from him. Yet here he is, running around to find you and give you something special."

I stared at Ryker in surprise, realizing just how significant his gesture truly was. It filled me with warmth to know that he had chosen to share this moment with me.

"It seems like Ryker likes Astrid more than he likes his own parents," Vanessa chimed in, her voice light but provocative.

Giselle's expression hardened in response, her smile strained as she forced an amicable facade. "Of course, Ryker loves us as his parents. It's just that it's hard for someone like him to express his feelings," she countered, her tone clipped and defensive.

Killian smiled, seemingly unaware of the tension. "I'm glad that Ryker shows affection to you, Astrid. You've only met each other a few days ago, but he already likes you more than he likes his mother," he said, his words rolling off his tongue without a second thought.

Giselle forced out a laugh, but it lacked warmth. "Just because Ryker prefers you doesn't mean he likes me less," she argued, her voice firm. "You see, Ryker is a father's boy," she explained to the guests, trying to regain control of the narrative.

I fell silent, absorbing this new

information. Giselle's

overprotectiveness was palpable, but beneath it lay something deeper an insecurity about her

relationship with her son. She

seemed to care for Ryker, yet el

couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't as close to her as he could be. The realization that Ryker might feel a connection with me, perhaps even more so than with his own mother, stirred a mix of emotions within me.

I wonder what kind of mother Giselle really is.

 

Chapter 255: Evil Plans of an Evil Mother

Giselle's

POV

Silent rage coursed through my veins as I strode through the hall, each step punctuated by the sharp click of my heels against the polished floor. The sound echoed, amplifying my frustration with every stride. Ryker's nanny followed closely behind, her head bowed in submission. She clasped her hands tightly together, but still, they trembled, unable to suppress her fear.

When I arrived in front of my private room, I flung the door open, the impact resonating as it clashed loudly against the walls as I stormed inside.

The Omegas cleaning my room flinched, their eyes widening in surprise. As my frustration bubbled over, they quickly took the hint.

They scurried away with their heads hung low, bringing their cleaning equipment with them like they had seen nothing.

Once the last Omega slipped out, Ryker's nanny shut the door behind us, her movements hurried and cautious.

Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees, her voice trembling as she begged, "Please forgive me, Luna. I didn't mean for this to happen."

I spun around, the heat of my anger boiling over as my hand connected with her cheek, the sharp crack of the slap reverberating through the room. She gasped in surprise, collapsing to the ground, her eyes wide with disbelief.

My jaw tightened as I glared down at her, fury igniting in my chest. "You only have one job!" I shouted,

venom lacing my words as I pointed a finger at her, each accusation dripping with disdain. "How could you let Ryker out of your sight?!"

Trembling, she moved back into position, her forehead touching the floor in a desperate plea for mercy. "Luna, I failed in my duty. Please punish me as you see fit."

"Since when did Ryker and Astrid become close?" I snapped, my voice rising with anger.

"Sir Ryker and Miss Astrid only met once by chance in the garden. Astrid tried to connect with Ryker, but Ryker did not even respond to her questions. I didn't put much thought into it to think it necessary to pay attention," she replied, her words muffled against the floor.

"I told you to keep Ryker away from Astrid, didn't I?" I yelled, my frustration boiling over. "Why didn't you inform me about their encounter in the garden? If you had told me, we could have avoided this!"

I gritted my teeth, anger coursing through me at her negligence. If she had mentioned their meeting, I would have known that Astrid had already set her sights on Ryker, and I could have acted sooner.

"I'm sorry, Luna. I made a grave mistake. There was nothing special about their conversation, so I didn't think it warranted concern," she responded, her voice trembling beneath the weight of my fury. Turning my back on her, I stepped forward, my brows furrowing in deep thought. My fists clenched at my sides, and my chest heaved with a mix of anger and helplessness.

"That Astrid has really gone too far!"

I seethed. "First, she disrespected my title as Luna. Now, she's used my own son to humiliate me in front of the guests and made me look like a vile mother in front of Killian! My voice dropped to a low growb simmering with the realization that Astrid had offended me repeatedly in recent days without facing any consequences.

"This won't do," I whispered, determination hardening my resolve. "I can't let her continue trampling over me like this. I must teach her a lesson."

I turned to face her again, closing the distance between us with purposeful strides. I could hear her sharp intake of breath as I stopped just inches away, the tension thickening around us.

I never gave second chances to people, and she knows that. When they messed up their job - especially on such a grand scale - I usually just get rid of them and hire someone better.

However, replacing Ryker's nanny would be more trouble than keeping this incompetent omega in her position. The chaos that would ensue wasn't worth the risk.

Of all the omegas in the Packhouse and trained nannies we could hire, none had managed to earn Ryker's trust as she had. She was the only one he would listen to, the only one who could soothe him when he was upset.

If we get rid of her, Ryker would spiral out of control. And on top of that, Killian would undoubtedly question my decision, adding another layer of scrutiny to my already strained situation.

"I have an idea, but this time, you can't fail me," I said, narrowing my eyes at her, my voice low and intense.

At my words, she cautiously raised

her head to meet my gaze. But when she realized was staring at her, she quickly pressed her forehead back to the floor, a clear gesture of submission. "Just give me your orders, Luna. I promise I won't disappoint you this time," she said, her voice trembling with obedience.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of my lips as plans began to form in my mind. Astrid had once disrespected my authority as Luna, using my son to humiliate me and paint me as a vile mother. Now, I would turn the tables and employ her own tactics against her.

With each passing moment, my resolve strengthened. I would not only reclaim my dignity but also ensure

that Astrid understood the consequences of her actions. This time, I would be the one in control.