The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 112: Chapter 112

: Lucas
We returned to the packhouse after searching the apartment. I let Rhonen run for a while longer, taking the time to map out a few new patrol routes for the security team. Once we were satisfied, we headed for home.
I wasn’t able to access the information on the phone. Even if it had been charged, there was almost guaranteed to be a password. However, we had just the man on our tech team to help us with that. So, I still considered the night a success and my mood was significantly better than it had been. And I had every intention of finishing the day by ravishing my mate until she passed out.
I left Jaden at his floor and eagerly waited for the elevator to ascend. Once the doors opened, I was reminded of why I hadn’t been home in the first place. The sound of laughter filled the apartment. It should have been a good thing, but right now, it was keeping me from Sutton.
She was surrounded by her girlfriends in the living room. The place was a cluttered mess of polishes, creams, and who knows what other concoctions. Along with what was left of an array of snacks and plenty of alcohol. They all seemed to enjoying themselves as I scanned the room. However, I felt some of my earlier tension return when I noticed Sera was among the group.
Sutton’s eyes fell on me with an excited gasp.
“Babe, you’re home,” she cried, reaching her arm out for me.
With a chuckle, I went to her, ignoring the others greetings as I leaned in to kiss her. Whatever sweet liquor she had been drinking still lingered heavily on her lips. It normally wouldn’t have been my preference, but with Sutton it only enhanced her naturally perfect taste. When I pulled away, she gazed up at me with a look that was more seductive than anything I’d ever seen.
“Ladies,” I spoke to the others without looking away, “I don’t mean to be rude, but get out.”
There was a chorus of laughter as they started to get up. Sutton laughed, kissing me again.
“As eager as I am to continue this,” she whispered, “I’m going to help them pack up really quick.” I growled my disagreement but she pushed me away with a smile. “Go. I’ll be there soon.”
“You have five minutes,” I rumbled into her ear.
“Ten.”
Shaking my head, I left them to their task. I took the opportunity to stop in the study and deposit the cellphone in the safe I kept in the apartment. While there, I decided to pour myself a whiskey to get us a little closer to an even state. I wouldn’t want anyone saying I took advantage of my intoxicated mate. As I downed half the glass, there was a knock on the open door behind me. I turned to see Sera standing in the doorway. With a deep inhale, I downed the rest of the glass before pouring another.
“What do you want, Seraphina?”
“You didn’t seem too surprised to see me here,” she commented as she took a few steps into the room. “I hope that means Sutton told you I was actually invited this time.”
“She did,” I replied stiffly. “However, I didn’t. So, what do you want?”
She sighed heavily, her shoulders falling. “I want to say I’m sorry,” she said. “I know what I did at Sutton’s dinner was completely rotten and I still feel horrible about it.”
“Sutton told me you approached her,” I said, more gentle this time. “She really did appreciate your apology. You certainly owed her one.”
“Believe me, I know,” Sera stated insistently. “But I owe you one as well. Not as my Alpha, but as my friend. If you can ever consider me a friend again.”
I sighed, sitting on the edge of my desk. Whatever her behavior lately, she had been a good friend for a long time. Even after we had broken up. It would be hard not to see her that way again.
“I wasn’t impressed,” I told her. “I honestly would have never expected that from you of all people. If it was anyone else, I’d have exiled them on the spot. But with you, I just keep wondering why?”
“I know, I know,” she said, falling into a chair. “The stupid and shameful truth of it is that I was hurting and decided to act out on my petty jealousy. It wasn’t even about you. I just made it about you because I was given the opportunity. Really, Luca, I am so ashamed and embarrassed with my behavior.”
My gut twisted. Even if I wasn’t ready to see her as a friend again, I still had a duty to her as her Alpha. Sometimes that meant having these personal conversations when my pack members were hurting.
“What happened, Sera?” I asked.
She exhaled with a grunt. “The guy I’ve been with for the past year… found his mate,” she told me, fighting back tears. “Two weeks after we moved in together.”
“Shit, Sera,” I replied, genuinely feeling for her. “That is rough.”
She brushed a tear away, clearing her throat as she sat up straighter. “It is what it is,” she said. “And it still certainly doesn’t excuse what I did. I just wanted you to know how sorry I am for it.” She stood up. “And to know that I am really happy for you, Lucas. Sutton is… amazing. No one in this pack deserves someone like her more than you.”
“Thank you, Seraphina,” I replied, knowing she was being completely genuine with me right now.
We heard her name being called from the other room. She looked toward the door.
“I should go,” she said. She paused as she made it to the door. “I hope you don’t mind me being friends with Sutton, Alpha. I really do like her.”
“I would never deny Sutton a friendship she wanted,” I replied. “You relationship is entirely up to her.”