The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 127: Chapter 127

: Lucas
It was past midnight as I lay in bed staring at the ceiling.
I had cleared those closest to Daisy from being involved with her betrayal. I hated having to command them but it was the only way to be sure. Still, I was finding it hard to just let it go. So, I decided to have a couple of my warriors stay behind and keep an eye on things here for a while.
Once that had been dealt with, I had a decision to make.
According to pack laws, a traitor could not be buried within the Ironpaw territory. The most common practice was cremation, with the remains being transported off of pack lands and buried or scattered. Without ceremony or final rights.
Every time I looked at Sutton — every time I remembered how close I came to losing her — I was easily inclined to abide by our customs. Daisy was nothing to me anymore. She had made sure of that. And there was Jack to consider. The last words his mother had said to him were despicable. That alone was enough to scar him for life but throw in all the rest he had been through, I worried he would never recover. There was do much damage she had done to the people she claimed to have loved the most. For that, she didn’t deserve any kind of consideration.
But there was something about the whole situation that didn’t sit right and I couldn’t for the life of me figure it out.
More than anything, I wanted to ask Sutton what to do. But I wouldn’t disrespect her like that. Not after everything Daisy had done to her. Not after I’d failed her so miserably.
Rhonen slowly came into my consciousness. It was the first time I’d felt him since we left the woods. I didn’t think I was ready for him yet but I’d learned a long time ago that he often knew what I needed better than I did.
I looked at Sutton laying next to me. Watched her breathing steadily. Leaning over gently, I kissed the top of her head before getting out of bed. Quietly throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt.
I needed to run. I needed to get out of this house.
I headed out the back door and shifted as soon as my feet hit the grass. Rhonen stretched briefly before starting off at a swift jog. At this point, I had given over to him completely. I didn’t know where he was taking us and I didn’t really care.
I expected Rhonen to take off at a run and not stop until he was exhausted. But he didn’t. There were a few bursts here and there, but for the most part, he remained at a swift but calm pace. And he knew where he was going. After about twenty minutes, so did I.
He’d brought me to a creek I was very familiar with. Traversing through the cool water to cross to the other side, he approached a small stone structure.
I shifted back, taking the few steps to the memorial. I ran a hand over the rough surface, removing a few sticks and debris. Otherwise, the site had been well maintained as usual. I crossed the short distance to a stone bench, taking a seat as I face my parents’ graves.
It had been too long since I’d been here. Only twice since Emlyn died.
“I’m sorry I haven’t visited,” I said out loud, resting my elbows on my knees. “It turns out running a pack keeps you pretty occupied… but that’s no excuse.” I hung my head. The weight of the past forty-eight hours started to pull on me. I attempted to stave off the effects. “I found my mate,” I told the air. “She’s… she’s pretty incredible. You’d both really like her…” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “You know… I spent my life watching how much you two loved each other. I always knew I wanted that. How could I not? But you never told me… told me how fucking terrifying it is. The thought of losing her… it's too much.”
My face went to my hands. I couldn’t hold the flood back any longer. Tension seized my muscles. They shook as tears fell freely. I let it all go.
I caught Sutton’s scent before I felt her touch. Her hand pushed through my hair as she suddenly stood in front of me. I instantly pulled her to me, my head on her chest and my arms around her waist.
I should have known she would follow me.
I let her hold me. I let my emotions take over at will. It was easier to face them with Sutton here. Because above all else, I knew she still loved me. I could feel it through our bond. Her love was there just as strong as ever. No matter how undeserving it was.
I felt like a fraud having her care this much. The guilt that was stirring in my gut was telling me I shouldn’t be letting her comfort me. I shouldn’t be taking anything good from her. But every other part of me just needed her too damn much. It was selfish but I couldn’t help it. But that wasn’t right either.
“You shouldn’t be here,” I said softly.
I felt her stiffen, her hold on me loosening. Hurt running through our connection. My guilt tightened in my chest. I tried to pull her closer but she stepped away. I went to reach for her but the look in her eyes had me frozen in place.
Pain. I felt pure agonizing pain as my heart broke and I could no longer tell if the feeling was coming from her or myself.
“Su…”
“No,” she snapped, stumbling back. “I understand.” She headed for the trees. “I know when I’m not wanted.”