The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 93: Chapter 93

: Sutton
Returning to the kitchen, Lucas took a seat on the barstool next to Jack. I hung back, leaning against the dining table so he didn’t feel crowded. I crossed my arms to keep from fidgeting with my hands and making him nervous.
“Hey, Jack,” Lucas said. “It’s been a while since you’ve been to the city, huh? I bet you don’t even remember the last time.”
Jack shrugged. “Not really, I guess.”
“Well, I talked to your mom and…”
“We’re going back home, aren’t we?” Jack interrupted. “It’s okay. I know you don’t want her around anymore. Grandpa could use my help on the farm anyway.”
I saw Lucas’ jaw clench. Jack’s response bothered him but I felt his resolve solidify through our bond. This was something he needed to do.
“I won’t tell you you’re wrong,” Lucas said. “ Your mother did something very unkind to someone very important to me. So, no, I’m not happy with her behavior. But that has nothing to do with you, buddy. Which is why I want you to stay here for a while.” Jack perked up when he heard that and he was suddenly very interested in what Lucas was saying. “We both do.”
Then his shoulders fell. He looked at me, then back to Lucas. He started to fidget. It was subtle but you could tell he was uncomfortable. I won’t lie — his reaction hurt. I know it shouldn’t have bothered me so bad, but I couldn’t stop the tears that started to form.
I pushed off the table. “I’m going to give you boys some space to figure this out,” I said heading for the elevator. “I’ll go get us some dinner from the cafeteria.”
“Sutton…” Lucas called after me.
I turned and met his eyes. “Really, Lucas,” I urged, “you don’t need me here hovering. You two can handle this.”
Before he could protest further, I opted to take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. I just wanted to get out of there. I walked a bit aimlessly until I reached the café. It had been a long weekend and I was already physically and emotionally exhausted before this whole situation. So, I ordered food, avoiding anything quick, to bring back up and looked for a place to just sit and regroup.
There was a small dining room right off the cafeteria for ranking members only. I tucked my head in and saw Jaden and two other men at a far table. I didn’t feel like dealing with them, so I opted for a small table in a far corner. Sitting my back to the wall, I swiped at the single tear that managed to fall and laid my head down on my arms.
I must have dozed off because I suddenly jerked up when I registered someone calling my name.
“Sutton…”
“Hmm…” I mumbled, looking up to see Sera standing over me with a worried expression.
My stomach sank. My first thought was wondering why I couldn’t get a break from Lucas’ past for a day. But a pang of guilt immediately followed the thought. After all, my own past had nearly caused a war just the day before. Besides, I still believe Sera’s apology had been genuine and she had been kind enough to tell me what to expect at the conclave that evening she treated us to dinner.
“Are you okay, Sutton?” Sera continued taking a seat next to me. “Where’s Lucas? Did something happen at the conclave?”
“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just tired. It was a long weekend. I’m just waiting on some dinner.”
She seemed to accept my answer at first but then her eyes narrowed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I replied. “And thank you for helping me with the etiquette lessons the other day. They did come in handy at the conclave.”
“Of course,” she said. “Happy to help.” She moved to get up but stopped, sitting back down in her chair. “Okay, I don’t know what it is, but you’re not okay, Sutton. What’s up?”
I groaned, falling back in my chair. I told her about who was waiting on our doorstep when we got back and what Daisy had done back at the farm. I admitted that I didn’t know how I was going to handle having this kid that meant so much to Lucas but hated me around for weeks.
“Yeah, I remember Daisy from the couple of times we managed to go see his family during a holiday,” Sera said. “She didn’t do anything like that to me but that woman sure knows how to stare daggers at someone.”
I scoffed. “No kidding,” I said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Lucas feels comfortable enough to give the boy a place. But it just sucks that I have to figure out how to navigate through this living situation on top of everything else I’m getting used. Especially since we were supposed to be focused on just the two of us now that we’ve ma…”
I caught myself before a finished the sentence but not soon enough. Sera straightened, bracing her hands on the table as she gave me an intense look.
“Sutton… now that you have what?” she pushed.
I could tell that she wasn’t going to let this go and I didn’t want more rumors to spread because of speculation. So, with a sigh, I brushed my hair off my shoulder to reveal Lucas’ mark.
I didn’t really know how I expected her to respond, but it wasn’t with the pure elation and excitement that suddenly filled her face.
“Oh, my gosh, Sutton, that is amazing,” she cried, pulling me into a hug. “I’m so happy for you guys. Really. I honestly haven’t seen Lucas happier.”
“Thank you,” I replied, still a little stunned. “But keep it to yourself, okay. I haven’t told Tarah yet and she’d kill me if she found out I told you first. I planned on calling her in the morning.”
“Luna, your secret is safe with me.”