Chapter 2: The Luna's Sorrow

It's after dark already, but I can't sleep. Jacob lay like a log of wood beside me, snoring softly. My back is to him and I've made sure a pillow separates the two of us in the wide bed. My heart is extremely fragile. It may be nothing, but I can't help the blaring feeling of dread inside me.

What if I'm right to feel this way?

I pinch my eyes closed at the thought, shaking my head slightly and rolling onto my back with my eyes facing the ceiling above. I refuse to think about it. But...I must consider the possibilities. After all, it already happened once.

Jacob fucked me in our bed after having his shower. He wasn't gentle with me and his kisses were like I've always remembered; like he can't get enough. I could feel he loves me and no one else, like I am the only woman capable of bringing him peace and making him happy. My hand runs over my belly unconsciously. I'm all these things, yet I have caused his number one misfortune.

A single tear drops and rolls down the side of my face, staining my pillow below. I can't take it anymore. I slip out of the duvet and throw my legs down to the floor. My bare feet carry me across the room until I find a night robe to clothe my naked body.

I put on the dark leather slippers last and head out into the cold night. I want to wait until morning, but I can't anymore. This has to come now.

The Alpha's home is near to the pack's Inn. I don't walk for long through the darkness before the small building comes into view. The air feels wet on my skin. I can taste a storm coming.

I knock twice before the keeper answers me. A hunched old man stands behind the door. His human eyes are no longer working as they should. Mr. Stormwall uses his wolf's eyes to see at all times.

"Evening to you, Luna," the man says in a voice croaked with age.

I smile faintly at him. "I'm here for the pack doctor."

"Yes, she came in with the Alpha's convoy earlier. You're in luck." He bows as I cross him at the entrance.

He doesn't follow me up the stairs. The old wolf cuts into a turn by the left and leaves me to find Sylvia's room all on my own. I'm familiar with the vicinity. I've been here countless times to know the in and outs of this building like the back of my palm.

When I arrive at the second room after the stairs, I knock softly and wait for a response. She answers after a moment. I hear her scream it from inside and I shake my head because she doesn't even check the identity of her visitor. But then again, she should know my scent.

I walk in and find the place still getting ready. There are boxes unloaded on surfaces, even her clothes and her belongings are littered around the room. I notice the bottle of ash on the ground near my feet. It's something wolves use to hide their scent from other wolves and hunters, but I ignore it and walk further into her room.

"It looks like the war with the rogues happened here and not outside." I stare in awe at the space and she laughs a bit, turning to me and reaching for a hug.

Sylvia wraps her arms around me and pulls me in for a minute. I can't respond because it is not only her room that is leaving me in shock. She has a swollen belly and I can distinctly hear the heartbeat of the baby growing inside her.

"Sylvia." I gasp as she eases off of me.

Her eyes are twinkling with happiness and I'm so glad to see her this way. A lot happened. I missed out on it all because of the war. I insisted on going along with Jake and the pack soldiers, but as Luna, it is my duty to remain behind and look after the pack until my alpha returns.

She giggles at the awe on my face and I squeal, grabbing her hands animatedly. "Dear, this is great news. I can't imagine the smile on Vincent's face as you broke the news to him."

Sylvia's glee dies out instantly. Her lips curve into a deep frown. I realize something's wrong and my heart beats hard in my chest. I do not want to think about the worst, but it's all I can hear.

"Hey, what's wrong?" My brows draw together in concern.

She starts sobbing and I lead her by the arm to her bed and make her tell me all about it. It's been so long since I saw my best friend and it's clear there's a burden on her shoulder that she's carrying alone.

"Rose, Vince didn't make it out of the rogue's pack base. I was there when the rogue Alpha sliced his neck with his talons. He-He dropped dead on the spot..."

Tears bathe her face. I can't bring myself to look at her suffering. It's shredding my heart to pieces and there's nothing I can do about it.

"Sylvia, you know Jacob and I are always here for you, right?" I say, rubbing her back.

She lifts her brown gaze to me and flashes a sad smile while nodding. Sylvia sniffles and wipes her tears away with her thumb. She straightens her shoulders and I see what she's doing. Trying to block it out instead of dealing with the fact that her mate is dead.

I say nothing, though. I let her do just that because maybe it's the only thing she's strong enough to do at the moment. Forget.

"Speaking of the alpha?" She changes the topic and slightly wiggles her brows, but I'm still thinking about the baby that's almost due. There's no Vince. My best friend will need a support system.

I can't hide the blush creeping up my neck. She repeats her statement, stalking my gaze and I smack her arm, giggling like a schoolchild. I almost can't recognise my voice.

"Well, Jacob did his mate duties just perfectly."

"Hmm. And did he make up for the time lost with his Luna and her big appetite?" She narrows her eyes at me, and I observe her smile wavering.

I gasp and place a hand over my chest in mock shock. Her very crude description was so not the case.

"Sylvia!" I whisper, even though there's nothing to hide.

She eventually eases up, and her face brightens again. "Where's the lie, Rose? My best friend has that thoroughly fucked look going on for her. I mean, see the wild hair."

She stands on her feet and moves towards a chest of clothes on a wooden table. Sylvia starts going through the stash inside the chest and I gather courage and speak up.

"But...is it wrong to doubt the man you love, even when you know he's not capable of betraying you?"

She pauses for a split second. It was more like a freeze, but she had gotten herself quickly. I frown at her reaction, but overlook it when I hear her voice next.

"Sometimes, it's the ones closest to us that are the last to know things." She doesn't let go of that chest like it's her lifeline.

"I think I'm overthinking."

"Why? Did you find anything suspicious?" I watch her hand movements. She had slowed down to listen to what I have to say. I have her full attention. Yet she can't turn to look at me.

I stutter. "I-I...There was a smear of lipstick on his jacket."

She finally holds my gaze and I can't read her eyes, no matter how hard I try.

"Rose, that can mean anything."

I sigh, fiddling with my fingernails. "I know. Sylvia, I know, but I can't just help the thought that something's wrong. I couldn't find a scent on it, though; and I tried so hard to get—"

"Hey!" she stops my rambling with a soft command. Then she walks over to me and flanks me on the bed. "Jacob loves you, okay? Everyone wishes to be like the both of you. I think there's a mix up somewhere. Will you trust me?"

I look at where our hands are intertwined and understand we are more than friends. She's the sister I never had and I will cherish her forever. Sylvia will always have my back. I can tell.

I nod and she pulls me in a for a long hug. After the next five minutes, we sink into conversations and catch up for the time lost. When it's dawn, I've forgotten all about my alpha and my doubts. I feel refreshed while talking to Sylvia.

"See you soon, dear," she says, waving me out the door.

Quietly, I slip out of the Inn and return to the Alpha's House. When I get there, Jacob is already up, but he doesn't look pleased.

"Jacob, what's wrong?" I walk up to him, knitting my brows at the anger thick on his face.

He doesn't look me in the eye. He is focusing on suiting up for the day's routine and this is a first. Jacob never treats me this way.

I ask again. "My love. What is—"

Suddenly, I hear the loud bell. The sound is too familiar to take lightly. It's the sound of war coming. A battle cry for our pack. My eyes widen instantly. Does this mean Jacob will leave me again? I turn to him and place my palms gently on his broad chest.

He still doesn't look at me while wearing the last part of his attire. Jacob says with his eyes on his arm, "That's the sound of a new order, Rose."

"From who?"

"Me. I gave the order."

"To do what, Jacob? Make me under—"

"To kill your family." He holds my gaze only then and I'm frozen like the North Pole in winter. Hard to crack. What?