Semua Bab Rejected Luna : Alpha's Promise, King's Claim : Bab 31 - Bab 40

VENUSThankfully the door creaks, and Mallory enters, her expression grim. “I’ve checked the perimeter,” she says. “Nothing. Those wolves had cloaking abilities, maybe something worse. If they're what I think they are… regular border patrols won’t be enough.” I can tell what she means. They are special wolves. Rowan crosses his arms. “This annual camp was shut down before because of such incidents.” Bronze clenches his jaw but says nothing. “If we can’t defend the trainees and pack members from attacks like this, then maybe…” Rowan pauses, letting the words sink in our heads, “...this camp shouldn’t be running.”He turns, giving me one last glance and then leaves. Silence. My chest tightens. He is right. The image of Rimi’s blood soaked body won’t leave me. She is still unconscious because of the brutal attack. I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t reach that clearing in time. The thought nauseates me. Later, as I step outside for air, I notice Bronze standing with Si

VENUSThe surprise hits me like a punch to the gut. I expected I would have to fight her on this but she agreed. This seems easy. Too easy. Also the way she said ‘Don’t return’ it sounded like she’s telling me to stay away from my pack. I try to steady my voice, though it cracks. “Is something happening back at the pack, mom?”There’s a long pause, and for a split second, I think I see her hesitate. Then she speaks, her voice cold but tight. “We’re fine here. For now, focus on your safety. Keep yourself safe, Venus. I’ll handle things here.”I don’t like the way her words feel. Something doesn’t sit right. Why would she say ‘it’s better’? My brow furrows as I glance at the screen, my mind racing.“Mom, what aren’t you telling me?” I ask, the question slipping out before I can stop it.Another pause. Then, finally, she says, “Just... be careful, Venus. Don’t wander off alone. It’s dangerous right now.”The unease on her face is unmistakable, and I can’t shake the feeling that there

VENUSThe sun is barely up when I head to the announcement hall with Sydney and Alex. Bronze has called all of us to gather in the hall as he needs to make an announcement. “So the camp is over,” Sydney mutters with a sad look on her face. I hum. “Yeah. I wish the camp continued but with the attack I can understand why they want to stop it now.”We enter the hall and stand near the back. Bronze walks towards the stage and I scan the hall for other familiar faces. There’s Mallory and Simon standing at one edge of the stage. But I don’t see Rowan anywhere. Bronze steps forward. “After thorough discussion with the elders and a majority vote from you all… the camp will continue.”Murmurs ripple through the crowd.Sydney gasps as she looks at us. “A majority vote?” Alex stares ahead at the trainees. “Looks like some of the trainees spoke to Bronze and requested that they want this camp to continue. If the majority of the participants want this camp to continue then the Alpha has to co

I whirl around. “What? You want to lecture me again?”Rowan steps closer. His strides are calm, deliberate, like he’s walking through battlefields with no fear of getting burned. I hate that about him. I hate how calm he always is while I’m cracking at the edges.“I didn’t come to lecture you.”“No? Then what is this? Another round? You didn’t beat me hard enough?” His jaw clenches. “You needed to be reminded of what's at stake.”“Oh, right. Because I’m so weak. Because I don’t have a wolf. I forgot I needed you to put me in my place.”“You needed to fight harder.”“And you need to stop treating me like I’m glass,” I snap. I turn, about to walk away again, but he’s faster. His hand catches my wrist, spinning me back into him. I stumble, and before I can find my footing, my back hits a tree trunk. His palm lands against the tree beside my head. The other hand comes to rest gently, but firmly, at my throat. I freeze.“Get out of my way,” I whisper.“No.”His eyes are locked on mine.

VENUSI frown. “Then stop them.”“I can’t.” His voice breaks on the edge of frustration. “Not when Mallory’s always backing them up. She’s in every meeting now. She’s... aligning with them. I’m outnumbered.”My chest tightens.“And that’s my problem, how?” I ask, sharper than intended. “You’re the one who invited Mallory into those meetings. You let her in.”He winces because of the harshness in my words, then exhales. “I know. And maybe that was a mistake. But she’s contributing a lot to the camp right now. She’s got allies. She’s resourceful. If I remove her, things in the pack might crumble.”“So you’re saying you can’t say no to her?” I ask, a bitter note curling around my words. This does not feel like him. He doesn't answer right away. His gaze falls to the floor. “I’m saying... I don’t know who I am in those rooms without you anymore.”The words hit me like a cold wind. Then he reaches for my hand.I get tense.His fingers brush mine gently, tentatively, like he’s afraid I’ll