All Chapters of The Loathed Luna: A Sister's Substitute : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

KATARINAI was curled up in a tight ball on my side of the bed, the sheets tangled around my legs from all the tossing and turning. Since Alexander's departure, sleep had come in fits and starts, punctuated by every small sound in the suite. My eyes burned from crying earlier.Alexander's words had hurt, but his apology and the way he held me afterward kept me from completely breaking down. The clock on the nightstand displayed 4:47 a.m. And I squeezed my eyes shut again, even though it hadn't worked all night.But then I heard the soft click of the front door opening, which jolted my heart. I sat up immediately, pushing my messy hair away from my face. For a brief moment, relief washed over me; he'd returned.But then I heard the footsteps. They were quick and light—nothing like Greyson's heavy, commanding stride. My stomach twisted with new anxiety, and a familiar scent hit me just as the bedroom door flew open.It was Ines, whom I hadn't seen since she took time off to care for her

KATARINAThe drive back from the airstrip felt heavier than the one there. The acrid smell of smoke still clung to my clothes, and the image of the charred wreckage refused to leave my mind. Greyson’s hand stayed wrapped around mine the entire way, but his grip was distant, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. I didn’t press him, however. The news had already spread like wildfire by the time we reached the stronghold. Servants and pack members moved with solemn urgency, preparing for the arrival of Marcus’s wife and whatever remained of his family. I barely had time to change into more appropriate mourning attire before Cyra appeared at my side, composed and efficient as ever.“I’m here to help,” she said quietly, squeezing my arm. “You don't have to do this alone.”Again, her presence was a comfort as she moved with purpose, helping me coordinate the receiving hall, the guest quarters, the formal mourning banners, and the preparation of traditional rites.We worked side by side, her ca

GREYSON We reached the main house, and Alexander headed off without another word. I made my way to our suite, exhaustion and calculation warring in my mind. When I opened the door, Cyra was inside, and she turned as I entered. For a moment, the air felt awkward before she gracefully rose.“I should go,” she said softly, and Katarina rose as well. They embraced warmly, and again, I was taken aback by how natural it looked. I couldn't help but wonder what Cyra was up to because I knew she didn't like Katarina. But an idea crystallized in my mind with cold clarity as she walked to the door.I had told Katarina to pause the arrangement with Alexander. But maybe now was the time to resume it. If they conceived soon, before the two-week deadline, Alexander would have no choice. The baby would be on the way. I could announce the pregnancy to the pack immediately. Alexander wouldn’t expose our secrets publicly, no matter how angry he was. He’d be trapped by loyalty and the reality of the chi

KATARINASelf-pity would not change anything, I told myself firmly as I finally got up from the bed. My legs felt unsteady, but I forced them to support me. I couldn't sit here wallowing in the dark while Greyson moved through the world without me because I was too weak to stand by his side.Tonight, I would go to Alexander, do what was necessary, and fall pregnant because the moon goddess would have it so. I closed my eyes briefly and said a silent prayer into the quiet room.Moon Goddess, please help me conceive tonight. Give me the strength to do what needs to be done, and allow this child to bind us together in a way that brings peace not only to Greyson and me, but also to Alexander. Help him help his brother. Give him strength.But first, I needed to take control of my own destiny. No more passively watching events unfold around me. Cyra's words from my early days here echoed in my mind—her sharp advice that I needed to be strong so that I could stand up for myself and watch Gre

KATARINAI lay beneath Alexander on the cool grass, my legs still wrapped around him, our chests heaving in unison as the knot held us close. My mind raced, attempting to catch up with what my body already knew. The fullness, the pulsing warmth deep inside me, and the primal instinct that whispered life. It had finally happened.I was pregnant.The realization washed over me in waves. After much heartache and prayer, the heir was here. Greyson's heir. The Pack's Future. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked up at Alexander's face, which was shadowed in moonlight but achingly open.“Xander…" I whispered, my voice trembling. “I'm… I'm pregnant, aren't I?"He nodded slowly, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Yes," he breathed, his voice heavy with emotion. “Congratulations, Kat!"His voice broke when he said my name, and the first tear slipped down his cheek, falling warmly onto my face. That single drop split my chest open. This child was his heir, and he would never recognize him a