From Betrayed Luna to Wolf Queen (Lillian) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30 A Mother’s Directive

Julian’s POV:

“You… what did you just say?”

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Finn stared back at me with a gaze that was both cold and dangerous. “She would never engage in something as devoid of boundaries as what Iris has done.”

What was this? Couldn’t they resolve their own issues without dragging me and Iris into the center of it?

I was absolutely livid!

A phone on the carpet buzzed. Finn glanced down at the screen.

“It’s your mother. Likely another ‘crisis‘ involving Iris‘ precarious state.”

My expression contorted with barely restrained fury.

Naturally. The one call I wanted never came, while the ones I didn’t rang incessantly.

Half an hour later, I was back at the hospital.

Eleanor’s face was a mask of stern disapproval when she saw me. “Haven’t you frozen her accounts yet? This situation is escalating by the minute–she’s clearly pouring significant resources into fueling it!”

She continued, her voice sharp, “And Thomas. Isn’t he your most competent Beta? How can he fail to contain something like this? If we allow this gossip to fester, it won’t just drive Iris over the edge; it will tarnish the Graves Pack’s reputation irreparably.”

I rubbed my throbbing temples. “It’s being handled.”

The local gossip channels within Gilneas had been silenced. The persistent problem was the overseas accounts.

Just thinking about it made my head pound. This involvement from Finn… Lillian acting out was one thing, but why was he inserting himself?

Eleanor pressed on, “It’s all a result of your indulgence! I told you long ago we should never have taken in a mate with no lineage, an orphan. You refused to listen.

“Look how venomous she’s become. Absolutely merciless!”

Eleanor grew more agitated. In her view, Lillian choosing to strike when Iris was at her most vulnerable postpartum proved her inherent cruelty.

“Iris has been fragile since Ethan’s death. To be provoked like this now… How do you face the memory of your own brother?”

Finally, she pointed the accusation directly at me.

My expression darkened, a glacial chill emanating from my eyes. “I may have failed others, but the one person I have never failed is

Ethan!”

“You…”

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11:36 am

Chapter 30 A Mother’s Directive

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“From this moment on, cease involving me in Iris‘ affairs. My mate is deeply displeased. Has that not been made abundantly clear?” I snapped.

Eleanor shot back, “What mate? Aren’t you severing the bond? All of Gilneas saw the petition. Lillian initiated it.”

The phrase “severing the bond” was a needle to my nerve. My tone turned arctic. “Who said anything about me agreeing to sever the bond with her??”

Lillian’s defiance these past two days had finally caused me to lose my temper completely in front of Eleanor.

Eleanor began, “I said you-”

Julian cut her off, his voice low and final. “I am perfectly aware of the schemes at play here. Forget them. My mate is Lillian.

“Furthermore, starting now, you are not to contact her again.

“If you cannot extend to her even a fraction of the kindness you show Iris, then you may simply act as though you have no daughter–in–law.

“If that is still too difficult, then consider that you have lost this son as well. Will that suffice?”

Eleanor trembled, speechless with rage. “You… You…!”

I turned and walked away before she could form another word.

This time, I did not even glance toward the door of Iris‘ hospital room.

Third–Person POV:

Iris‘ room was moderately occupied. Having delivered twins–a male and a female–for the Graves bloodline, even Julian’s grandmother, Catherine, and his father, the former Alpha Henry, had paid a visit.

By the time Eleanor returned, Henry and Catherine had departed. Only Julian’s younger sisters, Agnes and Hilda, remained.

The prevailing pack narrative was that Iris was unwell, battling depression, and that she confused Julian with her lost mate, Ethan

As Eleanor entered, she saw Hilda holding Iris‘ hand, offering comfort. “Iris, you mustn’t worry. Ethan has eyes only for you. He merely stepped out to handle some urgent pack business. He would never abandon you.”

“Truly?” Iris asked, her voice thick with feigned tears.

Hilda nodded with conviction. “Of course it’s true. Your sole focus now must be on resting and healing”

Iris whimpered, “But why is Lillian doing this to me? What have I ever done to wrong her?”

The mention of Lillian caused a visible darkening of the mood in the room.

Ever since Lillian had married Julian, Catherine’s dismissive attitude toward her had set the tone, and the pack had largely followed suit. Hilda and Eleanor, in particular, had mirrored Catherine’s disdain.

Hilda gave Iris‘ hand a reassuring squeeze. “Set your mind at ease I will see to it that she makes a public apology to you”

The audacity! The Graves Pack had provided for her for three years, and this was her repayment?

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11:36 am P p p p

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