Get Back The Abandoned Luna (Scarlett and Alexander) novel Chapter 44

Scarlett’s POV

The silence on the line grew heavier each time I hit redial. I stood in the corner of the study, phone pressed against my ear. listening to the hollow ringing. No answer. Again.

I lowered my phone, staring at the darkened screen as if it might give me an explanation if I glared hard enough. This was new to me. Normally, he would answer right away if I called, since I wouldn’t contact him unless I needed his help

Did something happen on his end? I couldn’t help but feel worried.

After all, he wasn’t the type to ignore calls without a reason.

I dialed again. One ring. Two Three. Still nothing. I sighed, exhaling slowly through my nose and resisted the temptation to throw my phone onto the desk.

“Still nothing” a voice asked from the doorway.

Lucien.

None other than him. Who else would come to this room wasn’t him or Kathleen?

I looked up at him as his frame filled the entrance like a living shadow, a bundle of parchment envelopes tucked under his arm–it seemed he had already gotten the documents.

“Are those the documents?” I eyed the stack.

“No,” he shook his head. “It’s the council’s invitation.”

“About what?”

“They need to see you,” he replied.

I crossed my arms. “Why? You could just send them by courier.”

His gaze held mine, steady and dark. “Because this isn’t just politics, little wolf. It’s perception. They need to see the person behind the bill–the one who’s been working for it, defending it, and standing in the line of fire for it. They need to look y in the eye before they vote.”

I raised my brows. “So you mean to say that if I don’t meet them, and if they can’t see me, they’ll void their vote? Is that what they’re implying?”

He sighed. “It seems that way. But they’re all complicated in the head, and who knows what they might be thinking However, if we want the bill to pass, we have to comply with their requirements–as long as it doesn’t cross the line

Before I could speak, he added, “This is also about trust. I’m putting you in front of them because you’re the one who can win them over”

That made me pause. Coming from Lucien, trust wasn’t given lightly. “Fine,” I said, reaching for my coat Let’s go

First stop: Alpha Reynold’s territory.

The gates opened before us, revealing Reynold’s packhouse–a stately building of stone and dark timber. Lucien walked a

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step ahead, his presence an unspoken shield–like he always did.

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I couldn’t help but marvel at how Reynold’s territory had changed. I used to play here when I was young, back whes topy late father was still alive and wanted to speak with Reynold. Although it’s just a brief memory, it was unforgetable because I w happy and carefree then–not this Scarlett willing to go through hell and water to achieve her goals, full of schemes, contra and worry for the future.

I let out a sigh and shook my head. Suddenly, a warm hand patted my back, making me freeze.

I looked up at Lucien, whose face was cold and stern while we were being led inside

“What are you doing?” I asked.

He looked at me. “You don’t look well.”

I froze, then chuckled and shook my head. “I just remembered something. Don’t worry, I’m fine now?

Hearing that, his gaze scanned my face as if trying to judge whether I was telling the truth.

I let him, and smiled at him. Seeing that I really was okay, he sighed in relief and turned his head toward the person in the receiving hall.

I saw Reynold waiting for us there, his lined face breaking into a smile when he saw me. “Scarlett. You look well compared t the last time I saw you.”

I smiled and nodded politely. “Yes, I’ve been doing well and working hard these days.”

‘I’m glad to hear you’re doing well,” he said warmly, then turned to Lucien. “Nightshade’s economy is boomin council’s been buzzing about it.”

Lucien only gave a curt nod, letting Reynold steer the conversation back to me.

‘I read your proposal,” Reynold continued. “It’s ambitious, but it has merit. Giving Omegas more roles, more rece could change a lot. I’m sure the Omegas would be happy that someone is fighting for their rights. And, of course, I hope pass the bill so your bond with Alexander can be severed legally.”

“That’s the idea,” I said, holding his gaze. “A pack is stronger when every member has a stake in its survival. Besides, they deserve to be recognized too.”

His smile faded slightly. “You should know… Kade’s camp is pushing hard against this. He’s calling il destabilizing Sy dissolving bonds will weaken pack unity.”

My jaw tightened. “And what does he suggest? Keeping wolves trapped in bonds they hate until they break entirely

Reynold’s eyes softened, but his voice was calm. “I’m just telling you what he said so you know to be cautious around him t would be best if you could change his mind about opposing your proposal. Otherwise, the longer it drags out, the longer you’ll have to bear the shame of being tied to Alpha Alexander.”

I pursed my lips and said nothing.

“Will do. Thanks for reminding us. Now we have to leave, since we need to visic another council Lucien said in a rare polite

tone.

Reynold smiled and waved his hand. “Go. Make sure to bring them to your side.”

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Chapter 44

Second stop: Luna Meredith’s estate.

Meredith greeted us with impeccable grace–her long silky red hair pulled back, her smile polite but restrained

“Lucien. Scarlett. Please, sit.”

We exchanged pleasantries and tea was poured, but I noticed the flicker in her gaze every time the proposal came up

“I appreciate the thought behind your bill,” she said finally, her voice careful. “But I’m not… in a position to declare support for it yet.”

I set my teacup down. “Is it because of the content, or because of the one who’s opposing it?”

Her lips twitched–the smallest tell. “There’s a great deal of tension in the council right now. And honestly, I want peace. I don’t want to get involved in anything behind it.”

I didn’t have to ask who she didn’t want to cross. I already knew.

It seemed they, too, had made their move.

“I understand and respect your choice,” I said evenly. “But I hope you’ll judge it on its merits—not just the politics around it

Meredith gave me a tight smile and nodded. “I’ll consider it

Final stop: Alpha Kade’s war room.

On the walls were maps, battle plans, and racks of weapons. Kade himself was leaning over a broad table, broad hands braced on its edge.

Though I was surprised that he let us enter his war room.

“Scarlett,” he said with a wolfish grin, then looked at Lucien and gave him a polite nod. “I’m sorry. Even though you not to appear in front of you ever again, it seems I can’t keep that promise.”

‘It’s fine. As long as you stay away from my mate, we’re good,” Lucien said coolly.

‘Mate, huh,” he whispered, then cleared his throat and got back to business. “I’ve read your little proposal. Dissolving bouls Granting Omegas council access? Sounds like you’re inviting chaos into the packs.”

I kept my voice even. “What weakens a pack is chaining its members against their will”

Kade’s grin faded. “And you think you’re the one to decide what makes a pack strong?”

“If it keeps wolves from living in fear, yes,” I said.

His eyes

darkened, and just before the air crackled with tension, Lucien put a hand on the back of my chair and rose to his feet. Without a word, he gave the smallest shake of his head–the signal. Time to go.

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