Luna Forsaken (Arya and James) novel Chapter 8

James’s POV

I walked out of Arya’s room like I’d been cut open.

The door shut behind me, and the sound of her crying stayed in my skull like a curse I couldn’t shake.

Jasper, my wolf, surged the second I took three steps down the corridor, fur bristling inside me, anger snapping against my ribs.

You would kill our pup.

I clenched my jaw and kept walking.

You would let them tear her open, Jasper snarled. For a deal. For Marcel.

“Shut up,” I muttered under my breath, voice low enough that no one passing would hear.

Jasper didn’t calm.

Why would you go that far? Why would you destroy what’s ours?

Because the world didn’t care what was ours.

Because our land had gold mine potential, enough to make hungry Alphas circle like vultures.

Because I’d heard the rumours with my own ears: packs teaming up, sharpening blades, waiting for the moment they could attack us and claim everything we built.

We’d survived this long on will alone.

Will and blood.

But will wasn’t armour.

And blood ran out.

I couldn’t keep risking the lives of everyone under my command.

Especially Arya.

Especially her.

Jasper’s fury tightened.

You’re breaking her.

“I know,” I breathed.

My throat burned.

I could still see her face, tear-soaked, stunned, like she’d looked at me and finally realised I was capable of hurting her.

I hated myself for it.

But I hated the alternative more.

If we stayed outside the Union, the attacks would come. Again and again until one day our luck failed. Until one blade slipped through. Until one pack got lucky.

And then Arya would die.

Or worse, she’d live long enough to watch our people slaughtered.

I couldn’t… I couldn’t live without her.

And Jasper knew it.

His voice went lower, bitter.

So you’ll be the villain.

“Yes,” I said, coldly. “If that’s what it takes.”

I kept walking, heading for my office, shoulders tight, fists clenched.

If I could get the Union, I could keep the pack alive.

I could keep Arya alive.

Even if she never forgave me.

Even if she hated me for the rest of her life.

At least she’d be breathing.

At least she’d be here.

“What did you just say?”

I stood, slow, deliberate.

“I said,” I repeated, voice smooth as a blade, “I must be a step up from whoever you’ve been opening your legs for.”

The room went sharp with silence.

Leah’s hand closed around an apple on the side table like she needed something to throw.

Her eyes burned.

Then she hurled it at my head.

I caught it without flinching.

Leah’s chest rose and fell hard. “My father will destroy you.”

I took one bite of the apple, slow.

Crunch.

Then I smiled.

“Will he?” I asked, chewing. “I wonder what daddy dearest will say when he finds out I. am not the father of the bastard in your womb.”

Leah’s face twisted. “You wouldn’t dare.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice.

“Try me,” I said. “If I have nothing to lose, Leah, I might as well bring you down with me.”

Her breath hitched.

For the first time since I’d met her, she looked afraid.

“You’re a monster,” she whispered.

I grinned, took another bite, and kept my eyes on hers.

“Glad you know. So Behave,” I said quietly. “And stay out of Arya’s hair.” My warning was stern and she had better heed it.