Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Nicolai

“Tell Alpha Vale I’ll be making a diplomatic visit,” I answer Dimitri after thinking it through. “Trade

discussions. Territorial alliances. Alpha to Alpha business.”

“That could work.” Dimitri’s expression shows grudging approval. “Vale can’t refuse without looking weak or isolationist. And it gives you access to his territory, his pack, his home.”

“And to Skye.”

“That too.” Dimitri studies me carefully. “You’re planning something.”

I’m planning to assess the situation. See what’s happening with my own eyes. And if Skye needs help…” I meet his gaze steadily. “Then I’ll help her.”

“Even if it means going up against another Alpha? Making an enemy of the Vale pack?”

“Vale made himself my enemy the moment he started treating her like a prisoner. If that’s what is happening. I’ll decide which side of my shit list Vale falls on once I get there.”

“Right. Either general dislike for no apparent good reason, or “oh fuck! You’re about to wish you weren’t born!” We both know that’s the only two lists you have.” He chuckles. 1

“Fuck off! I’m not that bad! I tolerate you, don’t I?” I smirk.

Dimitri schools his features, our banter replaced by a more serious tone. “I’ll make the arrangements.

Both for Dalton and for the diplomatic visit.”

And that’s why he makes the perfect Beta. He always knows when to joke and when it’s time to get down

to business.

After he leaves, I’m alone with my thoughts and the text message I can’t stop reading.

Too many eyes on me.

What is Vale doing to her? Why is she being watched? And why is she asking for help now, after three years of silence?

Or maybe I’m reading too much into it. Maybe she just needs a favor that’s beyond his power to give. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking that she’s not blissfully happy with him.

The questions circle endlessly, but each one makes my protective instincts scream louder.

Skye is strong. Capable. Intelligent. She’s survived three years married to a man who didn’t deserve her even if she thought he did. She’s built a reputation as Luna of a powerful pack, earning respect from wolves who initially doubted her.

If she’s reaching out for help, things must be bad.

1/4

+15 Bonus

And I’m going to find out exactly how bad when I see her in person.

I’m reviewing the draft of my formal diplomatic request when Dimitri returns two hours later.

“It’s done,” he says. “Or it will be. Our contact in the King’s court has agreed to facilitate Dalton’s release. Money has changed hands, favors have been promised. By tomorrow morning, Dalton Winters will be a free man. They’re calling it a bureaucratic error-wrong person arrested, case of mistaken identity.”

Relief loosens something in my chest. “Good. Make sure word reaches Diana Winters immediately. She should know her son is safe.”

“Already handled.” Dimitri settles into the chair across from my desk. “There’s something else though. While I was making inquiries, I asked around about Alpha Vale. Figured you’d want to know what you’re walking into.”

“And?”

“His reputation is… complicated.” Dimitri chooses his words carefully. “He’s clearly a strong leader. His pack respects him. He took over early after his father nearly destroyed everything, rebuilt it into something powerful. Most wolves speak highly of his leadership.”

“But?”

“Make it sooner I want to be there in three days.

“Nicolai

Three days, Dimitri Whatever it takes”

He sees the murder in my eyes and doesn’t argue “I’ll make it happen.

After he leaves, I pour myself a drink I don’t taste and stare out the window at the northern mountains

Skye

Sweet, gentle Skye who used to laugh at my terrible jokes during boring diplomatic dinners. Who defended the smallest, weakest wolves in any pack we visited. Who looked at me once with something that could have become more than friendship, if I’d had the courage to pursue it before she got trapped in a mate bond with someone who doesn’t deserve her

By all accounts, she’s living in hell Being watched, controlled, humiliated in her own home.

And she reached out to me for help.

I’m going to Vale’s territory I’m going to see the situation with my own eyes. I’m going to assess what

Skye needs

And then I’m going to burn down anyone who stands between her and freedom.

Even if that someone is her mate

Cara Anderson Author

Thank you for reading!

10 25