Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Jaxon

Cassandra’s collapse was dramatic.

She fell in the main hallway just after breakfast, crumpling to the floor like her strings had been cut. One of the omegas screamed. Pack members rushed over. And I found myself carrying her to the car, rushing her to the pack hospital, trying to understand what had just happened.

Now I’m sitting in the sterile waiting room, wondering why I feel more irritated than concerned.

Dr. Lukas finally emerges, looking puzzled rather than worried.

“She’s fine,” she says without preamble. “Physically, at least. Her blood pressure is normal, no signs of illness or injury. Her heart rate is elevated but stabilizing.”

“Then what caused it?”

“My best guess? A panic attack. Or some kind of stress-related episode.” Dr. Lukas glances at her tablet.” Has something happened recently that might have triggered this? Some kind of emotional trauma or ongoing pressure?”

I think about the argument with Noah that I witnessed. About how I’ve been pulling away from Cassandra lately, making it clear she’s not welcome the way she thought she’d be.

“Maybe,” I admit.

“Well, she’s awake now if you want to see her. But I’d recommend she talk to someone about managing her stress levels. This kind of episode can become a pattern if the underlying issues aren’t addressed.”

She leaves me with that, and I head to Cassandra’s room with a growing sense of dread.

She’s sitting up in bed when I enter, looking fragile and vulnerable in a way that would have eaten me up inside a month ago.

Now I just feel indifferent about it. 1

“Jaxon.” Her voice is small, trembling. “I’m so sorry for scaring everyone.”

“What happened?”

“I’ve just been under so much pressure.” Tears well in her eyes. “Being here, feeling unwelcome, knowing I’m causing problems between you and Skye…” She trails off, looking down at her hands. “Maybe Liam and I should leave. I don’t want to be a burden.”

Now that I’m looking closer, I suspect it’s a manipulation-the way she phrases it as a question, looking for reassurance, for me to insist she stay. To tell her she’s not a burden, that she belongs here.

A month ago, I might have given it to her.

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Now, I pause, really thinking about what she’s offering.

“No,” I say finally. “You’re not leaving.”

Relief floods her face, but I hold up a hand.

“Liam is my son. My heir. I’m not going to be separated from him now that he’s finally in my life.” I lean against the wall, crossing my arms. “But this situation can’t continue the way it has been.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You living in the Alpha house, inserted into my marriage, playing family-it’s done.” My voice is firm. “I’ll have the guest house prepared for you and Liam. It’s on pack grounds, close enough that he can receive medical care from Dr. Lukas, close enough that I can see him regularly. But separate from the main

house.”

Cassandra’s expression shifts-less relieved now, more calculating. “The guest house is so small-”

Finally, I climb the stairs to our bedroom.

She’s there. Sitting at the window seat in her nightgown and robe, a book open in her lap that she’s clearly not reading. The bedside lamp casts soft light across her features, and for a moment I’m struck by how beautiful she is.

How I’ve taken that beauty for granted for three years.

She looks up when I enter, her expression carefully neutral. “You’re back.”

“I heard about Cassandra. Is she all right?”

“She’s fine. It was stress.” I close the door behind me. “A panic attack or something similar.”

“I see.” She returns her attention to her book, turning a page she clearly hasn’t read.

That’s it. No questions about what kind of stress, no concern about what happens next, no reaction at all.

Just that maddening calm acceptance.

Meanwhile I feel like I’m losing my damn mind.

Cara Anderson Author

Thank you for reading!

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