Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Skye

I need air.

The Alpha house feels like it’s closing in on me-walls pressing closer with every breath, every whispered congratulation, every knowing look from pack members who think they understand what’s happening.

They don’t.

No one does. They never have. Not from the day Jaxon made me his Luna despite wanting nothing to do

with me.

I slip out the back entrance and make my way to the garden, to the stone bench near the rose arbor where Nicolai and I talked during his visit. It feels like a lifetime ago. Before the pregnancy was discovered. Before everything spiraled out of control.

I sit down heavily, pressing one hand to my stomach.

The secret I’d guarded so carefully is now pack knowledge. Jaxon knows. Everyone knows.

I should feel relieved that I don’t have to hide anymore. No more flowing dresses and careful angles. No more avoiding Dr. Lukas and making excuses about being tired.

Instead, I just feel trapped.

Because now Jaxon will never let me go. Not without a fight.

A child-a legitimate heir, born of a true mate pairing-gives him leverage I can’t fight. Pack law might prevent him from forcing me to stay, but he’ll use every other tool at his disposal. Guilt. Duty. The welfare of the baby. The good of our pack, people he knows I’ve grown to care for.

And part of me-the part that remembers hoping this marriage could work, that believed in the mate bond -wants to believe him when he says he’ll change.

But I can’t afford hope anymore.

Hope is what kept me here for three years while he broke my heart piece by piece.

That thought leaves me feeling cold and alone. I’m so tired of feeling alone.

I pull out my phone, staring at the contact saved simply as “N.W.” 1

I shouldn’t call him. Shouldn’t pull him deeper into this mess. We may not have found much time to talk while he was here but I’ve heard enough over the years to know the kind of man he’s become, the kind of world he lives in. The last thing he needs is to get involved in the disaster my life has become.

But I need to hear a friendly voice. Need to talk to someone who won’t judge or demand or try to control.

1/3

+15 Bonus

My finger hovers over the number.

Then I press call before I can change my mind.

He answers on the second ring.

“Skye.” He breathes my name like he’s been holding his breath, waiting for me, and now he can finally let it out. “I didn’t think you’d call.”

“I know I shouldn’t be calling.” My voice cracks slightly. “I just… I needed…”

“What’s wrong?”

And somehow, sitting in the dark garden with the roses rustling in the night breeze, I find myself telling him every sordid detail.

About the training session. About collapsing in front of the pack.

“Skye, are you okay? Are you sick, hurt?” He sounds panicked.

“Now I’m running out of time.” I press my free hand to my stomach. “If I’m going to do this, it has to be soon. Days, maybe. A week at most.”

He doesn’t miss a beat. “I can be there in six hours.”

“No.” My response is immediate. “You can’t. Jaxon is already suspicious about our connection. If you show up now-”

“I’m not suggesting I show up at the Alpha house,” Nicolai interrupts. “But I can be in the area. Close enough to support you if you need it.”

“Nicolai-”

“You called me, Skye. You don’t do that unless you’re scared. So let me do this. Let me be close enough to help if you need me.”

I shouldn’t agree. Having Nicolai nearby will only complicate things, make Jaxon more paranoid, potentially give him ammunition to claim I’m having an affair.

But the thought of Nicolai being close, of having someone in my corner who isn’t bound by pack politics or family obligation, whose only concern is for me…

“Okay,” I whisper. “But stay out of sight. If Jaxon finds out you’re here-”

“He won’t.” Nicolai’s voice is firm. “I promise. Just… let me be there for you. Day or night. I’ll be there.”

“Thank you.” The words are inadequate for what he’s offering, but they’re all I have.

“Always.”

Cara Anderson Author

Thank you for reading!

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