Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Jaxon

I can’t sleep.

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Skye is in the bed beside me. She’s still letting me sleep here so that’s something, I guess. But she’s turned away, and her breathing is too controlled to actually be asleep. We’re both lying here in the dark, pretending. Avoiding the conversation we should be having.

The threat about the pack council replays in my mind on an endless loop.

I guess we’ll see what the pack council has to say about an Alpha who holds his pregnant mate hostage.

The way she looked at me when she said it-cold, certain, unafraid-told me everything I needed to know.

She’s not bluffing.

She’s really going to leave.

And I have no idea how to stop her.

Morning finally dawns with no relief. I haven’t slept a wink, still agonizing over the situation I find myself

I’m in the pack council chambers before most of the pack is awake, waiting in the private meeting room

reserved for sensitive discussions.

I requested an emergency session with only the three senior council members. Elder Graham, Elder Patricia, and Elder Vincent. The fewer people who know about this, the better.

They arrive within the hour, their expressions grave.

“Alpha.” Elder Graham settles into his chair, his weathered face neutral. “This is unusual. What requires such urgency and discretion?”

I don’t waste time easing them in. “I need to understand my legal position regarding my mate. Specifically, what rights I have if she chooses to leave the pack.”

The three elders exchange glances.

“The Luna is planning to leave?” Elder Patricia’s voice is carefully controlled.

“She’s threatened it. I need to know where I stand legally.”

Elder Vincent leans forward. “May I ask what precipitated this? The pack has seemed stable-”

“That’s not relevant to my question.” My voice comes out harsher than I would usually use with my council “I need to know: can I prevent her from leaving if she’s carrying my child?”

The silence that follows is damning.

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“No,” Elder Graham says finally “Forcing a mate to stay against her will violates pack law, Alpha Even if she’s carrying your child.”

“But I have rights as the father-”

“You do,” Elder Patricia interjects Custody arrangements Visitation Financial support. But you cannot prevent her from leaving if she chooses to divorce The pack council would never support it’

“Even if she’s planning to take my heir out of pack territory?”

“Even then. Elder Vincent’s expression is sympathetic but firm ‘Pack law is clear on this, Alpha A mate bond can be dissolved if both parties agree, or if the council determines the bond is irreparably damaged Pregnancy doesn’t change that

I feel the walls closing in

“What if I contest it? Claim she’s unfit-”

“On what grounds? Elder Graham’s voice sharpens The Luna has been exemplary in her duties She’s respected, capable, and has shown no signs of instability or unfitness for motherhood Any claim otherwise would be seen as retaliation and would damage your position with the council, not hers

But surely this is an overreaction Luna Skye has shown no desire to leave that we’ve seen over the past three years And although we’d never stop her if she chose to leave, she must know there would be consequences for her too Without another pack to support her, she would become a rogue and most packs won’t touch another Alpha’s Luna for fear of repercussions She’s too smart to ever choose that ”

His tone is almost dismissive of the idea, like I’m the one being ridiculous But he clearly doesn’t know my wife as well as he thinks he does I have no doubt Skye has thought of every angle and secured the support she needs

“I said no.” I stand, needing the physical advantage ‘Stay out of this, Cassandra This is between me and

Skye.”

She looks hurt, but I catch something else in her expression Something that looks almost like.

satisfaction?

Or relief?

“I’m just trying to help,” she says, standing “You and Skye and the baby We’re all going to be family-

“We’re not family, Cassandra Not the way you mean anyway I interrupt I’ve told you this: Liam is my son, but you and I are not together. We never will be And Skye’s pregnancy doesn’t change that.”

Cassandra’s mask slips for just a moment-a flash of something cold and calculating in her eyes.

Then it’s gone, replaced by hurt and confusion.

“I understand,” she says quietly. “I’ll go.”

After she leaves, I sink back into my chair, my wolf growling with unease.

I don’t trust her. Not anymore.

But I don’t have the energy to deal with whatever game she’s playing right now

Cara Anderson

Author

Thank you for reading!

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Chapter Fig