Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Nicolai

Throughout the first full day of events, Skye and I maintain our distance.

When we pass in hallways, it’s with polite greetings. “Alpha Woolf.” “Luna Vale.”

When we’re seated near each other at functions, we make brief, neutral conversation about trade agreements, regional pack politics, and I’m struck by just how knowledgeable she is. It’s clear her role as Luna of Ironwood pack is more than surface level.

Still, our interactions never venture into anything personal. Nothing that could be misconstrued. We’re never alone. Never too close.

But I’m hyperaware of her every movement. The way she touches her stomach when she thinks no one is watching. The exhaustion she hides behind her Luna smile. The tension in her shoulders whenever Jaxon speaks.

I ache to reach for her, to pull her close and rub her back, stroke her silky dark hair, to soothe her. But it’s not my place. Not yet.

So I distract myself by watching Jaxon too. I watch his possessive hand on her back. The way he monitors who she talks to, his eyes tracking every conversation, never leaving her even when conversing with someone else. The jealousy radiates off him in waves whenever another Alpha speaks to her.

He knows he’s losing her.

And he’s desperate enough to be dangerous.

On the second evening, after a long day of summit activities, I need air.

The official end-of-day dinner has ended. Most attendees have retired to their rooms or to their own private gatherings to conduct more business. I step out onto one of the estate’s terraces, breathing in the cool night air.

And find Skye standing at the railing, almost like my wolf drew me to her.

She’s alone, looking out over the manicured grounds, one hand pressed to her stomach in that unconscious protective gesture I’ve come to recognize.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone,” I say quietly, approaching.

She doesn’t startle. Doesn’t turn. “Neither should you. Though I’m sure you only appear to be alone, your security lurking in the shadows nearby.”

She’s not wrong. I’d be a fool to leave myself unprotected in a den of wolves like this. Pun intended.

I move to stand beside her, leaving an appropriate distance between us. “I needed air. Needed a break from

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“From performing?” She glances at me sideways. “It seems some things haven’t changed. I can still tell your fake “business” smile from your real one.”

Something about that, the realization that not everything between us was lost in the last three years, warms my cold heart a little.

“From everything.” I sigh, letting her see a side of me I show no one else. The side beneath the stoic façade I present to the rest of the world.

We stand in silence for a moment. The estate grounds stretch out before us, lit by carefully placed lanterns that cast pools of golden light across the gardens.

“How are you holding up?” I ask quietly.

“I’m fine.”

“Skye.”

It’s her turn to sigh. “I’m tired. Exhausted, actually. But I’m managing.

“You shouldn’t have to just manage.” The words come out before I can stop them. “You deserve better

than this.”

“Better than what?”

“Better than a mate who only appreciates you when he’s losing you.” I turn to face her fully. “Better than spending your life walking on eggshells, hiding who you are, pretending to be less than you could be.”

Skye’s breath catches. “What are you saying?”

I should stop. Should step back. Should maintain the careful distance we’ve worked so hard to preserve.

So I incline my head slightly. “As you wish, Alpha Vale.”

I turn to Skye, giving her a look that I hope conveys everything I can’t say aloud. I’m here. When you’re

ready. Always.

Then I walk past Jaxon, feeling his glare burn into my back every step of the way.

Behind me, I hear Skye’s voice, cold as ice. “You followed me. You promised not to monitor me, and you

followed me.”

I don’t turn back. Don’t interfere. This is her battle to fight.

But as I walk away, my wolf is howling with frustrated protectiveness.

Because I just crossed a line I can’t uncross. And it changes everything between us.

At least I hope it does.

Cara Anderson Author

Thank you for reading!

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