Pursuing My Rejected Luna by Cara Anderson novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Skye

After my testimony, Diana and my father give theirs.

“The Greenwood River Pack will accept Skye and her child,” my father states formally. “She will not be rogue. She will have safety, protection, and the full support of our pack.”

Diana adds her testimony about Dalton’s imprisonment, how I helped when Jaxon refused, how I’ve maintained grace under impossible circumstances.

Then pack members speak.

The beta couple who witnessed Jaxon leaving me in the storm speak first. Their testimony is emotional, damning. I think I see Elder Patricia even flinch when they describe the conditions I was left to fend for myself in, with no supplies or adequate source of warmth. I shiver at the memory.

The housekeepers who watched Cassandra move into the Alpha house, who were asked to cater to her needs as if she were the Luna, describe my quiet dignity in the face of humiliation.

Some of the guards who always traveled to pack functions as part of our protection detail talk about the coldness Jaxon always displayed towards me, his barely concealed resentment whenever he had to appear with me publicly.

The evidence is overwhelming. Even the elders, who are traditionally conservative about mate bonds,

seem swayed.

“We still need to hear from Alpha Vale. Then will deliberate and deliver our ruling,” Elder Patricia says finally. “Thank you all for your testimonies.”

After everyone leaves I retreat to my office, trying to find some time alone to process everything, when my phone rings.

Nicolai. My heart skips a beat at seeing his name flash across my phone. Still, I consider not picking up. I shouldn’t, given the divorce proceedings and the way our last conversation ended.

But it’s not like him to call me, usually waiting for me to reach out to him. What if he needs something? I can’t ignore him, not after all he’s done for me.

“Skye? Thank fuck you picked up.” he says in the deep rumbly tone he’s developed since we last talked as kids. “I heard about your petition for divorce, the council hearing. I’ve been losing my mind worrying about you. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine “I rushed to assure him. “Tired, but fine.”

“Do you need anything? I’m here, moonbeam. I’ll get you anything you need. Be anything you need.”

How long had I yearned for someone to say that to me, to offer to be my everything? I’d just been waiting to hear it said by the one man who never would. But I couldn’t get lost in the “if only” right now.

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“No. Just…” I close my eyes, searching for the words that would never be enough. “Thank you. For being there.”

“Always. I mean it when I say that, Skye. I’ll always be here for you.”

There’s a pause. Then: “Skye, what I said on the terrace-”

“I know,” I interrupt gently. “I know what you meant, Nico. And I… I’m sorry but I can’t think about that right now. Not until this is resolved. It’s too much and I already feel like I’m drowning.”

“I understand.” His voice is warm, patient. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The call ends, and I sit in the quiet of my office.

Nicolai’s feelings for me run deeper than friendship. I think maybe I’ve known that for a while now. Maybe since his visit, or the phone calls, or the way he held my hand on that terrace.

And maybe I feel more than friendship for him too. Or I could. Possibly. The thought should terrify me. Should feel like betrayal. Instead, it just feels… inevitable.

But I can’t afford to examine that yet. Can’t let myself think about what comes after the divorce besides keeping my baby safe.

First, I have to survive getting there.

That night, I’m in bed trying to sleep when I hear shouting from downstairs. I get up, pulling on my robe, and move toward the sound. It’s coming from Jaxon’s office.

The door is partially open so I can hear voices clearly.

I step back before either of them can see me, my heart pounding. Jaxon is finally seeing through Cassandra. Finally recognizing her manipulation. It’s everything I wanted when she first arrived.

But it’s too late now, isn’t it? Does it even really matter?

I return to my room and climb back into bed, one hand on my stomach.

“It looks like your father is finally waking up,” I whisper to the baby. “But I don’t know if it changes

anything.”

Because even if Jaxon has figured out Cassandra’s games, even if he’s sending her away, even if he’s starting to see clearly…

The damage is already done.

And I’m not sure any of us can come back from it.

Cara Anderson Author

Thank you for reading!

心 18

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