Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 18

Reborn From Regret A Second Chance at Luna’s Heart

Chapter 18

Lumina

“We’ve enrolled him at Silver Creek Elementary,” Sophia replied smoothly. “A fresh start, away from the… previous pack.”

I nodded, understanding the subtext she was saying. Sophia was the mate of the former Alpha who died..and especially with them trying to find a replacement, Riley as the son of the Alpha would have faced challenges from other stronger wolves, especially if his own wolf was as gentle as he appeared.

“Ollie goes there as well,” I said, directing my words to Riley. “Perhaps you’ll be in the same class.”

The boy’s face lit up before he glanced at his mum who was glaring at him before he said slowly. “Really? That would be awesome!”

“Riley, why don’t you pick out some fruit for our breakfast tomorrow?” Sophia suggested, her tone making it clear this wasn’t really a request.

“Stay where I can see you.”

As Riley nodded his head and waved at me before moving away, Sophia turned to me, her façade dropping slightly.

“How domestic of you, doing the grocery shopping yourself. Don’t you have pack members who could handle this for you?”

I smiled, refusing to rise up to the obvious baiting.

“I enjoy doing things for my family. It keeps me connected to them.”

“How fortunate for you,” she said, her voice said sounding like she was mocking me. “To have a family to be connected to.”

I kept my expression neutral, when I noticed a red light in the distance.

It was a camera lens. A local news crew was setting up near the deli counter, apparently covering some promotion or event.

And from the way Sophia kept glancing in their direction, she was well aware of their presence.

“Xenois has been such a blessing to us since our return,” Sophia continued, her voice loud enough to be heard by people and not just me, as if she was trying to gather attention to us which she was.

I took a step back trying to leave as she continued loudly. “I don’t know what Riley and I would have done without him. He’s been so… dedicated to me and our…my child.”

The emphasis she placed on the last word was deliberate, designed to provoke me. In my previous life, I might have risen to the bait, creating exactly the scene she was hoping for. The Alpha wife and the Alpha’s mistress, fighting in the produce section, what humiliation would that be for me.

“My husband is a busy man,” I said calmly, selecting an avocado and placing it in my cart.

“But he tries his best to look after everyone who comes to him for help. If you needed his assistance, I’m sure he was happy to provide it.”

Sophia’s eyes narrowed slightly at my lack of reaction. She pressed further going on as she stepped closer to me.

“We’ve always been close, you know. Since college. Before he was forced into an arranged marriage.”

The words were meant to wound, to remind me that I hadn’t been Xenois’s first choice. That he had history with this woman long

before I entered the picture.

“The past is the past,” I said with a shrug. “We’re all living in the present now.”

“Are we?” Sophia stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Because I wonder if Xenois ever truly left the past behind. An arranged marriage

“I will.” I nodded to Sophia. “Have a good day.”

As I turned to leave, she called after me, loud enough for the now-watching news crew to hear. “Lumina, you really should join us for dinner sometime. Xenols is always saying how much he wishes our families could be closer.”

I paused, turning back with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Perhaps someday. When schedules allow.”

I walked away, feeling her frustration as I smirked at myself, Sophia wanted to create a scene, she wanted to provoke me into showing everyone the insecurities I had for all to see.

I continued my shopping, filling my cart with ingredients for Ollie’s favorite foods.

Tomorrow would be a difficult day for him, with the medical tests I’d scheduled for him to take. So I wanted him to enjoy himself today.

As I reached the checkout, my phone buzzed with a text from Xenois:

Lunch today? We should talk.

I stared at the message, imagining the conversation he wanted to have. If it was before I would have been worried or pleased that he

was giving me attention but now I just rolled my eyes in disgust.

Can’t today. Taking Ollie to the doctor tomorrow. Preparing for that.

His response came quickly: Doctor? What’s wrong with him?

At least he showed concern for our son. That was something.

Probably nothing. Just being cautious. Will tell you more after the appointment.