Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 381

Chapter 381

LUMINA

He was right. I knew he was right. But the thought of walking into the estate, of seeing the judgment in Silvia’s eyes and the disappointment in Samuel’s face, of watching my children be evaluated and found wanting by their own grandparents… It made me want to run. To grab the boys and Xenois and just leave, find that tropical island de kept joking about and never look back.

But we couldn’t run. We had a pack to lead, changes to implement, thats to face. And we couldn’t do any of that effectively if we didn’t know whether the previous Alpha and Luna were allies or enemies.

“I’ll get the boys,” I said, squeezing Xenois’s hand before letting go. “Yu finish the calls for tonight’s meeting. We’ll leave in fifteen

minutes.

He nodded, already dialing again, his alpha voice carrying through the house as he coordinated logistics.

I headed downstairs, following the sound of laughter to the family room where the boys were supposed to be doing homework but were clearly doing something far more entertaining instead. I paused in the doorway, taking a moment to just observe them.

Ollie was demonstrating something-probably a wrestling move he’d learned in training-while Riley watched with analytical interest and

Lake tried to copy the stance with mixed results. They were laughing, teasing each other, being exactly what five-year-old brothers should be.

Normal. Happy. Safe.

And I was about to drag them into a situation that might shatter all of that.

“Boys,” I called, stepping into the room. “We need to talk.”

Three heads swiveled toward me, and I watched their expressions shift as they picked up on my serious tone. Riley’s eyes sharpened with

immediate alertness, already assessing for threats. Lake’s playfulness faded into uncertainty. Ollie just looked concerned, his natural empathy

making him sensitive to emotional undercurrents.

“Is something wrong?” Ollie asked. “Did something happen at the store?”

Too perceptive, my oldest son. Too aware of things he shouldn’t have to worry about.

“Nothing’s wrong exactly,” I said, moving into the room and sitting on the couch so I was at their eye level. “But your father and I realized

we haven’t seen or heard from your grandparents since we came back. That’s unusual, and we’re concerned. So we’re going to visit them. Right

now. All of us.”

Ollie’s face lit up instantly, his concern replaced by pure excitement.eally? We’re going to Grandma and Grandpa’s estate? Can we stay for dinner? Oh, Mom, they have this whole fun house built just for me-it got slides and a climbing wall and this awesome treehouse section, and I want to show Riley and Lake! And Grandma makes these butterscote cookies that are amazing, the best cookies ever, and it’s been so long since I’ve had them!”

His enthusiasm was infectious, his whole body practically vibrating with joy. For Ollie, this was a treat-a chance to share something/ special with his brothers, to reconnect with grandparents who’d always dod on him.

He didn’t understand the complexity, the potential for things to go horibly wrong.

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Riley and Lake, though… they understood.

“We’re meeting our grandparents, Riley said slowly, his tone carefully neutral. “The previous Alpha and Luna. The ones who…” He trailed off, clearly trying to figure out how to phrase the complicated history.

“The ones who haven’t called or visited since we arrived, Lake finish, his expression uncertain. “That doesn’t sound like they’re excited

to meet us.”

“We don’t know what they’re thinking,” I said gently, hating that these children had to calculate potential rejection before even meeting their family. “That’s why we’re going. To see them, to let them meet you poperly, to figure out what’s going on.”

“What if they don’t like us?” Lake asked quietly, and the vulnerability in his voice broke my heart. “What if they think we’re wrong, like some of the pack does? What if they look at us and wish we’d never been und?”

Then they’re idiots, Ollie declared with the absolute certainty of a child who’d never doubted his grandparents love. “You guys are

awesome. Once they meet you, they’ll love you just like I do. Plus, wait until you see the fun house! Grandpa built it just for me, but it’s big

enough for all of us. We can have so much fun!”

I exchanged a look with Riley, who was watching his brother with an expression that was equal parts affection and concern. Riley knew

better than to assume automatic acceptance. He’d lived too much, seen too much, been rejected too many times to take family love for granted.

But he also knew Ollie needed this. Needed to believe his grandparents would be welcoming, needed to maintain his innocence about

family dynamics just a little longer.

“That sounds really fun, Ollie,” Riley said, his voice gentle. “I’d like to see this fun house. And maybe try some of those cookies you keep

talking about.”

“They’re the best,” Ollie insisted. “Butterscotch with this special cream filling that Grandma makes herself. She always has a fresh batch

when I visit, and she lets me help sometimes. Maybe she’ll let you guys help too!”

Lake was still uncertain, his anxiety visible in the tension of his small frame. I reached out and pulled him close, pressing a kiss to the top

of his head.

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“Whatever happens,” I said firmly, “you are wanted. You are loved. You are part of this family. Nothing your grandparents say or think or

feel will change that. Understood?”

“But what if they’re mean?” Lake asked, his voice muffled against my shoulder. “What if they say bad things about me being a werewitch,

like some of the kids at school do? What if they look at Riley and see a weapon instead of a person?”

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“Then your father and I will handle it,” I said, meaning every word. “You’re children, You’re our children. And it’s not your job to convince anyone to accept you or prove you deserve love. That’s already a given.”.

Xenois appeared in the doorway, his phone finally put away. He took the scene-Ollie bouncing with excitement, Riley watchful and calculating, Lake curled against my side seeking comfort-and his expressin softened.

“Ready?” he asked.

“As we’ll ever be,” I replied, gently extricating myself from Lake and standing. “Boys, go get your shoes on. We’re leaving in five-minutes.”

Ollie was already running toward the mudroom, shouting something out making sure his favorite slide was still working. Riley followed more slowly, his hand finding Lake’s and squeezing gently in silent suppor

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