Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 455

Chapter 455

Sec nd Chance at Luna’s Heart

XENOIS

“So I’m stuck with only one setting?” Shawn asked.

“Or you learn to work within that limitation,” Lynn said. “Use distance to modify impact. Full power blast at close range for maximum damage, full power blast at extended range for reduced impact due to dispersion.”

“That makes sense,” Shawn said slowly.

I cleared my throat, announcing my presence. Both of them turned.

“Sorry to interrupt,” I said. “Lynn, could I borrow Shawn for a few minutes?”

“Of course,” Lynn said. “We were finishing up anyway. Good work today, Shawn. Your control is significantly better than it was a week ago.”

Shawn looked pleased by the praise. He followed me out of the training room and into the hallway, his expression shifting to uncertain.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

“No,” I assured him. “I just wanted to talk. Actually talk, not just pass each other in hallways or exchange pleasantries during meals.”

“Oh,” Shawn said. “Okay.”

We walked in silence for a moment, neither of us quite sure how to start this conversation.

“I’m not good at this,” I admitted. “The getting-to-know-you thing. Especially with family. I was terrible at it with Xena-too focused on alpha duties, too busy to really connect with her. And then she died, and I never got the chance to be better.”

Shawn was quiet, processing.

“I don’t want to make the same mistake with you,” I continued. “You’re going to be my brother. My parents are adopting you, which makes you family. And I want that to mean something beyond just legal paperwork.”

“I don’t know how to be a brother either,” Shawn said quietly. “I was an only child. And I’ve spent the last six months alone, surviving day to day. I don’t know how to be part of a family anymore.”

“Then we figure it out together,” I suggested. “Neither of us knowing what we’re doing, both of us trying anyway. That seems appropriately chaotic for this family.”

1/3

Chapter 455.

That got a small smile from him.

“I’m scared I’m going to disappoint you,” Shawn admitted. “That you’re going to realize I’m not worth the trouble of having me

around. That you’ll regret your parents adopting me.”

‘I’m scared I’m going to fail you,” I countered. “That I’ll be too distant or too demanding or just generally bad at being an older

brother. That you’ll end up feeling like you don’t belong because I couldn’t figure out how to make you feel welcome.”

We looked at each other, both of us clearly wrestling with similar fears from different angles.

“So we’re both spiraling,” Shawn observed.

“Apparently,” I agreed.

“That’s kind of reassuring,” he said. “In a weird way. Knowing I’m not the only one who’s uncertain about all this.”

“You’re definitely not the only one,” I assured him. “I’m making this up as I go. Trying to be a good alpha, good mate, good father, good son, and now good brother-all while coordinating a regional coalition and trying not to get anyone killed. I’m constantly worried

I’m failing at least three of those roles.”

“Which three?” Shawn asked.

“Depends on the day,” I admitted. “Sometimes I’m convinced I’m terrible at being a mate because I’m always working. Sometimes I think I’m failing as a father because I’m not present enough for the boys. Sometimes I worry I’m a bad son because I question my parents’ judgment too often. And now I’m adding ‘bad brother’ to the rotation of things I’m anxious about.”

“But you’re not actually bad at any of those things,” Shawn pointed out. “Lumina clearly loves you. Your kids adore you. Your parents trust you enough to make you alpha. And you’ve been nothing but welcoming to me, even though I’m a complete stranger who showed up

and complicated your life.”

“That’s generous,” I said. “But thank you.”

“I’m not being generous,” Shawn insisted. “I’m being honest. You could have rejected me. Could have told your parents adopting me was a terrible idea. Could have made me feel unwelcome or like a burden. But you didn’t. You’ve been kind and patient and given me space while also making it clear you want to build a relationship. That’s more than I expected or hoped for.”

I felt something tight in my chest loosen slightly. Maybe I wasn’t completely failing at this brother thing after all.

“For what it’s worth,” I said, “I’m glad you’re here. Not as a replacement for Xena-nothing could replace her. But as yourself. As Shawn. My parents are good judges of character, and they clearly see something worthwhile in you. I trust their judgment.”

“Even when they’re teaching five-year-olds to cheat at poker?” Shawn asked.

*Especially then,” I said. “Their questionable parenting choices aside, they know people. Know who’s worth investing in. If they’ve

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify