The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 541

Chapter 541: A Small Feast

[Meredith].

A few hours later, the car rolled through the iron gates of the Oatrun Estate just as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the courtyard.

I exhaled the moment the tyres stopped.

Dennis stepped out first, stretching his arms as if the trip had been nothing more than a casual stroll.

I followed, smoothing my skirt, already spotting servants moving toward us with quiet efficiency, which was good, considering that the trunk was full. Overflowing, really.

And then I saw Draven. He stood at the entrance with his arms crossed loosely over his chest, his dark eyes already on me the second I stepped out of the car.

Relief warmed my chest before I could stop it.

"Welcome back," he said, his voice low, familiar.

I smiled faintly. "Thank you."

At the same time, the servants opened the trunk at my gesture, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of the packed baskets and crates.

"Take everything to my workstation," I instructed calmly. "Handle the herbs gently."

"Yes, Luna," they answered in unison, already moving.

Draven’s gaze followed the procession for a moment before returning to me. He stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"Did you get everything you needed?"

I nodded. "Yes."

That was the truth, but Dennis ruined the peace.

"Oh, she got the herbs," he said cheerfully, clapping his hands once. "But Moonstone Market gave us a little... family reunion on the side."

My head snapped toward him. "Dennis."

Draven’s posture changed instantly. "Family reunion?" he repeated, slow and sharp, his eyes flicking between us.

Dennis tilted his head, utterly unapologetic. "Her mother. And Mabel."

Instantly, silence dropped like a blade, then I felt Draven’s hand curl slightly at his side.

Dennis continued, because of course he did. "We ran into them a few shops down. Mabel tried to make a scene. Raised her voice. Threw around words like filial duty." He shrugged. "You know. The usual."

Draven’s jaw tightened. I didn’t look at him. I didn’t need to. I could feel the shift in the air—the Alpha’s restraint tightening like a drawn bow.

"And?" Draven asked quietly.

Dennis grinned, sharp and humourless. "And she learned very quickly that insulting the Luna in public isn’t a hobby with a long lifespan."

I finally turned to Draven then. "It’s over," I said firmly. "Nothing happened that needs revisiting."

His measured gaze searched my face. "...Did they apologize?" he asked.

I didn’t answer, but Dennis did. "No," he said simply. "And they didn’t deserve the chance."

That was when Draven exhaled slowly, visibly reining himself in. He stepped closer, placing a solid hand at the small of my back.

"Next time," he said, voice coldly calm, "they won’t get even that much grace."

I leaned slightly into his touch. "There won’t be a next time," I replied.

His thumb brushed once, subtly, against my spine as if in agreement.

Just then, Dennis started walking toward the house. "Well. Herbs are safe. Pride is intact. No bones broken." He glanced back at us. "All in all, a productive trip."

I watched him go, then looked back at Draven. "I’m fine," I said before he could ask.

I obeyed and settled down to enjoy the meal my dear mate and husband had planned for me. There was no way I would let his effort go in vain.

Once I had finished eating, I nodded, my body finally calm and full.

Then Draven walked me all the way to my workstation, lingering only long enough to make sure everything had arrived safely.

Once he was satisfied, he squeezed my hand lightly and left me to it.

With my maidservants gathered around, I set to work again.

The new herbs from Moonstone were beautiful, fresh and potent. I could feel it even before touching them—clean energy, strong scent, life still humming inside their leaves and roots.

Together, we unpacked them carefully, separating what needed immediate attention from what could wait. I showed them how to lay certain herbs flat, how to hang others upside down, and how to keep the most delicate ones away from direct heat.

Time slipped by quietly. Eventually, when everything had been sorted and stored properly, I straightened and exhaled.

"That will be all for now," I told them. "Go get some rest. Come back by five this evening—we will start on the healing balms then."

They bowed in unison, gratitude clear in their eyes. "Thank you, Luna."

I smiled back, gave a small nod, and left them behind.

---

The elevator ride was quiet, almost soothing. When the doors opened onto our floor, I stepped out and walked straight to our bedroom.

The space was empty and peaceful. I didn’t bother wondering where Draven was because right now, my body was asking for one thing and one thing only.

I went straight into the bathroom.

Steam soon filled the air as I ran warm water into the tub. I added a few drops of rose oil, watching the surface ripple as the scent bloomed softly.

Once the tub was ready, I stripped without ceremony and eased myself into the bath. And immediately, warmth wrapped around me.