The Vengeful Warrior Luna's Return novel Chapter 9

Astra’s POV

After seeing Doctor Danelle out, I turned back to my room.

Moments later, the door burst open with a loud bang.

Kieran stood there, holding Isla's hand.

The sight of them framed by the sunlight from outside made my eyes sting.

Today, Isla was dressed in softer attire, her dark red dress embroidered with a falcon emblem.

She wasn’t the classic delicate she-wolf; instead, her sharp gaze and proud nose exuded a battle-hardened intensity.

The room carried the scent of cedar incense burning in the brazier—a calming recipe my mother left behind, intended to soothe our kind’s restless spirits.

I watched them quietly, taking a deep breath.

Since they’d come to me, it was time to make it clear.

"You're finally here," I said, my voice steady as a frozen lake.

Bekkie, sensing the tension, smartly excused herself, closing the door with a creak.

"Have a seat," I gestured toward the chairs. Isla took one first, not waiting for Kieran to invite her.

She turned to me, her voice deeper and charged with battlefield authority.

"Astra Hale, I’ve heard you’ve been wanting to meet me."

There was a gravitas to her words, her fingers tapping lightly on the stone table.

"I'm here to ask if you're willing to share this territory with me."

She paused, her gaze unwavering. "I want the truth, not some acts. That pitiful routine might work with Alpha Kieran, but not with me."

"The elders praise you as the fiercest she-wolf in the pack," I replied slowly, meeting her eyes with calm resolve.

"Why don’t you tell me, besides ‘getting along well with you,’ what other choice do I have?"

My composure seemed to surprise her—perhaps she expected me to be intimidated. Isla hadn’t anticipated my response either;

A flicker of surprise crossed her face before she coughed slightly, regaining her composure.

"It’s not up to me what choices you have," she said, keeping her voice firm.

I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

"Of course, I’m good to get along well with you," I said, surprising even myself with the ease in my voice.

"Astra, I’ve explained before—I didn’t understand what a soul resonance was back then."

His gaze softened as he turned to Isla, but when his eyes returned to me, they held nothing but hollow consolation.

"I admit I was wrong to break my word, but my heart belongs to Isla now. We won’t cast you aside—you remain Luna of Pack Zane."

He paused, his voice dropping to a sharp edge that pierced my heart,

"Once our pups are born, you can raise them—it’ll earn you respect among our people."

I almost thought I misheard him. "You want me to raise your pups for you?"

How could Kieran propose something so absurd? Was I just a nanny to them?

"And if you want your own pup..." Kieran faltered, unable to meet my eyes, but every word resonated with unwavering clarity.

He must have known how cruel this offer sounded. In front of Isla, my feelings were insignificant.

"I can give you one," he continued, "But once you pregnant, you must stay in line—never seeking more from me as your mate."

I let out a cold laugh and turned to Isla.

"And do you agree with this? Let your man make me pragnant?"