The Alpha's Borrowed Luna (Abigail Hayes) novel Chapter 23

The Alpha’s Borrowed Luna

A Mother’s Fear–1

I swallowed hard, meeting his gaze with what little defiance I could huster.

No underwear had been picked out by him, and a part of me knew it was no mistake; he wanted me bare beneath this dress.

I let the robe fall to the floor; his intense gaze remained on me, but he made no move. I quickly put on the gown.

It was pretty–pretty wasn’t the word; sexy was the right word, and it was the most revealing thing I had ever worn my whole life. I might as well walk around naked. The silk dress was strapless, revealing a whole lot of cleavages, and it had a deep slit by the side, exposing my thighs.

“I can’t wear this,” I said, tugging futilely at the neckline.

Kaius moved behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders as he met my gaze in the mirror. “It is beautiful.”

“Isn’t it too revealing?” I pressed, turning to face him directly. “What kind of impression would I make on your parents, wearing

this?”

“One they would never forget.” His eyes traveled the length of my body, lingering on the exposed skin. “You are a true beauty. I would love to show you off to the world.”

The pride in his voice made my skin crawl. “I am not a trophy,” I said firmly, “and I am also not wearing this, Kaius.”

His expression darkened, but before he could respond, a commotion erupted in the hallway outside.

“Where is my daughter? Take me to her this instant!” The familiar voice cut through the tension like a blade.

My heart leapt. Mama.

“I’m not going anywhere till I see my daughter; now let go of me!” Her voice grew louder, closer.

A male voice responded, firm but respectful. “The Alpha had ordered there be no visitors; you will have to wait for a confirmation.”

“Do I look like I care what your Alpha says?” My mother’s voice dripped with disdain. “Where is my daughter?”

I’d never seen my mother like this–so desperate and reckless. In Mistwood, her careful submission had bought us a measure of safety. But here, she seemed to understand that no amount of servitude could protect me from what awaited me. Her fear for me had finally overwhelmed her survival instincts.

I moved toward the door, but Kaius was faster, blocking my path with his imposing frame. For a moment, I thought he might refuse her entry, but then a cold smile appeared on his face.

“Let her in,” he called, his voice carrying through the heavy door.

Moments later, the door swung open to reveal my mother, her small form vibrating with barely contained fury. A guard hovered anxiously behind her, clearly uncertain whether to restrain her or leave her be.

“It’s fine,” Kaius dismissed the guard with a wave. “Leave us.”

The moment the door closed, my mother’s eyes found mine. Relief flooded her features briefly before hardening into rage as she took in my appearance.

A

What did you do to my daughter?” she demanded, turning her glare on Kaius.

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A Mother’s Fear–1

He leaned against the wall, aims crossed, looking utterly unperturbed by her fury. “Nothing… yet.”

I hurried to my mother’s side, throwing my arms around her slender frame. In that moment, I was a child again, safe in her embrace, the world’s troubles held at bay by her fierce love.

“Did he hurt you?” she whispered against my hair, her hands running over my shoulders as if checking for injuries.

“No, I am fine,” I assured her, drawing back to look into her familiar face.

She cupped my cheek, her eyes searching mine. “You are not.”

“How can you tell?” I asked, surprised by her certainty.

‘I see it in your eyes.” Her gaze dropped to my dress, her mouth tightening in disapproval. “What is this you wear?”

Before I could answer, she turned on Kaius, stepping between us as i to shield me from him. “I see what you are doing,” she hissed. “I will not allow it.”

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The Alpha’s Borrowed Luna

A Mother’s Fear–2

Kaius & expression remained impassive, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. My heart stopped when I realized my mother was speaking to the Alpha of Ravenhollow with the same disdain shed use for a common bully.

To my surprise, he merely inclined his head. “I think I should give you both some time to catch up. His eyes met mine over my mother’s shoulder. “I guess it has been a good while since you were both separated.”

With that, he strode from the room, closing the door behind him.

The moment he was gone, my mother seized my shoulders, her fingers digging in with unexpected strength. “You don’t seem to understand,” she said, her voice urgent. “He would destroy you… I thought Dorian was bad, but I would have preferred if you were his rather than being mated to this monster.”

I stepped back, shock washing over me like ice water. “But you know what Dorian would do to me–what he had already done to me,” I sputtered, disbelief making my voice rise. “Why would you even think I would be better off with him?”

“You don’t understand…”

“Maybe I do not want to understand, mother.” Anger bubbled up, hot and potent. “This is not about you; this is about me. You are a free woman now.” I gestured around us, at the opulent bedroom, at the evidence of wealth and security Kaius had provided. “Do you think Dorian would have ever done that for you? He is a selfish bastard; he used you to bargain with me.”

Her eyes flashed. “And you think He wouldn’t do the same if it comes to that?”

“What-

“Whatever life I lived in the Mistwood pack,” she continued, cutting me off, “I would have preferred that; at least I’d know you would be safe, but now… I can’t stop worrying about what he would do to you.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “Safe? There is nothing like safety, not back in that pack.”

“And you think this is safe?” She gestured at my revealing dress, her meaning clear.

“He hadn’t harmed me,” I insisted, though the memory of his hand around my throat, the silk tie binding my wrists, flashed through

my mind.

“Yet.” The single word carried the weight of prophecy. “He hadn’t harmed you yet, but he will.”

I turned away, arms wrapped around myself. “I’d rather die than go back to Dorian.”

“He is brainwashing you,” she said, her voice rising with desperation. This is what they are good at; they make you believe; it would be more painful that way and easier to ruin you.”