“Do you believe she encountered no challenges?” I enquire. “Do you think it was effortless for her to be Luna?”
“I do not—”
“Alpha Christopher harboured disdain for her… Several members, myself included, doubted her capabilities.” I counter. “Her role as Luna presented numerous challenges.”
“I believed… I merely believed that-”
“What was your assumption? That your issues would simply vanish if you assumed her identity?”
She nods, using her sleeve to wipe away her tears. “I apologise.”
“Apologizing for what? Laura or yourself?” I enquire, certain that her response will influence my choice and her destiny.
“I am uncertain… I am unsure-”
She scans the diner anxiously, seemingly in pursuit of the optimal response, however only she comprehends her genuine emotions.
“I don’t know. I’m just sorry for everything!” She finally snaps, slamming a fist on the table. “I’m sorry I hurt her. I’m sorry I destroyed what little we had. I’m sorry I’m such a screw up who can’t do anything right. I’m sorry you got me for a mate. I’m sorry I exist!” She throws her head on the table, shielding her face with her arms as she cries. “I’m just sorry!”
A portion of me comprehends her remorse, as I have been burdened by my own for years. I not only remained passive in assisting Laura but also permitted Aldo to descend into silence. It was only following his latest act of violence that I informed the elders and requested his expulsion. How many lives might I have preserved had I intervened earlier regarding his wolf’s descent into madness?
Aware that Nina is not the only individual to have committed irredeemable errors, I yearn to extend my hand and console her; but, I find myself unable to initiate contact. Casper vocalises his discontent, however I refrain from acting on my emotions.
“I am devoid of value…” Nina laments. “It was foolish of me to believe I could attain a blissful existence with a partner after my actions. I am not destined for happiness, and I am too fatigued to discern the reasons… Therefore, I enquire once more, are you here to end my life?”
I gaze at her vacantly, contemplating whether my affection alone might mend her internal fractures.
“I currently lack motivation to continue living, and I am too timid to take action myself. Therefore, may I request a favor?” she enquires softly, her hands clasped together in apprehension. “May I hold your hand once more? I simply wish to experience the sparks again.”
Her speech has a hint of optimism, and I feel something inside me fracture, realising that her sole reason for living at this moment is the anticipation of experiencing my touch one final time.
I observe her flat abdomen, contemplating whether the foetus developing within her may provide her solace. She notices my stare, instinctively placing her hands over her stomach to cover it from my view.
“What is the reason for your…”
Her voice diminishes as she comprehends her pregnancy, her arms encircling her torso defensively. A faint smile of optimism appears on her lips, swiftly replaced by a visage of sheer horror.
“No…” she pleads. “No… please refrain! Please do not harm my child! I-I assure you I will not return to Blood Night! I will depart permanently, I promise. I will grant Christian his divorce. I will yield peacefully to Laura. I will do anything, please just… allow me to keep my child! Please!”
Her cries attract the attention of numerous patrons in the room, who cast concerned glances in our direction. I endeavour to soothe her, but my efforts just exacerbate her distress.
“Nessa,” I whisper urgently, maintaining a subdued tone while Nina weeps uncontrollably and pleads for the survival of her unborn child.
“I assure you it is not Aldo’s. It will not disrupt his plans!” she pleads, gripping her abdomen. “Please, I implore you! Not my child!”
Fearing that someone could alert the authorities, I extend my hand across the table to cradle her cheeks, drawing her in for a kiss. My lips ignite with sensation as Nina’s body relaxes and she surrenders to the kiss, permitting herself to be wholly mine for a fleeting moment.
As I withdraw, I gaze intently into the verdant expanse reflecting my trepidation, with my own guilt and remorse inundating my emotions for ever contemplating causing her harm.
I have permitted Aldo’s errors to go unchallenged for an extended period, executing his directives unquestioningly as a compliant Beta and remaining mute on his transgressions. I failed to inform Laura about her sister and her husband’s treachery, and I lament not assisting her at that time. I shall not repeat that error now.
“Aldo has commanded me to terminate your pregnancy,” I whisper, fresh tears cascading down Nina’s cheeks. “However, I refuse to comply. I will not harm you, I assure you,” I assert with conviction, tenderly stroking her cheeks and revelling in the sensations at my fingertips. “You did not accept my rejection,” I murmur. “Why?”
She shrugs, and I perceive it as a falsehood, yet I refrain from seeking clarification. I am indifferent. I am simply relieved that she is mine.
“There exists an antiquated cottage approximately 30 miles from Blood Night,” I elucidate. “It is owned by the pack and formerly served as a meeting ground, though it has not been utilised in years. You can conceal yourself there while I compile evidence of your abortion.”
“However, Aldo-”
“He has not visited that cottage since our childhood,” I assure her. “You will be secure there until we can devise alternative arrangements, and I will be nearby to monitor your well-being frequently.”
“However—”
“It is merely a provisional arrangement,” I emphasise.
Her eyes reveal uncertainty; still, she consents. I merely hope I am not erring.
