Alphas regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna
Rejected Luna 37

Chapter 37

Branwen POV:

When I returned to the pack three years ago, guilt weighed heavily on me.

I had planned to apologize, to explain everything and hope for her forgiveness. But what I found shattered me.

Rowena was barely alive, her body broken and her spirit hanging by a thread. Silas had left her for dead, punishing her for rejecting him. I didn't think twice.

I stepped in, using every ounce of my strength to save her. From that moment on, I swore I would protect her, even if she never forgave me for bandoning her before.

Now, as she stood before me, determined to marry the very man who had nearly killed her, I felt that same guilt and helplessness resurface.

"You can't be serious," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Do you have any idea what you're walking into?"

"I know exactly what I'm walking into," she shot back, her eyes blazing. "This is my fight, Branwen. Not yours."

"But it doesn't have to be this way," I insisted. "There are other ways to take him down. Ways that don't involve you putting yourself in danger." 0000

Her expression softened for a moment, and I thought I saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes. But then she shook her head.

"This is my choice," she said firmly. "And I need you to respect that."

Respect her choice? How could I, when it went against every instinct I had as her mate? The bond between us was screaming at me to protect her, to keep her safe at all costs. But she didn't feel it-not like I did. The bond was weak for her, dulled by the scars left behind by her first marriage.

The emotional wounds Silas had inflicted on her had made her blind to the connection between us.

She couldn't feel the pull that tied me to her, the way her presence lit up my very soul.

And maybe that was for the best. If she had known about the bond, she might have rejected me outright,

After all, I had abandoned her once before. Why would she trust me now?

Still, I couldn't let her go without some kind of safeguard.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied my voice. "Fine," I said, the word bitter on my tongue. "If this is what you're going to do, then you'll do it on my terms."

Rowena frowned, her arms crossing over her chest. "Your terms?"

"Yes," I said firmly. "You'll come back to me once a week. No excuses. If I don't hear from you, I'll come after you myself.

And if I replace out that Silas is hurting you in any way, I'll end him."

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, I thought she might argue.

But then she sighed and nodded. "Alright," she said quietly. "I can agree to that."

Relief and worry clashed within me.

I had managed to secure a sliver of control, but it did little to ease the fear gnawing at my chest.

To my surprise, Rowena stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.

The hug was brief, but it sent a jolt through my entire body.

Her scent, warm and familiar, filled my senses, and for a moment, I let myself forget everything else.

"Thank you, Branwen," she murmured against my shoulder.

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Alpha's Regret: Magnificent Return of the Rejected Luna

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Chapter 37

The bond flared to life, stronger than ever. It was as if the universe itself was reminding me of what I stood to lose.

My heart raced, and I reluctantly pulled away, creating a safe distance between us.

"You should get some rest," I said gruffly, avoiding her gaze.

She gave me a small smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes

. "Goodnight, Branwen," she said softly before disappearing down the hallway.

As the door to her room clicked shut, I sank back onto the couch, my head in my hands. The weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future pressed down on me.

I had let my pride and ignorance drive a wedge between us once before, and I was still paying the price for that mistake.

Now, the thought of losing her to Silas-or worse, to her own quest for vengeance-was almost too much to bear.

I didn't know if I could ever make up for the ways I had failed her.

But one thing was certain: I wouldn't fail her again. Even if it meant standing in the shadows, I would be there, protecting her in whatever way I could.

Because Rowena wasn't just my mate. She was my everything.